Matt Tommey
Matt has been engaged in creative ministry for over 25 years in both the US and internationally as a worship leader, speaker and visual artisan. He helps artists work on their art, business and spiritual walk, covering topics like how to price art, flowing in the prophetic with art and renewing your mind. He is the author of “Unlocking the Heart of the Artist”, “Crafting Your Brand”, "Creativity According to the Kingdom", "Created to Thrive", "How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art", "How to Price Your Art" and "Prophetic Art". Matt is also a worship leader, internationally-recognized award-winning contemporary basketry artist and member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. In 2011 he was listed by the Smithsonian America Museum of Art’s Renwick Gallery as an “American Artist Under 40″ and was a North Carolina Arts Council Grant Recipient. Married to Tanya, they live in Asheville, NC and have one son, Cameron where he teaches basket weaving classes both in person and online. www.MattTommeyMentoring.com www.MattTommey.com Aeron & Tracy Brown
Aeron Brown is a Painter & Pastor, Worship Leader, and all-around visual artist from Southern California with His wife Tracy Brown who is also a Painter, Pastor, and Graphic Design artist and writer, together they are a powerful team of teachers, encouragers, and inspired artists. Both painting in Acrylic, Mixed Media and showing in Wild Coyote Gallery in Big Bear CA and in churches and several other venues this powerful couple has a history of decades of creating under their belt as professional artists in the church and in the marketplace. Together they help people draw near to God in creative expression, and to engage people with a real life-changing encounter with God. Jacob Daniels
Jacob Daniels is a NC born artist whose art is focused on regional, spiritual, and humanitarian influences. His goal in art is to create thought-provoking imagery that is universally relatable, yet each viewer walks away with his or her own personal story. Being creative to him is discovering rather than contriving and striving. He focuses on the precise principles that are seen in nature and translates them through his style on canvas. He lives in the mountains of Boone, NC with his wife Melina and two sons Lucca and Forrest where they run their artisan gallery Common Good Co. Amy Smith
Amy Smith is an artist from North Carolina. Her artwork is richly colored, layered and textured mixed media paintings, jewelry, art journals and book binding. Amy began her professional art adventures over 20 years ago in glass bead making, and moved into mixed media when health and life demanded a change. As an instructor Amy gets the most joy out of helping students find freedom in creativity by letting go of the need to control and critique. She loves to help people partner with the Holy Spirit in their creativity to find their voice and style and to grow in skill and courage. Grace Carol Bomer
Grace Carol Bomer has a degree in Secondary Education in English and History and began her art career after teaching for six years. She worked professionally as a painter from 1976-1981 in Kansas before moving to North Carolina, where she continued to study art at UNC Asheville. She also studied art in Amsterdam, Italy, and Ukraine. She has taught many workshops, traveling as far as Luxan Fine Art Academy in Shenyang China. She maintain a studio in Asheville’s popular River Arts District. See her website for a complete CV www.gracecarolbomer.com Diana Flegal
Diana Flegal has been an agent with Hartline Literary Agency for seventeen years, representing fiction and nonfiction clients. Her sales include cookbooks, nonfiction “how to" titles, African American and Appalachian Fiction, and personal stories on topics such as anorexia and Sudan’s lost boys. When she is not helping writers hone their craft, knocking on a publishers’ door or stealing off for a recreational read, she enjoys hiking, or kayaking the many lakes of her home state, North Carolina. Karen Mayne
Karen has been a member of the Southern Highland since 1983. She is a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina. Her designs draw deeply on the natural beauty of the land of her ancestors - stitching and weaving prophetic messages into each piece. Her fiber works have appeared in national magazines, a series of books by Lark Publishing and various galleries. She also has a piece in the permanent collection at the White House. Her most current work was for Manna Food Bank. She was asked to interpret their logo for their fundraiser, Empty Bowls, into fiber. The finished piece will hang permanently in their administrative building. Currently she teaches sewing, quilting and fiber embellishment locally in the Asheville area. Her work has evolved from tatting, a form of lace making, to art garment and pattern design, traditional quilting and art quilting. One of her favorite areas of teaching is younger sewers and men. She loves to push the boundaries of the "normal" and explore the freer side of designing . This stems from her background in physics as well as the freedom found in her relationship with Jesus, the ultimate creator and designer. Matt Philleo
Ever since he was a child, Matt Philleo enjoyed doing art. Born in 1977, he grew up in the central Wisconsin area. He moved around a lot and didn’t have many toys, so he drew instead. By age 14, encouraged by his mother, he developed the skill God gave him and began to draw photo-realistically. While in high school, he took a summer art course at UW-Green Bay taught by instructor Norbert Kox that thrusted him into the world of acrylic painting. Kox taught him the Old Masters’ Renaissance glazing technique, a way of mixing acrylic paint with clear medium and applying successive translucent layers. The result is a rich, colorful surface that almost glows. Matt painted almost exclusively in acrylic after that. In 1996, he attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to further his studies. For several years, Matt worked at many different jobs ranging from retail sales to servicing vacuum and filtration equipment. In 2009, he had a “wake-up call” when his salaried job was downsized. He launched into his childhood dream of doing art for a living--full-time--painting both portraits and Christian narrative art. It was a walk of faith. He wanted to quit several times. Sometimes he would have no money for rent. He and his wife would pray; God would supply their need. In 2016, Matt joined Artisan Forge Studios, a new community artist studio building in Eau Claire. Encouraged by the staff there, he began to teach portrait painting. A year later, he launched online classes and now teaches students realistic acrylic portrait painting worldwide. After many years of renting a small apartment, in 2019, God blessed Matt and his family with a beautiful country home and studio in Chippewa Falls, Wis., close to the apple orchards. Matt’s artwork can be seen locally at the JAMF Software building, Artisan Forge Studios, and at his own gallery in Chippewa Falls. His public artwork is located at Army hospitals in Fort Bragg and Fort Lee, Virginia. He also has private collectors worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Brunei, and Singapore. Painting is more than just a way to make a living for Matt. It is a way to authentically share his faith as a Christian. He sincerely desires others to know God personally through the life-giving words of Jesus Christ, just as he has. Art, for him, is way to naturally open up a heart-to-heart dialogue. Sandra Lett (Trumpfheller)
I am an artist who has been "in love" with creating art for over 24 years. I am a person who is ever-evolving, in my spiritual, as well as my creative journey. I lean in and listen as often as I can to God's sweet whispers and where He wants to take me. My heart is to share the joy and love of God through the creative process, allowing God to breathe into me a "flow" of his precious grace and gifts. My desire is to stay in tune and in the process that He directs me in the moment. I want to share that freedom with you. Frances Syverson
I have been married for 25 years and we have one "child" (a spunky and feisty Yorkie named Zoey). Having been creative all of my life, I have dabbled in different mediums to satisfy that creativity. Several years ago, I decided to dive into creating jewelry using sterling silver and copper. I LOVE IT! I spend hours and hours in my jewelry room relaxing and creating. One of my greatest joys is to create something special for someone: a ring with "Mom" stamped on it for a daughter who has lost her mom; a ring with children's names on it that brings joy to that mama; or scripture on a necklace charm that holds special meaning. Perhaps it is just a beautiful piece of jewelry that shows someone he/she is loved. The list goes on and on. I believe God places longings and talents on us and in us to be used as blessings for others. My hope is to bless others with what God has blessed me with. I have worked in education for 26 years having been a teacher, counselor, and media specialist. In each position, I have always loved to teach. It brings me joy to be able to help others learn what I have learned. Sandy Hall
I am a painter who has painted "live" at churches, conferences and events for almost 20 years. My passion is to express "worship in color" to the One who is worthy! Many of my paintings are hung around the world. While I love creating and decorating with many mediums and forms, my primary artistic expression is painting with acrylics. One of my greatest joys is to minister to others, especially to inspire, encourage and equip fellow artisans to release what God has placed inside of them. |
Allen Arnold
ALLEN ARNOLD is an author, speaker, and Executive Producer of Content for Wild at Heart—the ministry founded by New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge. His passion is awakening people’s hearts to actively pursue their dreams and creativity with God. As a former Fiction Publisher, he oversaw the launch of more than 500 novels—and has since mentored and presented to thousands of creatives as well as to team members of at Grace and Lace (one of the top Shark Tank companies) and Dave Ramsey's organization. He is the author of three acclaimed books (The Story of With, Chaos Can't, and Waves of Creativity). He loves blue oceans, black coffee, hot salsa, and big ideas. Discover more at withallen.com Christine Raymond
Christine Raymond is an award-winning artist and art instructor with a passion for nurturing the heart of artists and supporting them as they pursue their passion. Christine has been teaching drawing and college prep classes for over 15 years. The art magnet high school in her region often calls on her to judge, jury, and mentor their serious art students and help them prepare for college and art scholarship opportunities. Known for teaching very conceptually, Christine believes the concepts of composition, design, and drawing apply to all genres and mediums, so whether you are a realistic still life, figure, or portrait artist; an expressionist; or even an abstract artist, the foundations she teaches will always applicable. As the process of creating art and embracing an artist’s journey often parallel our walk with the Lord, Christine loves to discuss those ideas when they present themselves during her various demos and exercises. They aren’t planned; the parallels come to her in the moment, as if they are meant for someone in the class who is needing it at that time. Christine doesn’t teach for the sake of teaching, rather she teaches from a mentoring heart with a desire to see each and every student grow and succeed. Tina Honerkamp
Tina Honerkamp is a self-taught artist, painter, & illustrator focusing on the details in God’s creation. Her favorite subjects are mostly the wildlife and botanicals found in her native Western North Carolina. Tina was featured in American Women Artists 2018 Online Show and she has recently exhibited in the 2018 Oil Painters of America Salon Show in Traverse City, Michigan and the 2019 Steamboat Art Museum Exhibition by American Women Artists in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Tina also enjoys teaching and has taught workshops internationally and locally. She currently offers beginner and advanced beginner workshops at Buckner Gallery in her hometown of Waynesville, NC where she resides with her husband. Tammy O'Connor
Inspired by her uncle, Tammy chose to follow in his footsteps as a professional photographer. To that end, she studied design, color and composition at The Art Institute of Atlanta, graduating with a degree in photography. Though intrigued by playing with light and composition, the medium didn't feel like a fit. Later introduced to stained glass and still able to play with light and color, she found her place. Bryn Gillette
Bryn Gillette is a painter and teacher passionate to “raise up a generation of Kingdom-hearted artists”. For twenty years he has been fusing his pursuit of Jesus and his craft of painting through studio art work, commissions, and live prophetic painting, and since 2010 as a full-time art teacher. Bryn is the co-founder of TeamOne:27, a non-profit dedicated to serving the needs of Haitian orphans since 2008 (team127.org), and is an artistic ambassador and champion of Haiti in that role. Bryn holds an M.F.A. in painting and lives with his wife and four children in NC where he is currently the high school art teacher at Charlotte Christian School. You can find more information about his work and ministry at www.bryngillette.com Gabriel Stockton
DANIEL SMITH BRAND AMBASSADOR Gabriel Stockton known for Capturing outdoor scenes of San Diego, California, such as historic areas, boats and beaches in beautiful watercolor called, “En Plein Air.” Gabriel Stockton is often seen with his hand made wooden vintage easel with a display of recent paintings in the community. Being approachable, he enjoys sharing his knowledge, thoughts and feelings about painting outside in workshops, classrooms and paint-outs. With confident brush strokes, bright colors and eye-catching watercolor paintings, it’s no wonder why people want to be a part of Gabriel’s journey and purchase an original art piece. Drawing & painting have always been a part of Watercolor Artist Gabriel Stockton's California life. Colorful Jars of paint were within arm’s reach at his Mother’s ceramic studio, AKA “The Garage”, While on his Educational Journey, he worked in mixed media but eventually focused on watercolor. Resides in Sunny San Diego, California with his family. Look for your opportunity to sit in Paint demos, workshop/Paint-outs. You can see artworks in various galleries, libraries, art districts and Museums. Sherry Masters
A native of the Asheville, NC region, Sherry Masters is self-employed as owner of Art Connections Tours. Established in 2013, Art Connections offers participants an experience into the art culture of Western NC through curated tours of artist studios and galleries. Masters’ background includes 20 years with Grovewood Gallery where she was involved in all aspects of the business and was general manager and buyer for 16 years; 4 years as a manager of Allanstand Craft Shop in the Folk Art Center; and 2.5 years as an assistant to a local professional quilter. Over her career, Sherry has juried 30+ festivals and exhibitions, and traveled throughout the east coast in many capacities to promote the handmade industry. Robin Popp
Robin is a woodworker and painter - a combination that joins beautifully together in pieces of art that tell a story. Her north Florida farm and surrounding area provides much of the subject matter for her oil paintings and she often works “en plein air” on location capturing the color and light of the natural world. A native of Florida, she attended Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, and PTEC's Cabinetmaking program in Clearwater. She works from her farm studio/workshop, and teaches painting throughout the south. Julie Bagamary
Julie Bagamary has been creating free style fabric wall and three dimensional art for over 30 years. She loves giving new life to small bits of fabric combining hand and machine techniques and adding unexpected embellishments. She teaches and mentors adults and youth helping them bring out the art that is in each of them. Julie writes about creating during “ Art with Nana” with her fourteen grandchildren in her recent book, Creating a Legacy of Art. Jill Williams
Hey there, I’m Jill Williams, a Southern watercolor landscape artist, full-time traveler, instructor, and nature enthusiast. I’m passionate about drawing, watercolor, and opportunities to connect with other artists to help elevate their creative awareness and skill. It’s an amazing privilege to help creatives expand so they are making greater strides with their own artistic goals. Paint, coffee, kayaks, full moons, bacon, campfires, and sunrises are just a few of my favorite things. Currently, I’m traveling full time with my husband Jay in our self-converted-shuttle-bus-home, painting our adventures on the road, while making my art and instruction available to a wonderful, ever-expanding community along the way. My work and instruction are both available through my website shop, and social media outlets. Please visit www.jillwilliamswatercolor.com to connect and learn more. Cindy Walton
Cindy Walton, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, is a long-time resident of Asheville, North Carolina. A committed artist from childhood, Walton earned a BA in art from Salem College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a BFA degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She is a multi-media artist showing her work and teaching from Florida to New England and as far west as California. Walton is also an instructor teaching throughout the southeast and a favorite location, Ghost Ranch, in northern New Mexico. Her works arise from travels and her interest in the environments in which she lives or visits. Her paintings are part of several corporate collections including, Central Banc Corporation, CO; Wilmington Treatment Center; Wilmington NC and Memorial Mission Hospital Asheville, NC. Fellowships and awards include Liana Moonie Memorial Award for Innovative Abstract Landscape Painting, National Association of Women Artist, 2019; Art in Embassies: Out of Many Waters was selected for the United States Embassy, Kazakhstan, 2019; Regional Artist Project Grant, NC, 2008; Fellowship at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts With support from the Karen Shea Silverman Fellowship Endowment, The Creative Retreat at Mt. San Angelo, Amherst, VA, 2006. She served on the board of the River Arts District Association, Asheville, NC. |