AAG Winter Exhibition 2023
Arizona Artists Guild
Juried Exhibition of Fine Art
The AAG Winter Exhibition has become an annual tradition. Open to all members of Arizona Artists Guild the show highlights the breadth, depth and diversity of AAG members’ art. This is an exhibition not to be missed.
The show continues through December 19, 2023 at AAG. You can visit the show in person at AAG during Open Studio (Mondays 8am to noon and Wednesdays (1pm to 4pm) and during the General Meeting November 21 at 5:30pm and December 19 at 5:30pm). The exhibition is also open by appointment 602-944-9713.
Meet the jurors
B
ritt Steinmann
European-American artist Britt Steinmann is best known for her vibrant palette
and powerful contemporary painting style in various media – favorite being acrylics. In
this medium Britt’s technique of using fast drying paints combined with graphic elements
and often small collage fragments affords her the excitement of artistic challenges and
spontaneity. It allows her to build compositions through experimentation with strong
aspects of color, form, and contrasts.
Britt’s work has been shown and published in numerous exhibition catalogues and
brochures of professional galleries and art museums in Germany, Austria, and Italy. Ms.
Steinmann was also featured in a publication as one of the international artists working
in Germany – representing the USA.
A substantial portion of Britt’s work has been purchased by the Art Museum of her city
of residence during her 15-year stay in Europe, through its Art Foundation, for its
permanent collection. Her work can also be found in private collections in Europe, USA,
and South America.
After having lived and worked abroad, Britt returned to the US in 2015 and makes her
home now in Phoenix, AZ.
BA Graphic Design – Folkwang University of the Arts, Essen, Germany
MFA Fine Arts – Duesseldorfer Kunst Akademie, Duesseldorf, Germany
Lifetime Member – International artists group “ductus06” based in Germany.
Juried member – Arizona Artists Guild, Phoenix, AZ USA
Ellen Nemetz is a contemporary artist based in Phoenix, a former member of the eye lounge artist cooperative, and currently the co-curator of the First Studio Gallery space.
Although Ellen always had an interest in art, she studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Madison, Wisconsin. Until her move to Arizona, Ellen was a self-taught artist. Her works are in public and private collections in Europe and throughout the United States.
In this series of paintings, she works primarily in acrylic on canvas. Using her representational style, she places her realistic animals in highly improbable situations. While striving to stay humorous, engaging, and thought provoking, her twisted animal portraits have an element of psychological stress echoing the anxiety experienced by many in an ever more crowded world. Her thought-provoking art explores the difficulty involved in coexisting with those around us.
David Bradley
Born in Louisiana, David embarked on an artistic journey at the age of 11 when he immersed himself in the biographies of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Drawn to the idea of “making things,” the path of an artist seemed a natural and fulfilling choice. Since earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1981, he has passionately engaged in the realms of creation, education, and exploration within the world of clay and creativity.
Currently residing on an urban farm alongside his wife Tess Mosko Scherer, David finds inspiration in the vibrant tapestry of birds, fish, and wildlife that share their space. This intimate connection with nature is the heartbeat of his current body of work.
Crafted on the potter’s wheel, David’s creations come to life through the intricate dance of colored slips, evoking a fresh style reminiscent of folk art or Outsider art. The materials and simplicity of expression employed in his work capture the essence of this artistic tradition.
In his latest series, the birds take center stage on a jar, utilizing the air as their playground and gathering place. Each piece becomes a celebration of the natural world, a testament to David’s deep appreciation for the beauty found in the simple yet profound interactions between creatures and their environment.
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Exuberant Bloom
Denise Duval
Exuberant Bloom
Watercolor pigment on mineral paper
16 x 20
$375
Powdered watercolor pigments on Yatsutomo mineral paper. This paper is made from
recycled rocks and plastic.
The paint stays on top of the paper rather than soaking into paper fibers. As water dries,
the paint flows in unique effects and marbled patterns that are manipulated, painted into
and lifted off, to create the final image.
This image illustrates exuberance coming into bloom and opening to the world
Optimism
Becca Farmer
Optimism
Acrylic on canvas
48 x 36
$3,500.00
One of ways that I find refreshing is working in our garden. We grow fruit trees, vegetables,
herbs and lots of flower – especially roses. Our grandiflora Arizona Rose has the most beautiful
blooms that literally glow in the sunlight. When I saw this one – I just HAD to paint it!
After finishing, I found out that orange represents Optimism and Energy. It’s becoming a popular
color for branding because it conveys a sense of joy and excitement. And don’t we need more
of that these days!
I recently realized that my bright colors come from the grief I’ve felt since losing my Mom. Now
that may sound counterintuitive, but there’s a very real reaction in grief that pushes us towards a
greater value for life. It’s so short and it can be so beautiful. So I guess, without knowing it, I’m
painting what I’ve been feeling in my spirit – the beauty and joy of life
(623) 910-9382
Goodyear, Arizona USA
BeccaFarmerArt@gmail.com
www.BeccaFarmer.com
Whether creating a peaceful space in my garden, waking up in the forest while camping, or
slowly wandering the desert looking for rocks with my husband – I find the greatest connection
with my own mortality and transcendence when I’m in nature. Hence nature is a common theme
in my work.
My love of nature and curiosity for the bio-mechanics of living things gives me a distinctive voice
in my art. Painting is the instrument I use to explore my awe and wonder with the mysteries of
life. I delve into the beauty that inspires me by painting on the edge of what’s visible, drawing on
ideas from my biochemical studies and adding my imagination to create dramatic visual
experiences of vibrant color, contrast and depth.
My paintings emerge from a lifetime of being an artist: emulating the masters, studying design,
honing skills, refining my voice. I discover my painting as I paint – compelled by where it leads
me. Putting together a painting is like putting together a puzzle that no one has ever seen
before. I find it thrilling.
Born with a rare disease that causes life to be quite a challenge for me at times, I truly
appreciate the healing power of art. For that reason, I create art to be a catalyst of hope and
contemplation.
I enjoy gardening, flamenco music, kayaking and exploring the deserts and forests of Arizona
with my childhood sweetheart and husband, John.
See Me
Kristi James
See Me
Watercolor
32 x 32
NFS
Young black males face not only overt discrimination but also hidden group biases that can result in
bodily harm to the individual. In “See Me”, I have attempted to capture through body position and facial
expression the subtle tension and feeling of needing to be on guard that many may experience
Reach For The Stars
Debra Goley
Reach For The Stars
Fiber
45 x 31
$1,100
I have a fondness for dark sky cities and less light pollution. In my former life as an
architect and living in big cities 20 to 30 years ago I was constantly trying to figure
out how to light a parking lot for safety without polluting the skies. Here in AZ we
have a quarter of the dark sky cities certified in the total around the world. So….my art
will reflect a fourth and will have what looks like an ocotillo with hands reaching to
the skies. People come from all over the world to experience a dark sky, to reach out
and touch, to identify the stars in the galaxy, and to wonder at its amazement.
Screen printed original design on cotton, hand painted with acrylic and textile paints, reverse and fused
applique. Cotton batting and threads
Art is Debra’s language, and it speaks of how she is innately wired. As an award
winning international and inspirational artist, beginning with a career as
architect, she is now a full-time artist and art instructor for a public school and
teaches privately for all ages and exceptional needs. Her latest love as seen in the
exhibit is working with fiber. It is an exciting extension of her portfolio adding
depth to her work after her mom left her with a plethora of fabric and a machine to
draw with her needle. Debra begins her designs by sketching to scale and
allowing the form to follow function. Her life’s work is a continued exploration
which has its roots in a life lived overseas and the experience of a multicultural
community. As a multimedia artist, Debra’s work and teaching style clearly
represent a global influence. With each new project her journey begins with
research and analysis of a subject which takes her design from concept to
expression. Debra resides in the west valley of Phoenix with her husband and
little dog Astro
Precious Land
Christine Leva
Precious Land
Watercolor
11 X 14
$ 750.00
This piece explores our sustainable dependence on nature in the painting “Precious Land”
Artist Statement for Christine Leva
Christine Leva, a native of Spokane, WA., signed up for ‘Beginning Watercolor’ painting classes at
Spokane Arts Studio with instructor, Sally Simmer in 2005. Through the years, Christine continued to
seek out additional watercolor classes and attended night classes with widely recognized instructor, Stan
Miller. I am grateful for the excellent initial watercolor lessons I received from these two exceptional
artists. Through their instruction and encouragement my painting confidence soared and my passion
and desire to create beauty continued with a wide variety of watercolor subjects. Today, I am inspired
each time I pick up a brush and attain exciting color composition in my art. My artwork explores our
sustainable dependence on nature in my painting “Precious Land”. My watercolor abstract in orange
hues “Woman of Valor” shows courage, boldness and the bravery of all women. And, through painting
acts of tradition in ‘Bring in the Light’ I can show how people can rely on the familiar and feel hopeful in
good and bad times. Christine lives in Scottsdale
Patchwork
Cynthia Dunn-Selph
Patchwork
Encaustic Mixed Media
12 x 12
$250.00
“Patchwork” is an exploration of encaustic medium with mixed media elements
Cynthia Dunn-Selph
Mixed Media Artist and Photographer
Sun City, AZ
The child of artists, Cynthia has always created. She works in multiple mediums, from acrylic painting, oil
pastels, encaustic, cold wax medium, to mosaics, paper making, assemblage, printmaking, and
photography. Her passion is to merge and combine different techniques to create something unique, to
always be enhancing and exploring her knowledge of a material, then pushing the boundaries of that
material. Her current focus is the encaustic medium. She has learned at the side of other artists and
had instruction at the University of California San Francisco, the Art Academy, San Francisco, and Laney
College, Oakland.
Cynthia has created commissioned pieces, been a member at three cooperative galleries, has had shows
and sales of her work in California and Arizona. She has received numerous awards for her work in
exhibitions and juried shows. She teaches classes to adults and children, focusing on the aspects of
process and play.
She has been the curator at numerous small galleries over the years and was a board member of the
Amador County Artists Association, Oakland Studio One in California, and Ground Floor Artists in
Surprise, Arizona
Morning Light
Dianne Burkhardt
Morning Light
Charcoal
40 x 30 x 1.25
$1,100.00
Morning Light- Awakening. That special light that shines out between the trees.
It fills us with gratitude for the day to come
After completing an undergraduate degree in sculpture, Dianne Burkhardt taught classes at
Milwaukee Area Technical College. She returned to the University of Wisconsin to complete her
MFA degree in Drawing and Painting and also studied in Europe. She held a teaching
position at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI. Prior to relocating to
Arizona to teach at Paradise Valley Community College, along with Shemer Art Center and Brio
Art Center. From there she moved to San Francisco and taught at the College of Marin. She now
has her permanent home back in Phoenix, AZ.
Her work has become part of the United States Forestry Department collection in Washington
D.C. and has toured with the Design Competition for the Little Bighorn Monument. Dianne has
won numerous regional and local competitions including one from Larry Rivers at the Michigan
Fine Arts Competition and Boston Printmakers Biennial. She continues to produce for gallery
and commission work
Mirage Azul
Sue Eddy
Mirage Azul
Acrylic
41 x 31
$760
Sue Eddy is an artist whose great love and appreciation of our
natural world dominates her work. Known for her colorful style,
she brings a bold vision to her works. She is primarily a painter,
using acrylics and often works from her own photography.
The artist resides in Arizona full time. She has also lived in
Ireland for many of the past twenty years, most recently as
resident artist to Poets Corner in the Lyons Desmesne.
She was educated in multi-discipline Fine Arts at the
University of Oklahoma. Her use of color and imagined reality is
influenced by mentor artist P. Gunter Wray.
A member of several area art groups, she participates in a
variety of juried art shows and shows her work in select galleries.
Sue’s work can be found in private collection across the United
States and abroad.
AZ Artist Guild; AZ Art Alliance; GVAL; WHAM; featured artist
Herberger Art Galleries
Contact: itsueddy@gmail.com
Mikel and James, 2/14/23
Matthew Werner
Mikel and James, 2/14/23
Sculpture in ash wood
16 x 13 x 13
$11,300
I always enjoy weddings—I’ve had four myself. Hugging family and friends, meeting spouses
and dates, eating, dancing, and being silly. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who wants to
marry is entitled to a wedding. Invite me and I’ll be there. Everyone has a right to be happy.
Sculpted from locally harvested ash
Artist’s Statement of Matthew Werner
I’m a positive-minded, non-cynical person. I see people as engaging, amusing, beautiful, joyous, and
noble characters in life’s panoply. People are simply the most interesting part of the show.
When folks see my sculptures, they see snapshots of people—like themselves—who are doing things
that they have done—singing, dancing, sleeping, striving, running, praying—people living. It’s as if they
see movements and moments from the show of life. In their minds, they create stories to go with the art.
My art forces a narrative from the viewer.
That’s what I do—I make narrative, realistic, people-sculptures. I see the essential humanity of folks
around me—people of all races and walks—and I capture it in physical forms that encourage folks to find
a story that is uniquely their own. The narrative may be long and involved, or it may be only a few words.
Sometimes they tell me what they see.
I admire the sculptor Bernini for his sense of movement and composition. I admire Rodin for his
impressionistic abbreviations of human forms. I favor the illustrator Rockwell for his loyalty to the nobility
of common women and men.
Maybe We'll Last
Gloria Cuádraz
Maybe We'll Last
Oil
16 x 20
$450
Gloria Cuádraz
Painting quiets my mind, while the infinite learning curve keeps me interested and in awe
of the process. Immersing myself in painting allows me to capture a fleeting moment of light, an
observation from everyday life, or a moment worth preserving. I paint florals in honor of my
mother, who found beauty in the smallest of gestures and the grandest of life’s moments. When I
paint figures, I do so only if there is a strong context that conveys a story—one that leave us
wondering and asking questions.
I am originally and proudly from the agricultural borderlands of Imperial Valley,
California, where my Mexican heritage was central to my identity and foundational to my
scholarly pursuits. Thus, I am most at peace when I can integrate my love for knowledge and
culture with my love for painting.
Kolob Canyon Winter
Spencer Mackay
Kolob Canyon Winter
Watercolor on 140lb Arches cold pressed paper
17.75 x 24
$1,800
Kolob Canyon is an area of Zion National Park that is accessible from the I-15 by a separate
ranger station north of the main park entrance. Because it is just off the I-15, we have often
taken a detour on our road trips to visit this magical canyon of red rocks and hanging meadows.
In the Winter, there is often snow, which really accentuates the red cliffs and blue sky. This is
my first attempt at capturing the experience of visiting Kolob Canyon in the winter. It was
important to me to capture the cools in the shade and the warmth of the sunlight.
Watercolor is an adventure for me. Part of the painting experience is the portion of the
painting that happens almost accidentally. I plan and make a strategy of how I will preserve the
lights and white of the paper and usually do a small study to make sure my values are correct,
but the part where the painting paints itself is exciting to me and part of the joy of creating in
watercolor.
I used masking fluid to preserve the white of the paper for the dry trees in the foreground and
some of the small snow patches. That allowed me to use broad washes without regard to
painting in between the branches. A very small amount of white gouache was used for some
branch tips and a couple of snow patches
Artist’s Bio
Spencer Mackay was born and raised in Southern California, the son of a well-respected industrial
designer and watercolor painter. That combination of environment and genetics contributed to a
passion for art and design that continues to evolve and strengthen.
Growing up watching his father run a successful design firm and finding time to paint beautiful
watercolor paintings in between projects, Spencer eventually succumbed to the irresistible attraction
of art and design and enrolled at the world-renowned Art Center College of Design, majoring in
Product Design. One of the benefits of studying at Art Center was the opportunity to take classes
outside of the major. Spencer took as many classes as he could from Golden Age illustrators and
painters such as Joe Henninger and Jack Leynwood. Communicating design is about portraying a
product concept through an artistic representation. Part of that training included watercolor
painting as a discipline.
Spencer’s professional career has allowed him many opportunities for international travel to Europe,
Asia and South America. He has made a habit of carrying a watercolor kit with him to sketch and
paint the scenes he encounters. Several years ago, at the urging of one of his sons, he started a blog
entitled “sketchpainting.blogspot.com” in order to share some of these paintings online. He now has
an international following of like-minded fellow artists and painters on Flicker.
This plein air approach to watercolor painting on location has been a joy and each painting becomes
a mental and sensorial imprint of a moment in time that can be recalled again and again in a way not
possible in photography.
Spencer’s watercolorist “heros” are his late father F. Gordon Mackay, John Singer Sergeant and
Joseph Zbuvic among others.
Spencer is driven to capture the essence of the natural or man-made environment in a way that
evokes an emotional response on the part of the viewer. The depiction of light, atmosphere, texture
and the rhythm of the scene through the medium of watercolor is both challenging and exciting. Part
of the allure of watercolor is the potential for accidental beautiful effects as the medium has a mind of
its own and constantly teaches the artist
Journeyers
Tal Dvir
Journeyers
Oil on canvas
24 x 36
$1,800
Tal Dvir
www.taldvir.com
taldvir@taldvir.com
480-440-0126
1
Complete portfolio: www.taldvir.com
• Exhibitions
2023 – Arizona Watercolor Association- Fall 2023 Exhibition juried show
2023 – Arizona Artists Guild – The 13th Annual Statewide Exhibition. Juried show
2023 – Arizona Artists Guild Figuratively Speaking 2023 members juried show
Honorable mention
2023 – Gilbert Visual Art League (GVAL) annual members juried show
Won 2nd place in watercolors, 3rd place in oil
2022 – FOUND:RE- Phoenix, AZ – 22nd Artlink Annual Juried Exhibition
2022 – Flinn Foundation Cycle II – Phoenix, AZ- Juried group show
2021 – Sisao Gallery – Phoenix, AZ- Grant recipient of the 5
th annual Carmody
2020 – Artlink gallery space- Phoenix, AZ – 20th Annual Juried Exhibition
2020 – Scottsdale Art School- Scottsdale, AZ – Portrait Artists of Arizona (PAOA)
10th Annual Members’ Juried Portrait Exhibition
2019 – Alwun House Gallery- Phoenix, AZ – “Exotic Art Show”, juried group show
2018 – Sisao Gallery – Phoenix, AZ- Grant recipient of the 2
nd annual Carmody
Foundation Grant project- group show
2018 – Onyx Gallery – Phoenix, AZ – “EXPRESSIONS”
Solo art show
2017 – Olney Gallery – Phoenix, AZ- “Everyday Life”
Two men show with the photographer Stuart Posner
2016 – {9} The Gallery – Phoenix, AZ – “Gods & Monsters”
Juried group show
2015 – Randy Higbee Gallery – Costa Mesa, CA- 6″ Squared
Juried group show
2015 – Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ
“ASU Downtown Exhibit – Bugs Birds Beasts and Blooms”
Invitational group show
2014 – Vision Gallery – Chandler, AZ – “FLOURISH”
Juried group show
2014 – West Valley Arts – The City Hall Gallery- Surprise, AZ
Juried group show
2011 – Randy Higbee Gallery – Costa Mesa, CA- 6″ Squared
Juried group show
2010 – Randy Higbee Gallery – Costa Mesa, CA- 6″ Squared
Juried group show
2010 – Bowers Museum – Southern California Representational Paintings
Invitational Exhibit & sale
2009 – Bowers Museum – Southern California Representational Paintings
Invitational Exhibit & sale
Tal Dvir
www.taldvir.com
taldvir@taldvir.com
480-440-0126
2
• Selected Art Projects
2016 – Mural at the basketball court wall of the recreational center for the city of
Litchfield Park, AZ
2016 – Two large Murals at the recreational center for the city of Litchfield Park, AZ
Winner of best mural of the West Valley Arts Council’s grant program
2016 – Assigned artist to design and paint over piano for “Play Me, I’m Yours”-
Street pianos Project for the city of Mesa, AZ
Piano featured in NBC TV local news
Selected Awards
2023 – Arizona Artists Guild Figuratively Speaking 2023 members juried show
Honorable mention
2023 – Gilbert Visual Art League (GVAL) annual members juried show
Won 2nd place in watercolors, 3rd place in oil
2020 – Finalist in May 2020 Bold Brush online juried contest
2018 & 2020 – Grant recipient 2
nd and 5th annual Carmody Foundation Sisao Gallery
2018 – Awarded Honor Outstanding Acrylic by BoldBrush.com Jury
2017 – Third place in NAVS contest- “Art for Animals 2017”
2016 – Winner of best mural of the West Valley Arts Council’s grant program
** Judged by board director of Arizona Commission on the Arts
2015 – Honorable mention – NAVS “Art for Animals 2015”
2014 – Winner of the Blick Art Material’s “Zorn Palette Painting Challenge”
• Teaching History
2021 – now – Art instructor Mesa Art Center – Mesa, AZ
2019 – now – Televeda online group classes
2019 – now – Art instructor for Tumbleweed Community center (City of Chandler) –
Chandler, AZ
2017 – 2020 – Art instructor at Edna Vihel Community center (City of Tempe) – Tempe,
AZ
2014- 2015 – Directing and teaching group classes at “Jerry’s Artarama”- Tempe, AZ
2012- 2013 – Owner and director of “Tal Dvir Fine Art Classes”- Tustin, CA
Go Left
Martha P. Klare
Go Left
Acrylic on canvas
36x 36
$950
I paint because I enjoy intensely exercising my creativity and spontaneity. I start by making a
mark on blank canvas. The process that follows is a series of intuitive, and thoughtful
responses based on the previous marks, until the painting feels complete. The intent is a nonrepresentational composition of rhythm, lines, forms, colors… that express the energy of the
moments of creating, and affords the viewer(s) an opportunity to enjoy the piece on many
levels
Grenada
Elise Cousineau
Grenada
Oil
30 X 40
$2,500
Elise creates her art using a variety of mediums including oil paint, watercolor paint, pastel, and colored
pencil. She studied with Dimitar Krustev (portrait artist) and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa
State University College of Design. Her artistic career over the years has spanned from ad designer for a
weekly newspaper, to art supply store manager, to picture framing, to ceramics studio artist. Elise now
creates art in her home studio.
Elise’s goal in painting landscapes is to convey the feeling she experiences when visiting a location during
her many travels. When painting a portrait she believes that behind every face is a story, and she tries to
reveal a piece of that story.
Geisha
Sue Hunter
Geisha
Acrylic
16 x 12
$450
Geisha after the third attempt with the failed images acting as an underpainting, I started
applying acrylics and I saw a Geisha figure appear with a indistinct figure in background.
Don’t be afraid to destroy what is not working.
I am a multi-medium artist. My art is impressionist and full of color.
Recently, I have started painting with a flat palette knife on wood cradle boards
applied with muslin fabric. I do an underpainting in acrylics just to cover the white
canvas or wood. Sometimes, I continue in acrylics or switch to oils allowing some
of the underpainting to peek through. Using the palette knife creates a looser
painting without a lot of detail.
I call this process abstracted realism. It marries the best of abstract and realism.
I teach art classes at Shemer Art Center and in my studio. I also paint with a brush
and teach pastel, oil, acrylic and collage classes
Website: suehunterstudio.com
Email: suehunter7@cox.ne
Farmer's Market Flowers
Gloria Cuádraz
Farmer's Market Flowers
Oil
16 x 20
$450
Gloria Cuádraz
Painting quiets my mind, while the infinite learning curve keeps me interested and in awe
of the process. Immersing myself in painting allows me to capture a fleeting moment of light, an
observation from everyday life, or a moment worth preserving. I paint florals in honor of my
mother, who found beauty in the smallest of gestures and the grandest of life’s moments. When I
paint figures, I do so only if there is a strong context that conveys a story—one that leave us
wondering and asking questions.
I am originally and proudly from the agricultural borderlands of Imperial Valley,
California, where my Mexican heritage was central to my identity and foundational to my
scholarly pursuits. Thus, I am most at peace when I can integrate my love for knowledge and
culture with my love for painting.
Dry Canyon Wind
Ellen Van Pelt
Dry Canyon Wind
Archival Inkjet Print
15 x 19
$500
The desert presents a steadfast, spiritual and never-ending array of color and
strata for us to appreciate. “Dry Canyon Wind” begins as a loose reference
painting implying a desert landscape. It is then digitally composed and refined.
The final image employs Photoshop to layer, manipulate and render the image
in high-intensity color
My artistic journey in the North Phoenix Sonoran desert explores many varieties of
media, which include layered photographic composites, assemblage, collage,
photography and photographic weaving. Arizona exhibitions include the Arizona Artist
Guild, Arizona Art Alliance, Wham Gallery, and the Herberger Theater Art Gallery.
Other exhibitions include New Jersey Photography, and Expo Metro Miami and
Barcelona. Combining New York metro experiences with Phoenix sensibilities can
produce interesting results, sometimes with an offbeat subject matter. My fine arts
degree from Rutgers University and studies at Fashion Institute of Technology and
Parsons School of Design in New York also shape and influence my current art
explorations
Cactus Skeleton Revisited
Becca Farmer
Cactus Skeleton Revisited
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 40
$1,280
For every out-of-state guest that our family takes on a drive or a simple desert hike, it’s always
the cacti they want to stop and gape at. Even that reaction isn’t comparable to the amazement
visitors have at finding their 1st cactus skeleton. They are absolutely fascinating. I’ve seen
visitors to the Sonoran desert go bonkers over a small cactus skeleton the length of my hand.
These beautiful wood-like objects honestly look like they’re from another world.
I’ve discovered that I really enjoy the challenge of seeing, with my paintbrush, the nooks and
crannies that swirl around the porous tubes left behind by a dead cactus. They’re beautiful and
mysterious. Just the kind of thing I love to explore through painting
Goodyear, Arizona USA
BeccaFarmerArt@gmail.com
www.BeccaFarmer.com
Whether creating a peaceful space in my garden, waking up in the forest while camping, or
slowly wandering the desert looking for rocks with my husband – I find the greatest connection
with my own mortality and transcendence when I’m in nature. Hence nature is a common theme
in my work.
My love of nature and curiosity for the bio-mechanics of living things gives me a distinctive voice
in my art. Painting is the instrument I use to explore my awe and wonder with the mysteries of
life. I delve into the beauty that inspires me by painting on the edge of what’s visible, drawing on
ideas from my biochemical studies and adding my imagination to create dramatic visual
experiences of vibrant color, contrast and depth.
My paintings emerge from a lifetime of being an artist: emulating the masters, studying design,
honing skills, refining my voice. I discover my painting as I paint – compelled by where it leads
me. Putting together a painting is like putting together a puzzle that no one has ever seen
before. I find it thrilling.
Born with a rare disease that causes life to be quite a challenge for me at times, I truly
appreciate the healing power of art. For that reason, I create art to be a catalyst of hope and
contemplation.
I enjoy gardening, flamenco music, kayaking and exploring the deserts and forests of Arizona
with my childhood sweetheart and husband, John
Boundless
Martha P. Klare
Boundless
Acrylic on canvas
48x 24
$950
I paint because I enjoy intensely exercising my creativity and spontaneity. I start by making a
mark on blank canvas. The process that follows is a series of intuitive, and thoughtful
responses based on the previous marks, until the painting feels complete. The intent is a nonrepresentational composition of rhythm, lines, forms, colors… that express the energy of the
moments of creating, and affords the viewer(s) an opportunity to enjoy the piece on many
levels
Black Elk
Ira DellaMonica
Black Elk
Acrylic on panel
13 x 20
$325
Black Elk was inspired by an infamous visionary, shaman and sacred warrior who
taught everything is connect, all has a purpose and peace resides at the center
of all souls
Ira DellaMonica was born and raised in Southern California, graduated from Sonoma
State University with an art degree and received a graphic arts certificate from UCLA. Her deep
connection with animals stemmed from childhood pets and 25 years of competitive horseback
riding and training. They are a repetitive theme in her work.
DellaMonica moved to Mesa, Arizona in 2017 to pursue an occupational therapy
master’s degree. Through a series of life altering events during Covid 2020 rekindled a
spiritually with painting, nature and the animals around her.
About her work, DellaMonica states:
The three paintings entered are part of a Desert Warrior Series developing since 2020. All are
inspired by her spiritual growth wondering the desert with her dogs, Floyd, Jazz and Pippin.
These 3 were painted late summer 2021 healing from personal losses and new medical
diagnoses.
Ancient Warrior
Dianne Burkhardt
Ancient Warrior
Ceramic, raku, walnut ink
13 x 18 x 12
$2,000
Ancient Warrior- a few follow the many who still roam the range. Living wild and free
After completing an undergraduate degree in sculpture, Dianne Burkhardt taught classes at
Milwaukee Area Technical College. She returned to the University of Wisconsin to complete her
MFA degree in Drawing and Painting and also studied in Europe. She held a teaching
position at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI. Prior to relocating to
Arizona to teach at Paradise Valley Community College, along with Shemer Art Center and Brio
Art Center. From there she moved to San Francisco and taught at the College of Marin. She now
has her permanent home back in Phoenix, AZ.
Her work has become part of the United States Forestry Department collection in Washington
D.C. and has toured with the Design Competition for the Little Bighorn Monument. Dianne has
won numerous regional and local competitions including one from Larry Rivers at the Michigan
Fine Arts Competition and Boston Printmakers Biennial. She continues to produce for gallery
and commission work
2AM Garden
Melissa Newman Stanchock
2AM Garden
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas
30 x 40
$800
Melissa is an abstract artist based in Peoria, Arizona. She began her
journey as an artist during her enlistment in the United States Air Force,
and attended several schools with a fine art focus throughout her
military career. After discharge from the Air Force, she attended the Art
Institute of Philadelphia where she was awarded the honor of best
portfolio of her graduating class.
Melissa is inspired by the many places she’s lived and by all the people
she’s met since leaving her small town in Pennsylvania in 1994. She
focuses on acrylic on canvas, with mixed media mark making using oil
pastels, soft pastels, graphite and ink washes, and various tools from
nature and household objects. Melissa loves creating depth and interest
in her artwork by using lots of layers, sometimes even introducing a
steel wool pad or the backyard hose. Her strongest influences in her
works are the numerous environments she’s resided in, and most
importantly, Melissa paints her moods and thoughts in the moment,
throughout a work from beginning to completion.
Melissa also has a successful handmade business on Etsy, is currently
an active volunteer and member of The Deer Valley Civil Air Patrol, and
enjoys spending time in nature, with her family and her two huskies
Woman of Valor
Christine Leva
Woman of Valor
Watercolor
11 X 9
$500
This watercolor abstract in orange hues “Woman of Valor” shows courage, boldness and the bravery of
all women
Artist Statement for Christine Leva
Christine Leva, a native of Spokane, WA., signed up for ‘Beginning Watercolor’ painting classes at
Spokane Arts Studio with instructor, Sally Simmer in 2005. Through the years, Christine continued to
seek out additional watercolor classes and attended night classes with widely recognized instructor, Stan
Miller. I am grateful for the excellent initial watercolor lessons I received from these two exceptional
artists. Through their instruction and encouragement my painting confidence soared and my passion
and desire to create beauty continued with a wide variety of watercolor subjects. Today, I am inspired
each time I pick up a brush and attain exciting color composition in my art. My artwork explores our
sustainable dependence on nature in my painting “Precious Land”. My watercolor abstract in orange
hues “Woman of Valor” shows courage, boldness and the bravery of all women. And, through painting
acts of tradition in ‘Bring in the Light’ I can show how people can rely on the familiar and feel hopeful in
good and bad times. Christine lives in Scottsdale
Where Once A Tree Was Standing
LeAnn Hileman
Where Once A Tree Was Standing
Textiles
35 x 44
NFS
LeAnn Hileman, 6172 W. Gelding Drive, Glendale, AZ 85306
602-550-0549, leannslessons@gmail.com
Art: Where Once A Tree Was Standing
ART DESCRIPTION:
Where Once A Tree Was Standing was inspired by multiple photographs taken of
an abandoned pasture I spotted on the way to Bisbee, Arizona. The composition
of this work required the amalgamation of multiple perspectives followed by the
selection and placement of hundreds of pieces of fabric, finally layered by
threadwork
Vincent's Flowers
Amy Newton-McConnel
Vincent's Flowers
Photography
20 X 16
$375
Inspired by his expressive and emotive use of color and his love of sunflowers, my series Vincent’s
Flowers, is my homage to Vincent Van Gogh. Plagued by psychiatric illness through his life, Van Gogh
painted as a remedy for dealing with his illness. Lonely and depressed, nature gave him comfort and
strength. Despite alternating periods of crises, recovery and health, Van Gogh believed un the healing
power of painting.
Amy Newton-McConnel is an art photographer in Phoenix, Arizona. She utilizes In Camera
Movement (ICM) photography, where the camera is intentionally moved during the exposure
to create painterly and abstract artistic effects, to create abstract art with her camera. ICM
photography inspires her to see, feel and think differently, interpret her surroundings in a new
and unexpected way, and create art that inspires emotional response
This Artist's Happy Place
Linda Miller
This Artist's Happy Place
Acrylic
36 x 36 x 1.75
NFS
My painting titled “This Artist’s Happy Place” is about me as an
artist. Being a member of CWA we have “motivations” each month
to paint a painting with a particular idea in mind. This represents
the motivation of who I am as an artist. It is a reflection of myself.
I am in my happy place in my life being a full time artist. I so enjoy
the process of being creative. It is rewarding and inspiring.
Linda Miller, Artist
I was born and raised in Portland Oregon and moved to Fountain Hills Arizona in 2017. I
am pretty much a self taught artist. My style can be whimsical to realistic or abstract. I
am a member of Contemporary Watercolorists of Arizona, Arizona Artists Guild and
Arizona Watercolor Assn. I serve on the Board as Treasurer of CWA. Although I have
painted in watercolor, oils, and oil pastels over the years I presently paint mostly in acrylic
on canvas. I am happily enjoying this journey of being an artist.
The City is Falling
Joan McGue
The City is Falling
Acrylic, gesso, Posca pen, alcohol ink, pencil
16 x 20
$400
People build cities, but buildings fail due to decay, neglect, acts of war, terrorism, as well as natural
causes such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods. Nothing is permanent, but destruction can be thwarted
with strength, peace and resolve to rebuild
The Reluctant Warrior
Ira DellaMonica
The Reluctant Warrior
Acrylic
14 x 14
$250
The Reluctant Warrior is Floyd. He represents what I aspire to be, the
mindful, obedient, intelligent, observer, especially in the most challenging
conditions of covid and summer
Ira DellaMonica was born and raised in Southern California, graduated from Sonoma
State University with an art degree and received a graphic arts certificate from UCLA. Her deep
connection with animals stemmed from childhood pets and 25 years of competitive horseback
riding and training. They are a repetitive theme in her work.
DellaMonica moved to Mesa, Arizona in 2017 to pursue an occupational therapy
master’s degree. Through a series of life altering events during Covid 2020 rekindled a
spiritually with painting, nature and the animals around her.
About her work, DellaMonica states:
The three paintings entered are part of a Desert Warrior Series developing since 2020. All are
inspired by her spiritual growth wondering the desert with her dogs, Floyd, Jazz and Pippin.
These 3 were painted late summer 2021 healing from personal losses and new medical
diagnoses.
The Shaman
Ellen Van Pelt
The Shaman
Archival Inkjet Print
15 x 19
$500
When we consider primitive imagery and symbols, we link our present
human experience with that of our ancient ancestors. “The Shaman” represents
spiritual ceremony in a desert setting and begins as a loose reference painting.
Then, it is digitally composed and refined. The final image employs Photoshop
to layer, manipulate and render the image in high-intensity color
My artistic journey in the North Phoenix Sonoran desert explores many varieties of
media, which include layered photographic composites, assemblage, collage,
photography and photographic weaving. Arizona exhibitions include the Arizona Artist
Guild, Arizona Art Alliance, Wham Gallery, and the Herberger Theater Art Gallery.
Other exhibitions include New Jersey Photography, and Expo Metro Miami and
Barcelona. Combining New York metro experiences with Phoenix sensibilities can
produce interesting results, sometimes with an offbeat subject matter. My fine arts
degree from Rutgers University and studies at Fashion Institute of Technology and
Parsons School of Design in New York also shape and influence my current art
explorations
The Flow of Thoughts
Joan McGue
The Flow of Thoughts
Oil
24 x 30
$450
The surface of water can be smooth, rippled or bubbling with hidden currents that come to the top.
Water can reflect the world around it in a distorted fashion. Thoughts can also be disturbed and circular;
flowing, peaceful, or distorted by currents around them
Butterfly Temple (The Remembering)
Ray Richardson
Butterfly Temple (The Remembering)
Maple, Cherry, Ash, MDF, Resin, Plexiglass, Copper
14 x 10.25 x 8.5
$450
Artist’s Bio
Growing up in rural New England made it easy for Ray to fall in love with the outdoors.
Birds in particular caught his attention from an early age. His grandmother fueled this
interest through nature books and magazines. She also introduced Ray to comic books,
where he was captivated by the idea of using lines, shapes, and colors to tell stories.
Ray’s journey as an artist has been shaped by time in the US Navy, studies in art school
and woodworking school, a career as a carpenter and cabinetmaker, and time in
prototyping & manufacturing in the Southwest. Ray endeavors to capture the humor,
whimsy, and wonder that he experiences in the world, and to express it in a way that is
unique but relatable
