Emma Anderson is an artist currently based in Cleveland, Ohio. She recently received her Master of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University’s School of Art in 2018 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2016. Most recently she had work in “WOMAN XVII” at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. Prior to this Emma showed work in the show, “DoWutchyalike” at GraffitiHeart in Cleveland, Ohio. Emma also showed work in “Bug Out!” at E11even2 gallery in 78 Street Studios in Cleveland Ohio. Emma shows her artwork locally and internationally.

Moira Beale was born and educated in England. As a graduate from Farnham School of Art/Surrey Institute of Art she was a Ceramics Major and a Printing/Etching Minor. She has been Head of the Ceramics Department of BAYarts since 2000. Each year she curates the annual Ceramic Exhibit in the Sullivan Family Gallery. She has over 30 years of teaching experience in the USA, including at Orange Art Center and Hathaway Brown. Moira coordinates Youth, Family and Scout programs at Playhouse Square.

Tina Benavides enjoys many forms of art, but after retiring from American Greetings as a Vice president in the Creative Division, she decided to focus on Copperplate and Spencerian calligraphy for gifts, weddings and special events. She is a member of IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers & Teachers of Handwriting). She has studied under Martha Erickson, Barbara Close, Bill Kemp, Sheila Waters, Suzanne Cunningham, and Master Penmen Harvest Crittendon and Jake Weidmann. She has recently been studying pictorial flourishing with Master Penman Connie Chen and Engrosser”s Script with David Grimes. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, she studied Fashion Illustration and Commercial Art and completed 9 years on the Board of Trustees of the college. In addition to calligraphy, she enjoys drawing, watercolor and beading. She lives in Avon Lake with her painter husband Chris Benavides.

Chris is a representational painter who loves painting people and images that inspire and point to the beauty of creation. He works in oil in the direct method and can usually be found at BAYarts open studio, happily painting from a live model every Friday. Chris graduated from Cooper School of Art and enjoyed a forty year career as a designer and illustrator with American Greetings before retiring to pursue his own artistic goals. He is an associate member of the Oil Painters of America, and the Portrait Society of America. His paintings have been juried into numerous local and national exhibitions, does private commissions and has paintings included as part of American Greetings permanent corporate collection.

Yvonne has always had a love for the arts, as well as the health and well-being of families and children. Her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner took precedence for the past 36 years. However, she always managed to find the time to paint, draw, design, print, sew and create jewelry by teaching and selling her wares. Yvonne now has the time to dedicate her talents with others who desire to explore their creativity.

Audra Costello began teaching at BAYarts in the summer of 2010. She especially enjoys teaching children hand sewing and how to make wonderful creations using a needle, thread and their imagination. Audra is a 1997 graduate of The College of Wooster where she majored in English. She lives in Rocky River with her husband and two daughters.

Amy teaches preschool pottery and “mommy and me” classes at BAYarts. She has worked with clay since childhood and taken classes at Orange Art Center, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University, and BAYarts. She earned her bachelor degree from CSU in Ceramics, as well as Environmental Planning. Outside of the studio, she is a mom to her sons, native plant enthusiast, and a very happy camper. Amy has had the joy of introducing children to clay since 2011.

Megan Daloz has been immersed in the arts for over 20 years. Whether functioning as an independent artist, educator, student, or technician, she finds her truest sense of belonging within the studio.

Following the attainment of her bachelor’s degree from Alfred University, Megan swiftly embarked on her professional journey, working and teaching in studios across various cities such as Pittsburgh, Knoxville, and Atlanta. Her roles have ranged from sign painter to glassblower, printmaker, and teacher, accumulating a wealth of skills and experiences along the way. Regardless of the task at hand, her affinity for clay remains constant. Now settled in Cleveland, Megan focuses on her personal studio practice, crafting distinctive handmade ceramics that imbue any living space with a unique charm and serve as a source of joy in everyday use.

As a working color creative Ms. Flauto has worked as: textile colorist, textile dye expert, national and international color educator, product designer, color and trend consultant and contemporary fine
artist. Currently as an abstract contemporary painter, color plays a major role in her painting process. Ms. Flauto has exhibited nationally. Her work has appeared in The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Butler Institute of American Art and countless galleries. She is an active exhibitor and supporter of the arts in Northeast Ohio.

Nicole is a recent graduate from Baldwin Wallace University with a BA in Business Administration and Studio Art (focused in Ceramics). As our recent addition to the BAYarts pottery studio, Nicole comes to us with over 5 years of pottery experience and passion. She manages our adult pottery open studios, has become a Pug-master, and instructs/assists with kids workshops. You can see her current work by visiting her website below.

When he’s not busy thwarting alien invasions, local artist Jim “Rev” Giar is huddled over his drawing table pursuing his passion: drawing comics. Referring to himself as a pop culture brat, Jim was raised on healthy doses of westerns, film noir, grindhouse cinema, horror films and comics. These influences are sprinkled and peppered into his single illustration work. Jim attended CCAD, studying illustration and photography. There is where adopted advice from his illustration instructor as a lifelong mantra: “every illustration should tell a story.” Recently he has contributed to several anthologies, including the Harvey Award nominated Once Upon A Time Machine published by Locust Moon & Dark Horse Comics, as well as the New York Times best seller FUBAR: Empire of the Rising Dead. He shares his love of comics with kids, looking to motivate the young storytellers of the future to continue telling stories through the use of sequential images… A talent, Jim feels, exists in all children.

Susan Gray Bé has taught Oil & Acrylic Painting at BAYarts since 2010. She has a MA. in Painting from the State University of New York at Albany, a Certificate of Completion from the National Academy of Design, and has taken summer courses at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Vermont while in college. Susan received an BA. from Hamilton College in 1980, majoring in Art & a minoring in Psychology. Alongside teaching at BAYarts, she teaches drawing and painting to adults at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Cleveland Museum of Art (since 1997).

Erjon Hajnaj is an Eastern European artist born Fier, Albania. At an early age, Erjon was familiarized with the idea of art as a concept through his uncle Kujtim Komprencka’s work, a brilliant classical style sculptor, which influenced Erjon’s work in a major way for years to come. In 1992, Erjon enrolled at Jakov Xoxa Art high school in Fier, Albania, to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and study classical sculpture as well, and graduated in 1996. During that time, the country of Albania went through a political and economical crisis that created instability and uncertainty for its citizens, which forced Erjon to immigrate to the United States. Just like most immigrants in a foreign country, learning a new language and adapting to a new culture shifted his focus away from art. 20 years later, in 2017, Erjon found himself thinking again about art. But his interest this time was in painting instead of sculpture. Erjon recently graduated with his BFA in painting from Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, OH.

Kristie holds a BA in Fashion and Textile Design and an AS in Merchandising. Her journey in fashion has taken her from central London to the bustling atmosphere of New York City, where she’s had the privilege of working alongside talented designers. Kristie’s experiences include participating in fashion shows in London and New York, enriching her understanding of the industry’s dynamics.

After 16 years in the NYC area, Kristie relocated and transitioned into the field of interior design. This new path has allowed her to explore her creativity in a different context, blending her fashion background with design principles.

The founder of Dibbs On It Creative Learning, Kelly Dibble Kerner, is a certified K-12 teacher with extensive experience in curriculum development. She has taught in a variety of settings including public and private school, adult education, homeschool, and private tutoring. She is an advocate of hands-on learning, and has developed a unique line of workshops and resources that bring creative education to life!

Kelly Kocon has been at BAYarts since 2014. She teaches preschool art as well as art camps during the summer. She remembers always having loved teaching other’s, even when she was a child herself. She’d even put her babysitting income towards art supplies to bring to her next babysitting gigs. She went to LCCC for Early Childhood Education and has taught traditional preschool, been a nanny, and also managed an in-home daycare. “BAYarts has given me the chance to grow as a teacher and as a person. I love watching my preschooler’s tiny little hands creating their masterpieces to bring home. It is truly a rewarding job.” Currently living in Bay Village, she is a Mom to 3 children – ages nine, seven and three.

Beth leverages her extensive experience in retail management, marketing, and fundraising to oversee the general operations of the BAYarts campus, including the Playhouse renovation project. She also manages human resources and serves as the ADA Coordinator for the organization. Beth holds a BA from Cleveland State University and has a robust background in marketing and public relations. She is LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability) certified, reinforcing her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, she has served on the board of The Bay Village Foundation and actively participates in community events. As a Certified National Geographic Educator, Beth’s passion for environmental education aligns perfectly with BAYarts’ motto, “Artistic by Nature.”

I’ve been working with watercolors since 1992 and being self-taught has brought many challenges to my watercolor journey. I love watercolor and paint many different subjects including florals, landscapes and still life. Painting in a tight controlled manner using a very fluid medium has its challenges.  Watercolor like the world around us can be very unpredictable.  Trying to control it is exciting and provides hours of enjoyment and satisfaction. My work has been sold in local co-ops, gift shops, art shows and festivals and has been printed in several poetry magazines. I’ve been teaching watercolor for about six years.

Hilary Nemecek has been teaching Art in the Cleveland area since 2010. Her experience ranges from years in the public school systems, time as an artist in residence, and working with after school Art enrichment programs. Hilary holds a BA in sculpture and photography from Xavier University and MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University. She enjoys dabbling in all mediums and providing her students a safe, comfortable environment to explore and express themselves. In addition to teaching, Hilary also runs a portrait photography business. Hilary loves spending time with her three young daughters and husband.

Angela Oster grew up in northeast Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in digital media from the Cleveland Institute of Art. After a life-changing Creative Workforce Fellowship from Cuyahoga County Arts & Culture in 2009, she found the confidence to do what she truly loved – draw cartoons. Angela’s work explores the tearful yearnings and joys of childhood, and she also enjoys drawing odd and spooky characters. She lives in Rocky River with her husband Tom Stevick, also an artist, and her daughter Sylvie. Angela’s grandmother and father were both teachers, so she is thrilled to carry on the family tradition as a teacher at BAYarts.

John Plymak became interested in drawing and design as a child by copying comic book pages. John graduated with a BFA in fine art/graphic design from Ohio Northern University, and has spent his career involved in package design and printing technology. You can find John’s designs in your refrigerator and basement! As a lifelong practitioner of fine art, John is excited to teach drawing media, including graphite, pastels, colored pencils, and pen and ink. John has also recently begun teaching visual communication at the Community College level, and tries to blend fine art principles with the latest digital technology.

Mallory Rayne loves all things creative! She dabbles in a little bit of everything from still-life drawing to textiles to ceramics. She works part-time as an elementary art teacher in the Brunswick City School District and full-time as a mother of two young children. Mallory is a proud Kent State Alum currently working towards her masters degree. She has several hobbies including (but not limited to) making sourdough bread, learning Italian and her latest DIY house project. She stays quite busy with all her passions but is super excited to teach at BAYarts and share her love for art with her community.

Cara Romano is a Cleveland-based artist and jewelry designer. She has been part of the art faculty at Cuyahoga Community College since 2009 and is affiliated with Negative Space Gallery in Cleveland. Cara received her BA in Visual Arts from The University of Chicago in 2002 and her MFA in Sculpture from Ohio University in 2007, along with an MA in Art History. She is a life-long artist who works in many different styles and media but is best known for her paintings that incorporate light and shadow patterns into colorful, abstract compositions. She loves community, art, music, nature, and animals. Her work can be viewed on her website.

Amanda Rose earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art in Illustration. She is a freelance illustrator that specializes in children’s books, surface design, and printmaking. She is driven to create children’s books and illustrations that bring a sense of wonder and whimsy. She is drawn to illustrating because of the storytelling aspect of it. Her goal through teaching and her own art is the same, to inspire the younger generation to create. She firmly believes that art is not only important but essential in helping kids develop.

Erin Smith is a seasoned gardening teacher with a passion for promoting wellness through gardening. Erin brings decades of experience to her role, inspiring individuals to reconnect with nature through the transformative power of plants.

With a deep-rooted belief in the therapeutic benefits of horticulture, Erin holds a certificate in Horticultural Therapy, further enhancing her ability to harness the healing properties of gardening and she is dedicated to helping others find solace and joy while engaging with plants and nature.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Erin finds fulfillment in nurturing not only plants but also the human spirit. Her approach to gardening extends beyond mere cultivation; it serves as a conduit for fostering a profound connection with nature. Whether she’s teaching a class, leading a workshop, or simply tending to her own garden, Erin’s mission remains the same: to use plants as a means of enriching lives and promoting overall well-being.

Using bold colors, dynamic textures, and a sense of movement, Chrystene Thomas creates pieces that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative. Her art is a reflection of her own personal journey and deep appreciation for the world around us. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Chrystene holds a Masters in Social Work, which has given her a deep understanding of the complexities of the human experience. This knowledge has informed her art, inspiring her to explore issues of social justice, mental health, and community through her work. Chrystene is passionate about helping others to discover their own artistic voice. Whether through teaching, mentoring, or simply sharing her own experiences, Chrystene believes that everyone has the ability to tap into their creativity and make meaningful art.

Shannon creates mixed media magic!  Specializing in assemblage, collage, and kinetic art, her whimsical work is showcased in shops across the U.S. and internationally. Her work also extends into the public art sphere, with large-scale projects completed for prominent clients such as Procter & Gamble, Dominion Energy, and various local businesses and city buildings. Shannon has been celebrated as a “fearless female artist” in Oprah’s O Magazine and has been an artist in residence for the City of Novi, Michigan and Cleveland’s own Karamu House and has an ongoing artist in residence appointment at the University of Akron Field Station.

Shannon also loves to share her passion for creating with others. In her engaging workshops and art camps, she offers a space for both kids and adults to explore, experiment, and create. In addition to BayArts, Shannon has taught art workshops in a wide variety of settings from corporate offices to men’s and women’s homeless shelters, libraries, malls and large-scale public events. Listed on the Ohio Teaching Artist Roster, Shannon also travels to share projects that bridge the gap between science and art in public schools throughout the state.

With over 30 years of experience as an art educator, Camille is ready to help you move along your own artistic journey. After discovering her love of making art for others as a young adult, she went on to a formal fine arts education (B.F.A. with a specialization in oil painting). Although she enjoys working in and teaching a variety of mediums (watercolor, gouache, acrylic, pastel chalk, etc.), oils are still what she loves and works with the most. Within these mediums, portrait painting is her deepest passion. When teaching, Camille tries to meet students where they are in terms of experience, technical skill, and personality.