PROFILE Owner of Artifice, Inc, a full service decorative arts company executing the finest in handcrafted murals and decorative finishes. Artifice, Inc has serviced the Washington D.C. metropolitan region since 1987 providing a full range of wall treatments including: faux finishes, Italian plasters, custom stenciling, gilding/gold leaf, with an emphasis on mural painting. EXPERIENCE — 1987-2024 President, Artifice, Inc. 1829 N. Quesada St. Arlington, VA — 1987-present -Executed two large focal ceilings for Christ the King Chapel, Christendom College in Front Royal,VA. Ceilings were finished in a deep blue faux fresco background with 214 23K gold leaf stars on the first ceiling at 90’, and a second ceiling at 50’ with 164 23K gold leaf stars. Also completed decorative surface treatments of intricate stencil work and patina for two side chapels. -Executed many large exterior murals in the DC metropolitan area including Georgetown, Clarendon, Arlington Courthouse, K Street, Vienna, Falls Church, Reston, Bailey’s Crossroads, Alexandria, and Silver Spring. -Member of Salon https://www.salonforever.net/, an international gathering of decorative artisans. Members are accepted by Jury only. Salon meets annually to showcase the finest practitioners of the decorative arts from around the world. 2014-present -Selected artisan to execute faux finishes for the U.S. Capital Visitors Center Exhibition Hall. Work included replicating the Red Levanto marble pilasters in the Senate, and the Black Portor marble columns in the House for the Exhibition Hall Theater. -Mural Instructor for Smithsonian Resident Associate Program -Painting Instructor Arlington Artist’s Academy - Completed murals and decorative finishes for many corporate clients including: IBM, Mobil Oil, Saatchi and Saatchi, Goodyear, AARP, Goodyear, Wilderness Society, British Aerospace, and Occidental Petroleum. - Mural work has been featured in the Washington Post, Washingtonian, and Home and Design Magazine EDUCATION Carnegie Mellon University 1975-1979 BFA Drawing /Summa Cum Laude Junior Class Award 1978 Cranbrook Academy of Art 1979-1981 MFA Painting Winner Carl Milles Award /partial tuition scholarship 1980. SKILLS As the owner of a decorative painting company I have acquired a wide variety of skills involving surface/ornamental finishes including gold and metallic leaf, Venetian/decorative plasters, stenciling, faux finishes/marble and wood, trompe-l’oeil, and custom wall treatments. I have also been responsible for all facets of running a business from marketing, writing proposals, bookkeeping, staying current on the latest trends, client relations, time management, and directing artisan employees across a wide variety of corporate and residential projects. I have executed 13 large exterior murals in the DC metropolitan area utilizing a wide variety of techniques. The work has required a knowledge of operating a swing scaffold, boom lift, scissor lift, and erection and breaking down of assorted scaffolding types. I have worked with exterior house paints, mural paints, and Keim mineral paint depending on the requirements of the project over many different substrates. AWARDS - Community Enhancement Beautification Award for the Spokes mural on the exterior facade of Spokes, Etc. bike shop, from the Town of Vienna, VA 2013 - -Winner Washington Building Congress Award for Craftsmanship for decorative faux marble work at Theodore Roosevelt Bank, Washington, DC. 1990.

Cathy has been a professional artist demonstrating leadership and competence over a twenty-five year creatively focused career. Including 10 years as a skilled art educator honing her experience engaging, motivating, and guiding students with artistic goals. She is a successful artistic business owner committed to continuing training and education to provide students and clientele with high quality aesthetic experiences. Cathy has been a member of IDAL since 2005 and has chaired the Stenciling Certification program since 2012. She knows stenciling and loves to teach it!

Blessed to be located in a busy market, Houston,Texas has treated Cindy well. The diversity of client base and the creative nature of local designers has allowed this artisan to stretch her abilities. After 25 years of Decorative Painting, Cindy is giving back to the industry by teaching some of the techniques and styles she has had the joy of using. As she gradually steps off the scaffolding, her skills have been put to good use creating commissioned artworks for Interior Designers and clients across the country. CRH Studios was born to fulfill this need in the industry. Her journey as an artist has come full circle since Glassell School of Art was at her beginnings. She has learned from Master artisans and artists all over the world to round out her professional offerings on wall, canvas & panels.

Blessed to be located in a busy market, Houston,Texas has treated Cindy well as she has opened her new digs, CRH Studios LLC. The diversity of client base and the creative nature of local designers has allowed this artisan to stretch her abilities. After 25 years of Decorative Painting, Cindy is giving back to the industry by teaching some of the techniques and styles she has had the joy of using. As she gradually steps off the scaffolding, her skills have been put to good use creating commissioned artworks for Interior Designers and clients across the country. Her journey as an artist has come full circle since Glassell School of Art was at her beginnings. She has learned from Master artisans and artists all over the world to round out her professional offerings on wall, canvas & panels.

I have been a Graphic Artist/Art Director for 40 years, the last 23 as owner of the Design/Marketing Firm, Fat Dog Creative. I have always been creative but most of my life I have found myself being creative for others. In Graphic Design/Marketing, there are rules one must follow, it is very structured. I needed to break away from that structure and find my artistic voice. So, 5 years ago, I decided it was time to be creative for myself. I had always wanted to learn how to watercolor, so every night I painted, and experimented with what the paints could do, and what I could do to make them my own. Along the way I added resin to the mix, then alcohol inks. I love each of these mediums because they allow me to let go and just be in the moment. With the fluid nature of these mediums you never truly know what the outcome will be. After about a year of painting and experimenting, I felt I had found my voice, time to see if anyone else felt the same. So I applied to sell my artwork at the Festival of the Little Hills in 2019. The reception at this Festival was incredible, I sold every painting I had done that year. From that one show, I was asked to be a featured artist at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Center and the Hannibal Cultural Arts Center. Since then I have been featured 3 times at St. Peters Cultural Arts Center and told that no other featured artist has ever sold so many pieces of work. At the Hannibal Cultural Arts Center, every piece in the show sold. I continue to sell every year at Festival of the Little Hills and have started showing at Juried Art Festivals in Missouri and Iowa, hoping to add more shows in the future. Every show I have attended I am asked if I teach, this is something I have always wanted to do, but time has not allowed. I would be honored to teach at IDAL, and know that my experience as a business owner and Art Director, and my passion for creating with these mediums will allow me to be a good teacher.

Deanne Lenehan is not your stereotypical artist. From her years as a high school art teacher she learned the importance of organization and effective communication. These, coupled with her talent and drive, have been the reason why Lenehan Studios has served clients in the Baltimore Washington metro area for nearly 20 years. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Art Education at Towson University and as studied at Pratt Institute, McDaniel College and has had the fortune of being able to study nationally as well as in Italy and France, under the tutelage of the industry’s top artisans. Her work has been seen in over a dozen designer show houses and she is the first decorative artist to have a course on decorative painting accredited by the Interior Design Continuing Education Council. She is the president of the local chapter of the International Decorative Artisans League, founder of the Ellicott City Arts Coalition, and an Industry Partner of the American Society of Interior Designers. Lenehan Studios has earned several accolades including heading a team of 30 artists to work on an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, was voted “Baltimore’s Best” Decorative Artist by Baltimore Magazine, and has had her work published regionally including Baltimore Magazine, Howard Magazine and Home and Design. Lenehan was honored to worked with the Baltimore Ravens Foundation to create a series of murals for an elementary school media center renovation. Her fine art has been selected to be exhibited in several juried shows in the region as well as New York City. Lenehan Studios specializes in unique and innovative painted solutions for interiors which include faux finishes, murals, custom fine art, children’s spaces, liturgical services, and more. She loves to collaborate with interior designers and clients alike to create unique and beautiful spaces that will be enjoyed for years. Lenehan has served clients across the mid-Atlantic and loves to travel wherever the project may take her.

I have been a professional decorative artist for 23 years. I have been a member of IDAL since 2007. We do all types of decorative paint and plaster finishes. We have done thousands of feet in Venetian Plaster and lime plaster. Stenciling in all over patterns is one of my favorite thing to do and have done some amazing projects. I do both residential and commercial work. I count two hotels in my portfolio and numerous restaurants, several office buildings and countless residential work. We love what we do.

Fine Artist and Decorative Painter, Certified Zentangle Teacher and Color Specialist.

BIO Ellie Ellis is a versatile and successful decorative artist. Her specialty is three dimensional wall sculpting (Bas Relief). She has developed an innovative process for creating and duplicating design elements and blending them in with her unique style of hand sculpted background components. A Certified Master Stencilist (CMS), Ellie is also trained in Tromp L'oeil, Pompeian and Parisian Fresco and a host of faux finishes and textures for plasters, concrete and wood. Ellie is a gifted teacher and presents her subject material in a concise and organized manner. Her students go hands on with her processes right from the beginning. It's easy to get caught up in putting together one of her creations and students often stay late and to work on their projects well after regular class hours are over. Ellie is generous with her time and information. Students complete her classes with new skills and a Art Panel that will inspire them to explore their own ideas and create custom styles in a growing and marketable field.

Eugenia Almeida's art studio, A New Hue, is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. She specializes in plaster art, faux finishes, concrete carving, original stencils, and much more. Eugenia has taken classes all over the world to bring new techniques to her clients and the artists who make up her crew. Every project draws from the years of experience and plethora of techniques mastered by Eugenia.

Based in Los Angeles California, the art studio of Evan LeGrande Wilson has been providing high quality art, art restoration, and site-specific decorative painting for more than 30 years. Evan’s work can be seen up and down the California coast, as well as overseas in areas such as Tokyo, Cairo, Chile, and the Netherlands. Notable commissions include artwork for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Barry Bonds, Brandy, Roy Disney Jr., John Fogerty, Mac Davis, Cleo Wade, and institutions such as NASA, Forest Lawn, the Doheny Mansion, Los Angeles County Libraries, and several historic hotels, theaters, City Halls and churches. An alum of UCLA, Evan went on to seek out additional art training at Otis, College of Art and Design, and private art training at various locations in Europe. Under Evan’s direction, LeGrande Studios, Inc. has produced a body of work that has earned recognition in Architectural Digest, the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Pasadena Star News, The Glendale News-press, Valley Magazine, Veranda Magazine, and various other publications. Evan enjoys interacting with other artists, and does collaborative projects when the occasion permits. He teaches classes intermittently in his studio, and has been a guest instructor in other studios and schools in around the country. Evan has produced important and award-winning work. His paintings have won several recent awards locally, including First Place at the Pasadena ArtWalk, and Several “Best of Show” awards in local group shows. Evan’s solo exhibition of “Lyrical Portraits” at the Pico Rivera Center for the Arts set a new record for attendance at an opening reception at that venue. Finally, when he isn’t spending time with his family, or creating Bonzai (a new passion), Evan donates time to local community organizations, and occasionally opens his studio to youth groups in hopes of giving some encouragement and direction to the next generation of young artists. For more information see his social media content on Facebook or Instagram, or visit his newly re-structured website legrandestudiosinc.net

IDAL Instructor Bio….Henri Menendez As a wise person once said, “He who loves what he does, never has to work a day in his life”. Henri instills that passion for cabinet finishing through his creativity, quality, and professionalism. Henri has spent over 34 years in the painting industry covering over 2500 cabinet and furniture projects. Known across the nation as a premiere cabinet finisher and instructor of the always popular Cabinet Master workshops & lectures, Henri has traveled to 6 countries and over 20 states serving clients and students alike. After this class, Henri plans to visit Nepal where he will study the ancient art of weaving Pashmina while enjoying a tepid glass of yaks milk on a sunny, hillside pasture. Happy spraying my friends!

IDAL Instructor Bio….Henri Menendez As a wise person once said, “He who loves what he does, never has to work a day in his life”. Henri instills that passion for cabinet finishing through his creativity, quality, and professionalism. Henri has spent over 34 years in the painting industry covering over 2500 cabinet and furniture projects. Known across the nation as a premiere cabinet finisher and instructor of the always popular Cabinet Master workshops & lectures, Henri has traveled to 6 countries and over 20 states serving clients and students alike. After this class, Henri plans to visit Nepal where he will study the ancient art of weaving Pashmina while enjoying a tepid glass of yaks milk on a sunny, hillside pasture. Happy spraying my friends!

IDAL Instructor Bio….Henri Menendez As a wise person once said, “He who loves what he does, never has to work a day in his life”. Henri instills that passion for cabinet finishing through his creativity, quality, and professionalism. Henri has spent over 34 years in the painting industry covering over 2500 cabinet and furniture projects. Known across the nation as a premiere cabinet finisher and instructor of the always popular Cabinet Master workshops & lectures, Henri has traveled to 6 countries and over 20 states serving clients and students alike. After this class, Henri plans to visit Nepal where he will study the ancient art of weaving Pashmina while enjoying a tepid glass of yaks milk on a sunny, hillside pasture. Happy spraying my friends!

I'm an artist who has been blessed to do what I love for the past 37-plus years. I have owned my own business for 35 years, which includes a retail shop, art studio, and provide instructional classes. I have taught for IDAL at least 20 of the annual conventions. I'm an author, have appeared on several different TV shows and taught locally and nationally my entire career.

With a career spanning over two decades, Julie has established herself as a leading figure in the field, showcasing a blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and dedication to her craft. A former president of the International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL), Julie has made promoting decorative art education the center of her work beyond her business, Julie A Stonehouse Decorative Painting. As a seasoned educator, she has taught many workshops on decorative painting and gilding techniques, inspiring her students to explore their creativity and increase their profits. Her projects have graced upscale residences and tech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether she's crafting bespoke finishes for a high-profile client or mentoring the next generation of artisans, Julie leads with passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

I have been creating art since I was a young child. When I grew into adulthood, after college, I became a Commercial Artist...way back in the days when things were still done by hand. I then changed with the times and became a Graphic Designer creating things electronically. During this period of time I began creating artwork with colored pencils. I entered several juried exhibits through the years and won multiple awards, among them a Best of Show. In 2002 I started things anew and began my decorative painting business.

Lisa Schefsky, the Sales and Marketing Director at Crescent Bronze, an APN Specialty Brands company, is known for her forward-thinking approach and significant achievements in the paint and coatings industry. With expertise in the metallic effect and flooring sector, Lisa has overseen design projects and product installations at renowned sites like The White House, Goddard Spaceflight Center, Armani, and Disney. She earned her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and currently holds the position of board president at the Wisconsin Paint and Coatings Association.

Lori Wilson is the owner of Wilson Decorative Solutions she assists the professional decorative painting community with color and paint technical assistance, technique development, teaches and works as a painting crew member around the US and abroad. After completing a BA in both Studio Art and History of Art from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, living and studying in Europe for over two years and earning an MA in the History of Art from the Victoria University of Manchester, Manchester, England, she completed 21 years of service for the leading manufacturer of acrylic paint for artists, Golden Artist Colors, Inc. At Golden, she developed new products, provided technical support, developed painting techniques and conducted workshops for professional artists, decorative painters and beginners in both painting categories. Additionally, she was introduced to and continues to participate in the Color Marketing Group international conference http://www.colormarketing.org. At Golden, she developed annual trend/color/design programs, presented the lecture “Modern Materials and Tradition: Decorative Painting in the 21st Century” at the 2008 International Architectural Paint Research Conference held at Columbia University, NYC and is a current participant of the International Salon, a peer reviewed group of international decorative painters holding annual global conferences. As a fine artist, she’s instructed at the university level: Acrylic Painting, Two-dimensional Design and Color Theory. Lori is a painter and sculptor utilizing acrylic, glass, and plastics. Lori was born and continue to live in Upstate New York working, creating, exhibiting and traveling around the world.

Lori Wilson is the owner of Wilson Decorative Solutions she assists the professional decorative painting community with color and paint technical assistance, technique development, teaches and works as a painting crew member around the US and abroad. After completing a BA in both Studio Art and History of Art from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, living and studying in Europe for over two years and earning an MA in the History of Art from the Victoria University of Manchester, Manchester, England, she completed 21 years of service for the leading manufacturer of acrylic paint for artists, Golden Artist Colors, Inc. At Golden, she developed new products, provided technical support, developed painting techniques and conducted workshops for professional artists, decorative painters and beginners in both painting categories. Additionally, she was introduced to and continues to participate in the Color Marketing Group international conference http://www.colormarketing.org. At Golden, she developed annual trend/color/design programs, presented the lecture “Modern Materials and Tradition: Decorative Painting in the 21st Century” at the 2008 International Architectural Paint Research Conference held at Columbia University, NYC and is a current participant of the International Salon, a peer reviewed group of international decorative painters holding annual global conferences. As a fine artist, she’s instructed at the university level: Acrylic Painting, Two-dimensional Design and Color Theory. Lori is a painter and sculptor utilizing acrylic, glass, and plastics. Lori was born and continue to live in Upstate New York working, creating, exhibiting and traveling around the world.

Lori Wilson is the owner of Wilson Decorative Solutions she assists the professional decorative painting community with color and paint technical assistance, technique development, teaches and works as a painting crew member around the US and abroad. After completing a BA in both Studio Art and History of Art from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, living and studying in Europe for over two years and earning an MA in the History of Art from the Victoria University of Manchester, Manchester, England, she completed 21 years of service for the leading manufacturer of acrylic paint for artists, Golden Artist Colors, Inc. At Golden, she developed new products, provided technical support, developed painting techniques and conducted workshops for professional artists, decorative painters and beginners in both painting categories. Additionally, she was introduced to and continues to participate in the Color Marketing Group international conference http://www.colormarketing.org. At Golden, she developed annual trend/color/design programs, presented the lecture “Modern Materials and Tradition: Decorative Painting in the 21st Century” at the 2008 International Architectural Paint Research Conference held at Columbia University, NYC and is a current participant of the International Salon, a peer reviewed group of international decorative painters holding annual global conferences. As a fine artist, she’s instructed at the university level: Acrylic Painting, Two-dimensional Design and Color Theory. Lori is a painter and sculptor utilizing acrylic, glass, and plastics. Lori was born and continue to live in Upstate New York working, creating, exhibiting and traveling around the world.

Lori Wilson is the owner of Wilson Decorative Solutions she assists the professional decorative painting community with color and paint technical assistance, technique development, teaches and works as a painting crew member around the US and abroad. After completing a BA in both Studio Art and History of Art from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, living and studying in Europe for over two years and earning an MA in the History of Art from the Victoria University of Manchester, Manchester, England, she completed 21 years of service for the leading manufacturer of acrylic paint for artists, Golden Artist Colors, Inc. At Golden, she developed new products, provided technical support, developed painting techniques and conducted workshops for professional artists, decorative painters and beginners in both painting categories. Additionally, she was introduced to and continues to participate in the Color Marketing Group international conference http://www.colormarketing.org. At Golden, she developed annual trend/color/design programs, presented the lecture “Modern Materials and Tradition: Decorative Painting in the 21st Century” at the 2008 International Architectural Paint Research Conference held at Columbia University, NYC and is a current participant of the International Salon, a peer reviewed group of international decorative painters holding annual global conferences. As a fine artist, she’s instructed at the university level: Acrylic Painting, Two-dimensional Design and Color Theory. Lori is a painter and sculptor utilizing acrylic, glass, and plastics. Lori was born and continue to live in Upstate New York working, creating, exhibiting and traveling around the world.

Founded in 2009, Romabio has been on a mission to innovate and bring to market differentiating products. While we are well known for our Classico Limewash, we want to spread the word about our full assortment of mineral products that can be used in a wide variety of ways. From our Italian plasters and decorative finishes to our mineral Masonry Paints, we provide the right products for the right substrates.

Michael Cooper is well into his third decade of painting large-scale custom wall murals. He also provides decorative finishes, Venetian Plasters, Trompe L’oeil, and hand-painted large-scale graphics and signage. Mike started Murals & More LLC in 1990 with his wife and business partner, Mickie, and since then he has designed and painted everything from small interior residential projects to enormous hotel interiors, massive exterior highway painting projects and fabulous Public Art installations. Also an accomplished decorative painter, Mike has transformed many surfaces into amazing faux brick, intricate marble and classic Italian Plaster. He is internationally renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to create realistic and whimsical trompe l’oeil murals. People have simply been amazed at discovering what they thought was a series of wrought iron balconies or a clumsily placed ladder was actually a flat painted surface. With the encouragement of his wife, Cooper founded Murals & More LLC after painting murals as a hobby for nearly his entire life. His first association with a mural was actually in his hometown of Memphis, in the first grade, (too many years ago!) where his winning drawings were incorporated into a large tile mural, which still exists today. Even though his specialty is custom, large-scale wall murals and decorative finishes, Michael has also provided his clients with painted furniture, ceiling murals, floor cloths, backdrops, canvas murals and many other specialty items. His most recent commercial projects include a 30’ x 120’ trompe l’oeil floral wall for a newly-built residential subdivision, a 35’ x 140’ tribute to the history of Pontotoc, Mississippi; a 200’ wall for an invitation-only mural festival in Illinois, and a 60’ Welcome Postcard in beautiful Franklin, TN., his home for the last 3 decades. He and his mural artist crew just completed a 10’ x 22’ Trompe L’oeil mural for a Spring Hill bank, featuring photo-realistic “Polaroids” of over a dozen of the bank’s locations; a 30’ x 60’ hometown tribute to Charlie Daniels, in Mt. Juliet, TN.; a massive 200’ graphic for Guy Fieri in Pigeon Forge, TN.; and “ghost wall” murals on two dilapidated barns in College Grove, TN. (And that’s not even mentioning his residential projects!) In order to share his over 30 years of experience as a professional mural artist, Michael (and Mickie!) has also been teaching classes in the art and business of mural painting in their large Franklin studio, as well as mural painting seminars throughout the country. He has authored an instructional DVD on “How to Paint Murals”, and he has his own line of custom mural brushes (the Michael Cooper Signature Series) - check out the link on his website! He is a member of the Community Relations Board for the Frist Art Museum, a member of the Franklin Public Arts Commission, a member of the Engagement Committee for the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce, an avid racquetball player, a beginning Pickleball enthusiast, and, in his spare time (really?!), Mike plays a decent 12 string guitar and a mean djembe. All with a new knee! …AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… …if it weren’t for his amazing wife, Mickie, he wouldn’t be here at all!

Michelle is a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky and has a teaching and working studio - Michelle Bergman Studio in Independence, Ky. Every step of Michelle’s journey has included creativity in some fashion. Give her anything to use with her hands - paper, paint, pencils, fabric - and she is a happy girl. She’s a lover of all things creative, and feels that it is just part of her DNA. Ever since Sister Mary Helen pointed out in fifth grade art class that trees don’t look like lollipops, Michelle learned to be an observer of nature, textures, and the complexity of colors. She studied fine art all through high school and college with a prominent local artist and majored in graphic design in college. During that time, she began her business, Design Works and took on any commissions she could including sign painting and lettering on drag race cars to get a wide range of experience. After 14 years in the graphic design world, Michelle changed her focus to get back to a hands-on career in the arts that worked better with a family of four children and a hardworking husband. Experimenting with finishes in her own home, and a desire to help others make their homes beautiful and comfortable, she began doing decorative finishing in homes and businesses. More than 25 years into it, Michelle has painted everything from walls to cabinets and furniture to murals and designs on canvas and glass. Her work has been featured in home shows including Homearama, Citirama and Best of the West, as well as Venue magazine. Behind the scenes, Michelle has devoted a substantial amount of time traveling around the country to teach new finishes to other professionals and studying with accomplished artisans to keep up with the latest trends, expanding her practice of art and feeding her creative soul. She has recently opened an online teaching platform to reach artists all over the country.

Michelle is a lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky and has a teaching and working studio - Michelle Bergman Studio in Independence, Ky. Every step of Michelle’s journey has included creativity in some fashion. Give her anything to use with her hands - paper, paint, pencils, fabric - and she is a happy girl. She’s a lover of all things creative, and feels that it is just part of her DNA. Ever since Sister Mary Helen pointed out in fifth grade art class that trees don’t look like lollipops, Michelle learned to be an observer of nature, textures, and the complexity of colors. She studied fine art all through high school and college with a prominent local artist and majored in graphic design in college. During that time, she began her business, Design Works and took on any commissions she could including sign painting and lettering on drag race cars to get a wide range of experience. After 14 years in the graphic design world, Michelle changed her focus to get back to a hands-on career in the arts that worked better with a family of four children and a hardworking husband. Experimenting with finishes in her own home, and a desire to help others make their homes beautiful and comfortable, she began doing decorative finishing in homes and businesses. More than 25 years into it, Michelle has painted everything from walls to cabinets and furniture to murals and designs on canvas and glass. Her work has been featured in home shows including Homearama, Citirama and Best of the West, as well as Venue magazine. Behind the scenes, Michelle has devoted a substantial amount of time traveling around the country to teach new finishes to other professionals and studying with accomplished artisans to keep up with the latest trends, expanding her practice of art and feeding her creative soul. She has recently opened an online teaching platform to reach artists all over the country.

Michelle has a teaching and working studio - Michelle Bergman Studio in Independence, Ky. Every step of Michelle’s journey has included creativity in some fashion. Give her anything to use with her hands - paper, paint, pencils, fabric - and she is a happy girl. She’s a lover of all things creative, and feels that it is just part of her DNA. Ever since Sister Mary Helen pointed out in fifth grade art class that trees don’t look like lollipops, Michelle learned to be an observer of nature, textures, and the complexity of colors. She studied fine art all through high school and college with a prominent local artist and majored in graphic design in college. During that time, she began her business, Design Works and took on any commissions she could including sign painting and lettering on drag race cars to get a wide range of experience. After 14 years in the graphic design world, Michelle changed her focus to get back to a hands-on career in the arts that worked better with a family of four children and a hardworking husband. Experimenting with finishes in her own home, and a desire to help others make their homes beautiful and comfortable, she began doing decorative finishing in homes and businesses. More than 25 years into it, Michelle has painted everything from walls to cabinets and furniture to murals and designs on canvas and glass. Her work has been featured in home shows including Homearama, Citirama and Best of the West, as well as Venue magazine. Behind the scenes, Michelle has devoted a substantial amount of time traveling around the country to teach new finishes to other professionals and studying with accomplished artisans to keep up with the latest trends, expanding her practice of art and feeding her creative soul. She has recently opened an online teaching platform to reach artists all over the country.

Meet Monika Lea Jones, the visionary behind Hairpin Finishing. Drawing inspiration from her experience in the film, theater, and museum exhibit realms, her work doesn't just decorate; it resonates. With every project, residential, commercial or community, Monika and her team create an environment that's both visually stunning and eco-friendly. Hairpin Finishing specializes in custom murals, wallpaper installation and timeless plaster finishes.

Patricia's painting career began in the theatre in 1977, first studying scene painting while a student at The College of William and Mary; where she graduated with a B.A. degree in Theatre and Speech in 1981. She continued her theatre training as a student on full scholarship at The British American Acting Academy in London, England. Then in 1986, she began to translate her creative skills into decorative painting while living and working as an actor in NYC. Patricia's acting career enjoyed twelve successful seasons appearing in theatres in New England (working with such luminaries as Christopher Walken, Sigourney Weaver, Nathan Lane, Allison Janney and many others). And today, she records voice overs for scripted podcasts in her spare time. During her career in decorative artistry, Patricia has studied at a number of American studios: The Day Studio, The Faux Institute, Faux Effects Studio, Faux Works, Dundean Studio, The Finishing Source; and also attending a professional artisan's class at Atelier Nadai in France. Over the years she has had the pleasure of studying with such Master Artists as Patrick LeHayne, Michel Nadai, Carolina D'Ayala Valva, and Pierre LeFumat. She worked as a Decorative Artist in NYC for 12 years, then in 1998 moved to Tucson, Arizona - where her solid training and experience gave rise to the creation of Finishes First. Patricia has also enjoyed teaching classes for many years at Pima College and other locations (her popular "Faux for Walls" and "Faux Marble" classes have garnered unanimous "excellent" student ratings.) A long-time member of IDAL, in 2005, Patricia was accepted as a member of the prestigious International Decorative Artist's Salon, a yearly gathering of 100 of the finest decorative artists from 30 countries around the world. As a member of Salon 2006, a panel of Patricia's work was exhibited at the Escher Museum of the Queen's Palace at The Hague in the Netherlands. In 2009, Patricia created a 1/6 scale room heavily decorated in grottesca, and finely detailed to replicate a circa-1860 Venetian boudoir. This charming piece was exhibited in the Salon at Museo Storico in Bergamo, Italy. Then in April 2010, Patricia completed a faux pietre dure panel (which was exhibited at the Versailles Town Hall (in France.) Her work has also been viewed at Salon exhibitions in Tokyo, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, St. Petersburg Russia, Seattle, Lecce, Leeuwarden, Chamonix and other venues. Her gouache painting "Circle of Fifths" is on permanent exhibit at the Tucson Music Museum. Patricia's residential and commercial decorative painting work has been featured in numerous magazines including: Tucson Home, Tucson Lifestyle and Tucson Home and Garden magazine, as well as Faux Effect's World and a number of other publications. In 2020, Patricia was named “Decorative Artist of the Year, for Arizona” by Build Magazine.

Rachel Knigge is a highly influential figure in the concrete industry and the esteemed owner/creative director of Floormaps, Inc. Her passion for the art of stenciling has not only fostered creativity but also served as a profound source of inspiration for countless individuals. With an impressive 18-year tenure in the industry, she has had the incredible opportunity to showcase her exceptional work on renowned projects for Target, Google, Microsoft, Marvel Comics, and many others.

Regina Garay, founder of Right Brain Loves Left, is an engaging public speaker and workshop trainer. She specializes in empowering small businesses with effective time and marketing management strategies, enhancing their digital presence. Regina also leads the GoalMinds Mastermind group, aiding entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. With a rich background in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she has led successful marketing campaigns across various platforms. Additionally, Regina volunteers as a Marketing Mentor for the SCORE program, leveraging her diverse experience to provide a comprehensive approach to brand impact maximization.

Regina Garay, founder of Right Brain Loves Left, is an engaging public speaker and workshop trainer. She specializes in empowering small businesses with effective time and marketing management strategies, enhancing their digital presence. Regina also leads the GoalMinds Mastermind group, aiding entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. With a rich background in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she has led successful marketing campaigns across various platforms. Additionally, Regina volunteers as a Marketing Mentor for the SCORE program, leveraging her diverse experience to provide a comprehensive approach to brand impact maximization.

Regina Garay, founder of Right Brain Loves Left, is an engaging public speaker and workshop trainer. She specializes in empowering creative small businesses with effective time and marketing management strategies, enhancing their dynamic digital presence. Regina also leads the GoalMinds Mastermind group, aiding entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. With a rich background in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she has led successful marketing campaigns across various platforms. Additionally, Regina volunteers as a Marketing Mentor for the SCORE program, leveraging her diverse experience to provide a comprehensive approach to brand impact maximization.

Regina Garay, founder of Right Brain Loves Left, is an engaging public speaker and workshop trainer. She specializes in empowering small businesses with effective time and marketing management strategies, enhancing their digital presence. Regina also leads the GoalMinds Mastermind group, aiding entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. With a rich background in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she has led successful marketing campaigns across various platforms. Additionally, Regina volunteers as a Marketing Mentor for the SCORE program, leveraging her diverse experience to provide a comprehensive approach to brand impact maximization.

Renee Smith is an accomplished artist and the visionary behind Rainy Day Vintage, where she serves as both the artist and owner. With a multifaceted talent, she extends her creative influence as a writer, educator, and as a curator of timeless creativity for The Turquoise Iris Journal. Renowned for her distinctive use of moody colors and an intuitive style, Renee's artistic journey began on furniture and has since expanded to encompass canvas, mixed media journals, and wood art. Her intuitive florals and landscapes bear her signature textured depth, making her work easily recognizable and deeply resonant. As the founder of RDV Prints, a faith-based printing company, Renee caters to artists seeking to explore new avenues of revenue through art prints. She is dedicated to fostering artistic growth. Through her engaging Real Talk Mondays, Self-Talk Tuesdays, workshops, and commission work, as well as her insightful writing, she empowers others to embark on and expand their artistic journeys. Renee's intuitive approach not only nurtures creativity but also instills confidence, helping individuals trust their instincts and discover their unique artistic voice and style. Her passion for infusing light and joy into the world through art shines through every aspect of her work, inspiring others to embrace the transformative power of creativity.</