Afi Ese 

 

Afi Ese is an African American figurative narrative painter living in Houston, Texas. She holds a M.S. in psychology with a concentration in art therapy. Ese’s work focuses on Black portraiture that venerates West African diasporic history with an emphasis on generational trauma and triumph in rural Black America. Her paintings are conceptualized narratives of the global Black plight through the eyes of a self-aware Black American. 

 

Afi identifies as a disabled artist who is wheel-chair dependent and views artistic ability as a mental skill just as much as a physical skill and aims to show others with disabilities that they can find catharsis and relief through art. Most recently, Ese had a successful solo show at Gallery Guichard in Chicago, IL, was featured in Suboart Magazine’s October 2023 issue with a 12-page spread, and has a solo exhibit at the Jung Center Houston in the fall. 

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Cheryl Russell

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Cheryl Russell is a Houston, Texas based figurative expressionist painter. She’s passionate about social issues, painting and her family. She is semi-retired from owning a successful marketing firm which focused on web and graphic design. She’s shown her work in cities across the state and has won multiple awards, including the Clelie Ann Moore Scholarship. Her work has been featured in publications and she was President of the Student Art Club in Galveston, TX. She received her B.F.A., summa cum laude, in Studio Arts with a concentration in Painting at Texas State University.

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Cora Salvino

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Cora has spent over 40 years as an OB/GYN physician. Now that her medical career is winding down, she has the time to devote to her lifelong passion for glass art. She started doing stained glass in college, and switched to fused glass about 8 years ago. She enjoys the freedom of form and contour that fused glass allows her.

 

Debbie Gibbs

 

Debbie creates abstract paintings, mosaics and collages using a variety of papers and acrylics. She often explores equity, justice, and inclusion in her work using iconic images such as hands, hearts, crosses, the sun, moon, and peace symbols. Sometimes, in contrast to her controlled mosaic style, Debbie enjoys doing mixed media abstract pieces with paper and acrylic. Debbie also creates three dimensional figures with sticks, papers, plaster, clay and fabric. Debbie’s work can be viewed on the web at www.debbiegibbs.net. Follow her on Instagram @gibbsdpg.

 

 

Della Calfee

 

Diana Waguespack 

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Diana’s love for art began when she was just a little girl, sitting on the porch drawing and painting with her dad, A.J. Schexnayder, a nationally recognized watercolor artist.  She attended the University of Houston where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education/Art All Level.  She has taught art and photography through private classes, workshops, and public schools. Most of her teaching career was in the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District where she taught art, photography, and was the art department chair at Cypress Falls High School. Diana retired from teaching in the public school system to pursue her passion for Fine Art and Photography.  Diana creates many types of art and photography, but Underwater Fine Art Photography is her specialty and first love.  Being under water is where she feels the happiest and most free, allowing her mind to view the image and then capture it.  It is where she feels the most creative.  Diana is an award-winning fine art photographic artist and was awarded Active Photographer of the Year for Professional Photographers Guild Houston in 2020 and 2021.  She also has exhibited in several solo art and group exhibits both locally and nationally.  She has been published in professional and local magazines, books, and is included as one of 50 artists in the “50 Artist” book to represent Houston 2022. Diana Marie is honored and blessed to have had works alongside some of the best in the world.  Diana’s unique style is whimsical and magical, and her mediums include fine art underwater photography, fine art studio portraiture, digital art, alternative photographic processes, watercolor, oil paint, and encaustic waxes.  When she creates art, she thinks about how the viewer will feel when they see the image and strives to create a magical art piece they will love and cherish forever.

 

Diane Gelman

 

I am a mixed media artist, layering together images, designs, and colors.  I often combine paint with collage elements, integrating the paint and collage to form a cohesive and complete whole.  Collage is an assemblage of various small objects and forms, which sometimes include layers of paper, found objects, fabric, string, cardboard, or metal leaf.   Collage enhances clarity, adds a sense of playfulness, vitality, and a surreal aspect to a carefully crafted, realistic painting.  My paintings are improvisations on realistic images fused onto imaginative themes that are rich with light, color and detail.   I like to paint innovative pop-art works, inspiring scenes from Nature, interesting people, children, and especially food!  My work weaves together layers of designs, textures and meaning.  I apply layers over layers, sometimes arranging, sometimes disarranging, gathering, surrounding, weaving, removing or embellishing images, and often carving back into them, to find the real, hidden story underneath each painting.    

 

Much of my artwork is about food.   I have been focused on food for my entire life: studying about it, writing about it, teaching it, creating it, sculpting it, and painting it. I am uniquely expert at exploring the interplay between art and food because I am both an artist and a Registered, Licensed Dietitian.  My goal is to make food-based artwork that looks good enough to eat off of the canvas!   

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Diane Gelman received a Certificate in Painting from The Glassell Studio School of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in 2012.  Diane is also a Registered, Licensed Dietitian and has a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Cincinnati.  Diane is originally from Detroit, Michigan and currently lives in Bellaire, Texas (Houston area) with her husband.  Diane had a solo food-based show, "FRESH!"  in Gallery 200 at the Silos  May- July 2018.  She had a solo show at Kam’s Restaurant, Houston in 2017.  Diane has shown work extensively with the Visual Arts Alliance of Houston, had a solo show of her work at Urban Eats Restaurant in Houston 2016, and was awarded the Frank Garriet’s Purchase Prize from the Beaumont Art League’s 2014 National 52nd annual Juried Exhibition and the Juror’s Choice Award in the Sugarland Art Center 2016 Juried Competition.  Diane is a member of the Houston Art Connective.

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Donna Carnahan

Donna Carnahan is an international photographer and artist residing in Houston, Texas. She specializes in landscape photography and original artworks inspired by her European travels and by exploring her Czech family heritage . Capturing the scenic aerial views by climbing to heights is a dynamic challenge, especially when traveling alone, as she often does when she explores new places.  By grabbing just the right lighting and composition, she captivates her viewers and inspires their souls with the bold, vibrant colors.

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Jo Zider

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My work deals with social issues of abuse, inequality, prejudices, issues which plague our society and expose the inhumanity that many in our midst have for each other. “Unwanted Children-How Do You Grow Them” speaks to the abortion issue. If our legislators want more children to be born, then why won’t they provide all means possible to help them to grow in a healthy environment and educate them in order that their futures will help them prosper. Who are the women who dare? I am one, an artist who dares to approach subjects that perhaps make people uncomfortable. 

 

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Katy Hardin

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I have always had a love for anything creative and I began painting as a way to manage anxiety and find calm in a brain that is never quiet. Painting and making a mess allowed me to embrace the freedom of the intuitive brushstroke and stay present in the moment. God has used art to bring me healing in so many ways. I fell in love with the process of creating vibrant paintings that tell a story and I have never looked back. I find the most joy in painting expressive portraits of women that showcase inner strength and finding the inner light that comes from overcoming times of darkness. I hope my paintings will bring healing and happiness to others that find a connection with the underlying message or subject in my work.

 

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Lisa Stavinoha

 

I am Lisa Stavinoha, I am a visual artist that uses whatever medium will tell the story I want to tell. I was born in Whittier CA and have lived across the United States. I am currently a working artist, vintage event/interior designer, and a certified personal trainer. I have been married for 31 years and I am a caregiver to my husband, and I have a chronic pain disease, CRPS as well as a brain tumor.

 

I began dabbling in art and writing as a child and the passion has only grown stronger and stronger through the years. I am self-taught. 

 

Liz Conces Spencer

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Liz Conces Spencer is a native Texan and ardent supporter of progressive social, political and educational endeavors.  For a full bio and CV, please visit www.lizconces.com. 

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Megan Randall

 

Born in Houston, Megan Randall is a multi-disciplinary artist focused on feminist/queer perspectives. They are completing their bachelor’s in art history and a minor in studio art from the University of Houston (2023). Much of Randall’s practice is research and character design to support the storytelling that drives their work. Fascinated by pop culture throughout their life the norms and ideals portrayed in the media became ideas they wanted to explore. Randall’s primary concern is representing the historically marginalized and giving those communities agency in their narrative. Giving particular attention to the intersections between marginalized identities highlighting their unique struggles. Visually influenced by multi-medium art, they experiment with color, paint application, unconventional materials. Always looking for new ways to work they incorporate sculptural and unexpected elements into their compositions. Contrasting images with references to inner dialogues. Above all, Randall’s goal is to celebrate the diversity and beauty of humanity. 

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Nara Lesser

  

Nara Lesser is an artist with a wide range of interests, including drawing, painting, sculpting miniatures, embroidery, needle lace, knitting, and crochet.  She's been working in theatrical costuming & crafts since 2001, and currently works as the costume production assistant at Houston Grand Opera.  Lately she's been focusing on custom pet portraits in watercolor.  You can find her work and rambling at www.neuroticowl.com.

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Paola Nunez Solorio

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Paola Núñez Solorio is a visual artist, specializing in photography and painting. Born in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, Paola started to show an interest in painting at an early age and began her training at the age of 6, under the guidance of recognized Mexican painter Jaime Rabago. 

In 2007, while living in Brazil she studied Art History at the prestigious Sao Paulo Museum Of Art - MASP- Museu De Arte de Sao Paulo, where she would also discover her passion for photography. Upon her return to Mexico City Paola entered AAVI  (Academia de Artes Visuales), where she obtained a Diploma in photography. 

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Over the next few years, Paola would exhibit her work in multiple locations throughout Mexico and the United States and would be published across major publications, including The New York Times, El Pais, BBC, BBC World, Cuartoscuro Magazine and Letras Libres in Mexico, just to mentioned a few. She has also been published in several books like Shift Book Vol.5, Home Book, and One Life Photo Book. She also self-published a book of her project Serenade For New York (a major project that was exhibited in exhibited in New York, Imagen Museo in Colima, Mexico, and was the opening exhibition for the opening of the first Mariachi School in Mexico City: Ollin Yoliztli in the famous Garibaldi Square. 

Paola has received several national and international recognitions, including: The Julia Margaret Cameron Award, 2nd Prize “Landscapes and Cityscapes”; Prix de la Photographie Paris, Silver Medal; National Geographic Traveler's World in Focus Contest, Finalist; 3rd Julia Margaret Cameron Award, Finalist Portraits; 4th Julia Margaret Cameron Award, and Finalist Documentary among others. 

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Paola is a proud mother of 2 and a certified Montessori Guide who believes that art plays an important role in the development of all children.

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Rona Lesser

 

Rona Lesser is a Houston artist and art educator who works in several media with a subject matter of figures, landscapes, and animals.  She has had work in juried exhibits in Houston, N.Y., Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston and currently shares her work at Sawyer Yards Silos Studios, #123 in Houston, Tx.  She has trained in classes and workshops for over 40 years at Glassell School, the Art League of Houston, and the Watercolor Society of Houston as well as out of town workshops.  She taught after school art for the non- profit, CityArt Works for over 20 years and now works as a docent at the Blaffer Art Museum of the University of Houston. She serves on the national board of National Women’s Caucus for Art as S.W Regional chair and Jewish Women’s Art Network chair, and is a founding board member of the local Texas chapter.  She has two adult creative children, Nara and Ian Lesser and a creative husband. 

 

Sue Harmon

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Susan Harmon was born and lived much of her life in Chicago. She holds a BFA, Painting, from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago and another BFA, Graphic design, from The University of Illinois and an MFA degree from Georgia Southern University. She spent one year working on a Ph.D. in Studio Art at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. She received a generous fellowship to pursue her PhD art research at The Julia and David White art residency in Costa Rica. I am an Abstract Expressionist painter. Her work is large, typically 15’x5’. She works on un-stretched and unprepared canvas, on the floor or wall. All works are informed by books; stories about women who have suffered trauma and their road to recovery. Recently she was awarded a commission to complete 5 murals for the city of San Marcos, 60’ long and 20’ tall. The University of Central Oklahoma chose 5 of her artworks to use for their costumes for the play, Trojan Women 2, April 2019. This year she won first place award from Mark Arts of Koch Brothers Industries with a generous stipend and her art published on the invites. She will be attending The Skopelos Art Residency this summer on the Greek island. She teaches art courses at Northern Marianas College on the island of Saipan, Park University, and Butler College.She have been married for 41 years and have 4 sons.

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Susan Meeks

 

I’m inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe and her groundbreaking work as a female artist. She dreamt to be known as painter when women were not taken seriously as artists. Flowers are my field of study. My observations come from walks where I first photograph my flowers. The quiet delicate flowers bring me happiness. Blooming flowers signify life and the delicate balance in nature. My goal is to inspire others to look deeper into natural beauty and find peace.  

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Su Yang

 

These women are influencers and artists who share an interest in challenging conventional standards of female beauty. I collaborate with them and delve into the endemic anxiety that many women experience regarding the shape of their bodies. Through my art, I convey and depict the imagery of these women, advocating for body liberation and inclusivity.  

 

Su Yang (b. China) calls herself a Chinese feminist.  She works with painting, photography, video, and film to explore different subjects in feminist studies, including female representation, mother and child relationships, and LGBTIQ in mainland China.

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Yang is an Assistant Professor in the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. She holds a Ph.D. in visual, Asian cultural, and gender Studies from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Fine Arts in painting from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Arts in design from Tsinghua University.

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Her work has been exhibited and screened at institutions internationally, including Anderson Gallery in Buffalo, Shanghai M50 Creative Park, Tsinghua University, 798 Art District in Beijing, University of Melbourne, Astor Theatre and Kino Cinemas in Melbourne, Lion Arts Centre in Adelaide, Toronto Reference Library, OCAD University Art Museum, and Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Municipal Theatre in Bogota, Colombia.

Yang has been the recipient of grants from the 11th Prospect Portrait Prize People’s Choice Award in South Australia, the City of Yarra Community Grant in Melbourne, and the Asian Studies Association of Australia. Her experimental film BEAUTY won People of Color the International Cultural Exchange in New York in 2020 and Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)’s Powershorts Short Film Competition in 2017.

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Suzanne Buckland

 

As a visual artist currently living in Katy, Texas, I specialize in painting oil and acrylic on canvas, mixed mediums and drawing charcoal, pastel and oil pastel on paper, clay, photography and sculpture. I have been drawing and painting most of my life and studied art in The Netherlands over 40 years ago. I am a full-time professional artist and instructor. My goal is to put a smile on the face of humanity, to preserve nature, the natural world, our environment, and create a greater appreciation for art, nature, freedom and artistic expression.

 

I can be found every Saturday at The Silos, 1502 Sawyer St. Houston, Studio 122. I love Sawyer Yards in Houston

 

My perspective varies. Like most other artists I have experimented with styles, media, and size. I paint in several different styles including ancient hieroglyphs to more classic post expressionism. My subjects include my take on ancient art forms, floral and botanical, landscapes and seascapes including sunsets, animals, birds and more. I am also available for commissioned artwork. You can see my work on Facebook and Fine Art America.