Meet Our Instructors
Addren Doss
Oil & Pastel
Addren spent the first twenty years of her art career as a graphic designer doing corporate and freelance work. In 1990, she decided to follow her true passion, and began her career as a painter. Over the years, she has studied with many noted American artists. Now she feels the need and responsibility to share what she has learned by teaching classes and workshops in oil and pastel, which she has been doing for over 13 years.
Jeremy Sams
Acrylic & Plein Air
Jeremy Sams is an award winning acrylic artist from North Carolina. In 2011, his art found new inspiration when he was introduced to painting en plein air. “Here, I can enjoy God’s creation and relish in the beauty He has given us to enjoy.” Well known for his “oil-like quality” to his acrylic paintings, Jeremy’s primary subject matter is landscapes of which has taken many top awards
Viktoria Majestic
Oil, Drawing, & Plein Air
Viktoria K. Majestic is a classically trained Hungarian-American artist based in North Carolina. She studied art both in Europe and the United States, with her work featured in collections across the US and abroad. Influenced by masters like Zorn, Sorolla, Sargent, Levitan, and contemporary artists, her art reflects a deep connection to nature and classical techniques. Growing up in a small European town, Viktoria developed a love for art and nature, spending her time exploring the outdoors.
Mark Perzel
Barn Quilts
After learning the art of barn quilts after moving to Ashe County, Mark Perzel was inspired by the barn stars and hex signs he remembered traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike as a child. He now shares his passion with students at the Florence Thomas Art School in West Jefferson.
Debra Keirce
Oil Painting
Originally from Detroit, Debra Keirce is an accomplished fine artist. In her Northern Virginia studios, she paints in oils and draws in charcoal, up to four feet tall, with a specialty in true miniature pieces as small as your palm. Debra is proud to be a US coast guard artist, and winner of the 2022 George Gray award. Also, eleven of her paintings were commissioned and are hanging prominently in the newly remodeled Boston Langham 5 star hotel.
Raney Rogers
Acrylic Painting
Raney grew up in the Piedmont of NC, moved to the mountains where she opened the 1st art gallery in West Jefferson and has been painting since 1981. She taught K-6 Art for five years before pursuing her vocation as a painter in 1981. She has won many awards for her watercolors of flora and fauna which are in private and corporate collections throughout the world.
Lydia de la Cerda
Watercolor Batik & Alcohol Ink
Lydia's passion for bold colors and unique designs is deeply influenced by her Hispanic roots. Having lived in Mexico for several years and spent time in Guatemala, she draws inspiration from the vibrant cultures and traditions of these regions. With over 20 years of dedication to painting and the arts, Lydia has created countless beautiful works of art that reflect her unique perspective and creative spirit.
Ken Hobson
Watercolor
Ken is a native of Michigan and a graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI. A 6 year member of the Art Advisory Council at Ferris State College Big Rapids, Ml He build a strong reputation as an Illustrator and was a Senior Artist for Walt Disney World In Orlando, FL, before moving To Greensboro, NC. Ken is the owner of Ken Hobson Art and is a full time painter and workshop instructor.
Brenda Smith
Foraging & Tea Making
Brenda Smith is a retired educator with over 30 years of experience teaching in the NC Public School System and eight years in community college and university settings. While her background is in reading, literature, and writing, her personal artistic passions include writing, dance, and ceramics. She also enjoys growing and foraging herbs to create homemade teas—an art in itself.
Michael Dees
Chair Caning
Michael moved to Galax, VA in the late 70’s, became immersed in Appalachian culture and realized many of the cultural traditions were dying at an alarming rate. He learned seven step caning from a local couple, studied and researched various patterns and materials used in chair weaving and after 35 years and hundreds of chair seats, he has become a Master Caner, one of less than 100 in the United States.
Laurie Basham
Pastels
Laurie Basham is a pastel artist who enjoys capturing the beauty of color found in light and shadow, whether it’s a landscape, figure, or still-life. She loves spending time plein-air painting and is inspired by her travels around the country. When she can’t be outside, she will be found working in her studio using her own reference photos of her grandchildren or painting a still life of freshly cut flowers.
Doug Ghering
Watercolor
Doug Ghering graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, focusing on illustration and watercolor. Over four decades, Doug had a successful design/illustration career but his passion was watercolor. As a watercolor artist, Doug has created commissioned works for the Army Reserve, Chamber of Commerce, hospitality businesses, distilleries, and private collectors. He is a signature member of Watercolor Society of North Carolina.
Marianne Ferlazzo
Sewing
Marianne’s love of sewing began at a young age, nurtured in a home where fabric, thread, and creativity were part of everyday life. Her mother, an accomplished sewist who not only crafted garments but also taught sewing classes at a local community center, became Marianne’s first mentor.
Marianne has had a lifelong passion for sewing, and is skilled in the crafting of home decor, e.g. pillows, curtains, and quilts.
Jim Hallenbeck
Watercolor
Jim completed his B.S. in Art Ed from FIU in Miami in 1979 while working at IBM. His plan was to teach, earn an income, and eventually be an artist. After 35 years, Jim retired as an IBM VP ready to dedicate himself to his lifelong dream of being an artist. Jim has been juried in over 70 local and national shows winning numerous awards. Jim is an Artspace (Raleigh, NC) studio artist. Jim is a signature member of the American Artists Professional League & Pastel Society of NC.
Janice Booth
Acrylic Pouring
Janice Holly Booth has worked in multiple mediums but prefers acrylic pouring because of its delightful unpredictability and the ultimate wow factor of the process. She has helped dozens of self-proclaimed “non-artists” create beautiful, finished pieces their first time pouring. Janice is also a National Geographic author and solo adventure traveler, and she conducts team building workshops around communication issues. She splits her time between Ashe and Gaston counties.
