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Represented Artists
-Within a 35mile Radius-
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.
Brianna Adkins
As an all-around arts educator, I am passionate about creating and guiding students of all ages through art and dance opportunities. I work as an elementary art educator and participate in numerous freelance activities as an artist, photographer, and dancer. I am represented as a photographer at the Artist Hand Gallery and did documentary photography for a youth mural project through the gallery and Dripped On The Road. I've choreographed 6 musicals for 3 high schools, taught tap at a studio, and performed in numerous productions throughout high school and college. Going into adult life, I've found that taking dance classes and finding that connection with community is even more important for adults. I am a TExpL educator after taking part in the Albright College teacher cohort program-- they understand the importance of connecting and empowering community too.
In college, I studied abroad in Italy twice, first in Florence (which was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020) and then in Sorrento). I have a passion for world travel, leading me to create travel content and photography and expand the worldview of my students with frequent Art Around the World lessons.
In college, I studied abroad in Italy twice, first in Florence (which was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020) and then in Sorrento). I have a passion for world travel, leading me to create travel content and photography and expand the worldview of my students with frequent Art Around the World lessons.
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.
Chere Winneck-Shawer
Chere Winnek-Shawer has been a longstanding artists represented at the Artists Hand till her death. With permission, some of her last pieces remain here to be valued and honored by someone to continue to appreciate her creativity.
In Chere's words, "I have always liked to make things, in woods, metal, or whatever was at hand and I have always loved to learn. However, for many years I was busy with life that I almost forgot about my desire to create. First was having children, then school with a PHD in Philosophy, with a short hiatus into pottery, subsequently a JD in Law and practicing law for many years. Then lo and behold I retired. At last I remembered my creative desire, and I was back again in school, first in weaving fibers, and then to jewelry and metals. I have been at it ever since."
In Chere's words, "I have always liked to make things, in woods, metal, or whatever was at hand and I have always loved to learn. However, for many years I was busy with life that I almost forgot about my desire to create. First was having children, then school with a PHD in Philosophy, with a short hiatus into pottery, subsequently a JD in Law and practicing law for many years. Then lo and behold I retired. At last I remembered my creative desire, and I was back again in school, first in weaving fibers, and then to jewelry and metals. I have been at it ever since."
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."
Colleen Wakefield
Colleen’s style of digital photography is her own unique design which she calls “Colleenism”
(characterized as being whimsical, vibrant, bold, colorful, and floral-inspired). Her original works are
more than just photos. They are her creations magically transformed from her creative soul into
beautiful pieces of art inspired by nature.
Her photos invoke excitement, and her use of color usually results in a “wow”.
Colleen’s photography reflects her passion for beautiful flowers, using multiple layers of floral images
and other scenes blended into one to create unique artwork that resembles paintings or collages that
are distinctive from others.
(characterized as being whimsical, vibrant, bold, colorful, and floral-inspired). Her original works are
more than just photos. They are her creations magically transformed from her creative soul into
beautiful pieces of art inspired by nature.
Her photos invoke excitement, and her use of color usually results in a “wow”.
Colleen’s photography reflects her passion for beautiful flowers, using multiple layers of floral images
and other scenes blended into one to create unique artwork that resembles paintings or collages that
are distinctive from others.
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.
Evi Mendoza
Elise Turnbull
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 Hummell
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
JoAnn Wesolosky
JoAnn Wesolosky is a painter, portrait artist, and art educator living and working in PA. She received an MA concentration in drawing and painting from Marywood University. She focuses in landscapes and flowers from the local area or her travels, often working in pencil, watercolor, and oils. In her spare time, she is also an avid reader.
John Rhoads
Born in Greensburg in 1953, John graduated in 1970 from Greensburg Salem High School. He worked at Seton Hill for one year before enlisting in the US Navy, serving four years on the USS Constellation CVA64 during Vietnam. John became Christian during his enlistment. After service, he went to Tyler-Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana for bible study.
John's art is self-taught. He loves to paint outdoors in plein aire to show the beauty of God's creation. He uses impresssionist style in landscapes and still-lifes. Of particular interest is finding harmony in contrast of light and shadow. God's beauty is all about us, even a single flower. He hopes that they speak to your heart.
John's art is self-taught. He loves to paint outdoors in plein aire to show the beauty of God's creation. He uses impresssionist style in landscapes and still-lifes. Of particular interest is finding harmony in contrast of light and shadow. God's beauty is all about us, even a single flower. He hopes that they speak to your heart.
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.
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