Artists' Bios

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	Annie LaPoint California artist Annie LaPoint began to draw and paint at an early age. In high school she loved her art classes. Annie received private art instruction as a teenager. After high school, she always stayed creative, drawing in pen and ink, working with wood, and arranging fresh and dried flowers. Her passion for gardening is reflected in all of her artwork. Annie is best known for her rich watercolors of mossy terracotta pots and urns filled with ivy topiaries, flowering bulbs, and blooms of all kinds.

	Diane Arthurs Diane Arthurs began her artistic journey at a very early age, drawing and coloring her way through childhood. Continuing into a more learned environment, she participated in a commercial art program in high school and then onto art school where she graduated with an associate's degree in advertising and design. She worked in the commercial field as an art director of an advertising agency until she branched out onto her own and specialized in graphic design.

	Donna Atkins New England artist Donna Atkins has always enjoyed drawing, although she didn't start painting until 1994 when her youngest child entered Kindergarten and her oldest was in elementary school. Her designs, which have been referred to as "New England style primitives," reflect the beauty of that region: the ocean, old homes, pastures, white spire churches, and the ever-changing seasons. Her paintings often convey a longing for "simpler times," and much of her work incorporates words, old quotations or verses she pens herself.

	Don Vack Don Vack has been drawing and painting since he was five years old, sketching everyday items around the house. In 1977 he was hired as an artist at a local tourist shop painting signs, billboards and wall murals. For many years he has been painting classic and antique cars, pets and portraits. He resides with his wife and dogs in Paradise, PA.

	Linda Spivey Linda has had a passion for art her entire life. She is now known for her "Homey" vintage style of country painting. Linda says, "I'm an old fashioned kind of gal who loves everything old: antiques, movies, books, recipes, values, and manners." She paints what she loves in watercolor, pen, and ink. Her heartwarming designs can be found on a wide variety of items, such as: wallpaper borders, bath ensembles, dishes, rugs, cards, and stationary products. She has also illustrated a number of books.

	Mary Ann June Mary Ann was born in Weirton, West Virginia, a small town along the Ohio river. She started doing sketches of rock artists and other popular figures while still in grade school. Mary Ann entered and won her first contest in junior high for designing a poster for "The King and I." And from then on she never looked back. Some of her current designs include teddy bears, Christmas and sign art.

	Pam Britton Pam Britton was born in Colorado and moved all over the country on her parents' whims. The family finally settled in Texas where Pam met her husband, Ken. After spending a few years vacationing in New England she and Ken decided to take a leap and move to what is known as Downeast Maine. It wasn't until the 1990s that she finally settled into working as an artist. Initially a craft painter, Pam's artwork would adorn muslin pillows and wooden accent pieces. As her work evolved she was bitten by the New England bug, a painting style she's happily adopted.

	Lisa Kennedy Eighteen years ago, with her husband home watching their four children, Lisa Kennedy enrolled in an evening painting class offered through a local Community Education program. Eventually, Lisa turned this talent into a career by selling her creations at craft shows. She has painted on all types of surfaces from antique furniture to cookware. Lisa resides in rural Michigan with her husband, Joe, and two of their four children.

	Becca Barton When she was young, Ohio artist Becca Barton enrolled in every type of art class she could find. After high school she received a scholarship to the Columbus College of Art and Design. She received her Bachelor's Degree in fine arts. Her medium is a mix of watercolors and acrylics. She paints a wide variety of subject matter including whimsical Santas, snowmen and angels as well as herbs and flowers. Becca enjoys spending time with her family and nature adventures like camping, rafting and canoeing.

	Dee Dee Reynolds Dee Dee Reynolds stumbled upon her artistic talent later in life than many artists. After her twin daughters entered school she was ready to start her long awaited journey into the medical profession. After taking an elective art class Reynolds, somewhat surprised, found herself reconsidering her career path. "Art came so naturally to me, my professors really encouraged me to take more classes and see what happened". Four years later she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University and has been happily painting, photographing, and designing ever since. Dee Dee now lives in Chicago with her loving husband, Frank, and their two daughters Katie and Mary Ann.