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CREATIVES

Entrepreneurs. Innovators. Interpreters of life’s jagged edges and silken pathways. Soothsayers and sorcerers. These words and more define the creative individuals who have chosen Sonoma as their home. Explore their methods and mediums in these pages and be inspired.

Are you a creative professional in Sonoma County working to satisfy your artistic expression and make a living with your work? Register HERE to have your own page included on CreativeSonoma.org.

Ash Hay

Ash Hay Film, Media, Other, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts My art is diaristic and centered in the body; how it communicates with the earth, itself, and bodies around it. In my work, I explore ideas of gender expression, body acceptance, and radical softness. Fatness, my own and others’, comes up often as I am continually confronted with how fat bodies are treated and how they navigate this world. My use of large soft sculpture, techniques of paper layering in my paintings and works on paper, and a color palette rooted in the color pink, all support my overarching theme of softness as power. I am influenced heavily by the works of Loise Bourgeois and Kiki Smith as well as the lineage of fiber artists and crafters in my own family.

Aim Hover

Aim Hover Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Visual Arts Artist Statement My works are a representation of my ever persistent dream states and my desire for connection. My aim is to allow viewers to confront their own emotions, while discovering the emotional layers of my work. I desire to alleviate, even a little bit, the existential loneliness in the world and fuel personal connection through my unique artistic expression. Biography My name is Aim Hover. I was born in Greenbrae, California, in 2001. I am based in Sonoma County and I typically work in Northern California. I am an expressionist and I mostly paint. I work in acrylic, oil, and spray paint. One of my first experiences as an artist was when I was 2 years old, left alone for only a few seconds with finger paint nearby. It wasn't long before I covered the walls and myself in green paint. It's safe to say I have always had a curiosity for color and artistic expression. My art is currently influenced by Pabo Piccaso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bud Snow and several music artists; including Aaron May, Ron Obasi, J Cole, and Freddie Gibbs. I am also influenced by the East Bay, taking as many trips as I can up there to gather influence spilled all over city walls and faces. My work contains lots of faces, most non-intentionally looking like my partner Izrael Brown, a clothing designer and graffiti artist who I am constantly inspired by. While I did go to an arts-centered k-8 school and attend two art classes at Santa Rosa Junior College, I am mostly self-taught.

Lindsay Hunter

Lindsay Hunter Artisan, Design, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Functional Art, Furniture, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Other, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts LINDSAY HUNTER Santa Rosa, CA nutbarstudios@gmail.com SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS • Successfully promotes own business, stays in budget and executes projects on time. • Develop and implement K-9 enrichment programming: classroom, after-school, homeschool, county library, and summer camp; kid's area manager for large public events. • Demonstrated instructional and classroom management experience providing interesting and thought-provoking lessons supporting a personal mission of excellence. Provides a caring, safe and supportive environment for student learning. • Workshop presenter at reMAKE Education. • Network with businesses and community leaders and recruit volunteers for events. • Warm effective communication with both children and adults from diverse backgrounds, in person and written. • 10 years consumer product design and development, mostly for leading fashion manufacturers: Levi’s and Esprit, from initial concept through preproduction. • Initiated and created product concepts, materials development, textile patterns, garment styling and presentation materials. • Managed development of logo and graphics, hired artists, directed art concepts and approved final artwork for production. • Traveled throughout Asia and US working with sample and production manufacturers ensuring excellent products. • Researched market trends, analyzed competitor’s products for style, fabric, fit. • Conducted focus group research and marketing studies to identify target consumer. • Presented findings and product line concepts to Executive Management in order to advise and influence them on fashion trend direction and product design selections. • Nominated for Outstanding Faculty award at FIDM. Twice recognized for initiative, leadership and team building at Levi Strauss. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 09/04-present Nutbar Studios Owner • Rincon Valley Education Foundation After-school Enrichment Program Provider • Whited Elementary Digital Storytelling Instructor • Rincon Valley Unified homeschool and Instructor Lego Robotics Trainer • Sonoma County Library Enrichment Program Provider • Sonoma State Excel Kids Summer Program Provider • Workshop Presenter at reMAKE Education • Levi's (Leipheimer) Granfondo Kid's Area Manager • The Great Handcar Regatta Kid's Area Manager • Gaia Online Merchandise Developer 01/13-06/15 Paraeducator Rincon Valley Unified 08/12-06/13 Science Facilitator, Noon Duty Rincon Valley Unified 03/03-08/04 College Instructor Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, SF 02/02-02/03 Administrative Assistant Feldenkrais Resources, Berkeley 04/01-11/01 Office Manager VoiceWare Systems, San Francisco 06/99-12/00 Student UC Berkeley Extension, Berkeley & San Francisco 09/94-03/99 Apparel Designer Levi Strauss & Co., San Francisco EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts – Emphasis in Product Design and Fashion San Francisco State University Project Management Certificate University of California Berkeley Extension PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • SCOE Teaching and Learning Institute 2015 • Lego Learning Symposium at SCOE 2015 • SRJC Basic PC Repair and Maintenance Workshop 2014 • RVUSD Technology Summit 2013 • SCOE iPad Symposium 2013 • California Association for the Gifted Symposium 2013 AFFILIATIONS • Northbay Maker Educators • 180 Studios Community Maker Space

Sarah Hylton

Sarah Hylton Artisan, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Improvisation, Mixed, Other, Painting, Sculpture, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth Expressive Artist and Arts Facilitator specializing in a whole person-centered approach for creating art. An avid painter, dancer and ceramic sculptor; often found dancing while painting. Sarah’s paintings have been featured in galleries, juried exhibits and are in private collections. She is currently represented by Lori Austin Gallery in Sebastopol, CA. She began receiving awards as a child for her original artwork though has always resonated with the outsider and naïve artist. She is a self-taught artist and process oriented. After raising her artistically talented son, as an only parent, she is whole heartedly devoting herself to her own creative process and arts based restorative community projects. She is a 2020 Creative Sonoma Pop Up Art Grant recipient. Her current projects include the Hexagons Of Dignity Tapestry and the Art Tent. The community mural installation on the Art Tent is postponed due to Shelter In Place.

MJ Lindo-Lawyer

MJ Lindo-Lawyer Illustration, Mixed, Muralist, Painting, Visual Arts Painting from her bay area home studio filled with cactus, ferns and philodendrons, MJ Lindo-Lawyer explores alternative universes and whimsical, dark fantastical worlds using different mediums. Being self-taught, it was tough for MJ to settle on a medium until she fell in love with oil paint and wooden canvases. Known for her use of creamy pastels and rich skin tones, MJ creates a world of whimsy in which a giantess woman can befriend a tiny bear cub or a group of miniature elephants’ campfire around a forest goddess for warmth. Since 2003, MJ has been telling versions of her life story and other women’s stories through her multi-cultural woman and their interactions with these alternative universes and unique furry friends. MJ Lindo-Lawyer lives and works in the Bay area with her husband and studio mates her kitten Garbage and her 160 lb Neapolitan Mastiff Mellow.

Adrian Litman

Adrian Litman Ceramics, Furniture, Illustration, Painting, Sculpture For the past 30 years, I have been working on a variety of projects for Civic, Corporate, Business and Residential clients, integrating art into architecture as well as designing free standing two and three dimensional pieces that create a sense of encounter and engagement through visual distinction or interaction. As an artist, I find inspiration and fuel for creative expression by contemplating the world around me. My inspiration is enhanced by concepts introduced by contemporary science, social issues, politics and cultural diversities. I use abstract and figurative interpretations to convey messages and emotions with sensibility, combining control and passion. Depending on the scope of design, volumes, shapes and vibrant luminous colors, are crafted to converge in an elegant harmony, stimulating the mind and emotions of the viewer. Having an eclectic approach to design, I feel comfortable flowing from dramatic subjects to whimsical and humorous themes. I have a broad range of diverse artistic skills and experience of working with a variety of durable materials like stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, porcelain and glass as appropriate for harmonious integration with the site's architectural style and environment. For most of my large size public art designs, I cooperate with architects, structural engineers and licensed public art fabricators. As a basic principle, I create public art designs with flexibility in order to allow the project stakeholders and community input and participation.

Rayne Madison

Rayne Madison Creative Sonoma Grantee, Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Mixed, Visual Arts I view art as an exploration of life experience and the tangible means by which to share concepts, ideas and emotions. The closest I have come to describing myself is as an emerging inter-disciplinary conceptual artist. The concepts that I work with arise from my day-to-day existence, they seem to choose me, rather than the other way around. Each project leads me to learn and expand into new areas. My work explores themes of identity, femininity, humanity, attachment, connection, intention, spiritual evolution and that which underlies emotion. Using, whichever materials are best suited to communicating the concept I am working with. Lately, I am drawn to creating street art posters, paper sculptures, pop-up public art installations and collaborative projects. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from NYIT. And, I have worked in publishing, non-profit and investment banking sectors. Bringing me into contact with different aspects of our culture and a diverse field of individuals. I am freelancing as an organizational assistant, event planner, graphic designer and website builder while developing my own projects.

Mother Magica

Mother Magica Artisan, Audio, Choreography, Composition, Dance, Design, Fashion Design, Instrumental, Jewelry, Media, Music, Other, Photography, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal

Artist , Muse, CRAZY

I am a creative designer and maker of music, videos, jewelery, clothing, wigs, dance and short storys..... I am a constant comic in all ways of life. Being able to laugh at everything is my true gift. I practice gratitude... I am sooooo greatfull to be alive and able to inspire you to create and love!

Gayle Manfre

Gayle Manfre Mixed, Other, Painting, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Gayle Manfre is a teaching artist, painter and art advocate. She one of the founders of Art Escape Sonoma, Sonoma Treasure Artist of 2010 and was awarded The Youth Mural Award from Precita Eyes Muralist in San Francisco. Gayle has been a teaching artist in Sonoma Valley since the 80s. She retired in 2017 and has been happily paintings since then Gayle is a member of the Arts Guild of Sonoma. My paintings are joyful and colorful and range from a wide variety of subjects. I am inspired by my travels and living in beautiful Sonoma.

Spring Maxfield

Spring Maxfield Artisan, Arts Administration, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Film Office, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Talent, Theatre, Visual Arts, Woodworking Spring Maxfield is the Founder and Executive Director of Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership in Northern California. She works to create space to provide relevant, community driven arts and cultural programming. Her engagement activities and curatorial work has taken place in public spaces, underground galleries, wineries throughout Sonoma County, and established art institutions. Spring has served as a longtime participant and on the production team of Maker Faires both in the Bay Area and NY. She also cofounded the wildly popular Great Handcar Regatta arts festival, which drew crowds of up to 25,000 to Santa Rosa between 2008 and 2011. She regularly serves on a number of grassroots, city government, and private art foundation committees, using these roles to support and cultivate artists, creative businesses, community groups, and arts programming. She holds Bachelors’ of Arts in Art History and Art Practice and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies. When not busy engaging her international arts community, Spring can be found in the garden at her urban homestead with two daughters, and her husband—artist Todd Barricklow.

Christopher Mckee

Christopher Mckee Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Furniture, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Woodworking more to come

Colton Measles

Colton Measles Design, Functional Art, Interior Design, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking Colton Measles is a 30 year old artist and wood carver from Colorado and recently moved to Sonoma County in mid December of 2017 to pursue and further his work as a professional decorative woodworker. Coltons work has developed through the creation of stand alone visual art pieces crafted from wood such as scroll carvings, high and low bas-relief, engravings and fully relieved sculpture. Colton has studied extensively and has a close relationship with Craig Hone of Provo Utah, the only professional wood carver and artist to win both first and second place prizes in the Northern Nationals Carving Competition and also a two time winner of the Dixie Invitational as well as winner of the Carvers Cup Competition in Park City UT. (Craig's work can be seen at craighonestudio.com) Colton has also been instructed in the creation and application of custom wood stain glazing techniques for bas-relief and sculptural wood carving and fine wood finishing by Robin Coalson, another friend and teacher. (Robins work can be seen at robincoalsonstudio.com and some of her work is on display at the D'Artagnan Vineyards in Sacramento California.) Colton was born and raised in Durango Colorado, where he developed skills in wood carving and sculpture over the course of four years, having been a student of art and artists of other mediums since his youth. Immediately before moving to the Sonoma County area from Colorado he had been working as an artist and woodcarver full time for three years in a wood shop and studio attached to his former residence. Colton has a background in construction and loves applying his craft to interior, and, although less often, exterior architectural carving. He was at one time commissioned to create four separate stand-alone art pieces for the Durango Dharma Center; A nonprofit meditation community closely linked with the Spirit Rock Meditation and Retreat Center in Woodacre California, just north of San Rafael. One of these pieces was a high relief carving including highly relieved birds and lotus flowers in a wonderfully harmonious and flowing design layout and two were functional and decoratively carved wooden boxes for the collection of donations. The fourth was a decoratively carved stand for a Tibetan singing bowl. (These pieces are on constant display in their current location and can be seen on Colton's Instagram page @truenaturecarving) Colton's art is influenced by many traditional mediums. He has studied acanthus scroll and the systems of its design as well as Celtic knot work and depicting all ranges of natural vegetation with a focus on realism. Colton enjoys utilizing design themes from traditional oriental carpentry, in furniture as well as architecture, in his work and has dedicated much time to the study and creation of anatomically correct creatures of all sorts, including fish, birds, animals and insects. Colton is inspired by ideas of cooperative pursuits with other artists and crafters, and by benefit work and his door is open to all inquiries of the kind. His contact info is included in his profile here on creativesonoma.org

TumbleWeed Expressions Meryl Juniper

TumbleWeed Expressions Meryl Juniper Artisan, Ceramics, Holidays Shop Local, Mixed, Muralist, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts While following the seasons within her Expressive Arts Inspirations, Meryl intertwines over 4 decades of Multimedia Arts Educational Experiences and Community Arts Activism. Meryl ignites and delicately encourages artistic expression and a sense of humility and humanity, while inspiring hands-on, process based learning, along with a curriculum integrated focus. In this we weave a healthy approach, revealing and enlivening the naturally creative self. Simultaneously, Meryl thrives within her close to 5 decades of experience engaging a life within: Multimedia Visual Arts and the Performative realms of Nature Based and Street Performance Ritual, Improvisational Movement, Dance Theater, Improvisational Vocal Play, Song Writing, Movement Infused Personal Storytelling and Somatic Movement Practices. Moreover, Meryl commits, inspires and dedicates her artistic being to Community Arts Production, Process and Presentation. Lastly, Meryl’s instinctive devotion to the natural world and the offerings of Eco Somatic Engagement, allows her to share the wisdom gleaned and harvested from all her experiences living close and being inspired by the earth, while continuously extending a steadfast faithfulness to the practices of Expressive Arts, Natural Medicine Making, Farming, Holistic Nutrition and Parenting, while moving within a Heart Centered Living Folks Arts Tradition.

Zyssa Morales

Zyssa Morales Artisan, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed, Other, Painting, Visual Arts, Woodworking My name is Zyssa Morales and I am a craft artist. I was born in Ecuador but have been raised in the United States. I’m passionate about art and would love to use it to bring awareness to social and environmental issues.

Brooks Palmer

Brooks Palmer Acting, Children's, Composition, Directing, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Illustration, Improvisation, Instrumental, Literature, Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Painting, Performance Art, Puppetry, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal I'm a creative artist who loves to work in many fields. I write short humorous stories. I paint surrealistic art. I perform quirky improvisational songs and short stories on stage. I draw funny words-of-wisdom cartoons. I write books of surreal fantasy humor. I perform my As You Are show for eager audiences. I don't question my creativity. When it shows up, which is often, I put it on paper, or record it, or perform it. I love to put what I do out into the world, whether it's on stage, or online, or published as a book, or on a gallery wall. I love to uplift people with my creations. I hope my art makes people feel good about being alive, and inspires them to be creative in their own way.

Brenda Phillips

Brenda Phillips Sculpture, Visual Arts ReBirth Living Sculpture pulls together passed on decorative art pieces and plants — typically succulents — to create upcycled living sculptures for homes, establishments, and gardens. Imagine everything from a small, multi-colored glass arrangement with succulents to 4 feet tall fountains made of stacked ceramic pieces to a 9-foot tall art sculpture with a central spinning ornate frame to take selfies in — perfect for a winery or city sculpture garden — to welded, galvanized metal pots on rods to grow tomatoes inside to a tranquil and harmonious succulent composition on drift wood hung with dangling windchimes to hanging light fixtures overflowing with plants. Each of our pieces utilizes repurposed items combined in new ways along with plants. The resulting sculptures are unexpected living creations that change with time and conditions. Each is unique, designed by hand, often multi-purpose, and harmonious. Some inspire joy, others whimsy, and others are peaceful. The vast range of styles, colors, materials, and shapes dare to challenge the viewer to find that one piece that speaks to them most.

Mario Quijas

Mario Quijas Mixed, Muralist, Visual Arts

Aerosol Muralist with National and International public artwork

Jessica Yoshiko Rasmussen

Jessica Yoshiko Rasmussen Arts Administration, Mixed, Visual Arts I'm an interdisciplinary artist. My work ranges from assemblage to interactive installation art, from conceptual work to jewelry making. My perennial interest in discarded materials often drives me to incorporate objects that have a history and which carry meaning into my work both symbolically and energetically. I run a small art business, Va Va Vortex - a monthly art subscription service. I mail subscribers one work of art each month, usually accompanied by a mini-art history lesson that relates to the piece. Monthly installments are also posted on instagram: @VaVaVortex

Rachel Brooks Richardson

Rachel Brooks Richardson Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Other, Painting, Photography, Visual Arts Rachel Brooks is a seasoned illustrator, painter, and muralist. She has worked in the art and design field for over 14 years. She obtained her BFA in Design at The Art Institute of San Francisco and immediately entered the fashion industry, where she started her career in apparel design and illustration. She has worked as a successful Art Director for various Bay Area companies while pursuing her passions in painting and public art. Her work has been showcased in San Francisco, throughout the Bay Area and Yekaterinburg, Russia. Rachel is currently a Resident Artist at Fulton Street Crossing in Santa Rosa, CA.

Mina Rios

Mina Rios Acting, Audio, Ballet, Children's, Choreography, Dance, Fiction, Literature, Media, Modern, Other, Photography, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts Driven by a passion for the arts, freelance journalist Mina Rios found inspiration in dance through film and exposure to live performance during her youth in San Francisco. Trained in music, theatre, and dance; followed by Journalism & Mass Communications – Rios’s decade long career path down Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations avenues spanned from 1997 until 2007 – when she found both opportunity and her true calling in arts journalism.

Andy Sewell

Andy Sewell Audio, Crew, Equipment, Film Office, General Services, Media, Multi-Media, Multimedia, Production Andy Sewell is a Petaluma based audio producer. He provides education and production services to podcasters, media agencies, radio and public art. He is most interested in using rich audio to tell compelling stories.

Audette Sophia

Audette Sophia Multi-Media, Other, Painting, Performance Art

I am a human décor artist & fantasy stylist with 15 years professional face paint experience, a lifetime dedicated to the magic & power of creativity. I got a B.A. in Integrative Arts which was essentially a roundabout holistic tour of the Arts as they intersect with different aspects of self & society. It gave me a lot of ideals about the great potential of the arts but didn’t set me on a path to making a living from it. That took dabbling & experimentation & a colorful winding path through teaching & performance & production & entrepreneurship until I was finally able to craft a biz that could both keep my interest & pay the bills.

So I spend much of my time as ladyboss of Catalyst Arts Entertainment.

I still do face paint & body art regularly & am available for events of all kinds.

Body Art Credentials:

Got my Face Paint ‘Degree’ from Kids Birthday Party Bootcamp (2005-still do some now)

Airbrushing on skin since about 2010 (+ pretty ridiculous stencil collection)

Conventions ‘Resume’ :

2012- Face Paint convention in Las Vegas

2013 IMATS (as assistant to Trina Merry) & also was runner up for SF Raw Artists ‘makeup artist of the year’

2014 & 2016- attended the World Body Painting Festival in Austria including the weeklong Academy

2017- Fabaic Convention in Florida

2018- Daylong workshop with Pashur + I taught 5 Body Art Workshops at Catalyst Studios

2019- La Fete Convention in New Orleans

2020- Spring Fling Henna Convention

Cathleen Swanson

Cathleen Swanson Ceramics, Dance, Folk Art, Improvisation, Media, Mixed, Painting, Photography, Recovery Fund Grantee, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts I am not limited to one medium nor style. My art is an exploration, an adventure and a spiritual journey. I love to share art-making with others. The Spirit Houses are made by hand from clay.

Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Dance, Design, Fiction, Film, Folk Art, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Literature, Media, Mixed, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Dawn A. Thomas 707.245.4735 cloudsdriftingby@gmail.com Objective: To help build a vital Sonoma County Arts community as an experienced artist, and a teacher who provides a competitive and comprehensive Arts/Maker education for my students. Education and Credentials: Single Subject Art Credential - Sonoma State University - NCLB 1/2007 CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Sonoma State University 5/2004 Medialink Web Design/Technology Certificate - Bay Area Video Coalition 6/2000 5th-year Graduate Certificate in Art, U.C. at Santa Cruz 6/1990 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art, U.C. at Santa Cruz 6/1989 Kinetic Artist Event Awards: SFMOMA's soapbox derby, Best Pun trophy, 2022 Best Theme Cart Design, the Cotatitarod, Cotati, 2019 1st Place Engineering for Team Pineapple, Kinetic Grand Championship, Eureka, CA 2018 Grand Champion for Team Pineapple, Obtainium Cup, Vallejo, 2019 1st place speed for the Pineapple Handcar, Willits Kinetic Carnivale, Willits, 2015 Best Engineering for the Whittaker Paddlewheel, Rivertown Revival, Petaluma, 2014 2nd Place for Red Couch Pedal-powered railcar, Wunderkammer Handcar Races, Santa Rosa, CA 2013 Teaching Experience: Santa Rosa City Schools, 2006 - current Art/Maker/Teen Living/Digital Media, Santa Rosa Middle School, 2007-2022 Students explore the foundations of Art and Making, and develop a personal portfolio. Teen living/culinary involves cooking, career exploration, interior design, sewing, and communication and conflict resolution skills. Digital Media explores digital storytelling and culminates in movies, webpages and other digital fulfillment. From 2007-2015 we produced a weekly cable news broadcast for the school. Art 1, Montgomery High School, 2014-2015 Our beginning Art curriculum asks students to develop their drawing skills, and to utilize the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Exercises lead to projects which offer student-selected content, but hold students accountable to develop technical skills. Art / Project Make Teacher, Hilliard Comstock Middle School, 2007-2013 In 2013, we launched our district’s first middle school Project MAKE! elective, which is an award-winning (2014 Jack London Award) interdisciplinary, exploratory STE(A)M class (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.) Art Teacher, Piner High School, 2007-2008 Art Teacher, Summer School, Montgomery site, 2007 Art Teacher, Elsie Allen High School, 2006-2007 Educational Awards: Jack London Award for Educational Innovation (Project Make!) 2014 Other Experience: A practicing Artist, I have shown with Art Trails, and at various Sonoma County venues. I have been an exhibitor at Maker Faires for 4 years.

Jill Valavanis

Jill Valavanis Artisan, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts I am a teaching artist. With an MFA in Integrated Three-Dimensional Media, I use a variety of materials to create sculptural and functional objects. Fiber is my favorite medium. Currently, I am using my sewing machine to create freehand abstract embroidered pieces. For over 20 years I have enjoyed teaching art to both children and adults, from toddlers to seniors, in schools, colleges, community centers, museums, art centers, gardens, and private homes. I believe that anyone has the capacity to be creative, and that making art is good for one's mental and physical health.