“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” –Vincent van Gogh

Rachel is a self-taught artist creating through poetry, painting and mixed-media. She uses an intuitive approach aiming to connect with others through raw and honest art. Rachel finds inspiration in nature, meaningful interactions, good music, beautiful art, well-written characters, delicious food, wine and daily life. Her art pieces are created on stretched canvas, watercolor and mixed media paper using acrylics, inks, gouache, artist’s pens, pastels, collage materials, gold land silver leaf.

When Joe was thirteen, he attended a weekend retreat at a local seminary and two things stayed with him. He fell in love with the creative process after painting and firing a mug for his dad and he learned the Latin word for peace is PAX. Several years later he returned to pottery  and discovered  a great sense of peace when he worked with clay. "I wanted to send a message out to the world, without using my voice. PAX is my message; we need more of it in our lives!"  - A Peaceful Potter 

Laura's first memories of creating art was from her grandmother who introduced her to crochet, embroidery, and sewing. As a young child she learned to play the piano and later the flute. These days  Laura enjoys sewing clothing for her greyhhounds, quilting, and has made and given away many masks during the pandemic. Laura has taken a few oil painting classes and is currently working with  watercolor, acrylic, and chalk. "I love the escape that art provides and it is my way of journaling."     

Sarah, a former art student at Columbia College Chicago and new resident to Romeoville brings her own story and style to life in her art. She identifies as a "Military brat" Filipino American and says she is an amateur artist, still learning new techniques and methods to share her creative expressions. "Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite.. his story and style. My favorite quote from him is: 'I feel…that there is truly nothing more artistic than to love people'."  

A lifelong Romeoville resident, Mike has always used art as an outlet. He attended Romeoville schools and Illinois Institute of Art. Mike paints, air brushes, and loves painting murals. Other accolades include owner of the Imperial Ink Tattoo Studio, three year participating artist for Tinley Park's "Benches on the Avenue" program where he was the recipient for "Artist's Best Use of Materials Award" and many hours of commissioned work. Mike is excited to share his talent and perspective with us.

As a mixed-media artist, Tam works with alcohol ink painting, cyanotypes, and 360° and aerial photography. She loves to create complex abstract drawings inspired by nature, Zentangle and Aboriginal art which she calls her "Doodles". Tam also bakes beautiful cakes and desserts for her family and friends. She is passionate about the creative process and finds the laying down color or drawing line after line in her Doodles, offers time for meditation, relaxation and an escape from the day-to-day. 

Marita believes that God created her to be a creative person. To share, to give hope, to color people’s lives through her art. She is a curious person who loves to help others always looking for new goals in her art creations. Marita's passion for creating  and experimenting with different mediums and art techniques inspired her to name her creative process the MAGIC WAND!! A simple crochet hook who gives her the tools to be a mom and an artist at the same time. View her magic world of art here.

John has loved and studied art in all forms. He works with watercolor, pastels and oils, his favorite medium. John studied art at College of DuPage 1996-1997 where he learned perspective, composition and color theory.  Everything else was self-taught through trial and error and talking to other artists.  

"The journey of an artist is ongoing; we never stop learning new ways to express our ideas and emotions.  When we stop learning, our art becomes stale and predictable.  Never be afraid to fail."

From her earliest recollection, Laura has loved art and things that are a bit different. She began creating jewelry in 2006. “I wanted to make unique, nature themed pieces I could wear to work.” She received many compliments  and was asked where her jewelry could be purchased so she began selling her work. “I enjoy creating beaded jewelry that is unique and visually stunning. I love themes that are elegant and eye catching.” Laura's Shop sells to customers all over the USA and internationally. 

After raising her children, Janice discovered her true love of art. She immersed herself in learning new skills that enhanced her natural talent and passion in the arts. She has displayed her work in several local art venues. She works primarily in oils and soft pastels, and also enjoys wood burning and needlepoint. "I am very versatile and it's things I like to do, but I would love to excel with my art. This is my goal."

Patricia S. McCure (Besst Martin) is a retired high school English teacher with a passion for the written word. For more than 20 years, she has focused her writing on devotions and inspirational, faith-based material. She has produced numerous devotionals, group study programs, poems, stories, and scripts for family, friends, and church. Pat and her husband Larry enjoy amateur photography. Pat writes under a pen name as a tribute to her father and grandmother. 

Brook began her creative journey out of a way to escape loneliness and depression. By searching for ways to bring joy and serve others, she knew it would bring joy and help herself so she began to sew clothes and quilts for her family. As the years flew by, she expanded her creativity to cards and gifts to share with others. She enjoys sewing, paper crafting, and needle work. Her purpose for creating is to share joy and encouragement with others. You can find her creations at SunnyBrookCreek.com

Will enjoys participation in shared artistic endeavors and believes in spreading the love of art with all cultures and backgrounds for the benefit of all. Many talented, skilled mentors have guided his development. He feels that “we are kinship, sojourners, and ministers sharing hope, harmony, and healing” in diverse communities. Active in numerous community organizations, his interests range from poetry to stand-up comedy to integrative medicine. 

For more on Will's work visit Glimmer Revisited

John works in a variety of media: wood, metal, plastics, casting materials, paper, stone, film, digital photography, graphics, music, and electronic media. He looks for the unusual in his surroundings and often finds that the ordinary can be presented in an exceptional or unique way. His work is continually in progress, like life. He hopes the viewer will find it full of the stuff of life—thought and emotion, dirt, excitement, and beauty; that it may have caught a spark that will inspire others.

Studio 20 Dance Academy's mission is to provide professional dance instruction and create a safe, positive environment, where students can learn and grow in dance technique and self-confidence.

Their goal is to create a diverse environment where students can perform and inspire. They believe that every child is meant to dance. Through hard work and dedication, they will teach your dancer passion and creativity.  

Meet the instructors 

Jamie has always loved to draw. After taking art classes in junior high, her talents blossomed. In high school, she took a variety of advanced art classes and participated in Illusion Art magazine, Art Club and Art Honor Society. After graduating from college she taught early childhood education for five years. These days, Jamie keeps busy as a stay-at-home mom and  ATC artist. "It's been such an amazing hobby...I really enjoy sharing this with my children."

Thomas has a real love for creating and for community. Always striving to be a helping hand and connecting people. Early on, Thomas had an appreciation for the arts. In high school he took part in both band and theater. His continued creative endeavors and volunteerism include stage manager, camera man, video switcher, producer and his true passion—pyrotechnics. He is always thinking creatively, outside the box, and is involved with several community organizations. 

Holly has authored four books. Her most recent publication, A Line in the Sand–A Journey Towards Forgiveness. 

"To touch hearts with words has kind of become my purpose. I enjoy writing and publishing inspirational poetry, motivational quotes, and spiritual insights. I hope my words will stir hearts and inspire others in their purpose. I enjoy sketching, creating art and photo notecards. 

Please visit my blog, where I enjoy sharing reflections, nuggets of wisdom, and anything that comes to mind."

From Barbara's earliest days, drawing with crayons on her new bedroom wallpaper, she knew she would be an artist. She has pursued many areas of the arts during her career. After three thumb replacement surgeries, she found that she could no longer hold the art tools long enough to create her intricate artworks, but that would not stop her from continuing a professional career in the arts. Barbara is design consultant, editor, writer, digital artist, illustrator and jewelry designer.  COLLECTIONS

Heather remembers that she has always loved making art. "My love for art started when I was very little, when my grandmothers let me decorate their windows with my paper snowflakes each time I visited." Heather enjoys photography and painting in several different mediums. Her favorite is watercolor. Other arts and crafts in which she takes joy include sewing, needlepoint, gardening, and writing. "Creating something new in many respects is a labor of love and the most fulfilling."