ESTERITA AUSTIN 

Internationally award winning quilt maker, designer and teacher, Esterita Austin, studied for her MFA in graphics and photography at Pratt Institute. Her work has been exhibited in the American Museum of Folk Art in New York City. Esterita's quilt "The Well" was a prize winning piece in the museums international competition "Quilted Constructions: The Spirit of Design." Esterita has been a guest speaker at the museums lecture series "Artists Speak." Her award winning piece is featured in the American Museum of Folk Art magazine "Folk Art," Esterita’s work has been widely shown in International museums and galleries as well as published in magazines and books on fiber arts. As a female entrepreneur, Esterita was featured on The Sally Jesse Raphael Show and on “Simply Quilts” episode 1134. She has had an article on portraiture published in Quilting Arts magazine Jan/Feb 2007. Esterita was also written up in the "Threads" section of New York Newsday.

The use of textural and dimensional imagery has given Esterita's work unique style. She brings creative energy to all of her workshops, stimulating the imagination and invigorating the soul. 

KAREN K. BUCKLEY

One of my favorite pastimes is walking through flowering gardens. They are a delight to sight, smell and sound. The bursts of color, the aroma of rich soil, flowering plants, and the soft flutter of pollinating insects are the inspiration for this project. As you appliqué each piece, think of spring and the beauty of nature. We will cover several different methods of appliqué in this workshop including needleturn and the “Templar and Sizing” technique.  You will learn how to achieve perfect circles, smooth curves and sharp points.  In addition to all of the beautiful flowers we will make dimensional insects, a yellow jacket and a dragonfly.  We may also do a little bit of painting to achieve the realistic look for some of the flowers.  This 23 ½” x 58” project is a fantastic addition to any room or an exceptional gift for that special someone.

In addition, during this workshop we will take a break from sewing to do some designing.  Don’t be afraid.  Karen will make it easy for you.  One afternoon we will draw some block designs and another afternoon we’ll look at quilts via the projector and talk about selecting and designing the right borders for your quilt.

I have over 250 quilts to my credit, and my personal work has received numerous awards including seven Best of Show awards. I was voted teacher of the year by the Professional Quilter magazine in 1997. My work has been featured in numerous magazines and calendars. I have thirteen cover quilts to my credit (I consider myself very lucky!). One of my quilts was chosen by Senator Wofford’s wife to be placed on display in the U. S. Capitol in 1992, and another was chosen for the same display in 1993.  I have appeared on Simply Quilts and the new AQS show American Quilter.  I have a very busy schedule teaching, judging and designing. 

DARLENE C. CHRISTOPHERSON

Darlene C. Christopherson has been an accomplished quiltmaker since 1979 and has had  her work published in the books; More Vertical Set Quilts with Style [AQS] by Bobbie Aug & Sharon Newman.  Sensational Scrap Quilts by Darra Duffy Williamson, Patchwork Portfolio by Jinny Beyer, Soft-Edge Piecing by Jinny Beyer, Great American Quilts Book 5 and Scrap Quilts Fast and Fun by Oxmoor House. 

Darlene taught on the staff of the Jinny Beyer Hilton Head Seminar  for 5 years prior to moving from northern Virginia to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1992 and has been teaching and lecturing for guilds and large events since about 1990.  In 1997 she and her husband moved to China Spring, Texas near Waco.

Darlene teaches hand appliqué piecing and quilting as well as design classes.  Fabric selection is discussed in every class as the result of her beautiful quilts.  Attention and patient guidance is given to all students.  Years of experience have developed time honored techniques and an understanding of the elements of design and their importance to quilt making.

Many guilds have hosted Darlene’s programs and workshops.  Darlene has contributed to the success of many events such as the International Quilt Festival in Houston, AQS in Paducah, and Nashville, Quilt America! in Indianapolis, the Pennsylvania Extravaganza in Ft. Washington, PA, Road to California, Quilter’s Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, Minnesota Quilter's Inc. Shows, the NQA Show, Georgia Quilt Council and Quilt Colorado. 

C&T, Inc. has published Darlene’s first book, A Perfect Union of Patchwork and Appliqué

LENORE CRAWFORD

Lenore Crawford's fabric art wall hangings combine her love of France, their architecture, and flower gardens and her passion for color and realism.  Their texture and warmth achieved from the fabric itself along with fabric painting give the art an impressionistic feeling that only this medium can produce.  She has won several prizes for her art and continues to develop and grow her medium and style in new and beautiful ways. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including 2007 Spring and  2008 January Issue cover of American Quilters’ magazine.   

2007 Spring Issue of American Quilters Magazine, Technique Article

2006 April Issue of Magic Patch Magazine (French Magazine), Profile Article

2003 May Issue of Quilters Newsletter Magazine technique article

2002 November Issue of Quilters Newsletter Magazine Meeting Place article  

Lenore has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including: 

2008 Best of Show, Midland Artists Guild All-Media Show, Midland, MI

2007 Best Wall Quilt, American Quilters Society Show, Nashville, TN

2007 Judge's Choice Award, Pacific International Quilt Festival

2007 National Quilt Assoc. Show, Columbus, OH, Honorable Mention

2007 IQF, Chicago, IL, Viewer's Choice Award  

DAVID DANIELS

In the past several years, David's talent has earned him the distinction of "Best of Show" in such prestigious organizations as the Capitol Hill Art League of Washington, DC, the Cultural Society of Coral Springs, Florida and the Washington Watercolor Association of Washington, DC.

David earned a Masters of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University. After 15 years of teaching in the Michigan public school system he moved to Washington, DC to pursue an art career. In addition to being a working artist, David teaches painting at Montgomery College, the Smithsonian Institution and privately in his Silver Spring studio.

David has been involved with such art-related activities as the Boat House Art School of Washington, DC, where he was the director for two years; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Docent Program; and he has affiliations with numerous art organizations and associations. Recently David was featured in American Artist Magazine, and his works can be found in two new publications by Rockport Publishers: The Best of Watercolor Composition and Floral Inspirations. David is included in Who's Who in American Art.

His work can be found in corporate collections of such organizations as the Quadrangle Corporation, Michigan Education Association, Home National Bank of Arkansas City Kansas, and the private collection of the National Institutes of Health. 

LOUISE FISCHER COZZI

Trained as a graphic designer, Louise Fischer Cozzi (Brooklyn NY) went on to pursue fiberarts and polymer clay.  She has been working in polymer since 1991 and her love for typography and fiberarts inform her current work.  Her award winning pieces and articles have appeared in Belle Armoire, Bead and Button, and Lapidary Journal as well as numerous books. She shows and sells her work at galleries across the country. A local, national and international  teaching artist to all ages and levels, she appreciates the symbiotic relationship between creating and teaching.  In much of her current work, Translucent Colors, she forms simple elegant shapes of translucent clay and infuses them with layers of texture and color that suggest infinite depth.

QIANG HUANG

Qiang Huang is a much sought after teacher all over the country and his workshops have been described as “leaving his participants wanting more”!  Qiang (pronounced Chong) comes from China. His interest in art was developed at an early age, and was influenced strongly by his uncle, a professional painter and art educator. Qiang studied basic skills of drawing and painting under his uncle's guidance. He won awards in multiple school art shows. After he immigrated to America, Qiang began a career in science and technology. However, Qiang has also been very active in local art communities. To further develop his artistic skills, Qiang attended classes and workshops. with well-known artists like Miles Mathis, Scott Burdick, David Leffel, and Sherrie McGraw. Qiang is most inspired by paintings of late 19th Century by John Singer Sargent, Nicolai Fechin, William Bouguereau, and Lawrence Alma- Tadema.Qiang's paintings are mostly still life, portraiture, and figurative. His paintings show remarkable accuracy under lush brush strokes. Qiang is a member of the Oil Painters of America. His paintings have been shown at the 14th and 15th OPA National Juried Exhibitions. 

SUE KEMP

Sue is a faculty member of the Austin Museum of Art School and a signature member of Texas Watercolor (Purple Sage Honor Society) and Southwestern Watercolor Society.  She is also a member of Waterloo Watercolor Group (past president),  Capitol Art Society, Third Coast Artists and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).  Sue is a popular teacher and workshop instructor.

Sue’s Paintings have been published in:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, UT Austin "Wildflower Days"  official poster artist, 2007 "Texas Bluebonnets" "A Night in Old San Antonio"  2007 official poster artist,

"Clown Alley", NIOSA, San Antonio Conservation Society,  Fiesta Magazine, cover, April, 2007,San Antonio, TX .  San Antonio Express News, April, 2007  How to Paint Watercolor Landscapes, Quarto Publ., London, 2006

Adventure Cyclist Magazine, "Tuscany, The Hills, The Gelato", 2005

The Watercolour Flower Painter's Handbook, Quarto Pub., London, 2005

Watercolor Magazine, Summer 2003 featured artist

Splash-7, A Celebration of Light, Northlight Books, 2002

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center "Wildflower Walk" logo, 2002

A Night in Old San Antonio 2001 official poster artist, San Antonio Conservation League,  "NIOSA Serenade"  Fiesta Magazine, cover, 2001, San Antonio

San Antonio Express News, 2001  Austin American Statesman, 2001, 2000, 1992, 1990, 1988.  American Heart Association 2001 gala poster, "Heartbeat of the Caribbean"

Painting Great Pictures from Photographs, Rockport Publ.,1999

Floral Inspirations, Rockport Publ., 1999   Northlight Magazine, 1999

Sick Bay, Astoria Productions, Ltd. 1998 (picture book). Texas Watercolor Society-Fifty Years of ExcellenceThe Best of Watercolor-Painting Color, Rockport Publ., 1997

The Encyclopedia of Watercolor Landscape Techniques, Quart Publ. London, 1996

Scene, Spotlight on the Artist, Southwestern Watercolor Society, 1995

Around Austin Calendar, cover, 1992 

MIKE MAHON

Mike paints from what he knows best: the colors and people of Texas, Northern New Mexico, and Mexico. His landscapes, portraits, and slice-of-life vignettes depict a taste for the unusual scenes, expressions, and moments that most of us miss. His impressionistic style adds depth and a surprising realism of light and shadow to his paintings.

He has been honored to know and study under several internationally recognized artists including Ben Konis (pastel & oil), Kim English (oil), Judi Betts (watercolor) John Budicin (oil), and Albert Handell (pastel & oil). His over 35 years of experience in fine art, commercial art and photography, including several years as a motion picture film animator, have served him well as he demonstrates excellence and versatility in the media of pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolor and photography.

Demonstrating a flair for color and a mastery of drawing and design, Mike's paintings are in collections throughout the United States, and he has earned numerous awards and accolades. He was one of the featured artists in the 2004 edition of 100 Ways to Paint People and Figures, published by “International Artist Magazine.”

Mike frequently serves as an art show judge and teaches his unique 7 Step Systematic Process in portrait, landscape and "painting process" workshops around the country. He is a Signature member of the following art organizations: American Plains Artists (APA), Pastel Society of America (PSA), Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM) and Lone Star Pastel Society.  Mike lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Exhibiting in the following galleries:

The Adobe, 2905 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico
Art Exchange Gallery, 60 E. San Francisco St., Santa Fe New Mexico
Fredericksburg Art Gallery, 314 East Main St., Fredericksburg, Texas
Mountain Treasures Gallery, 212 West Main, Red River, New Mexico
Nichols Taos Fine Art Gallery, 403 N. Pueblo Rd., Taos, New Mexico, 505-758-2475
Weems Galleries, Plaza Don Luis - Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico,

Mike Has an extraordinary list of awards and achievements; these are his most recent:

Sand & Sage County Fair, Lamar, Colorado
Art & Photography Awards Judge, August, 2007

American Plains Artists 23rd Annual Juried Exhibit
Loch Vale Fine Art Gallery, Estes Park, Colorado; September 14 - October 7, 2007

Art Exchange Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Featured Artist, September 21 - October 19, 2007

Santa Fe Circle Magazine, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cover Artist for the Fall 2007 issue

Arkansas Pastel Society, Little Rock, Arkansas
"Annual Membership Pastel Exhibition," Garvin Gardens at Hot Springs, ARArt Awards Judge, November , 2006

Sand & Sage County Fair, Lamar, Colorado
Art & Photography Awards Judge, August, 2006

Weems Gallery, Old Town, Albuquerque, NM
Featured Artist for Month of June, 2006

Fredericksburg Art Gallery Spring Fiesta Show & Sale, Fredericksburg, TX
Featured Artist for Month of April, 2006

Amarillo Fine Arts Assn. "2005 Best of the Southwest" juried show
Best of Show

American Juried Art Salon,
Fall 2005 National Juried Exhibition
Award of Excellence

VIRGINIA VAUGHAN 

V….Vaughan spent many years as a graphic designer/art director/illustrator, working in advertising and winning Addy Awards. Her clients included Samsung, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,  and Harcourt Publishing.  V....Vaughan Arts grew through RockSports Inc. who still features V....Vaughan’s colorful designs in national catalogs and websites. 

Since 1989 Vaughan has been the art instructor at Round Rock Christian Academy in Texas, where her students have won numerous awards. She also teaches painting workshops all across America throughout the year, recently hanging her teaching shingle at the Fredericksburg Artist’s School in Texas.

Vaughan has studied with the best:  Ray Vinella, Kevin Macpherson, Ann Templeton, Kathryn Stats and Carolyn Anderson. As a plein air painter she now paints on location all across America.  “My favorite place is around the countryside on our old farm in Manor, Texas! I just completed 365 daily small works depicting our "Last Year on the Farm".  The paintings are being featured at various museum venues, and are receiving great revues.  See exhibit schedule and all 365 works on the web site, along with Vaughan’s field notes from each canvas.

Recently Vaughan’s paintings have been winning awards at various juried shows across America.  Her paintings have begun to be acquired by museums and numerous collectors. (see info below).  Since 2007 Vaughan presents a painting a day and her field notes on a BLOG.

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