Artist: Theresa O’Neill (Groff)
Website: Skinnydippinsoul.com Instagram: skinnydippinsoul.artist.page Spring Workshop: Alcohol Inks Basics with Focus on Landscapes Meet Theresa, the vibrant Chester County artist who's all about the fun and flair of alcohol ink! Her art dances between abstract, expressionist, and even whimsical styles, attracting collectors from near and far, from Chester County to the far reaches of the globe. Theresa's not just about creating art—she's all about spreading the joy! When she's not busy painting up a storm, you'll find her teaching the magic of alcohol inks to beginners and seasoned artists alike. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing her students' faces light up with delight as they dive into the world of vibrant colors and spontaneous creativity! |
Artist: Tom Uleau
Website: itsmrtom.com Instagram: itsmr.tom Threads: itsmr.tom Youtube: itsMrTom Spring Classes: Intro Drawing Class Ages 10-14, Intro Drawing Class Ages 5 to 9, Watercolors for kids Ages: 10-14, Watercolors for kids Ages: 5-9 Summer Camp: Monster Factory Ages 5-8, Monster Factory Ages 9-13 As a student turned instructor at CCAA, I'm thrilled to be back where my artistic journey began! Picture this: high school art classes buzzing with creativity right here at the art center. Now, years later, many of my former instructors are still here, adding to the charm and nostalgia of this place. But wait, there's more! Since those high school days, I've embarked on a wild adventure as an illustrator and author specializing in children's literature. With watercolors as my trusty sidekick and a sprinkle of digital magic, I bring stories to life in the most colorful and captivating ways! |
Artist: Deborah Hodies
Summer Camps: Create with Keith Haring Ages: 6-8, Create with Romero Britto Ages: 5 - 8, A is for ART: Alphabet Art Ages: 5-8, BAD ROBOTS! Ages: 5-8, Step into the world of creativity with Deborah, an experienced art educator and visionary based in West Chester, PA! With roots tracing back to her days as a master teacher and art coordinator at a prestigious visual and performing arts magnet school in Los Angeles, Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to everything she does. Since making the move to West Chester in 1993, Deborah has been the driving force behind Late Bloomer Productions, her very own graphic arts and event planning business. But that's just the beginning of her story! Deborah's involvement in various civic and philanthropic endeavors has left a lasting impact on the community, with her fingerprints visible on numerous art and service projects. |
Artist: Kaity Dempsey
Website: shelterart.org Instagram: shelterartbykaitylacy Summer Camp 2024: Drawing Inspiration from Animals! Ages 8-12, Drawing Inspiration from Animals! Ages 6-10 Kaity, a renowned illustrator based in Philadelphia, is not just an educator, but a compassionate advocate for animal welfare. Alongside her vibrant artwork, she dedicates her talents to supporting animal rescue organizations through colorful paintings, aiding their fundraising efforts. Her passion extends beyond the canvas as she educates communities on humane practices. Kaity's impact is felt not only in the art world but also in the lives of countless shelter animals she has helped save. |
Artist: Lily Petro
Website: waterlilypottery.com Instagram: waterlilypottery Summer Camp: Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17, Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17, Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17, Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17, Wheel Throwing 9-13, Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17 Meet Lily Petro, a talented ceramic artist calling Pennsylvania home. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with a focus on Ceramics from West Chester University in 2023, Lily's journey with clay began long before her university days. It was in high school where Lily first unearthed her passion for ceramics, captivated by the transformative process of molding clay into functional and decorative masterpieces. Now, as an instructor and studio technician at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA, Lily shares her love for ceramics with eager learners, guiding them through the intricate art of clay manipulation and creation. With each piece she crafts, Lily continues to weave her unique blend of creativity and skill into the vibrant tapestry of the ceramic world. |
Artist: Wen Xiao
Spring Classes: Intro to Chinese Calligraphy Xiao Wen is a passionate advocate for cultural exchange and the preservation of traditional Chinese arts. With esteemed memberships in the International Chinese Arts Society of Americas and a revered position as a researcher at the Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Academy of the American World Art Institute, Xiao Wen stands as a beacon of expertise in Chinese calligraphy. In 2024, Xiao Wen's talent was further recognized when she was chosen as a special invited calligrapher for the Disney FX production series "Shogun." Her dedication, skill, and artistry serve as an inspiration, leaving an enduring impact on the world of Chinese calligraphy and beyond. |
Artist: Rachel Heinze
Website: kennettmosaichouse.com Instagram: kennett.mosaic.house Spring Classes: Quirky Pique Assiette Mosaic Rachel, a self-taught artist specializing in collages, assemblages, and mosaics, possesses a unique talent for repurposing everyday objects into captivating works of art—so it's wise to keep valuables out of her reach! The solidity, weight, sharpness, and enduring nature of mosaic materials serve as Rachel's steadfast anchor through life's various ebbs and flows. During the day, Rachel channels her passion for education as a dedicated high school special education teacher, providing unwavering support to her students on their educational journey. Off the clock, she calls Kennett home, where she enjoys the company of her two wonderful teenage kids, navigating the complexities of parenthood while immersing herself in her artistic pursuits. |
Artist: EO Omwake
Instagram: eoomwake1 Spring Classes: Expressionism and Abstraction Eo Omwake is a prolific painter with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Equivalent from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. With exhibitions spanning from 1968 to 2023, including prestigious venues like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Annual of American Art, his work has garnered recognition and is represented in collections worldwide. Omwake's contributions extend beyond his artistry; he has served as an Assistant Curator, Guest Artist in Residence, and Instructor at esteemed institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Additionally, he has produced and directed over sixty art-related videos and has been published and reviewed in renowned publications such as Art in America and Artforum. |
Artist: Henry Stevens
Website: henrystevens.artweb.com Spring Classes: Mixed Media Sculpture, Portrait Drawing Henry Stevens is a versatile artist proficient in drawing, sculpture, and photography, holding a Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the California College of Art in Oakland, California. With six years of experience teaching drawing and photography at the college level, Henry has honed his craft over many years, showcasing his talents in drawing, photography, and sculpture. Beyond academia, he has also made significant contributions to museum and theater exhibit design. Henry's work has been exhibited nationally, showcasing his mastery in drawing and sculpture to audiences across the country. |
Artist: George McMonigle
Instagram: geomcm Facebook: GMcMonigleSculpture Website: georgemcmonigle.com Spring Classes: Figure Sculpture, Open Sculpture George McMonigle, a graduate of Temple University's Tyler School of Fine Art with a focus on Sculpture and Design from 1970 to 1974, has pursued further studies at renowned institutions including Fleisher, Philadelphia College of Art, Cornell University, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. From 1990 to 1998, he contributed his expertise as a board member for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. His artistic prowess is celebrated globally, with his works featured in numerous public and private collections worldwide. A distinguished member of the National Sculpture Society since 1989 and The Society of Animal Artists since 1980, George McMonigle continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world. |
Artist: Jane Palestini
Website: bellafeltworks.com Spring Workshops: Nuno-felted Scarf, Felted Bowls Originally from the UK, Jane moved to Philadelphia in 1975 to pursue a career in social work. There, she met her husband, and together they raised two children. After spending 15 years in Iowa, they settled in West Chester, where they've called home for the past 14 years. During a visit to family in Australia, Jane discovered her passion for nuno-felting, a technique that combines loose wool fibers with lightweight fabrics like silk. Inspired by its versatility, she expanded her repertoire to include scarves, pictures, jewelry, and 3D objects using the wet felting method. Though mostly self-taught, Jane enriched her skills through workshops with renowned felters in Australia and the UK. For the past decade, she has been teaching workshops, sharing the joy of nuno-felting with others eager to explore this captivating art form. |
Artist: Sue Trembath
Website: https://suezentangle.carrd.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094558790189 Instagram: stampinsue/ Spring Workshops: Kumomi- A Zentangle and Painting Collaboration, Zentangle Basics, Zentangle Secret Garden, Zen Butterfly Mandala Sue T. has been immersed in art since childhood, initially studying as an art major before dedicating over forty years to nursing. Throughout her nursing career, she maintained her creative passion, utilizing art as a form of self-care. An accomplished paper artist and educator for over two decades, Sue holds a master's in nursing education. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, she discovered solace in Zentangle, finding beauty and tranquility in its simplicity. Now a Certified Zentangle Teacher, Sue shares her love for creativity and mindfulness with others. Outside of her professional pursuits, Sue enjoys a supportive marriage and the company of her two beloved cats, Pixie and Petey, who offer comfort as she continues to explore her artistic journey. |
Artist: Gary Altoona
Website: https://www.altoonianphotography.com/ Spring Classes: Photography Composition Night & Day Gary Altoonian is a self-taught photographer whose passion for photography began while he was serving in the US Navy. In 2013, he took his passion and created Altoonian Photography, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that provides a wide range of photography services that include headshots, portraits, personal branding, event photography (corporate, organizational, golf outings, intimate weddings, engagements, family, etc.) architectural, Groupless Groupshots®, light painting and fine art photography. He is known to go just about anywhere to capture a great photograph on land, in the air, on the water and underwater. An online gallery of his extensive works can be found at www.altoonianphotography.com. Gary has won many awards for his fine art photography and has exhibited in numerous juried fine art exhibitions and shows. His work has appeared on the cover of CIO magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Altoonian Photography has been named the West Chester Best Portrait Studio for 2022, 2023 and 2024. |
Artist: Jill Galloway Sherman
Website: jillgallowaysherman.com Instagram: jill_gallowaysherman Over the span of two decades, Jill Galloway Sherman has immersed herself in the vibrant tapestry of Philadelphia's arts and education landscape. Her journey commenced as a print assistant at Silicon Gallery, followed by a tenure as a photo retoucher at Cbop Photo Lounge. Evolving within the realm of education, she transitioned into teaching roles at the esteemed former Art Institute of Philadelphia. Presently, she serves as an adjunct professor at both Saint Joseph’s University and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Beyond academia, Jill thrives as a freelance consultant, collaborating with a diverse array of photographers. Her expertise lies in nurturing their artistic vision and refining their technical prowess, guiding them towards greater heights of creativity and mastery. |
Artist: Beth Clark
Website: bethclark.net Spring Classes: Beginner/Intermediate Drawing, Still Life Painting with oil or Acrylic or Water-Soluble Oils, Plein Air Painting Workshop, Summer Camps: Modern Art Mashup Ages 9-11, Fairytales Ages 5-7, Fairytales Ages 5-7, Modern Art Mashup Ages 8-11 Beth Clark's artistic approach is rooted in the rich tradition of plein-air painting, which emphasizes direct engagement with the landscape. Guided by this tradition, she endeavors to capture the essence of nature through her work, ensuring that her pieces reflect keen observations of the environment with a tangible imprint of her craftsmanship. For Beth, the application of materials—be it oil paint, pastel, or charcoal—is imbued with significance, paralleling the importance of her chosen subjects. Central to her practice is the concept of revisiting locations multiple times, allowing for a deeper exploration of familiar motifs. Through this process, Beth finds continuity in her artistic journey, uniting her various techniques and approaches into a cohesive whole. Each return to the same setting unveils new perspectives and nuances, transforming the familiar into an ever-evolving source of inspiration. |
Artist: Jackie Kane
Website: jackiekanefineart.com Instagram: ackiekanestudio Spring Classes: Oil Painting 101 - Fundamentals Introducing Jackie Kane, an Artist / Photographer who specializes in realistic paintings with an emphasis on vivid colors. Jackie’s passion for creating Art extends into her enthusiasm for seeing the progress of her students, while her teaching style is to work with each individual’s artistic goals and skills. Formal training in Art, Design and Photography, has made specializing in Painting as well as Architectural and Fine Art images, a natural fit. Jackie’s own artistic journey has inspired her to teach others the many tips and tricks she has learned and developed over the years. In addition to the essential Fundamentals of Color and Oil Painting, Jackie provides a wealth of information for your painting journey in a fun and motivational way. Jackie is a member of Oil Painters of America (OPA), National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS) and Delaware Valley Art League (DVAL). She enjoys life with her blonde Labradors, Daisy Violet and Leo. |
Artist: Jill Keefer
Summer Camps: World of Imagination … in Clay Ages 6-9, Intro to Wheel Throwing Ages 13-17, Intro to Wheel Throwing ages 13-17, World of Imagination … in Clay Ages 6-9 Jill Keefer has spent her lifetime creating and supporting the arts. She started her professional career as a graphic artist and supported her children in a variety of volunteer gigs -- from an annual art gala to marching band mom to Girl Scout leader. With her kids mostly out of the house, Jill had time to focus on her own interests and get her hands dirty. Jill splits her time between hand building and throwing on the wheel and can't decide which she likes best. |
Artist: Laura Rivell
Spring Workshop: Garden Gifts for Mom in Vintage Flea Market Treasures Laura Rivell boasts 25 years of expertise in "Aesthetics and the Global Floral Supply Chain." Initially trained in Interior Design and Architecture at the University of Maryland, Laura worked in commercial interior design before transitioning to set design and visual merchandising at QVC in 2000. There, she became known as "The Flower and Garden Girl," overseeing set design and purchasing for various shows. She furthered her floral expertise by obtaining a certificate in Floral Design from Longwood Gardens and working part-time as a florist. Laura then moved into floral buying roles at Genuardi's Family Markets and Ahold USA before becoming a Senior Account Executive and Product Development Coordinator at Natural Flowers. Her designs are sold in major retailers across the US. Laura is actively involved in various floral organizations and will soon begin teaching Floral Design at Longwood Gardens. She resides in West Chester, PA, with her family and two dogs. |
Artist: Mark Cole
Website: favidubo.com/about Spring Classes: Wednesday Studio Workshop: Painting, Oil Painting, All Levels Drawing, Intro To Watercolor Primer, Wednesday Studio Workshop: Painting, Hand Coloring Black & White Photographs T. Mark Cole, a Pennsylvania-based artist renowned for his traditional landscapes, also creates under the pseudonym Favi Dubo, specializing in abstract art. With over three decades of experience as a fine arts instructor, Cole's passion for architecture led him to document historic homes on Mount Desert Island for the State of Maine. This endeavor sparked a series of curated exhibitions and lectures, along with co-authoring two books on Stone Harbor, NJ's history. Additionally, he designed and executed diorama exhibitions at the Brandywine River Museum and undertook architectural commissions. Embracing theatrical design as an extension of fine arts, Cole's set designs have graced productions such as The Broken Hollow Banshee and Agnes of God, garnering nominations for Best Set Design on BroadwayWorld.com. His scenic designs include acclaimed productions like Next to Normal and The Nutcracker. Cole's artistic journey began at CCAA in high school, instilling in him the belief that artists are perpetual learners, with each brushstroke or pencil stroke marking a new evolution in their work. |
Artist: Jill Benjamin
Summer Camp: A Summer in Arles with Vincent van Gogh Ages 8-11, Printmaking for Upper Elementary Students Ages 8-11 Jill Benjamin, a seasoned art educator retired in June 2017, dedicated her career to teaching at AvonGrove Intermediate School in the AvonGrove School District since 1987. She holds a BS in Art Education from Mansfield University and pursued graduate studies in special education and art therapy. Recognized for her excellence, she received various awards, including the Citadel Bank’s Heart of Learning Award in 2016. Jill's commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, teaching children's art classes at the Chester County Art Association since 1984. Passionate about art, she engages in plein aire painting, printmaking, and relief carving demonstrations. Jill is an active volunteer, museum-goer, and member of various organizations, including the London Grove Friends Meeting. Personally, she resides in Unionville with her husband and three children, maintaining a rich artistic and educational lifestyle. Her philosophy emphasizes lifelong learning and fostering creativity in children through art education. |
Artist: Abigail Hall
Spring Classes: Dungeons and Dragons Club Ages 12+, Dungeons and Dragons Club Ages 12+, Summer Camps: Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss Ages: 5-7, Pokémon Ages:7-10, ArtWars: The Jedi can do ART! Ages: 10-13, HP: Charms, Potions and Spells Ages: 10-13, Disney Jamboree Ages: 7-10, Cosplay Ages 13+, Monster Design Ages 9-13, Anime Ages: 10-13, Cottage Core Ages: 13+, Disney Jamboree Ages 7-10 Unleash your creativity and dive into a world of artistic exploration with Instructor Abigail! With a passion for art spanning her entire life, Abigail has been teaching at the Chester County Art Association since 2010, guiding students aged 5-18 through a diverse range of classes. From painting and drawing to collage, sewing, embroidery, and more, Abigail's expertise spans a variety of mediums, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience for her students. But that's not all—Abigail also delves into the enchanting realm of Dungeons and Dragons, crafting her own captivating campaigns for students aged 12 and older. Join us as we embark on exciting adventures, fostering creativity, teamwork, and storytelling in a dynamic and engaging environment. Don't miss out on the creative fun—sign up for our camp and club classes today! |
Artist: Pam McKee
Website: pammckeewatercolors.com Summer Workshops: ECO DYE WORKSHOP Meet Pam McKee a multi -faceted artist whose passions intertwine nature and the joy of teaching. With a flair for botanical art illustration, she captivates audiences with intricately detailed renderings inspired by the natural world. Her expertise extends to eco dyed paper where she transforms ordinary material, like onion skins, flowers, leaves into stunning works of art infused with botanical inspiration. Beyond her studio practice her artistic prowess led her into teaching art on cruise ships, guiding eager learners in the exploration of their creative potential. She is also co-author illustrator of three cookbooks. Her studio is nestled within the property of her and her husbands 1750 property, providing solace and inspiration for her work. Her portfolio includes several solo shows as well as numerous juried art shows. She teaches workshops as well as weekly classes in her studio. She has furthered her technique with two masters classes in England as well as numerous classes at Longwood and beyond. |
Artist: Maggie Creshkoff
Website: backlogpottery.com Instagram: maggie_creshkoff Summer Camps: Extreme Upcycing! Ages 7-14, Extreme Upcycing! Ages 7-14, Extreme Upcycing! Ages 7-14, Extreme Upcycing! Ages 7-14, Extreme Upcycing! Ages 7-14, Throwing Ages 8-11 Maggie Creshkoff lives on a farm in northern Maryland with far too many cats and her 110 lb Daniff named Puccin. She studied American History at Antioch College, Ceramics at the Instituto Allende in Mexico, and moved to Maryland in 1982. Stubbornly committed to using local clays, she is likewise dedicated to getting as many small children and adults as dirty as possible. |
Artist: Chris McKinney
Chris McKinney's journey into the world of printmaking commenced during his time as a student at the Chester County Art Association. Amidst a plethora of captivating subjects, it was silk screening that captured his imagination, aligning seamlessly with his fondness for skate and music graphics. Venturing further into his artistic pursuit, he embarked on a BFA program at Penn State, delving deep into various printmaking disciplines, with a particular focus on etching and silkscreen techniques. His path took a fortuitous turn when he assumed the role of an instructor at CCAA, succeeding his esteemed printmaking mentor, Joan McClure, upon her retirement in 1997. In the ensuing years, Chris's artistic endeavors flourished, encompassing graphic design, interactive multimedia, and a return to his roots in hand-printed rock art posters. Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over 200 designs and prints for rock and jam bands, showcasing the enduring resonance of his passion for screen printing. Chris McKinney's journey into the world of printmaking commenced during his time as a student at the Chester County Art Association. Amidst a plethora of captivating subjects, it was silk screening that captured his imagination, aligning seamlessly with his fondness for skate and music graphics. Venturing further into his artistic pursuit, he embarked on a BFA program at Penn State, delving deep into various printmaking disciplines, with a particular focus on etching and silkscreen techniques. His path took a fortuitous turn when he assumed the role of an instructor at CCAA, succeeding his esteemed printmaking mentor, Joan McClure, upon her retirement in 1997. In the ensuing years, Chris's artistic endeavors flourished, encompassing graphic design, interactive multimedia, and a return to his roots in hand-printed rock art posters. Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over 200 designs and prints for rock and jam bands, showcasing the enduring resonance of his passion for screen printing. Chris McKinney's journey into the world of printmaking commenced during his time as a student at the Chester County Art Association. Amidst a plethora of captivating subjects, it was silk screening that captured his imagination, aligning seamlessly with his fondness for skate and music graphics. Venturing further into his artistic pursuit, he embarked on a BFA program at Penn State, delving deep into various printmaking disciplines, with a particular focus on etching and silkscreen techniques. His path took a fortuitous turn when he assumed the role of an instructor at CCAA, succeeding his esteemed printmaking mentor, Joan McClure, upon her retirement in 1997. In the ensuing years, Chris's artistic endeavors flourished, encompassing graphic design, interactive multimedia, and a return to his roots in hand-printed rock art posters. Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over 200 designs and prints for rock and jam bands, showcasing the enduring resonance of his passion for screen printing. Chris McKinney's journey into the world of printmaking commenced during his time as a student at the Chester County Art Association. Amidst a plethora of captivating subjects, it was silk screening that captured his imagination, aligning seamlessly with his fondness for skate and music graphics. Venturing further into his artistic pursuit, he embarked on a BFA program at Penn State, delving deep into various printmaking disciplines, with a particular focus on etching and silkscreen techniques. His path took a fortuitous turn when he assumed the role of an instructor at CCAA, succeeding his esteemed printmaking mentor, Joan McClure, upon her retirement in 1997. In the ensuing years, Chris's artistic endeavors flourished, encompassing graphic design, interactive multimedia, and a return to his roots in hand-printed rock art posters. Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over 200 designs and prints for rock and jam bands, showcasing the enduring resonance of his passion for screen printing. |
HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday: 11 AM - 4 PM Sunday: Closed |
100 North Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382
610.696.5600 © 2020 Chester County Art Association. All Rights Reserved.
Please send typos and link issues to assistant@chestercountyarts.org |
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