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Represented Artists
-Within a 35mile Radius-
Active Members
Antoinette "Nettie" Nestor
Nettie Nestor has an absolute passion for making quilts. She has made over 500 in the past 15 years and has evolved into using fabrics that are pictorial and larger than the small squares would usually allow. Bold colors and modern designs characterize her works. She often employs west coast designer fabrics to get the right effect. It's pure excitement for her, and she can't wait to start the next one. Nettie Nestor is a graduate of Kent State University, with a degree in Art History and Library science. She has been living in Indiana, PA for 35 years, married to a sculptor and has two sons who are photographers.
Barb Kubala
Barb is a retiree of Indiana Area School District and has been active in the community for many years. As a fiber artist, Barb has practiced many different forms of woven techniques, all of which are a stunning display of her talents. Much of her work is done as pin weaving, which gives her the flexibility to weave any shape that she draws. Her use of simple, non-objective, organic shape is a constant in all of her work, whether it is a wall hanging, a necklace, or a jacket. She is pleased to say that every one of her works is completely unique and one-of-a-kind.
Birch Frew
Birch’s love of clay began at a young age when his father encouraged him to attend Continuing Education at IUP with him. He concentrated on throwing while still in high school and studied at IUP with an emphasis on ceramics. With the support of his parents, Birch built a studio on the country site outside of Indiana, complete with kiln pads for electric, soda and wood fired kilns and successfully creates many pots there to this day.
In 2006 he married Debra, and helps raise his two daughters. He continues to make pots as much as he can around outside employment.
In 2006 he married Debra, and helps raise his two daughters. He continues to make pots as much as he can around outside employment.
Bonnie Chovanec
Bonnie Chovanec retired from a career of 33 years in Laboratory/IT at IRMC to concentrate on her passion for painting with acrylics, her family, and grandchildren. She named this passion, 'Minds Eye' to reflect original artwork on a variety of exciting mediums such as milkweed pod, palm tree bark/husk, sycamore bark, rock, wood, ceramic, and canvas. She is continually fascinated with the variety/intensity of color and texture found in nature, although the attempt to recreate them brings simultaneous joy and frustration. Bonnie is self-taught and relies on prayer and practice to bring her work to life. Her desire is to make your heart smile, to avoid the mundane, and to display the glory of creation. - Psalm 148:5
Brandon Hirt
Brandon Hirt is a fine art photographer that currently resides in Ebensburg, PA. He boomeranged back to the area after living the dream in both Colorado and Oregon. During his time out west, he developed his artistic eye and passion to photography. "I strive to find a different perspective for my images. My photography sweet tooth is long exposure landscapes. The longer exposures help bring a silent peace to images. I create most of these with the power of light and ninja special effects. These shots can last 2 seconds or as long as 2 hours. Long exposures will smooth out crashing waves or have stars spin around the Northern Star. Variety is the spice of life, so I engage in different sorts of image creation." Brandon also photographs weddings and portraits. He is constantly striving to create images of everyday views from brand new perspectives.
Cathryne Mercurio
Cathryne Mercurio was born on Long Island, NY, but spent most of her childhood moving between NY and PA. Drawing and Painting has always given her a sense of stability. She enjoys finding new ways to create by learning new mediums like wood carving. Inspired by the curiosities and different cultures of the world, she is driven by the support and love of her family. Determined to illustrate the magic in reality for the enjoyment of her viewers.
Cindi Macry Kordell
Cindi has been dabbling in Calligraphy since her teenage years, and has always had a love of beautiful letterforms and classic poetry. She 'put her pen and ink down' in the years she was most needed to raise her family and help run their businesses. Born in 1959, Cindi grew up in a close-knit family in Philadelphia. She attended Penn State University and graduated on the Dean's List with a BS Degree in Human Development. She met her husband, Damian, at Penn State and they were married soon after. They eventually settled in Indiana, PA in 1992 and have considered it home ever since.
They raised 2 lovely daughters, owned and operated 2 successful businesses, have 2 grandchildren - and have recently retired from the working world! Cindi Kordell's personal rennaissance began when she joined the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh a few years ago, where she took several lettering courses and studied with Calligraphy Masters. It is through the praise, support, and encouragement of her "calligrafriends."
They raised 2 lovely daughters, owned and operated 2 successful businesses, have 2 grandchildren - and have recently retired from the working world! Cindi Kordell's personal rennaissance began when she joined the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh a few years ago, where she took several lettering courses and studied with Calligraphy Masters. It is through the praise, support, and encouragement of her "calligrafriends."
Cora Smith
"Born in Chicago, Illinois, I grew up in her west suburbs surrounded by a variety of cultures and diversity. In my earliest days, art found me. I established the Kyrie Gallery in 2004 to showcase my work and create a place for art in my rural area of Pennsylvania, home since 1991. The Kyrie Gallery motto is "Art for Life" and my goal has been to produce work that touches lives and makes connections. This is my passion and great joy - who I believe I was designed to be. I have been creating and selling art for the past 35 years. Through those years, I had the benefit of many wonderful art friends and colleagues who shared concepts, ideas, and techniques along the way - and I have grown as an artist through each one.
Dayas Silvis
Dayas Silvis was born in Johnstown, PA, raised in Northern Cambria and Indiana Counties. She earned her degree in visual communication from Oakbridge Academy of Art and Pittsburgh Art Institute. Originally wanting to illustrate comic books and children's books, her interests shifted to portraiture and pet portraits, trying to capture the emotions around her. She loves the contrast of black and white work; charcoal remains her favorite medium. She will delve into color using pastels or markers when the situation calls for it. She still loves illustration, but typically only by request.
"It's the emotion in a scene, a story, or a photograph that grabs my attention. If I can't get the emotional impact out of my head it has to be put on paper." When not working on an art project, Dayas is a layout designer at Creps United Publications. She has also served on the board of the Indiana Art Association since 2009. She enjoys spending her time with her two boys and husband. Her favorite place is home and her interests include gardening, wool felting, video games, and all things geeky.
"It's the emotion in a scene, a story, or a photograph that grabs my attention. If I can't get the emotional impact out of my head it has to be put on paper." When not working on an art project, Dayas is a layout designer at Creps United Publications. She has also served on the board of the Indiana Art Association since 2009. She enjoys spending her time with her two boys and husband. Her favorite place is home and her interests include gardening, wool felting, video games, and all things geeky.
Elise Turnbull
Elise Turnbull uses her artwork as prayer and hopes to spread joy through what she creates.
Elle Woods
Elle Woods grew up in Indiana, PA and has been a teacher for over 18 years. She is now the coordinator of Gifted Support Services in the Indiana School District. She studied visual and creative writing, but stopped creating after university. She is happy to have started again. For her, artwork is very spiritual. Elle Woods has 3 sons.
Fred Hummel
Fred Hummel is a photographer in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He has been an active member with the Indiana Art Association (IAA). His personal exhibit in 2019 focused on the architecture of closed prisons, such as Alcatraz. He also won an award in the IAA exhibit of 2023.
Greg Langham
Educated at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Greg's work resides in many private collections throughout the United States. Professionally, Langham was employed by the Penns Manor School District as the High School Art teacher; a position from which he retired in 2008 to return to his personal artwork. His work may be described as a mixture of realism and fantasy, with periodic excursions into the abstract.
HK Miller
Harold K. Miller was born in 1950 and grew up in southern New Jersey. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning a BA in Art in 1972 and a Master's in Printmaking and Education in 1975. After surviving 32 years in the Pennsylvania Public School System, Harold retured in 2006 and began painting full-time. Beginning with small plein-air studies, he gradually moved onto larger studio paintings. Of particular interest, a series depicting farm structures on the Gettysburg battlefield or the old architecture of school buildings.
Harold resides in Indiana, Pennsylvania with his wife, Susan, and has been influenced by the work of Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, NC and Andrew Wyeth, and Sidney Laurence.
Harold resides in Indiana, Pennsylvania with his wife, Susan, and has been influenced by the work of Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, NC and Andrew Wyeth, and Sidney Laurence.
Irene Tabish
"I wanted to “get a life” as a balance to the life of a high school French teacher. By signing up for Continuing Ed ceramic classes at IUP and eventually credit classes, I found the challenges and rewards provided the balance I sought. The variety of teachers presented the ideas and instruction to enhance my desire to learn more…and surprise myself. In addition to IUP classes, the past 25 summers in Chautauqua Special Studies classes at the School of Art continue to provide a starring roster of different teachers and new inspiration each week of the summer session.
As helper to my friend who teaches warm glass jewelry classes in Special Studies at Chautauqua I was introduced to another material that presents so many possibilities. These past 2 summers gave me the possibility to make glass plates and dishes when ceramics classes were not available.
Whether with glass or ceramics my goals have remained learning something new and different inspired and stimulated by the encounters with a variety of teachers and techniques, getting better at what I can achieve- I always say: for my own amusement and amazement! What a compliment when others like what I do. The friends made in the studios are the best bonus!"
As helper to my friend who teaches warm glass jewelry classes in Special Studies at Chautauqua I was introduced to another material that presents so many possibilities. These past 2 summers gave me the possibility to make glass plates and dishes when ceramics classes were not available.
Whether with glass or ceramics my goals have remained learning something new and different inspired and stimulated by the encounters with a variety of teachers and techniques, getting better at what I can achieve- I always say: for my own amusement and amazement! What a compliment when others like what I do. The friends made in the studios are the best bonus!"
Jamie Bernhard
When Jamie was born, a day after his due date, in Manhattan's Mt. Sinai Hospital, a massive blackout shook NYC. Although a day late, by his usual attire, you might surmise he is often a dollar short. Jamie is, however, a strict ascetic, deriving his happiness, sense of purpose, and motivation not from material not from material things, but from a spiritual and intellectual existence; from connection to family, to others, and a universe he sees as brimming with a certain love. Jamie was raised to appreciate diverse views and to value encyclopedic knowledge. Jamie holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida and teaches mathematics, physics, and chemistry, tutoring students around the world. His art appears nevertheless, supplemented by some degree of right-brain activity, when his interests and instincts combine logic and consistency of geometric form with abstraction, heartful levity, and spontaneity.
Janet Runyan
Janet Runyan is a local retired art teacher, grandmother, and an active potter in the area. She finds whimsy in her sculptures such as 'War Rabbit,' and is an active part of the Local Potter's tour and Stoke Hole Pottery.
Jolene Joyner
Jolene is an oil/pastel painter. She has lived in Indiana County most of her life and currently lives in Clymer, PA. Her studio is in her home. She works from photographs that have been taken locally and from her travels to France and Italy. Her artwork is representational because she enjoys the challenge.
Joy Fairbanks
Joy Biesinger Fairbanks received her BS/ED and MA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her master’s degree is in the field of jewelry with a sculpture minor. During her graduate work she became interested in photography and has been exhibiting in that field for the past 35 yrs. Her work is included in museum collections as well as private collections. Joy is a member of the Indiana Art Association, the Pittsburgh Society or Artists, the National Collage Society and the Allied Artists of Johnstown.
JR Sherburne
JR Sherburne, recently retired and closed down his work as a resident potter. Purchase some of his last pieces while they last!
Also known as Jimmy the potter, his formal background in ceramics began in 1974 in the apprenticeship program at Berea College in Kentucky, culminating with a BA degree. Following graduation, JR was a studio potter in Florida, California, and Kentucky. While in Kentucky, he was very active in the Kentucky Department of Humanities Artist-In-Residence program, working primarily in rural districts presenting residencies ranging from two weeks to nine months, as well as providing teacher in-service seminars, facilitating visiting artist workships, and advocating for the arts to community groups. He earned an MFA in ceramics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 2008. JR always has a great story to tell.
Also known as Jimmy the potter, his formal background in ceramics began in 1974 in the apprenticeship program at Berea College in Kentucky, culminating with a BA degree. Following graduation, JR was a studio potter in Florida, California, and Kentucky. While in Kentucky, he was very active in the Kentucky Department of Humanities Artist-In-Residence program, working primarily in rural districts presenting residencies ranging from two weeks to nine months, as well as providing teacher in-service seminars, facilitating visiting artist workships, and advocating for the arts to community groups. He earned an MFA in ceramics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 2008. JR always has a great story to tell.
Julieann Knox
Julieann Knox's recent paintings move away from her previous realistic portrayal into a boldly colorful, expressionistic response to flowers. Her brush strokes are made of the emotional responses evoked by gazing on flower arrangements. Much like a composer might respond to a lover's bouquet with chords expressing heartfelt passion, Knox responds with a flurry of colorful brushstrokes to the spirit and emotions contained in our botanical delights.
Licia Lucas
Licia Lucas Pfadt was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, returning after 26 years of raising a family in Montana. She has her BFA in ceramics and fibers from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1998. Working primarily in ceramics, Licia also works with nature jewelry and skull art.
"I speak in a language of visual metaphors using surface decoration to tell my stories. Through routinely making and experimenting, I am guided by powers beyond my understanding. Paying attention to things that rock my spirit, that make me question, that make me smile; being an artist is a way of life. Clay feeds, heals, and holds my soul. Nature is my inspiration."
"I speak in a language of visual metaphors using surface decoration to tell my stories. Through routinely making and experimenting, I am guided by powers beyond my understanding. Paying attention to things that rock my spirit, that make me question, that make me smile; being an artist is a way of life. Clay feeds, heals, and holds my soul. Nature is my inspiration."
Linda Burkett
Recently transitioning from the role of Clinical Coordinator for the Nurse Practitioner Programs to Adjunct Faculty and Advisor, Linda Burkett also continues to practice as a Faith Community Nurse. The move to part-time academia and nursing has provided the opportunity for Linda to return to her lifetime passion for oil painting. Previously have been a featured artist and the Pennsylvania State University Campus in New Kensington, she has continued to hone her skill and painting techniques over the years. Living in rural Armstrong County, the beauty of nature in sunsets, landscapes, and her flower gardens capture her heart and eyes as an artist. Influenced by the style of Georgia O'Keeffe, Linda creates botanical portraits as her current focus of oil painting. Georgia O'Keeffe was inspired to examine each flower, noting the detailed perspective of the petals. Transposing this close-cropping technique, Linda reflects the nuances of her botanical subjects, playing light off of the floral colors, shapes, and textures.
Mandi Moerland
Mandi Moerland didn't set out to be a visual artist. Her first art form was dance. She began dancing at age 2, and continued through until 1990, where she entered graduate school, Master of Clinical Social Work, 1992. Painting became important to her when she moved from Florida to Ohio, where she became ready to pursue art seriously. She entered Kent State undergraduate art program in 2011. Formal art classes helped her navigate and explore drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. However, she was to move 2 years later and was unable to finish the program. In her new home, she found an art studio and began painting full time in 2013.
"My painting continues to evolve. I'm in a stage of exploration and experimentation. I enjoy painting the figure, landscapes, and abstractions. My focus is to combine movement the figure, and abstraction. At this juncture, I am not certain how these elements may manifest. However, they are always on my mind when I am painting."
"My painting continues to evolve. I'm in a stage of exploration and experimentation. I enjoy painting the figure, landscapes, and abstractions. My focus is to combine movement the figure, and abstraction. At this juncture, I am not certain how these elements may manifest. However, they are always on my mind when I am painting."
Mark Altrogge
"I liked to draw from the time I was a little boy. My dad, JJ, always liked to draw and paint and my mother liked weaving. They got me into my first oil painting class when I was 12 years old. I always liked Vincent VanGogh, and when I was 13 years old, I copied a VanGogh portrait, and signed my own name to it. I guess Vincent won’t sue me. I always liked VanGogh’s expressionist colors and brushwork. I’ve also been influenced by Claude Monet and other impressionist and pointillist painters.
I was an art education major at IUP, and taught art at a middle school in Blairsville for a year, then went back to the University for a masters degree in painting. After getting my degree I was an itinerant elementary art teacher in 5 schools in Latrobe for a year, before coming on staff as a pastor-in-training at what is now Saving Grace Church in Indiana. Over the years I have continued to paint and still paint in an impressionist style. I begin my paintings with an undercoat of acrylics, then usually add layers of oil paint. I love the thick, rich colors of oil paint. I enjoy painting barns, vintage cars, laundry on clotheslines, umbrellas, local buildings and landscapes.
And I am really grateful that the Artists Hand displays and sells my paintings and prints."
I was an art education major at IUP, and taught art at a middle school in Blairsville for a year, then went back to the University for a masters degree in painting. After getting my degree I was an itinerant elementary art teacher in 5 schools in Latrobe for a year, before coming on staff as a pastor-in-training at what is now Saving Grace Church in Indiana. Over the years I have continued to paint and still paint in an impressionist style. I begin my paintings with an undercoat of acrylics, then usually add layers of oil paint. I love the thick, rich colors of oil paint. I enjoy painting barns, vintage cars, laundry on clotheslines, umbrellas, local buildings and landscapes.
And I am really grateful that the Artists Hand displays and sells my paintings and prints."
Inactive members/Guest Artists include: Angel McDonald, Evi Mendoza, Francis DeFabo, Justin Cobb, Nacy Laird, Vaughn Clay, Hsiao Busch, Darlene Palmer, Gwendolyn Mugliston, Marion Grelle, Rob Hinkal, James LaFontaine, Rachel Wheeler, Ron Moretti, Allen Affolter, Chris Kinter, Kaity Kinter, Jaime Helbig, Dan Trimble, Doug Crytzer, Darcy Trunzo, Garyl Gray, Jonelle Summerfield, Linda Van Gehuchten, Melvin Dunlap Jr., Bill Double, Amna Kasi, Jamie Coptic, LA Gallanar, Mea Cash, Gregory Jones, Glenn Himes, Anthony Frazier, Joanne Arnall, John Rhoads, Ken Fairman, Rich French, Leslie Swentosky, Mason Kerner, Brianna Adkins, Kym Laret, JoAnn Wesolosky, Paul Seymour, Colleen Wakefield, Kathy Rafferty, Linda Stiteler, Mikayla Neu, Chere Winneck-Shawer.
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