Elena Thornton, Founder, CEO 

Publisher: "The Blue Guitar" Magazine 

Elena has more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the education, business and the non profit sector. She has taught Russian language to all grade levels from Elementary School to College. She held positions as a Director of an after school program and also a Director of Training for a Phoenix based company. Elena’s formal education is in the Secondary Education, she holds both a B. A. and M.A. degrees from the University at Albany, NY. She is the past President of the Paradise Valley Artists League. Currently, Elena is an adjunct faculty at Paradise Valley Community College. She is the Vice President for the "Hope for Women Arts" organization. Elena is also on a collaborative committee at Arizona Art Alliance.

Elena’s education and career experience combined with real-life experience makes her the successful organizational leader she is today. Currently, together with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts Board of Directors, volunteer coordinators and advisors, she is spearheading the efforts in developing relationships through networking and partnering with local non-profit organizations that will bridge resources and forge collaborations with individuals, public, private and government organizations and agencies, educational institutions, business community to reach their goals, objectives and ultimately build and sustain a multicultural arts and performing arts center facility. Working closely with all the entities, she is confident they will have the resources, skills and knowledge that will enable them to continue on their path to success, grow and leave a legacy for the next generation.

When not working on projects and community involvement, Elena spends much of her time with her husband Jim and their son Jeremy. She also devotes time to her art and poetry, and exhibits in the Phoenix area. Two of her poems are published in the book “Tapestry: A Collection of Stories Woven by Jewish  Women”.

Aris Jerahian, Co-Founder

Aris and his family now reside in California. Aris and his wife Zepure were instrumental in the consortium's beginning. They continue to support us and are excited about our progress and growth.

As Vice President of Client Relations at The Members Group, Aris leads his team to establish a long term successful partnership with credit unions. His strategic focus is to help credit unions be successful at their product offerings by obtaining maximum value from TMG products and services. Aris has over 12 years of account management, consulting and operational experience within the cards industry. He is passionate about helping credit unions achieve and sustain extraordinary performance on their card programs. He delivers the tactics and practical advice credit unions need to help grow their portfolio.

His determination and attitude to succeed helped him write his first book "Courage to Change" which was designed to help readers improve both their professional and personal lives.

In addition to his experience, Aris serves as a Council Member to The Council of Advisors for Gerson Lehrman Group. This is a global network of executives and industry professionals who provide their collaborative experience consulting to leaders in the investment community.

SARA VANNUCCI, Business Management

Sara Vannucci focuses her tax and business consulting with family farms and businesses in the area of succession and tax planning, as well as planning for physicians and medical personnel. She is a tax consultant to many non-profit organizations. Sara holds numerous Volunteer/Non Profit Positions, the following are just to name a few: President, North Country Conservancy, 501(C)3 Land Trust, Cave Creek, AZ. Director, Black Canyon Trails Coalition, Black Canyon City, AZ. Advisor/Member, New River/Desert Hills Community Association. District 3 Advisory Council, Maricopa County.

Sara is a member of several Professional Associations including the Maricopa County Bar Association and she is a Licensed Life & Health insurance agent in Arizona.

Sara had a private law practice in the Chicago area for 33 years and she is a Licensed title attorney /agent for over 30 years.

Sara is a National speaker, instructor and past chairperson and member of various Illinois bar association seminars and committees for the Chicago Bar Association, the Northwest Suburban Bar and various Realtor Boards, including the Women's Council of Realtors; Arizona seminars in basic estate & business planning, insurance planning, charitable planning, annuities & family foundations, and reverse mortgages. Arizona community activities include participation on Trails Committees, various land/development issues, and the Maricopa County Merit Commissions.

Sara is an artist and an arts advocate and supporter. She was also a journalist for two newspapers on land and business issues as well as a former real estate broker (IL).

Melanie Tighe, Archivist; Historian

Melanie is originally from Baltimore Maryland where she served in the Air National Guard. She moved to the Valley ten years ago and fell in love with Phoenix!
Melanie previously owned a chain of retail stores which she sold when she decided to move to Arizona. Now, she is the proud owner of Dog-Eared Pages Used Books at Bell Rd and 32nd Street. Her book store has become a gathering place for local authors, musicians and artists so it seemed a natural evolution to become involved with the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Both of her children are now grown and have moved out of state. Melanie enjoys spending her free time with her fiancé. She also enjoys reading, writing, golf and playing with her two Border Collie puppies.
Melanie is an author and also  writes a column, book reviews of our local authors for the City Sun Times  highlighting new Arizona authors.
We are honored to welcome Melanie to our Consortium, she brings a true entrepreneurial spirit to us and has graciously invited us to her wonderful book store, where we hold our meetings, activities and events.

Audrey Thacker, Art Show Coordinator

Audrey Thacker has been in the tax and financial industry for the past seven years.  She has served as a volunteer for various art based organizations for the past five years.

Along with her tax background, Audrey also attends school full time at Scottsdale Community College studying Accounting with a 4.0GPA. 

She is also the owner of Audrey Thacker Designs, a small jewelry design company; and Artisan Markets, LLC, an art event planning company.  

Dr. Judith Brandstadter, Founding Member;  Adviser


Dr. Judith Brandstadter has over twenty five years of experience in art education, art history, and fine arts. She holds a B.A. from Queens College, M.A. from New York University and an Ed.D from Columbia University. A professional artist, she has exhibited her work in over thirty venues nationwide and is a member of over a dozen professional organizations. Dr. Brandstadter has published numerous articles in both educational and art journals. She is the author of "Acrylics and Other Water-Base Paints for the Artist". She has served on the faculty of many universities and colleges; Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, Ottawa University and the Maricopa Community Colleges. 

Dr. Brandstadter is a certified art educator in the State of Arizona. She has an art consulting firm offering seminars, workshops and art lessons to interested students of all ages. Dr. Brandstadter will be exhibiting her new projects this year. In addition, she is starting to write another art textbook. 

Dr. Brandstadter sees an immediate need for the advancement of the arts in Arizona. She is looking forward to the expansion, the promotion, the excitement and the progress of our consortium for the arts. 

Kelly Depp, Adviser

Kelly Depp is an Author living in North Scottsdale. Her first novel, Finding Home, went into print in May, 2009 and her second one is almost finished as she is looking for a publisher. Ms. Depp has been writing since she was in seventh grade but only in the past year realized her talent lay in the novel. The death of a friend inspired her to start the book that became 'Finding Home' and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Her son and her boyfriend are her main cheerleaders, “Without the love and support of them all, I could never have accomplished completing the book let alone getting through the publication process”.

Ms. Depp is the youngest of two girls and grew up in a small town in southern Georgia. Prior to writing, Ms. Depp worked in Corporate America as an office manager and executive assistant for the past 20 years. Being very involved in her son’s schools, she has volunteered many hours to charitable organizations and has time and again found resources, volunteers and donations that others simply could not attain.

For more on Ms. Depp and her novels, please visit www.KellyDepp.com

Laine Seaton,  Adviser
A native of Hanover, New Hampshire, Laine Seaton brings to us a 15-year background of book and magazine publishing, ESL teaching, writing, and nonprofit marketing and fundraising.

Working for Harper Collins Publishers and several magazines in San Francisco in the early ‘90’s, Laine switched major gears and moved to Chigasaki, Japan where she taught ESL until 1999.

By 2002, she was serving as Account Executive for the Grizzard agency in Los Angeles, a fundraising/marketing firm that assists nonprofit clients in direct-mail, print and broadcast advertising, and web marketing. She managed the campaigns of 25 homeless rescue missions nationwide and led the formation of an Account Coordinator support team.

In 2005, Laine and her husband Chris, moved to Phoenix where she joined the Valley of the Sun United Way, assisting with its annual campaign at Arizona State University. Then as Development Manager for the Sonoran Institute, a Tucson-based conservation organization, Laine cultivated current donors, acquired new donors, and strengthened their profile through direct-mail appeals and networking/outreach.

Laine has been a volunteer with numerous organizations over the years, assisting with fundraising, communications, PR, special events, and strategic planning. Organizations include: Habitat for Humanity, Save The Family Foundation, Valley of the Sun United Way, Friends of Public Radio, and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Phoenix Chapter. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and serves on their Communications Committee as Newsletter Editor. She is also a board member of North Country Conservancy, an Arizona land trust located in Anthem, AZ.

A lover of travel, Laine has spent time both in Europe and Asia, and speaks French and Japanese. She lives in Phoenix with her husband Chris and their two “kids,” Shep and Nixie.

Ramona Richards, Theatre

Ramona Richards is an actor, writer and director who has performed in radio, televsion, film, theater, musicals, skit comedy and done costume design for Paramount Pictures. She has hosted two TV series and her celebrity interview radio show, "A Celebration of Life", aired on five continents for five years. As a writer, she has sold and had published nearly 2,000 articles and stories. Ramona has conducted continuous performance skills workshops in the Valley since 1983. She has directed and/or performed in 72 local productions.

Roger Kirk Nelson, Adviser 
Roger Kirk Nelson is an artist living in Glendale, Arizona. Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, he won several national art and music competitions on the island before emigrating to the United States in 1985. He has an advanced certificate in Art and Languages (Spanish and French), a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts, a Master’s in Administration and a PhD with a focus in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

His style has developed from his upbringing in the Caribbean, his travels throughout the US and Europe and from his mentors. Most notable among them are Jackie Hinkson, Trinidadian artist and teacher, and Arizona Artists Henry Stinson, Mary Deloyht-Ahrendt, Joni Falk and Liz Kenyon. He admires contemporary artists such as Henry Valenti, Shant Beudjekian, and Stephen Quiller, and the color theory of the French masters, Monet, Matisse, Chagall, Derain, and Gauguin. He also loves the vibrant abstracts of Kandinski.

Roger began painting at a very early age and after more than 30 years of involvement with the arts and a commitment to artist development, the subjects of his paintings are as eclectic as his life and interests. The body of his work includes seascapes, landscapes, human interest compositions, still life and portraits. He uses a variety of media including pencil, watercolor, acrylics, oils and pastels to express subjects and moods. He sometimes experiments with mixed-media in his work.

Roger is currently showing at the Red Dog Gallery in downtown Phoenix, the Home and Garden Expo in Scottsdale and Peoria, and at various on-line galleries. He is the Director of Lending and Administration at a local non-profit and shares his time between painting, running his own gallery and working for equality in home ownership among Native Americans. He is a member of the Arizona Artists Guild, Arizona Consortium for the Arts, International Plein Air Painters, and the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

Tracy Penwell, Adviser
Tracy Penwell grew up as a “ranch kid” in Durango Colorado. She first came to the Valley in 1981 and is a graduate of Thunderbird, the Graduate School of International Management in Glendale. After an 18 year career in finance which included risk management roles with Chase Manhattan Bank, the Federal Bank of New York and the Government Securities Clearing Corporation in NYC , she returned to Arizona in 2000 to launch Scottsdale’s Rima Fine Art www.rimafineart.com.

In 2005, Tracy Penwell found herself at the intersection of style and sustainability when she began creating “fashion re-fashioned” handbags. The former Wall Street executive and owner of a successful Scottsdale art gallery launched her award-winning “Dressed Up Cat” handbags the following year: cleverly designed and entitled wearable artworks made entirely from beautifully-crafted vintage and “up-cycled” components bearing titles like “Along Came a Spider”, “Lillypad Under Siege”, and “The Last Trophy Bag.”. www.dressedupcat.com 

Beth Cornell, Adviser

Born in western Pennsylvania, Beth Cornell was influenced by the local flavors of folk art available there. Her painting career began at age 12 when asked to paint “colors” on the back of jackets for a local teenage gang. Beth went on to study graphic arts and learned the printing trade. After the birth of her daughter in 1993, Beth began to create expressionistic works and signed them BoseC. Most of the early works had a decidedly bold and raw style, having been influenced by the Great Self-Taught artists of the southeast USA.

In 2004, Beth began to sign her work with her birth name... slowly building a local following by exhibiting with local businesses, galleries and the First Fridays art walk. Beth’s work has gained local recognition. Beth is currently represented online by Fine Art Registry, Fine Art America and Xanadu Studios (Scottsdale) as well by her own web site: www.bethcornell.com

“I welcome the opportunity to work with Elena and the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.” Beth Cornell

Zhanna Tevan, Founding Member;  Performing Arts (Youth Division); Director of Consortium's "Arizona Classical Kids"

Nuha Azad Sarraj, Cultural Programs

Nuha was born in Hemedan, Kurdistan. After years of facing oppression from Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, her family moved to the United States. They were taken to Guam and finally brought to Arizona in 1997. Nuha is currently a Junior at Arizona State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Religion. She is also an active member of a Kurdish Youth Club with branches in 5 states: Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, and DC. Nuha loves reading books and believes that one day she will have her own library! Nuha rarely watches television and can't remember the last time she watched a movie. On Friday and Saturday nights, you'll find her at home under her covers reading about Kurds and Kurdistan; Nuha is not your average teen. The most important thing anyone should know about her is that she is deeply in love with her country - Kurdistan and dedicates her life to its cause. Also, learning about other cultures is extremely important to her, which is why Nuha is the Director of Cultural Programs; she will dedicate ample time to organizing various cultural activities and events. Nuha finds it to be quite significant to educate others about the many beautiful cultures there are.

Diana Matatova, Dance (Youth Division) 
Insrtuctor of Consortium's Dance Group: "Artists in Motion" 
Diana is a sophomore at Arizona State University, majoring in Biology. Since she was a child, her dream and main focus in life is to become a Doctor. Diana is making her dreams a reality by volunteering at various hospitals, participating in medical clubs, and is currently working for a doctor’s office.

However, medicine is not her only passion; music and dancing is an equal passion. After a stressful day, music relaxes and nourishes her soul. For the past several years, Diana has been teaching at a dance studio for the girls and boys in her community. Throughout the years, the group has doubled in numbers and are performing and showing their talents to the community. They are now our Consortium’s "Artists in Motion" dancers (Youth Division). Diana’s teaching repertoire encompasses a range of styles of dance: salsa, hip-hop, Russian, and the traditional dance of her homeland, Kazakhstan. She will continue her education in the medical field, as well as utilizing the power of dance and music to express her creativity and emotions.

Diana is thrilled to be part of the Consortium and is looking forward to share her passion for music and dance.

Joyce White, Fine Art Jewelry

Joyce White was born and raised in Mississippi. In spite of significant challenges and adversity, she started her own floral business from scratch in Phoenix, Arizona in 1996. As a talented and innovative floral designer, she was constantly striving and looking for imaginative ways to create unusual arrangements for her clients. Her first piece of jewelry came about by accident while transforming a regular glass container into something more unique. She called her new creation "Hole-N-My-Soul". Joyce's proprietary technique in her Sculpted Art Jewelry was born.

Joyce found another form of working with glass in bottles. She started to create Bottle Art. Sculpted glass pieces that glow with colors are set into intricate tangles of gold and silver metals. These wearable works of art have attracted customers throughout the United States.

In her equally colorful African attire, Ms.White presents a striking, proud and joyous persona."Exploring my art has become synonymous with exploring my past and my pain; it has provided significant healing for me. I love the idea of this transformation of mine creating something of beauty for others to cherish and enjoy. It is about sharing hope and looking toward the future". Joyce is the Founder and President of the "Hope for Women Arts" organization.

Joyce is very excited to be part of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts. She is looking forward to participating in all the aspects of its growth.

Michelle Hamett, Adviser 

Michelle is a graduate of the Fashion Institute Of Design, Los Angeles, CA. She was Assistant Designer with Haley Bob (division of Bisou Bisou) and Freelance Designer for woman's ready to wear clothing line.
Michelle worked in the Fashion Industry in California for 8 years and later dabbled in photographic retouching for photography studios.
Now Michelle lives in Arizona and designs her own line of graphic T-shirts for girls and women.

Zepure Jerahian, Founding Member 
Zepure is a Nutritional Consultant, an artist and a model. She is very proud to be one of the founding members of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Shea Stanfield, Community Representative

Shea's life is in the arts and service to the community. She grew-up in northeast Phoenix graduating from Arcadia High School where she focused her studies in the visual and performing arts as well as journalism. She obtained her B.A. from Arizona State University in Graphic Arts and Secondary Education. Her M.ED, also from Arizona State, is in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading and Special Education. Shea spent the first 25 years of her career as a working artist and teacher developing programs for remediation of learning disabilities through the visual and performing arts. Armed with certifications in Montessori International Education, Reality Therapy from the William Glasser Institute and English as a Second Language, Shea has spent the last 12 years as a counselor of at-risk teens.

Shea has served her community through the arts in a variety of ways. She was a member of the original committee to write the Arizona State Arts Curriculum for the Arizona State Department of Education. This K-12 curriculum still serves as the foundation for art programs throughout the state of Arizona. She worked with the Arizona Art Education Association as a chairperson for Youth Art Month coordinating exhibits at the Arizona State Capital and local public libraries to promote awareness for youth art and the importance of arts programs. She continues to coordinate the artist in resident programs for the middle school where she works.

Over the years Shea has incorporated her love for the arts and community development into a service role in the foothills area. Shea served two terms on the Cave Creek Town Council 2001-2005 actively working toward supporting the arts in her community. Shea has the unique ability to move the arts agenda forward through networking opportunities. Shea has served for the past six years on the board of the Sonoran Desert Center for the Arts, an organization that is bringing together environmental preservation and the arts.

Ronald T. Floyd, Adviser
Ron Floyd has over 30 years of experience in corporate marketing and university level academics. He has held the position of North American Director of Marketing for two Fortune 500 companies, and has been involved in numerous corporate start-ups. He currently holds the position of Professor of Art at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), one of the top universities in the U.S. for animation and game design studies. Ron holds a BFA in Graphic Design and a MS in Art Education / Studio Arts from the University of Tennessee.

Ron is a recognized abstract artist, with close to 25 exhibitions and public art projects since 2006, with articles on his artwork appearing in numerous publications, including Scottsdale Magazine in 2007 and Scottsdale’s Best Magazine in 2008.

As a published arts writer, in 2007 Ron was named Associate Arts Editor for Umbrella Publishing, one of the largest art focused magazine publishers in California with 30 magazines. His articles have appeared in magazines throughout California, and have been published locally by Chandler Now Magazine, The North Valley Magazine, The West Valley Magazine, and kontakt magazine of Phoenix. Ron also writes a featured Art Blog on azcentral.com, the Arizona Republic’s online web site, along with occasional articles for the Arizona Republic print edition.

Active in the Phoenix arts community, Ron is a co-founder and current president of the East Valley Art Guild, one of the states largest arts organizations with over 400 juried and affiliate members. He was instrumental in founding the First Wednesday ArtWalk in historic downtown Chandler in 2007, the Holiday Art Affair in 2007, and the Fourth Friday ArtWalk at Riverview in Mesa in May 2008.

Ron believes strongly, that the definition of “ART” is defined by the creativity and inspiration from all forms of artistic endeavors, including fine art, prose, theater, and music.

Linda Jenkins, Adviser 
Linda was born to and brought up by Inez and Joe Huber (hard working honest people) on a tobacco farm in Rural North Carolina. As “Natures Child”, Linda enjoyed many hours in the vast wooded areas, fields and flower patches of one of the most beautiful states in the USA .

In early adulthood Linda lived with her military husband and two sons in France and The Netherlands (total of 10 years), what a fantastic opportunity! The chance of a lifetime! Many hours and days were devoted to studying formal and informal design in clothing, homes, churches, castles and the beauty of the European country side. To walk where many of history's most famous people lived and died was a wonderful education. Wow!

During the mid 1970's, Phoenix , AZ became home. College, work and family were the issues of the day. Mid 1980's found Linda being the “Snowbird”, living and traveling between Phoenix and Boston . While managing a silk plant store in Burlington , MA , Linda took over a floundering business and made it her own.

The name “The Silk Thumb” was created during a brainstorming session with the sales manager and her staff at 128 Business Journal. A fire in 1991 caused a devastating loss for “The Silk Thumb”.

During the 1990's, there was part time design, full time work and more college. A brief move to Alpharetta , GA proved very successful and one of life's learning experiences.

In early 2000 Linda went to design school sponsored by her employer, one of the leaders in custom home design and furnishings and stayed with them for the next five years. Then on to a local “to the trade” and retail design store, all the while nurturing “The Silk Thumb” into a thriving business once again.

Linda is an Ambassador at the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and a member at the Better Business Bureau of Arizona for the past 3 years.

Nicholas A. Baio, Adviser

Progression, integration and transformation is key to Nicholas. He structures innovations, unifies all elements of design and prides himself in abstracting these principals for success. Above all, he values teamwork, expression and continuity; emphasizing balance in all projects. Utilizing 10 years of experience in planning, designing and orchestrating events for community organizations, civic events and industry leaders.
Nicholas currently holds an Associates of Science in Fine Arts from New York State. Overall he is working towards his Bachelor’s of Science in Sculpture from Arizona State University and his Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Architecture from Columbia College Chicago. Furthermore, he welcomes any opportunity to utilize his technical skills in Photoshop, Illustrator and C.A.D.. The Ceramic Arts, Photography and Inks. He prefers to draw with Color Pastels, Charcoals and Mixed Media to incorporate all elements.

Furthermore, Nicholas has developed two companies. Recycled Canvas which “Recycles” the “Canvas” of objects or places. Also, The Many Faces of Arizona, which is an Artistic Calendar Line. He is also involved with the Non-Profit “Rebuilding Together” in New York State and Nationally. Thus, helping the community is a staple of his personality and motto he believes in. Nicholas is thrilled to join the consortium and is looking forward to helping organize many exciting projects, events and activities.

Holly J. Wagner, Adviser

Holly J. Wagner has been a journalist for 27 years, writing for publications as diverse as a wire service, The Los Angeles Times, The National Law Journal, Hot Rod and Home Media magazines and wired.com. She moved to Northern Arizona from Southern California in 2006 to balance her life and spend time pursuing art as well as life. She works in stained glass and mixed media as well as acrylic and watercolor paints. Somewhere in her wild and misspent youth, Ms. Wagner acquired bachelor's degrees in History and Political Science from UCLA (1986) and an associate's degree in Journalism from Santa Monica College (1983).

Jerry Sieve, Adviser

Jerry has over 30 years of experience as a professional scenic/nature photographer/artist . Over 2,500 images have been published worldwide. He also paints oils on canvas. Jerry led a one day seminar on "Searching for the Grand Landscape" to over 100 people. In 2007 he was the Chairman of Photograpy at the Cave Creek Film and Arts Festival. In 2008 he was the Judge of photography at the Arizona State Fair. Jerry has exhibited in many shows including at the Glendale College, AZ., the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, at the Valley National Bank Center in Phoenix, at the Cincinnati Nature Center, in Cincinnati, at the Picture Perfect Gallery in Scottsdale, at the Tate Gallery in Sedona Arizona and each year he is an active participant of the HIDDEN IN THE HILLS Studio Tour Art Expo. Jerry has received the prestious 60 Years of Arizona Highways award and the National Wildlife Federation Calendar Award.

Jerry has published - One man Photographer for coffee table books entitled, America's Southwest 1985, Ohio : Images of Nature 1990 Along the Arizona Trail, 1998. One man Calendars Black and White (Jerry Sieve) 1988, OHIO: Images of Nature 1990-1996. Jerry has taught over 50 photography workshops in various areas across the nation. He was the Artist in residence at the Fountain Hills High School and at the Cactus Shadows High School in 2006. Over the past 16 years, Jerry have taught more multi-day workshops for the FRIENDS OF ARIZONA HIGHWAYS Magazine than any other of their teachers. Jerry's work is in numerous individual and corporate collections.

Jami Lyn Lanser, Adviser 

Jami began art at an early age. She can recall her mother sitting at her isle painting for hours as she scribbled on paper in admiration. Born in 1973, in Denver, Colorado to a mother of many artistic tendencies and a father who enjoyed poetry and music; art came natural to Jami. In 1994, she started her own business called ECCENTRICITIES DESIGN GROUP LLC. while still going to school in Colorado. The company combined modern design concepts with a timeless artistic approach to finish and treating walls, ceilings, columns, floors, cabinets, trim and much more for home or business. By infusing texture and color into the designs, simple structures became works of art. Jami specialized in brilliant custom murals, faux finishes, speciality finishes, trompe l'oeil, venetian plaster, mosaic and sophisticated custom paintings and artwork.

Jami continued her passion for art through college attending Colorado University in Boulder. In 1997, she moved to Phoenix and attended Collins College in 1999.
Her own personal work was greatly influenced after all the years of experience with such a variety of mediums. In 2008 she began to focus solely on her personal growth and painting, thus ending an era for Eccentricities.

Today, she balances family and art and is focusing on developing her 2D works.

Jami's work can be seen in local small businesses, galleries and art shows. Her favorite medium is acrylic. She likes the essence of the paint and the instant gratification she gets from it. Much of her work consists of mix media, mixing photography and objects with her pieces. Always having a sincere love of photography since school, and now with more time to explore her personal art, she plans on developing this more. Her subject matter varies, however she is inclined to figurative work. In recent years, the force behind the ideas for her work seem to be coming less emotionally and more psychologically campaigned.

She has a passionate enthusiasm for the next era of her art and life...  Jami is also excited about the Arizona Consortium for the Arts and is looking forward to all the projects and activities.

Darren Ingram, Adviser 

Darren has taught English literature at the secondary and college level for 10 years. He has designed several curriculums including a Philosophy in Literature class and an Introduction to Film class. He was an instructor most recently at Tempe Preparatory Academy where he taught a Modern European Humanities class that combined philosophy, literature, and history. He also recently taught English 101 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In addition to teaching, Darren works in video and film production and has co-produced and co-directed two feature length documentary films. The first is titled King of the Mountain and is about a storied rivalry between two high school football teams in Oklahoma. The second is titled The Ticket which analyzes what happens to people when they win the lottery. Darren now is working in video and film production full time and owns a production company called Eclipse Films that specializes in promotional videos for non-profits and small government agencies. Darren also edits an online Film Journal titled Eclipse Café that discusses film and culture.Darren is thrilled to be part of the consortium and is looking forward to contributing his skills and talent.

Angelika Ahlbrandt, Founding Member

Angelika has a love affair with the arts since childhood. No wonder, both her mother and father had creative talents. Her father was a sketch artist and her mother was a clothing designer. After coming to the Unites States, Angelika started her career in Health Care. Both in New Jersey and here in Phoenix, she has managed the Admitting Department of very busy hospitals. On numerous occasions she had to cover other shifts. She was elected President of the Admitting Association and was the first member of the Admitting Association to be accredited. For many years she served on the Board of the Credit Union. After retiring, Angelika started to devote her time to painting (once again.) She has been painting ever since and likes to participate in Art Shows. She is also very active in different organizations and serves on their Board of Directors, from the Arts to Food Banks and the Park and Recreation Dept. You can usually find Angelika with the paint brush in her hand in front of her easel or outdoors, in our beautiful Parks and Recreation areas.

Jeremy Evan Thornton, Founding Member;  Student Affairs
   

Jeremy is a student at ASU majoring in Secondary English Education.  He also works at the ASU's Memorial Union at the Event and Meeting Services as a Supervisor of Event Assistant Program. After only working for about a year, he quickly climbed the ranks of leadership. Jeremy is an aspiring  musician, singer, actor and a writer.  He is very much interested in Music, Art, Culture, and PEOPLE. Jeremy is passionate about passing along knowledge in the hopes of igniting unlimited creativity and supporting the arts as much as possible.

Janessa Mckibin, Community Representative

Janessa is an Artist and innovator living the Phoenix metro area. She served in the United Sates Navy stationed in Florida, Texas and San Diego. Upon that duty Janessa had pursued her education in Art History, and is earning a B.A. in Art History from Arizona State University. Janessa has helped in the production of multiple fashion shows and video productions in the valley. In addition to decorative ballroom dress design.

She enjoys activities in her spare time such as Archery, Drawing, Painting, and exploring new ideas of Evolution Everywhere.

Ralph Skrzypczak, Audio/Video Production

Ralph was born in Chicago, Illinois and was taken a top a mountain in Colorado at an early age. He grew up and was exposed to vast forests of imagination. Lost in those forests he decided to walk to the desert of Phoenix, Arizona and had continued writing stories, creating movies and comics ever since. He Dreams of going back to the mountains. Ralph is currently producing and editing Mr. E Comics and writing his comic book Codename Eden. He is also currently pursuing a degree in writing and film from Arizona State University.

Windy  Lynn Harris, Community Representative

Award-winning freelance writer Windy Lynn Harris has had short stories and essays published over 50 times in magazines all across the country. In addition, she has earned a 2009 grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts to further the development of her first novel. She is a member of Wise Women Write and The National League of American Pen Women. Windy shares her method to traditional publishing success in the seminar she calls, "Market Coaching for the Unpublished Writer." Please visit www.windylynnharris.com for upcoming speaking dates or to see what she's up to next.

International award winning Director/Choreographer Nicole Romine has travelled the world in her career.

As a professional dancer, she worked for over 15 years in stage, television and film. Classically trained, she began her career in Stuttgart, Germany dancing the role of Carlotta Grisi in Pas de Quatre at the Stuttgart Opera House. She went to have a diverse career dancing in television series like Fame as the lead female dancer. She danced at Paramount Studios, MGM, and for companies in Argentina, Japan, Europe and the US. 

She moved on to become artistic director for a dance company and created over 28 original works and several full length contemporary ballets. She also choreographed for television and a PBS  production she choreographed was nominated for an Emmy. She has taught master classes in Ballet and Contemporary though out the US. She has worked with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Dick Van Dyke, and some of the best dancers and choreographers in the world.

In 2007 she directed and choreographed an art film 'ing' which received numerous awards internationally. Her work has been seen on over 5 continents to critical acclaim and she continues to share her passion for dance wherever she goes.

Gail E. McCauley, Adviser

Gail E. McCauley is the President and Founder of Arizona Model and Actor Management, LLC. Gail has over twenty years experience in the fashion business. Gail has worked for Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising as a professional speaker, fashion instructor for Mesa Community College and last 4 years as Agency Director for Model and Talent Management. The Arizona Model and Actor Management, LLC is a new full service model and actor management agency for male and female talent, age 5 and older. Statewide in Arizona. The agency that will be opening soon will be utilizing models and actors for fashion, print, catalog, runway, TV, film and voiceovers.

Gail is a Freelance writer for various regional and national shelter publications including: 'Log Home Living', 'House Beautiful Home Remodeling & Decorating', 'House Beautiful Home Building', 'Arizona Foothills', 'So Scottsdale' 'Arizona Home & Design' and many others. Also authored a book, '50 Ways To Paint A Wall', Creative Publishing International, Copyright 2005.

Jonathan Gabriel, Adviser

Jonathan Gabriel was born in the Philippines where he acquired his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and had also earned credible extracurricular achievements in the fields of Arts, Entertainment and Martial Arts. 

His skills as an artist and his love for guitar and folk-singing made him jovially involved with social activities and stage performances. He was a member of The International Art Society of Riyadh in the 80’s and participated in international art shows. As Martial Artist of various forms, Jon was an undefeated National Champion of the Phil. Moo Duk Kwan Association (Tang soo Do - Korean Karate) and a recipient of ‘Best Combat Judoist of the Year’ award. He is a 3rd Degree Black belt in Combat Judo (hand weapon disarming techniques). He maintained a gym with a business partner and a close to a hundred students and members back then.

Jon’s passion for visual arts and all his added skills gave him access to the local Movie and Television industry and achieved some involvements as Production Designer, Character actor, Fight Choreographer/Instructor and Stunt Coordinator in more than a dozen movies and a TV commercial. He was a member of Philippine Cinema and Television Actors Guild prior to relocating to the United States. He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and kids. Jon is a working artist, interior designer, a performing artist and an arts advocate.

Crystal Achey, Adviser

 Crystal Achey, mother of two fabulous boys and President of Phoenix Body Mind and Soul Media and Events. Crystal considers herself to be a pre-destined, uncertified, refried hippie who envisions spreading refried hippie knowledge, opinions and stories through her holistic, entreprenuerial endeavors which includes a variety of networking events, the quarterly Phoenix Body Mind and Soul Magazine, the annual Living on the Earth Celebration that benefits AZ Homegrown Solutions and is currently planning to host an annual benefit for Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Why does Crystal call herself a refried hippie?  The term refried hippie is a term that her muse, Tere B. came up with... other than that "refried" is just for effect, but Crystal's spirit truly embodies the hipie attitude. It all started during (not at) Woodstock, 1969 when the energy of all that Peace and Love traveled west to Santa Barbara, California where they reached the reproductive organs of her parents and nine months later, she was born on May 30, 1970.  From birth she lived in complete bliss and virtual harmony, spending her childhood on roller skates only to be removed when collecting polly wogs in the creek that ran through her neighborhood.  

Now a long term resident of Phoenix, her favorite place to travel with her boys is Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona of course!  Although she does hope to make it to Arcosanti for an overnight visit soon!

Jessica Dimino, Project Manager

Jasmine Blanchard, Adviser

James Thornton, Founding Member, IT