Vanita Bailey received a BS with a concentration in Fine Arts and Psychology from Towson State University in 1981 and a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from George Washington University in 1984. For more than 30 years, she worked as a clinical Art Therapist in military treatment facilities administering therapy to active duty service members and veterans with PTSD, chronic pain, and disabilities. Using a broad range of media, she targeted diminishing emotional stress through art.

Leslie Martin received her BS degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 1985 from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. After moving to NC, Leslie received her certification as a counselor and began helping those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. After raising her children, Leslie felt a pull to work with the older adult population and has incorporated her love of creativity with helping others enjoy the pleasures of making art. When pursuing her own creativity, Leslie enjoys sewing, knitting, painting and decoupage.

Lee Meh earned dual degrees in Studio Art (VAPA) and Business Administration from Salem College in 2023. She co-founded and manages RK’s Art (Karenni Art and Culture Development), which provides creative opportunities and a safe space for Karenni artists. The group created the first Karenni mural in the U.S. and published the first Karenni coloring book while raising funds for IDPs in Myanmar. In addition to her visual art, Lee is a dancer, singer, photographer, and arts and culture advocate with the Karenni Community of Winston-Salem.

Maddie Oligmueller is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics at Guilford College. She earned her Associate Degree in Fine Arts in 2022 while studying under Phil Haralam. Now working closely with Charlie Taft as his teaching assistant, she’s gaining valuable hands-on experience. Maddie also teaches wheelthrowing for CAN-NC and aspires to become a full-time art educator. She has curated and exhibited in several shows and finds deep fulfillment in sharing her passion for ceramics with others.

Diane Shur began her art education in high school in New York City, attending the High School of Music and Art, and taking figure drawing classes at the renowned Art Students League. She studied at Brooklyn College from 1970-72, majoring in Art History before working in retail and as a surgical technologist. Diane is proficient in watercolor and pastel as well as pottery and drawing. 

Craig Richards studied Art at Montclair State University and specializes in oil and acrylic painting as well as drawing. He has 15 years of teaching experience in a wide range of art subjects including Color Theory, Color Mixing, Plein Air Painting, Still Life Painting, Live Model Sketch Sessions and Portrait Painting.