Eleanor has a BFA in Graphic Design and a love of fiber arts. She uses her knowledge of design to make adorable felted illustrations. Lisa is a retired bio-chemist who shares a love of natural fibers and art.

Carol Estes joined the Art world late in life.  She picked up a camera to work thru deep grief.  She is self-taught, has became an award-winning Art Photographer, and published author.  She enjoys teaching herself new things and applying old methods.

Dan Kusaya, travels the world with his enchanting rhythms, bringing the vibrant sounds of Zimbabwe to every corner of the globe. Dan's music transcends borders and unites people through the universal language of music. As a dedicated teacher at Fairview Elementary Schools and Pike Township School, he shares his love for marimbas, drums, and dance, offering his students a unique and captivating experience.

Dorthea is a watercolor artist and teacher in the Thornton area for several years focusing on adults and teens. She has won several awards at local contests.

Valerie Fase Milholland grew up in DeMotte, and now lives by Louisville, Ky where she is a practicing art therapist. She also teaches art therapy and child development classes at the University of Evansville, her alma mater. Her passion is to increase creative confidence by offering people a chance to be successful in making awesome things. She loves returning to her roots to share her mission of getting everyone to believe that they ARE an artist!

Des’Tina Paige is an artist and art teacher at West Side Leadership Academy in Gary, IN. She earned her BS in Art Education from Grambling State University and her MA in Fine Arts from Academy of Art University. She also studied at the SAIC and participated in exhibits and art competitions throughout Indiana and Louisiana. Des’Tina’s art mainly focuses on the beauty in nature despite the disruption and destruction of man using natural and found materials.

Joshua D. Smith is an artist and designer who has a passionate about arts, bugs, and all things nature. Joshua and his wife Kelsey own and operate Green Beetle Shop and Kelsey Tillema Photography. Joshua was most recently employed teaching Visual Arts at KVHS before returning to his business and art career full time after three wonderful years in the classroom.

Kelley Spurgeon is one of the founding members of the PAC and has served on the board, committees, or a member since 1993. She has been the art teacher at Rensselaer Central High School since 1993. Her service includes the school shows, teaching workshops, and collaborating on several committees including gallery exhibitions.

Gail Woolever is a retired art teacher from the Kankakee Valley School Corporation still creating her own art at her studio, Heart to Hand Studio north of Wheatfield, IN.

Kristi Yapp is a former preschool teacher of thirty years turned fiber artist specializing in freeform crochet. Kristi recently moved from the Chicago area to Rensselaer, and she is so happy she did. She loves being a part of this hip and artsy little town - far away from city life.

Kristi loves teaching students of all ages and she is looking forward to sharing her love of fiber art this summer.

Bonnie Zimmer has taught art at all levels for over 40 years. She retired as Chair of the Art Department at Saint Joseph's College in 2016. She now enjoys creating art full time and teaching occasional workshops. She has won many awards for both her teaching and her art which ranges from sculptural baskets in natural and found materials, to jewelry and clothing.