CJ Stevens - President- Woodworking
CJ has always been creative as she pursued her science teaching career. When she retired, she was able to dabble and explore different avenues of creativity. The first, in 2008, was ceramics which she dove into and continues to enjoy. Then in 2019 she discovered wood working and loves the organic aspect of taking a tree through the whole process from milling it into slabs to making incredible live edge charcuterie boards, tables and wall art. Every slab is unique and has its own character which she loves to reveal as she works the wood through planning, sanding and adding epoxy rivers, fractal burning or stone in-lays. Each piece is custom branded with, “Windmill Ranch Creations” which was created using a picture of her windmill that has been in her family for over 50 years.
Terri Petty- First Vice President - Acrylics
My interest in art began as a young girl, but a successful 40-year career in nursing consumed all of my time. Always appreciative of the great outdoors, I would always comment on how I couldn't wait until retirement when I could capture the beauty in painting.
Immediately upon retirement, I picked up the brush again and am rekindling my passion with acrylics. My favorite subject matter is pet portraits.
Linda Larsen
Janet Bolyard
Janet was inspired to art and wood carving at a very early age and has been nonstop since. A hobby turned to profession of antique restoration, commission work, instructor, author and business owner. Over the years she has studied with many renown wood workers from all over the country. This knowledge has led her to many styles of wood carving i.e. low and deep relief, carving in-the-round, stylized, chip carving, wildlife and caricature to realism. Along the way, Janet picked up woodworking skills in wood turning, scroll, pyrography; and now furniture making with her husband. Janet has been published by Chip Chat magazine in her earlier years of carving. For the past several years, Janet has had the pleasure of writing many articles for Woodcarving Illustrated, The Whittling Magazine and her book on “Complete Guide to Soap Carving”, all published by Fox Chapel Publishing. “My motivation to continue these unique crafts, are to create projects to make people smile, appreciate, and be exclusively its own”.
Jeff Hayes- Treasurer - Photographer
Although Jeff is just starting out as a “professional” photographic artist, he has really been a serious amateur photographer most of his life. His father, George, was also a serious photographer. When Jeff was growing up in Kokomo, Indiana, his dad owned the Kokomo Camera Shop and two others in Marion and Anderson, Ind. Early on, he concentrated on black and white work and had a darkroom in the basement. As his kids grew and they started taking family camping trips he moved on to color slides, using his trusty Leica M3 (he never went to digital). Jeff picked up his interest in black and white, and after moving to a new house while in high school, Jeff built his own darkroom in the basement. After high school, Jeff went off to Purdue University to study Aeronautical Engineering. Meanwhile, his dad sold his business and moved the family to Tucson, Arizona. Jeff started his engineering career in Phoenix at Garrett Air Research in 1973. After a 45-year career as an aerodynamicist in the jet engine business, Jeff retired in 2018 from Honeywell Aerospace (same company, different name!). Over the years, photography has always been one of Jeff’s favorite hobbies. His Olympus OM1 was his trusty companion, until he discovered digital and eventually moved on to Nikon equipment. In 1997 Jeff and his wife Jane moved from North Phoenix to the Superstition Foothills/Mining Camp neighborhood. As Jeff neared retirement, Jane and he started spending as much summertime as they could in Show Low and the White Mountains. Jeff decided to turn his hobby into a more serious artistic pursuit and join Jane as a member of the High-Country Art Association and the Artists of the Superstitions. Jeff attended some photography workshops with Dale Kesel and Joanne West, both accomplished professionals. With their encouragement Jeff felt he had made the right decision. Jeff’s photographic interests are mainly landscapes, nature macro close-ups, and “patterns”. His subjects have been found close to home (both in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains and the White Mountains), and during travels with Jane (Western U.S., Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Italy). jeffreyhayes.smugmug.com
Diane Meder
Dyane Meder- Recording Secretary
Mary Byre - Gourds
I'm fairly new to gourd art. Three years ago, I moved to Arizona and saw a notice for a gourd festival. Curious, I attended the festival and was hooked. The range of techniques and creativity of gourd art amazed me. As I developed my own style, I found that exploring various themes from Southwest contemporary allows for interesting and challenging work. I especially enjoy using copper as a gourd embellishment, a technique I have developed and taught to several gourd groups.
In the 2019 Wuertz Gourd Festival, I was fortunate enough to place first in the novice class with a gourd embellished with copper dragonflies. This past year, I won a blue ribbon in the advanced class- Gourd Masks. Also, many of my pieces are exhibited in the Native Garden shop in Green Valley, Arizona. I am currently the President of the Valley Gourd Patch in Green Valley and a member of the Old Pueblo Garden Patch in Tucson. Learning new techniques and teaching other gourd artists helps me continue to evolve as a gourd artist.
John Albin Photographer
John Albin- Newsletter - johnalbinphotography.com
John Albin has been involved with photography since he was a teenager. He helped his father develop and print black and white photos that his dad took at Manzanita Speedway which were then sold at the track as souvenirs. Once John was old enough to get into the pits at the racetrack, he too took photos of the action on the track. He went on to be a member of the Westwood High School photo lab taking pictures at school sporting events and group photos for the yearbook and school paper. His love of photography has carried on through the years, and he now enjoys taking landscapes, nature and life photography using his Nikon digital camera. John is a multi-talented artist creating paintings using watercolor and acrylic. He has also dabbled in sculpting and creation of bronze artwork. www.johnalbinphotography.com
Roberta Evans - Metal works
Roberta Evans - Past President - Metal Art
I have been interested in metal work for many years. I took a couple of classes about eight years ago and got hooked. I bought my first plasma cutter, and a friend gave me her husband's wire welder, and I was off and running. I make metal yard art and wall art. I like to make rusted metal such as bears, cactus, flowers, coyotes, turtles, deer, owls, ravens, etc. I also make painted flowers in pots to hang on your wall. I made the painted metal flowers beneath the sign for our gallery. I enjoy making custom orders.
I also paint with acrylics. Ocean Scenes and landscapes are some of my favorite subjects
I consider it fortunate that I grew up in an artistic family, my grandmother loved to experiment with all types of arts and crafts, so I would get to learn and do while she worked on her latest projects. She tried everything from oils pastels, watercolors, ceramics, weaving, and anything else that was available. It never occurred to me that there were limits, so artistically I never had any.
I minored in art in school, but the real world of work did not allow me the opportunity to use what I learned. Later I ran my own sign business, while graphic in nature; I did get to use some of my skills. Mostly the business became more about software and installations, so after 25 years I sold the business and moved to Arizona.
While living in California, a neighbor introduced me to gourds. She and her husband taught me the correct way of handling gourds, which requires good safety equipment for health reasons. The dust and mold spores from gourd cutting and cleaning could be very hazardous. I never work inside without a ventilation system on.
The wonderful thing about gourd is that it takes to almost any medium in decorating, carving, cutting, painting, staining. or just sanding and polishing. The gourd will literally speak to you what it wants to be. If I ignore that, the results are usually not pleasing. If I listen to the gourd, I generally end up with something I really like.
In California, I worked mostly for decorators and on consignment for interior designers, which worked perfectly in my time frame. I was able to create some very different designs, from Southwest to Arts and Crafts for the different homes that my gourds were used in. I never had the opportunity to show my work to the public until I moved to Arizona.
For the past several years I have been able to take classes and work with some of the top artists in the field and have learned so much about using the tools that are required in carving and cutting. I had worked on a number of pieces, when I decided that one or two might be good enough to enter into a show. I did not have the expectation of winning; I wanted to be critiqued by the judges to see where I was and if I was on the right track. It is very hard to get a report card in this field, so I was very surprised to walk away with a blue ribbon in my first show.
Currently I am showing in High Country Art Gallery and the Pinetop Contemporary Fine Art Gallery. I also teach and am available for classes.
Contact me: Jan van Dierendonk
928-536-3415 or [email protected] for information about classes or gourds in general.
Jennifer Boswell - Wire Artist - Jewelry (Associate)
Jennifer Lambert-Boswell is a wire artist and jewelry maker who marries natural stone with copper and silver wire, capturing the astounding beauty of nature in her work. Drawn to art from an early age, Jennifer began illustrating and painting as a child, exploring oils, acrylics, chalk pastels, charcoal, and graphite. She studied oil painting for a year at Cochise Community College and is self-taught in all other mediums. Inspired by nature and guided by a deep appreciation for fine detail, Jenn’s lifelong love of rocks and the outdoors naturally led her to wire art. Through intricate weaves and wraps, she seeks to highlight the unique beauty found in every stone. Jenn lives with her husband Troy, co-owner of their small business, Twist of Nature. Troy is a sculptor, painter, illustrator, and lapidary artist, and he shares her love of the outdoors. Together they collect minerals for their business., and the stone cabochons featured in Jenn’s jewelry are cut and polished by Troy. Jenn’s jewelry has been on display and sold at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the Denver Coliseum Rocks, Gems, and Minerals Show, the High-Country Fine Arts Festivals, and local art fairs. She also teaches wire art classes at local venues and manages the website and social media for their small business, Twist of Nature. Jenn hopes to combine her appreciation for fine detail and natural stone to broaden her artistic horizons, pursuing mastery in silversmithing and micro macramé jewelry while continuing to refine her wire art. Jenn’s love for art is beautifully captured by one of her favorite quotes:
“The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” — Claude Monet.
Troy Boswell
Loren Troy Boswell is a contemporary artist, originally from Tucson, Arizona and presently residing and working in West Central New Mexico. He is a multi-disciplinary artist currently working with stone and wood sculpting. Troy is also an oil painter, as well as a graphite, ink, pastel, and colored pencil artist. Troy attended the studio art program at the University of Arizona. As a young child, he studied under Harrison Moore, a prominent Tucson artist during the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Harrison was a founding member of “Tucson Seven”, along with Ted DeGrazia. Influenced by contemporary abstract works, along with his love of the natural world, Troy refers to his work as “abstract realism”. His love for geology and botany are always present in his works. The Sonoran Desert and his new environment of the high desert of New Mexico are a neverending source of inspiration. Troy’s works have been exhibited in shows at the University of Arizona, the Potter Gallery at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and the Joel D. Valdez Main Library. He has also exhibited in the gallery at the Tucson International Airport, as well as at numerous art festivals throughout Arizona.
Gretchen Boyer
Gretchen A Boyer's work is a reflection of both her personal culture and the landscape that surrounds her. Her clay work is multi-dimensional with the rough-hewn surface texture revealing themes of discovery and reflection. There is a sensitivity to form and color that supports the underlying messages and causes the viewer to slow down and reflect all the while joyfully exploring and stretching the capacities of the medium. No matter the medium or scale, Gretchen's work is a thought-provoking exploration into the themes that define her life
Bio Statement Gretchen A. Boyer has always been artistically inspired by the environment from Lake Superior agates to the Northern Lights. They always seem to find their way into her art! She earned her BFA, MA and EdD in Arts/Education related areas, and worked as an art educator at all levels in the arts. She has judged and juried art shows, exhibits and other events. Gretchen’s art expertise is diverse working in clay, mixed media and fibers. Her work depicts human emotion through a kinship with nature and the environment. Her art is in personal collections, shows, exhibits and events and she regularly attends and presents workshops and classes.
Sharon Chanley
Chanley's Creations
Sharon Chanley is a mixed media doll artist whose work centers on handcrafted faeries and spirit figures, each created with an emphasis on character, emotion, and subtle storytelling. Working from her studio in Heber, Arizona, she combines fabric, wire armatures, sculpted details, and found materials to form one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a sense of quiet wonder.
Her practice is rooted in an intuitive process: color, texture, and small tactile elements guide the emergence of each figure’s personality. Drawing inspiration from folklore, nature, and the gentle symbolism of handmade craft, Chanley’s dolls are known for their expressive presence and soft, magical aesthetic.
Chanley’s work has become sought after by collectors who value the individuality and emotional resonance of her pieces. Each doll is created as a singular character — a small vessel of story, intention, and spirit.
Brian Davenport-Jewelry
I started learning lapidary at Ft Sill, OK. They had a great craft shop. After a few months of cutting, grinding and polishing rocks, the manager told me that he thought I was ready for silversmithing. I was all in for that. I started learning silver smithing and after 3 years, I was sent to Germany and for the next 15-16 years, I had no means of doing anything concerning rocks. Then I moved to Arizona in 2007. In 2008, I discovered the Apache Junction Rock and Gem Club. They had all the equipment to do all of the work on rocks and silver so I started working making beautiful rocks out of ugly rocks again. Several years ago, I discovered the High Country Art Gallery, in Pinetop, Arizona and was accepted as a member. I have found lapidary and silversmithing to be a very rewarding … and sometimes even a little profitable. Brian Davenport
Jan D'Urso - Photographer
Jan D'Urso & Bruce Pferdeort - Photographers - www.roamingwildstudio.com
Jan D'Urso (Bruce Pferdeort)- Photographers
We are Bruce and Jan, and our story began over 45 years ago when we met at Grand Canyon National Park. From the very beginning, we shared a deep love for the outdoors and a desire to spend our lives surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. After retiring, we set out to turn that dream into a reality—traveling together to photograph wildlife and landscapes across the globe. Our adventures have taken us from the vast plains of Africa to the icy reaches of Antarctica, from the fjords of Norway to the wilds of Canada. Closer to home, the U.S. National Parks hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve explored many of them time and again, always finding new stories to tell through our lens. Every journey deepens our appreciation for the natural world and fuels our mission to share its wonder with others. At Roaming Wild Studio, we believe in true stewardship of our natural resources. That’s why we donate 25% of our profits to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The NPCA works tirelessly to protect and restore the places that inspire us most. After the devastating wildfires that destroyed parts of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon — a place deeply personal to us — we knew we wanted to help. The NPCA, along with other dedicated organizations, is leading efforts to rebuild and renew this treasured landscape. When you purchase a print from us, you’re not just bringing a piece of wild beauty into your home — you’re directly supporting the preservation of our national parks for future generations. 🌿
Debbi Eischen-Painter
Sharon Elliott - Woodcarving - Painting
Sharon Elliott
Sharon is a woodcarver and painter. She has been carving since 1984 and painting for the last eight years. Her carving career began in Indio at Date festival, where over fifty carvers were showing and demonstrating their craft. A new hobby was born! Little did she know that this fascination would last the rest of her life. Since them she has carved 2,241 "little people" of various occupations and characters.
Her painting talents emerged when she took a one-day class on watercolor and the instructor asked, "How long have you been painting?" she replied "This is my first class." The instructor said, "Don't Stop!" Since then, she has won several awards and sold most of her paintings.
Sharon also teaches how to make baskets out of reed and pine needles. She makes wooden puzzles, trains, doll cradles and other kinds of toys.
Niles Gorman
Acrylic Painting
James Beck Gucwa
James was born with a creative spirit. As a teenager he enrolled in an Art Correspondence school and attended the Newark School of Industrial Arts at 17. He studied advertising art at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, his BFA was obtained at the Memphis Academy of Art. Afterwards, Jim studied with Master lithographer, Dan Weldon, at his studio in Long Island, N.Y. and in the studio of the contemporary realist painter, the late Gregory Gillespie. After adopting a popular signature style, the Leslie Levy Gallery represented Gucwa’s work where he’s had several successful solo exhibitions. He’s enjoyed one-man shows over the years in some of the finest galleries across the country, from Scottsdale to L.A. San Francisco to New York City, and points between. James became an “Officially Licensed” fine artist for Harley-Davidson, Chevrolet/Corvette, and Mattel Toys in 1998. The famous Peabody Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, commissioned him to paint a large mural, “The History of Memphis,” for the entrance of their Grand Ballroom. In the ‘90s he painted five historic murals for the city of Mesa, Arizona. He is a full-time resident of Pinetop. He is represented by Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, K. Newby Gallery in Tubac, and High Country Gallery in Pinetop.
Jane Hayes - Painting Watercolors
Having grown up in Litchfield Illinois, I chose to attend Eastern Illinois University in Charlston, IL., where I Reflections Program for the Arts.
After early retirement, I moved to the Superstition Mountain foothills and have absorbed the atmosphere of many local artists in the Artists of the Superstitions group and host the Studio Tour biannually at my home. I enjoy working with different forms of painting using acrylics and watercolors. I have also enjoyed painting classes over the years at the Mesa Arts Center under the leadership of Agustin Vargas.
I am currently a board member of the High-Country Arts association, with exhibited works in hand-painted jewelry and paintings at the High Country Art Gallery in Pinetop, AZ.
Fineartamerica.com/profiles/jane-hayes
Lupita Hi-O'Connell (Daniel)
Painting
Annette Kerschner
Fused Glass
Kathleen Kroll -Painting
I have loved drawing and art since grade school. I was fortunate enough to have art classes every year grades K-12. A highlight of my 8th grade was when my aunt came to visit our family in New Jersey and took me into New York to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Mona Lisa on display there. She was instrumental in encouraging me in my artistic endeavors. I decided on a fine arts major at the U of A and especially enjoyed classes in perspective, shading, color mixing, and composition. However, I changed majors my junior year and graduated with a B.A. in Education. In the 70s and 80s I painted in oils while living in Pinetop in the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona and participated in art shows summer and fall. I was awarded a one man show at Northland Pioneer College and sold out of most of my work. After having a rewarding career of designing custom homes both in the White Mountains and Mesa/Gilbert Arizona area, I swore I'd go back to painting when I retired. That was in 2012. It's been a challenging and rewarding shift in careers. I've always had a deep love and respect for nature and have wanted to share this joy with others.
Judy Lefton
Her focus is on mixed media: collage, mosaics and bookmaking
Jennifer Mansfield
Pottery
Jennifer Mansfield - Pottery
I discovered my love of pottery in 2021 as I was seeking a way to de-stress from my day job. I took a class at a community clay co-op in Tucson; AZ and I was hooked. Everything about the ceramic process fascinates me from the feel of the wet clay in my hands during the making process through coaxing the right shade of glaze color in the during the final glaze firing. I work predominantly with mid-range stoneware and delight in both hand building and wheel throwing. I create both functional and sculptural pieces. The goal is always to delight and spark joy in anyone who sees and uses my pots. I am blessed to have a studio in Tucson where I draw my inspiration from the Sonoran Desert as well as one in White Mountains where I am constantly inspired by the peace I find there. I’m always seeking to capture Arizona’s stunning brilliance in pottery.
Kerry McLennan - Klmclennan.com
Kerri McLennan has had a love of the arts since she was a small
child. She started drawing at the age of 4 and has used that, creative
writing and dance as a means to express herself since then. While she
has owned and operated several businesses, and loves that challenge,
creating is her passion. She is a lover of love, motherhood, growth,
learning, family, and adventure. These things are her inspiration. Her
main mediums for her art are Acrylic and Mixed Media.
“I want to create things that have an impact and influence other for
good, I want to add light in a world that can feel very dark sometimes, I
want to dance instead of walk and I want to love with all my heart and
for people to feel these things through my art.” K.L. McLennan
Bill Meder - Pottery
Pepe Montoya Ironworks
I was born and raised in Deming, New Mexico, surrounded by Native American Art depicted by rock petroglyphs. These early drawings fascinated me, when I moved to Arizona in 1994. I began cutting images out of steel plate using a torch and plasma cutter. The drawing, cutting, and welding are all freehand, so no two pieces are exactly alike.
Studying various sites and photographs of these petroglyphs has enabled me to create my art pieces with a deep appreciation for those who came before me.
Sherrie Moore - Painting
Sherrie Moore
Sherrie Moore
Dabbled in art while working. Took art classes once I retired. Studied with 2 professional artists and some college classes. Started out with oils but soon found I Love the looseness and fluidity of watercolor. And the rest is history
Raelynn Musick
Acrylics, Quilting
Cathy Nulliner
Mixed Pastel
Deb Pangerl
Jack Parker
Leather
I’ve always enjoyed making, creating, and or fixing things with my hands. I was introduced to Leather Carving and Crafting in High School. That same year my parents gifted me a basic leatherworking set for my birthday. I spent 7 years with the Tandy/Leather Factory Corporation earning the title of Master Leathercarver. I’ve instructed the art of leather carving to groups of all ages, kindergarten thru college, state and local government arts and crafts programs, visual arts with federal and state prison systems and my favorites, Boy Scouts – Girl Scouts and 4H programs. The rest is history, as is said. I am most relaxed and in my wheelhouse when able to work with leather and create a useful handmade leather product or instruct students on this wonderful art/craft.
Katie Parker
Painting and Poly Clay
My love of fantasy art began as a child when I picked up a crayon and began to doodle and draw. Unicorns, dragons and fairies are some of my favorites. When I’m working on my art I feel at peace. My love of nature is a great personal passion and featured in my work. I am semi-retired and have dedicated more time to my passion for art. I hope the creatures that stir my imagination and release the child in me will do the same for you! .
Lloyd Pentecost - Photographer
Marci Patton-Rope Baskets
Gary Snider Wood Turning
Annette Sexton - Ruiz
Ceramics, painting
Annette Sexton Ruiz - ceramics, painting
Annette Sexton-Ruiz has lived in Chicago, Mexico City and Arizona. She participated in the Chicano Art Movement in Chicago’s “Little Mexico” in the 1980’s, and also Self-Help Graphics in East Los Angeles throughout the 90’s. She received her Bachelor of Art in Art History from ASU and has studied art in Mexico City, Puerto Rico, Italy, England, Ireland and Cuba. Annette has created public art though artist residencies and commissions with the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Town of Guadalupe, City of Chandler, Free Arts of AZ, Childsplay, and a residency at the City of Phoenix Art Center 1998- 2000. Her ceramic piece murals, which number over twenty, can be found throughout Phoenix and its suburbs and in County Mayo, Ireland. where she collaborated with artists to create a public Art Mosaic Mural. Her work has been and is displayed nationally and internationally; in Arizona State University Art Museum, ASU Innovation Gallery, Mission Cultural Center in San Francisco, Arizona Latino Arts Center, Self Help Graphics Gallery in East Los Angeles and the Herberger Theater Center, as well as in Mulraney, Ireland and other local arts organizations since the early 1990s.
Karyl Smith- Painting
Karyl Smith
I began painting about 25 years ago. Self-taught and not really very good. That being
said, I look back at some of my early paintings and I think, that took a lot of nerve. Some weren’t all that bad. Then, about 10 years ago, I started painting classes with Beth Zink and gained some skills and confidence. I paint in acrylic and mixed media, and enjoy painting florals, birds, animals, landscape, sunsets, etc. I have some of my favorite paintings printed on greeting cards. I have been a member of the High-Country Art Association for 10 years.
Nasim Tohidi
Wood
Mary Trejo
Pine Needle Art
