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THE ARTS CENTER OF MONTROSS
Our 2023 Teachers
Click on a teacher to learn more.
Connie Canby
Watercolor
I am currently a founding member and Art Director for Artists’ Alliance Co-op @ Jarrett Thor Fine Arts in Colonial Beach, VA.
In 2003 I was a founding member and later president of The Colonial Beach Artists Guild.
I grew up in downtown D. C. and attended Corcoran School of Art on a teen scholarship and Maryland School of Art and Design in Silver Spring, Md. I started teaching at NOVA (Sterling Campus) in 1980. I taught watercolor and children classes for Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Leesburg, VA. I loved doing summer camps with young people at Shenandoah University, PAVAN Performing and Visual Arts ARTREACH Program in Clarke County, VA. As artist in residence), Foxcroft School for Girls, Middleburg, VA., and Frederick MD. Kids Like Us Program.
My own artwork has evolved into abstract expressionism, experimental watercolors and some with representational undertones. The theme most often recognized in my body of work is how color and energy are showcased as they weave their way throughout the painting as well as my life. It’s like taking dictation for a song already written.
I am currently a founding member and Art Director for Artists’ Alliance Co-op @ Jarrett Thor Fine Arts in Colonial Beach, VA.
In 2003 I was a founding member and later president of The Colonial Beach Artists Guild.
I grew up in downtown D. C. and attended Corcoran School of Art on a teen scholarship and Maryland School of Art and Design in Silver Spring, Md. I started teaching at NOVA (Sterling Campus) in 1980. I taught watercolor and children classes for Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Leesburg, VA. I loved doing summer camps with young people at Shenandoah University, PAVAN Performing and Visual Arts ARTREACH Program in Clarke County, VA. As artist in residence), Foxcroft School for Girls, Middleburg, VA., and Frederick MD. Kids Like Us Program.
My own artwork has evolved into abstract expressionism, experimental watercolors and some with representational undertones. The theme most often recognized in my body of work is how color and energy are showcased as they weave their way throughout the painting as well as my life. It’s like taking dictation for a song already written.
Linda Benton-McCloskey
Cold Wax Medium
After changing careers and researching my family's history, I discovered that Thomas Hart Benton (an American Regionalist Painter 1889-1975) was my great-uncle. Being a member of local art groups and I teach experimental water media, collage, abstract design, pastel, cold wax & oil, abstract landscapes and encaustic. I also teach on Patreon.com - direct link is above. Also am a signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society and Baltimore Watercolor Society, plus have earned my nautilus status in the International Society of Experimental Artists.
I have exhibited in numerous national and international juried shows, universities, cultural centers, galleries, and museums. Most of my works are in private collections and universities. I am married and have 5 children and 8 grandchildren and live near Harrisburg, PA.
AWARDS
SINCE 2013, LINDA NO LONGER ENTERS CONTESTS OR JURIED SHOWS - PREVIOUS AWARDS
After changing careers and researching my family's history, I discovered that Thomas Hart Benton (an American Regionalist Painter 1889-1975) was my great-uncle. Being a member of local art groups and I teach experimental water media, collage, abstract design, pastel, cold wax & oil, abstract landscapes and encaustic. I also teach on Patreon.com - direct link is above. Also am a signature member of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society and Baltimore Watercolor Society, plus have earned my nautilus status in the International Society of Experimental Artists.
I have exhibited in numerous national and international juried shows, universities, cultural centers, galleries, and museums. Most of my works are in private collections and universities. I am married and have 5 children and 8 grandchildren and live near Harrisburg, PA.
AWARDS
SINCE 2013, LINDA NO LONGER ENTERS CONTESTS OR JURIED SHOWS - PREVIOUS AWARDS
Sterling Edwards
Watercolor
"My art has taken me places both physically and mentally that I probably would have never gone were I not an artist. I've traveled on many artistic paths, freeways, side roads, curves, dealt with the occasional flat tire and many dead ends. Each one has influenced or contributed to reaching my final destination; to be an interpretive visual artist. I do not see my art as much a career as I do an insatiable passion. Everything that I see is broken down into shapes and colors that might be suitable for my next interpretive piece of art. I can arrange them or distort them as I feel necessary in my effort to create something unique and artistic. My paintings are the language that I use to convey to the world not just what I have seen or envisioned, but also how I feel about it"
"My art has taken me places both physically and mentally that I probably would have never gone were I not an artist. I've traveled on many artistic paths, freeways, side roads, curves, dealt with the occasional flat tire and many dead ends. Each one has influenced or contributed to reaching my final destination; to be an interpretive visual artist. I do not see my art as much a career as I do an insatiable passion. Everything that I see is broken down into shapes and colors that might be suitable for my next interpretive piece of art. I can arrange them or distort them as I feel necessary in my effort to create something unique and artistic. My paintings are the language that I use to convey to the world not just what I have seen or envisioned, but also how I feel about it"
Orkendell (Dell) Ford
Acrylics
Orkendell Ford (Dell) was born in Louisville, Kentucky where he lived until he joined the Military. His military career took him to many countries while he was stationed in Japan and Spain.
During his tour in Spain, Orkendell studied at the University of Maryland under Clarence Shivers, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Tuskegee Airman who became his mentor and dear friend. Dell retired from the Air Force, worked for a government contractor for a number of years, then finished his career as a civilian with the Department of Defense working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a total of 35+ years of Federal Service.
His work has been on display in Spain, Colorado, Virginia and New York.
Orkendell currently resides in Virginia between his homes in metropolitan Alexandria and rural Montross. He loves fishing and traveling in addition to painting. He married his wife, Sheila while stationed at Steward Air Force Base, Newburg, NY. The Fords have one adult daughter, Darlene.
Orkendell Ford (Dell) was born in Louisville, Kentucky where he lived until he joined the Military. His military career took him to many countries while he was stationed in Japan and Spain.
During his tour in Spain, Orkendell studied at the University of Maryland under Clarence Shivers, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Tuskegee Airman who became his mentor and dear friend. Dell retired from the Air Force, worked for a government contractor for a number of years, then finished his career as a civilian with the Department of Defense working with the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a total of 35+ years of Federal Service.
His work has been on display in Spain, Colorado, Virginia and New York.
Orkendell currently resides in Virginia between his homes in metropolitan Alexandria and rural Montross. He loves fishing and traveling in addition to painting. He married his wife, Sheila while stationed at Steward Air Force Base, Newburg, NY. The Fords have one adult daughter, Darlene.
Steve Griffin
Cyanotype
Steve Griffin has been a painter for over fifty years. In 1968 he was one of twelve undergraduate students, selected from a national pool, to attend the first year of the newly created Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum in New York. The ISP is still active today.
Since retiring from teaching in the Art Department at the University of Mary Washington in 2008, Steve has continued to work in his studio. He recently received a 2011-2012 professional fellowship in painting from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a 2012-2013 fellowship in painting from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steve has also been awarded three residency fellowships at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Griffin’s work hangs in many private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries.
Over the years I have gradually drifted far from my early photo-realist style of painting. My most recent “Strata” series began in 2007. The basic horizontal stripe compositions in these paintings were initially inspired by landscapes but the result more closely resembles a cross-section of earth or the strata found in rocks. The painting process itself is similar to an archeological dig. I apply multiple layers of paint which are eventually sanded and scraped to reveal previously forgotten colors and textures. This method of painting retains an element of chance in an otherwise very structured format.
Steve Griffin has been a painter for over fifty years. In 1968 he was one of twelve undergraduate students, selected from a national pool, to attend the first year of the newly created Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum in New York. The ISP is still active today.
Since retiring from teaching in the Art Department at the University of Mary Washington in 2008, Steve has continued to work in his studio. He recently received a 2011-2012 professional fellowship in painting from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a 2012-2013 fellowship in painting from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steve has also been awarded three residency fellowships at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Griffin’s work hangs in many private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries.
Over the years I have gradually drifted far from my early photo-realist style of painting. My most recent “Strata” series began in 2007. The basic horizontal stripe compositions in these paintings were initially inspired by landscapes but the result more closely resembles a cross-section of earth or the strata found in rocks. The painting process itself is similar to an archeological dig. I apply multiple layers of paint which are eventually sanded and scraped to reveal previously forgotten colors and textures. This method of painting retains an element of chance in an otherwise very structured format.
Celeste Johnson
Specialty Classes
Botanical art is my passion, through which my creativity has expanded. With plants as a base, I make the paper as well as inks and dyes from hand-ground pigments. I enjoy learning about botany, history, cultures, geology, geography from the process.
Botanical art is my passion, through which my creativity has expanded. With plants as a base, I make the paper as well as inks and dyes from hand-ground pigments. I enjoy learning about botany, history, cultures, geology, geography from the process.
Janice Jones
Drawing and Specialty Classes
Catherine Hill
Watercolor
Preserving A Moment In Time..... traditional art with a twist!
I paint. It's the thing I do best. I create light and movement with watercolor paint so viewers experience a moment in time. When I see a scene with a story and the light is just right, I have to paint. I find myself painting places people pass everyday, but fail to recognize the beauty.
Many people say I see color and light that isn't there. I contend that I'm observing things as they really are, at least to me. Whenever possible, I try to make a statement through my work, employing a playful twist or edge that a viewer can appreciate.
I invite you to observe, and then experience, a moment in time through my work.
- Catherine H. Hillis, LPAPA, SDWS, GWS, PWS, SW, MOWS, WCWS
Preserving A Moment In Time..... traditional art with a twist!
I paint. It's the thing I do best. I create light and movement with watercolor paint so viewers experience a moment in time. When I see a scene with a story and the light is just right, I have to paint. I find myself painting places people pass everyday, but fail to recognize the beauty.
Many people say I see color and light that isn't there. I contend that I'm observing things as they really are, at least to me. Whenever possible, I try to make a statement through my work, employing a playful twist or edge that a viewer can appreciate.
I invite you to observe, and then experience, a moment in time through my work.
- Catherine H. Hillis, LPAPA, SDWS, GWS, PWS, SW, MOWS, WCWS
Nana Gaul Lauer
Drawing, Watercolor and other mediums
My love of art and creating started the second time I had 4th grade when I was asked to design and create the classroom bulletin boards for the year. As my teacher, Mrs. Fisher said “ Nana Gail already knows the work” I love Mrs. Fisher wherever you are.
I went on to graduate from high school with art honors. My art teacher in high school got me a job with Samuel Kirk and Sons as a silver engraver. While there I worked in the design room with their small animal series. From founder to stamping the name on the bottom. After my daughter was born I studied Ceramics/Pottery at Towson State University
I attended watercolor classes with Dr. Morris Green and Fritz Briggs and finally graduated from the world-renowned Atelier...The Schuler School of Fine Art.
My love of art and creating started the second time I had 4th grade when I was asked to design and create the classroom bulletin boards for the year. As my teacher, Mrs. Fisher said “ Nana Gail already knows the work” I love Mrs. Fisher wherever you are.
I went on to graduate from high school with art honors. My art teacher in high school got me a job with Samuel Kirk and Sons as a silver engraver. While there I worked in the design room with their small animal series. From founder to stamping the name on the bottom. After my daughter was born I studied Ceramics/Pottery at Towson State University
I attended watercolor classes with Dr. Morris Green and Fritz Briggs and finally graduated from the world-renowned Atelier...The Schuler School of Fine Art.
Terri McCormick
Specialty Classes and PIYs
I have been crafting my entire life. I was raised by two incredibly talented creative parents. The fact is, my best work seems to always be when it's a true labor of love. Some people cook for people to show love, I craft. I am happiest when I make people smile with something I have made. Creating is my heartbeat.
When I made my best friend's prom dress, she said one day I would make her wedding gown, and I did. Her gown is my pride and joy piece of workmanship to this day. I also made her cake and handcrafted the cake topper that played music and lit up! I did the flowers, helped with the bridesmaid’s dresses, and various other tasks. I guess you could call me a Jack of all trades in the creative sense.
I have done many weddings, literally all for loved ones. I did my niece's (my BFF’s daughter's) wedding. I did her flowers, her veil, her toasting glasses, gown alterations, and some of her decor. It was another true labor of love, but extra special because I did her mom's wedding and then came full circle doing hers. I am grateful to have been given the skills to be able to help make many loved ones' wedding days special.
I've worked with all ages doing various crafts. I've been a preschool teacher, a girl scout leader, a youth staff leader, a summer camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, and involved in many other groups and organizations that have given me the opportunity to work with people of all kinds crafting countless fun projects. My hope is to continue to craft and teach others what fun it is to create things that are uniquely their own. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm.
I have been crafting my entire life. I was raised by two incredibly talented creative parents. The fact is, my best work seems to always be when it's a true labor of love. Some people cook for people to show love, I craft. I am happiest when I make people smile with something I have made. Creating is my heartbeat.
When I made my best friend's prom dress, she said one day I would make her wedding gown, and I did. Her gown is my pride and joy piece of workmanship to this day. I also made her cake and handcrafted the cake topper that played music and lit up! I did the flowers, helped with the bridesmaid’s dresses, and various other tasks. I guess you could call me a Jack of all trades in the creative sense.
I have done many weddings, literally all for loved ones. I did my niece's (my BFF’s daughter's) wedding. I did her flowers, her veil, her toasting glasses, gown alterations, and some of her decor. It was another true labor of love, but extra special because I did her mom's wedding and then came full circle doing hers. I am grateful to have been given the skills to be able to help make many loved ones' wedding days special.
I've worked with all ages doing various crafts. I've been a preschool teacher, a girl scout leader, a youth staff leader, a summer camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, and involved in many other groups and organizations that have given me the opportunity to work with people of all kinds crafting countless fun projects. My hope is to continue to craft and teach others what fun it is to create things that are uniquely their own. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm.
Anne McCahill
Art in Stitches
I am proud to be a native of the country that gave birth to a plethora of world-famous artists, namely France!
Came to the USA as a Fulbright scholar and chose to become an American citizen.
I always resided in Virginia.
After I retired from a 30-year teaching career, botanical art became my inspiration.
I got certified in Botanical illustration at Lewis Ginter where I taught a few embroidery classes focusing on botanical themes, from flower portraits to illuminated letters, landscapes, and the tree of life, among my favorites.
Of all the activities associated with women, needlework is one of the most universal. At our age of automation, the artistic expression with needle and threads should survive for the sake of accomplishment, pleasure, and the tradition of sharing with future generations.
Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished stitcher, I hope that you will be enthusiastic about designing original themes and using your tools creatively.
I am proud to be a native of the country that gave birth to a plethora of world-famous artists, namely France!
Came to the USA as a Fulbright scholar and chose to become an American citizen.
I always resided in Virginia.
After I retired from a 30-year teaching career, botanical art became my inspiration.
I got certified in Botanical illustration at Lewis Ginter where I taught a few embroidery classes focusing on botanical themes, from flower portraits to illuminated letters, landscapes, and the tree of life, among my favorites.
Of all the activities associated with women, needlework is one of the most universal. At our age of automation, the artistic expression with needle and threads should survive for the sake of accomplishment, pleasure, and the tradition of sharing with future generations.
Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished stitcher, I hope that you will be enthusiastic about designing original themes and using your tools creatively.
Carol Muratore
Alcohol Inks and Specialty Classes
Born in New England, my passion for art blossomed during a college semester spent abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain while enrolled in various painting classes. Painting and creating unconventional works of art has since been a life long passion. Since I am mostly self taught, I am willing to experiment and use materials in untraditional ways. My first love is watercolor. I sometimes will try mixed media with watercolor paints to get unique results. With regard to alcohol ink, I have experimented using it on plastic water bottles, CDs and anything that might be recycled into fascinating artworks such as chandeliers, tables and sun catchers. I’ve worked in all media and especially love oil painting with cold wax. In addition, I create lots of Oyster Shell art and handmade jewelry. Handpainted furniture with chalk paint is something I thoroughly enjoy. I have had the good fortune of being a commercial success and sell my art and prints throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.
I moved to Virginia in 2002 and reside in a 220 year old Victorian Farm House in the Northern Neck. Living in this beautiful, special rural Chesapeake Bay community affords both the time and peace to create. Inspired by all this natural beauty, I hope to bring pleasure to your senses through my art.
Born in New England, my passion for art blossomed during a college semester spent abroad at the University of Valencia in Spain while enrolled in various painting classes. Painting and creating unconventional works of art has since been a life long passion. Since I am mostly self taught, I am willing to experiment and use materials in untraditional ways. My first love is watercolor. I sometimes will try mixed media with watercolor paints to get unique results. With regard to alcohol ink, I have experimented using it on plastic water bottles, CDs and anything that might be recycled into fascinating artworks such as chandeliers, tables and sun catchers. I’ve worked in all media and especially love oil painting with cold wax. In addition, I create lots of Oyster Shell art and handmade jewelry. Handpainted furniture with chalk paint is something I thoroughly enjoy. I have had the good fortune of being a commercial success and sell my art and prints throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.
I moved to Virginia in 2002 and reside in a 220 year old Victorian Farm House in the Northern Neck. Living in this beautiful, special rural Chesapeake Bay community affords both the time and peace to create. Inspired by all this natural beauty, I hope to bring pleasure to your senses through my art.
Joan Powell
Mosaics
In the mid-1980’s, Joan discovered mosaic birdhouses and decided that she could duplicate them. She started breaking plates with a hammer on her basement floor and attaching the pieces to a wooden birdhouse with mastic glue. Soon thereafter, she discovered grout with adhesive and nippers with wheels for cutting and shaping the glass pieces allowing her to create more intricate designs and the rest is now history.
Designing and creating mosaic pieces has given her the opportunity to enjoy collecting and creating at the same time. Many of her pieces include bits and pieces of memorabilia what are close to her heart.
Assemblage art is a natural extension of mosaic art. Both art forms are three dimensional. One of the main differences is that assemblage art allows the creation on different surfaces and allows the inclusion of personal pieces.
Joan’s classes are paced to give you a firm foundation of creating mosaic/assemblage art in anticipation of her class in designing and creating your own Memory Jug which will happen in 2022 just in time for Mother’s Day.
In the mid-1980’s, Joan discovered mosaic birdhouses and decided that she could duplicate them. She started breaking plates with a hammer on her basement floor and attaching the pieces to a wooden birdhouse with mastic glue. Soon thereafter, she discovered grout with adhesive and nippers with wheels for cutting and shaping the glass pieces allowing her to create more intricate designs and the rest is now history.
Designing and creating mosaic pieces has given her the opportunity to enjoy collecting and creating at the same time. Many of her pieces include bits and pieces of memorabilia what are close to her heart.
Assemblage art is a natural extension of mosaic art. Both art forms are three dimensional. One of the main differences is that assemblage art allows the creation on different surfaces and allows the inclusion of personal pieces.
Joan’s classes are paced to give you a firm foundation of creating mosaic/assemblage art in anticipation of her class in designing and creating your own Memory Jug which will happen in 2022 just in time for Mother’s Day.
Ronda Rotz
Acrylics, Collage and Specialty Classes
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Stephen Walker
Oil
Before you start reading Steven's bio, let me tell you about my experiences with him. There are so many reasons that Steven is one of my favorite teachers, here are a few!
I don't remember how many years ago I took my first class from Steven at the Thor Gallery in Colonial Beach. I had been taking classes for a while but had never seen so many students in a class before -- there must have been 25. Yes, this seems like a large class but somehow in addition to his demonstrations and teaching, he found time to work with each of us at whatever level we were.
I was so impressed with Steven and how he helped me that I have followed him for years and when I planned to take a group of artists to Ireland several years ago, whom did I ask to go with us as the teacher, Steven of course.
I can promise you that no matter how good an artist you are or aren't, Steven will help you grow as as well as teach you how to be a better artist.
Steven doesn't come to this area very often, so this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. He teaches in oils but is competent in other mediums also.
Before you start reading Steven's bio, let me tell you about my experiences with him. There are so many reasons that Steven is one of my favorite teachers, here are a few!
I don't remember how many years ago I took my first class from Steven at the Thor Gallery in Colonial Beach. I had been taking classes for a while but had never seen so many students in a class before -- there must have been 25. Yes, this seems like a large class but somehow in addition to his demonstrations and teaching, he found time to work with each of us at whatever level we were.
I was so impressed with Steven and how he helped me that I have followed him for years and when I planned to take a group of artists to Ireland several years ago, whom did I ask to go with us as the teacher, Steven of course.
I can promise you that no matter how good an artist you are or aren't, Steven will help you grow as as well as teach you how to be a better artist.
Steven doesn't come to this area very often, so this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. He teaches in oils but is competent in other mediums also.
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