The following biographies are intended to briefly highlight and
summarize the education, experience and accomplishments of
the artists participating in the Many Hands exhibition. For
additional information and complete resumes, please contact the
individual artists directly.
William Alburger
223 Paper Mill Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 845-8989
Website: www.wallfurnishings.com
Email: studio@wallfurnishings.com
Media: wood
In 1998, after 25 years as a successful businessman, Bill focused his time and energy
on his life-long passion, art, and launched Wall Furnishings. Two acres form his
outdoor studio where the foundational elements—his love of wood, gift of art,
passion for recycling, and addiction to collecting—come together. Regularly
scouring the countryside for materials, stopping at flea markets or picking through
woodpiles at sawmills, Bill builds many of his rustic pieces from antique wood
combining his in depth knowledge of the newest and best chemical treatments and
techniques with years of woodworking in each one-of-a-kind and limited edition
piece. His distinctive pieces are displayed at galleries and showrooms and are
included in private collections.
Jeff Arbogast
3041 Tyler Court
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 327-1681
Email: arbo219@comcast.net
Media: pastels
The Pennsylvania countryside has been the inspiration for many of Jeff’s
landscapes. He searches rural areas for a blend of abstract composition, harmonious
color, and contrasting values. In addition to his formal training at the York
Academy of Arts, Jeff attended art classes and workshops at various colleges and art
leagues in southeast Pennsylvania. Jeff has exhibited his work with the
Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Greater Harrisburg Arts Council, Philadelphia
Sketch Club, Perkins Center for the Arts, Philadelphia Tristate Artists Equity, Berks
Art Alliance, Greater Norristown Art League, Pottstown Artist Guild, and
Susquehanna Art Society. His landscapes may be viewed at www.art4business.com.
Roy Bachert
6801 Tollgate Road
Zionsville, PA 18092
(610) 966-4351
Email bachertpottery@aol.com
Media: ceramics
Roy was first introduced to pottery when he was required to take ceramics class at
an adult education class at Northampton County Community College. Pottery has
now turned into a passion. Roy constantly challenges his talent through larger
sized pieces diversity in glazes and unique techniques. He is a member of the Lehigh
Valley Guild of Craftsmen and an active member of Artisan Touch, an artist’s co-op
in Emmaus. Among his work is the original “Bachert Burning Stone & Wick” and
specializes in unique and functional had thrown pottery. Roy lives in Zionsville
with his wife and two children.
Val Bertoia
Bertoia Studio
644 Main Street
Bally, PA 19503
(610) 845-7096
Website: www.bertoiastudio.com
Email: Valway@aol.com
Media: bronze sculptures
Val graduated from Indiana Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical
engineering. He began his own artistic career by developing kinetic sculptures that
move with wind energy. Recognizing the usefulness of the wind, he designed, built,
and patented a 100' wind-driven electric system. His “Ecological Sculptural
Pathway” is an ongoing project designed to heal the spirit by relating to nature.
Val's work is exhibited extensively and he has received numerous awards. He
continues to fabricate and install sculptures which are represented in collections
throughout the world.
Lesta Bertoia
50 Grouse Hill
Barto, PA 10504
(215) 679-5270
Email: bertoia@nni.com
Media: acrylics / hardwood/ stones/ driftwood
A resident of Barto, Lesta has been expressing herself in various artistic medias since
the age of five and her artwork has been available to the public since 1994. She has
received awards for her sculptures and paintings. Lesta's work appears in
exhibitions throughout the local area.
James Cameron
1962 Tollgate Road
Palm, PA 18070
(215) 679-7091
Email: jecameron@meca.edu
Media: photography
An artist all his life, James became serious about art as a sophomore in high school
and graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsburg. He attended Keystone College
where he started to take photographs and after earning an AFA James transferred
to Maine College of Art (MECA) where he studying for his bachelors. As James
continues to explore new ideas through his photography he attempts to capture the
world he sees and to give the viewer of his photographs a chance to see it through
his eyes. As his art grows he will give the viewer a chance to grow with him.
Martha Cawley
81 Stove Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 845-3434
Email: MHC81s@netcarrier.com
Media: woodcut prints and cast stone sculptures
A patient and sensitive observer of all wild creatures, Martha has the exceptional
ability to capture the living spirit of these natural subjects. Martha’s keen attention
to detail and innate sensitivity are the essence of her work. She studied at the
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and received a B.F.A. from Philadelphia College
of Art and a Master’s degree in education from Temple University. Martha has lived
in rural Berks County for 37 years. Her spacious studio is located in the converted
barn that is part of her quaint farmstead. During the last ten years she also began
producing sculpture in cast stone.
Jim Davis
134 Hoch Avenue
Topton, PA 19562
(610) 641-8803
Email: st8pen01@aol.com
Media: pencil
Jim began drawing in January, 2001. He is self taught with no formal instruction.
Learning from books and studying the techniques of other artists he has worked
daily to develop his natural talent. With Jim’s artwork traveling around the world
to customers as far away as Israel, Jim’s work is also locally displayed at the
Philadelphia Art Museum’s Village of the Arts and Humanities and the Thomas
Eakin’s House. Jim lives in Topton with his wife and children
Jack Eagle
2695 Brentwood Drive
Coopersburg, PA 18036
(610) 797-6735
Email : jeagle@enter.net
Media: steel sculptures
Jack attended Monroe School of Fine Arts, Stella Elkins Tyler School of Fine Arts
and Kutztown State Teacher’s College. After receiving his Masters of Fine Arts from
Tyler, Jack taught art in the Allentown school district from 1957 to 1986 and
lectured at Muhlenberg College and Lehigh County Community College. His work
has been displayed in numerous national and international exhibitions and is
represented in notable public and private collections including E. Paul Dupont
Collection, H. H. Dradshaw Collection, Christian Grey Collection, and East
Stroudsburg University. Jack continues to work in his studio.
Allan Eitzen
490 Kulp Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 845-7170
Email: allanruth@enter.net
Media: etchings/callagraphs
Allan has been a freelance illustrator for over 40 years, specializing in illustrated
books for children. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College and the Minneapolis
Institute of Art, both in Minnesota, and is a graduate of the Museum School of Art
which is now known as the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA. Earlier in his
career, Allan was an art therapist at Delaware State Hospital and a member of the
art staff for the Herald Press in western Pennsylvania. He studied printmaking at
Baum School of Art and Abington Art Center. Most of Allan’s prints are derived
from ideas that developed as expressions of his farm home setting and surrounding
areas.
Rona Fisher
314 Brown Street
Philadelphia, PA 10123
(215) 627-3848
Website: www.ronafisher.com
Email: info@ronafisher.com
Media: jewelry
A self-taught jeweler with a fine arts background, Rona Fisher earned a BFA in
painting from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts) in
1980. Rona discovered crafts as a valid artistic medium while living in San Francisco
in the early '80s. She then moved to Munich, Germany, where she discovered a love
of goldsmithing, reached an artistic turning point and began to make jewelry. Rona
returned to the United States in 1991 and immediately embarked upon the
adventure of developing a viable jeweler's workshop of her own. "Making a living
as a designer is a continuous process of tempering fantasy with reality," she says. A
juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen since 1993 and a member of
the American Crafts Council, Rona has taught jewelry classes at the Cheltenham
Center for the Arts and was the 1992 and 1997 recipient of the Manayunk Purchase
Award for Excellence in Design. As well, Rona was the winner of the 2001 Niche
Award in the category of Jewelry, Gold, and the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen's
2001 Best in Show Award in the category of Best Contemporary.
Laura Getzoff
103 South Church Street
P.O. Box 236
Bally, PA 19503
(610) 845-3880
Email: miilastudios@cs.com
Media: jewelry/glass
Originally trained as a painter Laura’s interest in color and design transferred easily
into making fused glass tiles and then to making fused glass jewelry which has
become her passion. Laura is co-owner of Miila Studios which offers several lines of
innovative glass, bronze and aluminum tiles. Laura is also the designer for the
“Wear It Well” jewelry line.
Pete Glenn
7156 Pine Tree Road
Hereford, PA 18056
(215) 679-4211
Email: pete@peteglenn.com
Media: photography
Peter became interested in photography when he purchased a Kodak 35 mm camera
in 1955. Working for a local photographer – taking pictures for the newspaper and
portrait work- Peter learned the intricacies of the art form. In 1972, he started his
own business selling industrial equipment. With a special affinity for close-up
work, photography enables Peter to relax and expand his personal creativity.
Bianka Fitzl Gouck
2345 Wood Lane
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 797-4736
Website: www.catcreekpottery.com
Email: catcreekpottery@aol.com
Media: clay, raku
In 1992, after graduating from Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, Bianka moved
to Pennsylvania and started a career as an operating room nurse. Realizing she
needed a way to deal with the stress of her job, Bianka turned her attention to clay.
She attended pottery classes given by Jill Moodie-Pelligrino, Potter’s Guild of
Baltimore, Baum School of Art under the direction of Jeffrey Kleckner, and Gable
Young Clayworks. Bianka is a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of
Craftsmen and the Potter’s Guild of Baltimore. Recently, she helped to coordinate
and exhibited in a show to celebrate the first anniversary of The Potters’ Exchange,
a local group of ceramic artists. Bianka works out of her studio.
Ann Greiner
319 Dock Drive
Lansdale, PA 19446
(215) 368-0422
Email: anngreiner@generationsonline.com
Media: watercolor paintings
Ann has been interested in drawing and painting since she was a small child. After
receiving a set of oil paints from her youngest son, now a commercial artist, she
joined the Greater Norristown Art League and studied with Walter Condit for
several years. Retiring from a career as a bookkeeper enabled Ann to attended classes
in mixed media at Montgomery County Community College. She continues to
study watercolor techniques with the Greater Norristown Art League and is a
member of several other art leagues. Ann’s work is displayed in public and private
exhibitions.
Paulette Hamilton
1103 South Barbara Drive
Alburtis, PA 18011
(610) 682-6561
Email: sushill03@att.net
Media: stained glass mosaics
Since 1998 Paulette has been creating contemporary mosaic artwork and functional
pieces. Her creations are made from intricate hand-cut stained glass and / or ceramic
tile resulting in beautifully pattered pieces. She works with woodworking craftsmen
in designing jewelry boxes, wooden frames, and serving trays that are finished with
custom wood stains, hand-rubbed oils and in-laid exotic wood. Paulette has been
engages with custom design work – working closely with each client on the design
and mediums to meet their specific needs. Each piece brings a bit of whimsy along
with functionality inspired by natures’ beauty.
James Harmon
31 Hunter Forge Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 845-8021
Website: www.jamesharmon.com
Email: jim@jamesharmon.com
Media: glass
An internationally recognized artist, James creates custom glass pieces at his studio
in Barto. He received a B.F.A. in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design and
a M.F.A. in sculpture and education from the University of Illinois. His work has
been displayed in numerous exhibitions and publications and he has received
various awards fro his artistic achievements. James also gives lectures, teaches
workshops and was an instructor at several of the finest art academies. His work is
represented in public, private, and corporate collections as well as museums
including Corning Museum of Glass, Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences and
Glass Museum Frauenau, Germany. Currently, James chiefly creates works that are
commissioned for architectural and interior design projects.
Alison Hausmann
1501 Cherry Lane
Macungie, PA 18062
(484) 553-2065
Website: www.alisonhausmann.com
Email: contact@alisonhausmann.com
Media: photography
Alison has been studying photography since 1996. She attended The Governor’s
School of Art in 1997 where one of her photographs was chosen to hang in the
Philadelphia Art Museum. She is a full-time photographer, doing weddings and
portraiture for clients throughout the Tri-State area.
Bradley Hendershot
734 Valley Road
East Greenville, PA 18041
(215) 679-8197
Website: www.bradleyhendershot.com
Email: bradjay@erols.com
Media: watercolor
Bradley’s work is about capturing the feeling and mood of rural Pennsylvania and
coastal Maine. Using a combination of wetbrush and drybrush techniques, Bradley
skillfully builds up many layers, rendering realistic textures and details Bradley’s
original works are represented in galleries from Maine to Delaware. He holds
signature memberships in the American Society of Marine Artists, the International
Society of Marine Painters, and the Philadelphia Watercolor Society. His paintings
have been issued as open-edition reproductions by Bruce McGaw of New York, and
as self published limited-edition reproductions.
Ray Hendershot
1007 Lakeview Terrace
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(215) 679-6798
Website: www.rayhendershot.com
Email: rayjoan@netcarrier.com
Media: watercolor painting
Ray is recognized nationally and internationally in the field of watercolor art and
his work is frequently represented in several of the most prestigious national and
international watercolor exhibitions. He has earned full signature membership
status in the America Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Philadelphia
Watercolor Society, and Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. Ray is the recipient of
numerous national awards for artistic excellence including the Sylvan Grouse
Medal. Many of his images have been reproduced as limited and open edition prints
and his work has been published in books and magazines. Ray is the author of the
book “Texture Techniques for Winning Watercolors.”
Emily Holmes
P.O. Box 462
Bloomsbury, NJ 08804
(917) 428-1472
Website: www.emilyholmesdesign.com
Email: emily@emilyholmesdesign.com
Media: glass
Originally from Columbus, Indiana, Emily holds degrees in art history and design
from Duke University. After building a successful internet consulting practice
including numerous internationally-known businesses and nonprofit clients and
with a decade of graphic and visual design experience, in 2002 her desire to work
with more traditional media resurfaced. Emily currently incorporates traditional
stained glass techniques in very nontraditional ways to create one-of-a-kind glass
objects. Her distinctive pieces can be found in galleries and private collections across
the United States.
Kathleen Hooper-Milositz
824 South Hoffert Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
(610) 691-3266
Media: ceramics — underglaze decorated porcelain
Kathleen received a B.S. in art education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Most of her pottery is made from high-fire porcelain clay, chosen for its density,
smoothness, and light color. Each piece is decorated with underglaze pencils,
colored slips, and stains, then coated with a lead-free transparent glaze. The pottery
may be used for baking and serving and it is dishwasher and oven safe. Her work
appears in exhibitions throughout Pennsylvania including displays at the Mary
Beth Baran Gallery and Zoellner Arts Center Museum Shop. Kathleen established
her studio in 1980 and continues to produce contemporary functional and
decorative works in porcelain and earthenware.
DeLana Hornbeck
1142 Lehigh Avenue
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 797-1586
Email: delh@enter.net
Media: ceramics — crystalline glazed porcelain
DeLana received a B.F.A. from Syracuse University in 1956 and an M.A. from
Kutztown University in 1973. From 1972 to 1985 she developed the ceramics
program for Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pa. DeLana mixes her porcelain
and crystalline glazes using recipes she developed during years of study and
experimentation. Crystalline glazed porcelains are rare among the many kinds of
fine ceramics available. The mineral crystals of a selected glaze grow differently
when the porcelain and/or firing schedule are changed. All of her pieces are food-
safe and the porcelains are fully matured. A member of numerous professional art
organizations, DeLana’s works have received honors and are featured in galleries,
exhibitions, and private collections throughout the United States.
Gail Kelly
16 Weller Road
Boyertown, PA 19512
(610) 367-2401
Media: ceramics
Gail, a potter for 20 years, has used clay as an outlet for frustration, joy and hope.
Working initially with stoneware clay, her functional pottery was offered for many
years at Stahl Pottery Festival and & Der Belsnickel Craft Show in Boyertown.
Currently her inspiration comes from Amphora Pottery of the art nouveau era. Pat’
s vessels are thrown in low fire clay with applied sculptural elements and metallic
lusters.
Naomi Limont
249 Papermill Road
Barto, PA 1950
(610) 845-2487
Email: limontstudios@enter.net
Media: watercolor paintings and etchings
Born in Pennsylvania, Naomi studied painting and drawing at Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts and printmaking at Tyler School of Fine Art, Pratt Graphic
Center, and Haystack School of Crafts and Design. Her work has been featured in
solo shows, invitational exhibitions, and is part of the permanent collections
of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Yale
University and Rutgers University. Naomi has received numerous awards and
reviews of her work have appeared in the “Philadelphia Inquirer,” “Art News” and
“Art Voices South.”
Julia Longacre
29 Longacre Lane
Barto, PA 19504(610) 845-7680
Website: www.julielongacre.com
Email: cjuleee@aol.com
Media: oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings
After 35 years of working as a professional artist, Julie continues to enjoy the
challenge of each new commission and responds to the inspiration of the world
around her through her paintings, poetry and drawings. Creating the first rural
landscapes at the age of 12, today she is comfortable using oil, watercolor and
acrylics to create her visions. She earned her B.F.A. in 1965 and her reputation as an
"Artist of the People" through her dedication and hard work. She recently
exhibited a 35-year retrospective, "Coming Home," at the invitation of the
Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center. In 1998 she introduced her own
greeting card collection. Julie works out of her Barto studio and during the
summer months she resides in her Harbourview studio in Cape Breton, Nova
Scotia.
Sharon Merkel
32 Old Company Road
Barto, PA 19504
(215) 541-4353
Website: www.skmerkel.com
Email: skmerkel@rcn.com
Media: pencil
A professional artist for over 20 years, Sharon is gaining recognition for her
graphite drawings and prints. Inspired by a passion for animals and her love of
graphite as an art medium, Sharon’s works are represented in private collections
and galleries. An avid dog trainer for both bench and obedience, she has a
discerning eye for the physical features and unique personality of the dogs she
draws. Although Sharon draws all kinds of animals, including a series of
endangered species for a corporate environmental report, she specializes in fine art
drawings of dogs, cats and horses.
Pat Mighell
241 Spring Garden St. #4
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 515-0325
Email: mighellp@earthlink.net
Media: jewelry
Pat is an artist and educator who works with precious metals, diachronic glass and
gemstones creating distinctive pieces of jewelry. A graduate of Kutztown University
and currently a teacher of fine arts at Northampton Area High School, Pat’s works
have been included in both national and international juried and invitational
exhibitions.
Carlene Morrow
129 W. Susquehanna Street
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 797-2874
Website: www.isisglass.biz
Email: glaschick@enter.net
Media: glass
Stained glass was Carlene’s first love, and she has been working in glass for 27
years. After learning to fuse and slump glass at the Touchstone Center for the
Crafts near Pittsburgh she put away the soldering iron and lead in favor of a glass
kiln. Excited by the ability to change the shape of glass using heat she was able to
turn her glasswork into 3-dimensional bowls, vases and sculpture. She has taken
classes at the New York Experimental Glass Workshop in New York City and has
exhibited her work at the Rosen Wholesale Craft Shows in Philadelphia, Miami,
Boston, Spain, Japan and Germany. She has sold her craft in shops and galleries in
all 50 states under the name of Isis Glass.
Donna Needs
6202 Woodlawn Drive
Zionsville, PA 18092
(610) 965-8615
Email: dneedstodraw@juno.com
Media: Oil paintings
Donna studied at Barnstone Studio and Baum School of Art and received her
Associate Degree of Art and Technology from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Exploring many outlets of creativity during her career, Donna worked as a
caricature artist, illustrator, textile designer, graphic designer, fashion illustrator,
courtroom artist, display artist, and art teacher. Her work has been honored and
exhibited in numerous shows throughout Pennsylvania and New York.
Kristina Olson
3154 Keyser Road
Schwenksville, PA 19473
(610) 754-7932
Media: pottery
Kristina received an M.F.A. from the University of Florida and opened her studio in
1994. Her main goal is to create functional pottery that is food, dishwasher,
microwave, and oven safe. Kristina, an art teacher, works with porcelain, carving
directional lines and decorations into the surfaces of her vessels. Her work can be
seen at local exhibitions including the Stahl Pottery Show.
Joanne Lantzy Plum
3118 Wild Run Road
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(610) 845-3106
Website: JoanneLantzyPlum.com
Email: artjlp@enter.net
Media: oil painting and soft pastels
Joanne attended Montgomery County Community College as an art major and later
received private art instruction from Fern Fried. She also studied at Wyomissing
Institute of Art with Jack Coggins and Rock Runn Art Center with Marilyn Dwyer,
Alma Wood and Dorla Dean Slider. Joanne’s work is exhibited in local galleries
from Allentown to Souderton and she has received awards for her wood-burning
pieces as well as her oil and pastel renderings. Currently, Joanne’s artwork is on
display at the Main Street Gallery in Pennsburg, Pa.
Kristie Mullen Roeder
25 N. Hellertown Avenue, Apt. 1
Quakertown, PA 18951
(215) 538-0162
Email: pinchpot123@hotmail.com
Media: jewelry
(No biography currently available.)
Linda Rohrbach-Austerberry
151 Weller Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 754-7908
Email: lausterberry@aol.com
Media: ceramics
Linda is an artist, potter, and teacher. She received a B.S. in art education and a M.
A. in ceramics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also studied ceramics
at Tyler School of Art and Tokyo Designer Gaukuin in Japan. Linda’s work
expresses a blend of craftsmanship with flowing spontaneity using the colors and
textures of nature. She formulates her own clays and glazes and fires the pieces at
235O in a kiln which she designed and constructed. She created a line of stoneware
that can be cleaned in a dishwasher and used in conventional convection and
microwave ovens. Linda’s experiences in Europe and the Orient, as well as her
study of ceramic art throughout history, are reflected in her finished stoneware
pieces.
Frank Ruth
501 Main Street
Red Hill, PA
(215) 679-6127
Website: www.Artistic-Woodworking.com
Email: frank.ruth2@verizon.net
Media: wood
Frank has been working with wood for over 35 years. In 1994 he joined the
American Association of Woodturners and became an officer in the local Keystone
Woodturners Club. After studying with some of the foremost woodturners in the
country, he developed a passion for this unique art form. His objective is to find the
right shape and form to expose the natural beauty found in the wood.
Patti Tinsman Schaeffer
591 Dott Street
Pennsburg, PA 18073
Email: inspirals@enter.net
Media: jewelry
A practicing artist and art educator for 20 years, Patti currently teaches art at
Dieruff High School. Making art for Patti is an opportunity to explore what is
individual and universal at the same time. For Patti, being a teacher and an artist go
hand in hand; every day I have the great honor of being inspired by those I hope to
inspire. My jewelry develops piece by piece, color by color; layer upon layer of subtle
colors intermingling. The jewelry defines its own path, bead by bead, delighting in
the interplay of colors as they reflect and combine with each other. Each piece
follows its own journey, determines its own outcome; bead work inspires collage
and vise versa.
Richard Schultz
P.O. Box 96
806 Gravel Pike
Palm, PA 18070-0096
(215) 679-2222
Website: www.richardschultz.com
Media: Aluminum
Richard is a mechanical engineering graduate of Iowa State College and the Institute
of Design, Chicago. During his extensive career as an employee of Knoll
International, he assisted Harry Bertoia with the production and development of
the wire chair—perfecting and implementing all the techniques for production of
the upholstery and wire frames—and directed the Knoll product development group
from 1955 through 1972. In 1992, Richard and his son, Peter, established Richard
Schultz Design, Inc. Their first product line included the reintroduction of the
Leisure Collection which was originally introduced by Knoll International in 1966.
Richard’s work is represented in numerous national and international museums,
exhibitions, and collections including the Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia
Museum of Art, and the Louvre Museum. He is actively involved in the
development of new designs to be introduced later this year and next year.
Staci Louise Smith
1407 West 4th Street
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(215) 673-0589
Email: stacilouise@entermail.net
Media: jewelry (sterling/semi-precious stones)
(No biography currently available)
Melissa Strawser
c/o Bertoia Studio
644 Main Street
P.O. Box 186
Bally, PA 19503
(610) 845-7096
Website: www.melissastrawser.com
Email: frogs02000@aol.com
Media: metal sculptures and etchings
Melissa received an M.A. in Printmaking from The Slade School of Fine Art at
University College London. She acts as a team member to Bertoia Studio where she
also maintains studio space to fabricate her own sculptures. Melissa is an
accomplished sculptress, fabricating and welding copper, bronze and brass into
icons taken directly from nature. Her skills in Printmaking are demonstrated in her
Etchings which are primarily created in a workshop she frequents in Portugal.
Melissa’s work in on display in numerous national and international exhibitions in
galleries and museums. Her work is found in publications and in many private
collections throughout the USA and abroad. Melissa occasionally appears as a
lecturer and provides workshops.
Kimberly Velazquez
672 Colonial Drive
Perkiomenville, PA 18074
Studio: (610) 754-7932
Home: (610) 754-9123
Email: ckclayst@netzero.net
Media: clay
Kimberly received a B.F.A. from the University of Florida and opened her studio in
1994. Her main goal is to create functional pottery that is food, dishwasher,
microwave, and oven safe. Kimberly paints her red stoneware with colorful, nature-
inspired images. Her work can be seen at local exhibitions including the Stahl
Pottery Show.
Naomi Vogels
P.O. Box 111
256 Sassamansville Road
Sassamansville, PA 19472
(610) 972-9904
Media: watercolor and oil
Naomi received a B.F.A. from Kutztown University. Enjoying the outdoors since
her childhood, Naomi continues to be drawn to nature as her source of inspiration.
Currently, she is working as an interior designer at Sheffield’s of the Main Line in
Malvern.
Chris Weikel
1033 Church Road
East Greenville, PA 18041
(215) 679-8722
Media: Mild steel sculptures
Chris is a self-taught blacksmith/ironworker. He has been designing with metals for
over 25 years. During the past 12 years, his artistic efforts have been focused on
creating hand-forged ornamental iron pieces, including commissions for lawn
sculptures depicting irises and waterfowl in aquatic settings. He also creates
wrought iron gates, flower hangers, lights, and other unique pieces. Chris has been
a member of Artists and Blacksmiths of North America since 1989 and studied figure
sculpting at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia. He lives in East Greenville with his
wife Janet and sons Chris and Bob.
Frances Wieckowski
20A Heyser Road
Barto, PA 19504
(610) 845-8046
Email: frankialazar@aol.com
Media: oil paintings
Fran is a self-taught, devoted artist and musician/singer/song-writer. She loves the
play of color and light on canvas and in nature. Also serving as a professional artist’
s model for 25 years, Fran is often recognized as the subject of work appearing in
many local and national art shows. Known musically as Franki Alazar, she has
produced 2 CDs entitled “TREMELO” and “A PERFECT WORLD. She has received
airplay on WXPN, WDIY and various college radio stations. This year was her third
performance with Musikfest in Bethlehem.
Deborah Williams
5573 Wedge Lane
Wescosville, PA 18106
(610) 398-7241
Email: dwilliams1@enter.net
Media: paper and glass
Deb has a BFA in Communication from Kutztown University. She owns her own
advertising and marketing agency, Deb Williams Graphic Design. Deb has donated
her design skills to create the printed marketing materials used for this year's show.
When not working on graphic design projects, Deb likes to work with paper and
glass to form what resembles hand-blown Egyptian glass. She also makes tassels
from antique salt and pepper shakers. Her personalized digitalGreat masterpiece
paintings allow her customers to put their own faces on the Mona Lisa or sit in a
Renoir.
W. T. Williams
635 Gravel Pike # 2
East Greenville, PA 18041
(215) 541-4790
Media: oil paintings
William received a Master’s degree from Pratt Institute and was a teacher of college
art classes for 16 years. He is a nationally recognized painter and has exhibited his
work extensively throughout the east coast from Maine to Florida. His work also
appeared in exhibitions in England and France. William’s paintings are included in
the collections of the Slater Memorial Museum, Lyman Allen Museum and
Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts. He is listed in “Who’s Who In American Art”
and articles reviewing his work have appeared in several art magazines. Locally,
William’s work is on display at the Upstairs Gallery, Sharon Moore Gallery and
Salon Des Amis.
Denise Wilz
P.O. Box 447
Green Lane, PA 18054
(215) 541-4546
Website: www.wilzpottery.com
Media: clay
Denise has returned to her love of clay after a 17-year hiatus as a computer
programmer. She has been working full-time at her craft since 2002. Denise has
learned her craft through reading and experimenting. She finds inspiration for her
designs by studying antique redware and other Pennsylvania German crafts. She
resides in the woods of Marlborough Township with her husband and two sons.
Paul S. Yoder
6909 Tollgate Road
Zionsville, PA 18092
(610) 966-2481
Email: psyphoto@yahoo.com
Media: photography
Paul’s interest in photography started when he received a 35mm camera upon
graduation from high school. After he received an Associates degree in
photography/multi-media from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh he received a B.A.
with a concentration in Photography/Fine Art from Salisbury University. Paul’s
passion in photography involves documenting historical, environmental and social
landscapes. With experience in both studio and on location Paul enjoys traveling
and photographing the eastern shore of Maryland, coastal Maine and the American
Southwest. He has recently started traveling with a kayak for a different viewpoint.
Paul’s preferred working medium is black & white film which he enjoys processing
and printing in the darkroom of his home he shares with his wife & sons.
Ruth Yoder
6774 Tollgate Road
Zionsville, PA 18092
(610) 965-4743
Email: artboardAHS55@aol.com
Media: watercolor and pen & ink
As a child, Ruth attended art classes at the Baum Art School and was a member of
the Allentown High School art club under the direction of James Musselman. Later,
she studied watercolor painting under the tutelage of Julie Longacre and attended
watercolor classes at the Baum Art School and Allentown Senior Citizens Center.
While traveling with her late husband to Elderhostel Programs, Ruth attended
watercolor classes in New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Hilton Head, S.C., under
the direction of Mel Stabin. She also paints on slate with acrylics and her oil
paintings have received awards and recognition from the Schwenksville Art League.
Ruth continues to paint in between housekeeping and gardening.
