Biographies

Sedley Abercrombie

Sedley Abercrombie is a retired educator and librarian turned stay-at-home cat mom. Sedley loved to draw as a young child, design houses and floor plans as a teen, scrapbook as a young mom, and more recently attend “sip and paint” sessions as an adult.

Learning watercolors has always been on Sedley’s bucket list, so she signed up for a workshop at Art 101 with April Everhart in June 2024. After picking up a few techniques and supplies, she has painted nearly every day since.

Sedley Abercrombie

Daniel Amick

Daniel Amick is an International Award-winning photographic artist that has spent nearly a lifetime perfecting his craft. He learned the basics, and specifically, how to see things “outside the box” from his father, who also dedicated his life to a passion for photography. Daniel was raised in the small farming and furniture town of Thomasville, NC – where he spent his youth working on tobacco farms. The solitude and freedom of exploration he had on these farms provided a strong foundation for his love of nature which is still present today.

That love of nature would eventually collide with a growing passion of the photographic arts. Throughout his life journey, the beauty around him made him desire to capture it. When his father passed away in 2001, he recalled that photographic inspiration and decided to turn his passion into a career.

He spent the following decade as a part-time photographer, learning his craft while still working full-time to support his family. In October of 2009, he was able to finally break free of the corporate bonds and began to fully express himself artistically. A move to Western North Carolina further attributed to this as the photographic subjects became endless.

Still feeling as though something was missing, Daniel went back to college to obtain an AAS degree in Photographic Technology, Commercial Photography. This allowed him to see from various viewpoints and he learned ways to expand his work.

Today, Daniel travels extensively to collect scenic wonders, as this is his core foundation. He has built upon this by adding the female form and seeks to normalize the acceptance of the human nude in art, specifically demonstrating that his photographic works of the female form should not be viewed as a negative, but rather a celebration of the beauty that exists in the female form.

Artist Statement:

The photos I capture are a pause of the present for a reflection of the past. I love to photograph anything that I find interesting but tend to gravitate toward landscapes and the female form. While I do not limit my subject matter, I largely tie them together with the timeless result of a black and white photograph.

My photographic style is driven by a desire to evoke an emotional reaction in the viewer. I wish for the observer to experience a sense of awe at the sight of a breathtaking landscape or to appreciate the beauty of the human body. I strive to create images that connect with people on a profound level. I also believe that photography can be more than just the capture of that moment and strive to create images that have meaning and depth. The longer you look at my work, the more you see.

Pam Baldwin

Self-taught Artist Pam Baldwin has been developing her passion and skills with various art mediums for over a decade. She began as a watercolor artist and turned her art illustrations into a profitable business by selling them as stationery and invitations.

In 2021 Pam pivoted from small business owner to Director of Women in Motion of High Point, where she has been able to focus more on the passion side of art. Focusing on her journey as an artist rather than a client's need for a product, she has cultivated her artistic style by exploring mixed media, abstracts, the female form, texture, pattern, and color.

Laurie Basham

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. Laurie is always searching for new ways to view the world, constantly seeking interesting angles and patterns of shape and value. She is captivated by objects lit from behind, where the light creates a glowing halo effect. Her goal is to illuminate the beauty of everyday life through the medium of pastel.

A native of Rockville Maryland, Laurie received her Degree in Art Education from the University of Maryland in 1985. After an award winning career as an Art Educator in Howard County Maryland, she retired in 2019. Since retirement, Laurie has been enjoying being a full time artist and has received awards in several plein-air competitions, as well as acceptance into several national and international shows. Laurie received the Portrait/Figure Award in The Pastel Society of the Southwest’s 39th National Juried Exhibition as well as a Member’s Choice Award at the Piedmont Pastel Society’s 2020 Member’s Show. In 2021 Laurie received the Pastel Painters of Cape Cod Award in the Maryland Pastel Society’s Symphony in Pastel Juried Members Show as well as a Juror’s Exceptional Merit Award in the Left Coast Pastel Painters Society’s International Show.

Laurie is a member of the Pastel Guild of Europe, the Degas Pastel Society, the Pastel Society of North Carolina, a Juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America and a signature member of the Maryland Pastel Society. She is past President of the Piedmont Pastel Society. She is also an active member of the Associated Artists of Winston Salem and the Carolina Painters’ Guild.

Mark Blair

Mark Blair is a self-taught artist specializing in acrylic paintings, whose passion for art ignited at a tender age. Growing up in Trinity, North Carolina, his creativity blossomed alongside his love for drawing and painting. After retiring in 2022, Mark devoted himself to his lifelong passion, dedicating his time to creating vibrant and expressive artworks.

Mark's artistic journey is marked by a commitment to giving back to his community. Over the past three to four years, he has generously donated his artwork to auctions benefiting both Davidson and Randolph Hospice. Through his art, Mark not only shares his talent but also spreads joy and support to those in need.

With each brushstroke, Mark Blair continues to explore the boundless possibilities of acrylics, capturing moments of beauty and emotion on canvas. His work is a testament to the power of self-expression and the enduring impact of creativity.

Kyle Bowers

Kyle Bowers is a dedicated jewelry designer, creating adorable pieces for an even more adorable audience. Specializing in designs for the queer community and drag queens, Kyle has crafted unique pieces for renowned queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, such as Trixie Mattel, Kim Chi, Kornbread the Snack Jete, Lady Camden, and Jaymes Mansfield.

Residing in Lexington, Kyle is not just a designer but also a full-time artist and small business owner. In October 2020 Kyle made the leap from a fifteen-year career in banking to pursue her passion for creating beautiful and meaningful jewelry.

Presently, Kyle manages two thriving businesses—Bow Bow by Kyle, her established jewelry design venture, and Moody Cutie Shop, a new and exciting endeavor. Kyle's journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one's artistic calling and building a community through creativity.

Stephanie Briles

Stephanie began painting at a young age. Her mother bought paint, paper and pencils to occupy her time, and that was it -- she was in love. Stephanie knew immediately that she had to create, to express herself with paint. Aside from taking a few classes in high school and the occasional class at the local recreation center, Stephanie is self-taught. Over the years she has developed her own techniques and style, painting on just about every surface imaginable -- canvas, wood, fabric, glass, rock, skin and bone.

Stephanie is most known for her life-like animal and pet portraits, often as realistic as a photograph, with facial expressions that reach out and touch the soul. She combines her enthusiasm for painting with her love of animals and frequently donates her talent to fund-raise for ST Furever Freedom Animal Rescue which she and her sister co-founded in 2012. By painting their portrait, Stephanie spotlights homeless animals to help them find their forever homes.

Stephanie has painted for clients all over the United States and a few clients in Europe.

Kara Bugis

Kara Bugis is a multimedia artist that is strongly influenced by nature. Acrylic paints are her preferred media but she also enjoys ceramics, watercolors, ink and soft pastels.

She grew up in rural western Pennsylvania where she was surrounded by the woods and rolling hills and cherished the beauty and peacefulness. From the moment she could hold a crayon, she was drawing pictures of her pets and other wildlife. She enjoys drawing and painting pet portraits, but loves the challenge of creating surrealist works and finds most of her inspiration walking her dog through her neighborhood in Wallburg and occasional hikes and excursions to State and National Parks. Her hope through her works is to raise awareness to human impacts on the environment and preservation of the beauty of the natural world.

Kara is also a wife, mom, Sunday School art teacher at Shady Grove GMC, Penn State and University of Memphis alum and a Professional Engineer in NC with specialties in environmental and water resources.

Beth Cantrell

Beth Cantrell grew up in Davidson County, received her theological education at Duke Divinity School, and served churches in North Carolina, Maryland, and Virginia. Beth began her career as a visual artist in 2016 as part of her work as Executive Minister of Our Brother Legion, a ministry which seeks to build bridges between faith based communities and people living with mental illness, addiction, and trauma. She is a Folk Artist who generally prefers North Carolina themes like red clay, flowers, dogwoods, and big blue skies. Although there's an occasional biblical theme, most of the time the theology is embedded in the painting itself.

Emily Lanier Cassidy

Emily's journey into the realm of fine art is an intriguing blend of passion for both the arts and sciences. She holds formal degrees from Purdue University, specifically in Animal Science and Veterinary Technology. Her lifelong affinity for animals serves as the inspiration behind much of her art, while her scientific nature propels her to meticulously study and understand the intricate details, driving her rapid advancement in the world of fine art.

Born and raised in South Bend, IN, her childhood preferences hinted at her artistic inclinations. While most children were enchanted by colorful and whimsical toys, she found joy in toy and stuffed animals that accurately depicted the precise form and coloring of the real creatures she loved.

Despite taking few formal art classes over the years, Emily’s artistic journey truly kicked off in 2017 when, having just moved to Winston Salem, NC, she participated in the employee art show at Atrium Wake Baptist Health. Managing a cancer research laboratory at the time, she showcased her hand-drawn pieces, winning 1st and 2nd place. However, always hungry for improvement, she began seeking more detailed education.

Emily’s formal drawing education continued with a class in "Drawing in Color" at Forsyth Tec in late January 2020. Unfortunately, the class was cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This turned out to be a serendipitous moment, leading her to discover online tutorials by colored pencil animal artist Bonny Snowdon in July 2020. Bonny's descriptive explanations and demonstrations became a turning point in enhancing Emily’s artistic skills.

By January 2021, Emily had the opportunity to showcase 11 pieces in one of the galleries at Atrium Wake Baptist Health. From that point on, commissions started flowing in. In 2021, she expanded her portfolio to include pastel, and in 2022, she ventured into oil painting for the first time. These years have seen her garner several placements in statewide juried shows and secure spots in multiple galleries in the Triad region.

Beyond the canvas, Emily finds solace in singing, a profession she’s embraced for years. She has lent her voice to weddings and funerals, and she currently sings in the Winston Salem Symphony Chorus. Her musical journey includes starting her own jazz ensemble in 2006, which enjoyed consistent bookings in the VT/NH Upper Valley region.

In late 2023, Emily bid farewell to her career in the sciences, opting for retirement to delve deeper into the fine arts world. Now, she relishes the joy of learning intricate details about art and applying them in her creations, embracing the newfound freedom to explore her artistic passions.

In Emily's words ...

"I have always had a love and insight for animals (my formal degrees are in Animal Science and Veterinary Technology); therefore, they are my primary muse. Inspired by an animals’ character – especially in the eyes - I capture the emotion and communicate it through my work. Through color, patterns, and light, I create realistic, expressive portraits. My creations allow the viewer to visually feel the animals’ personality.

I began seriously working in colored pencil in 2020, soft pastels in 2021 and my first-time painting with oils was in 2022. With little formal art training, my thirst for learning more about the mediums I use and the techniques that go with them is voracious. It is my training in the sciences that allows me to grasp the techniques quickly and in depth. My fascination with the details is the reason my style leans more toward photorealism. It is also why I especially enjoy colored pencil as it is a medium that allows for more detailed work.

Drawing and painting, (as well as music), are extremely therapeutic and meditative for me. I easily lose myself in the moment when working on a piece. Recently retiring from my science career, I am relishing having more time to immerse myself in my art.

My artwork can be found in both public galleries and private collections across the United States."

Tricia Dudley

Tricia, raised in the Australian outback, absorbed vibrant colors and a "can do" attitude. Boarding school fostered independence, influencing her ventures abroad. In the '80s, she worked in the UK, arriving in the US in 1994. After a fulfilling three-decade career as an Occupational Therapist, Tricia embraced her first passion -- art.

Post-retirement in 2017, she delved into various mediums, including alcohol ink, acrylics, ceramic paint, fluid art, and sculpture painting. Her art, free from stylistic constraints, features bright colors, abstract elements, and textured nuances. From larger canvases to miniature functional art, Tricia's work is internationally recognized, displayed in North Carolina galleries, and showcased in Charlotte area art shows.

Open to commissions, Tricia extends her creativity across the US with mailing options. Her journey reflects resilience, independence, and a vibrant artistic spirit.

April Everhart

April Everhart is a Lexington-based artist, educator, and the owner of Art 101, located at 25 E. Center Street in Uptown Lexington. With years of experience teaching acrylic painting, April now offers a variety of art classes in both acrylic and watercolor for children and adults. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, Art 101 provides a welcoming space for all skill levels to explore their creativity.

In addition to classes, the studio doubles as a retail shop stocked with art supplies including paints, brushes, pastels, sketchbooks, and more making it a convenient stop for local artists.

April’s husband, David Everhart, is the talent behind I Was Framed, offering custom framing services to perfectly complement and preserve your artwork.

Michelle Harris

Creating memories through photographs is a love and passion I've had as far back as I can remember. While I've had the chance to capture memories through the eye of the camera in many genres over the years, the one that captures my heart the most are those images created outdoors and through nature. They seem to speak to me the loudest and offer something unique to all the others. Capturing nature at her finest and sharing that with others, to me is photography at its best.

There are emotions and memories found in nature that bring out an expression on people's faces that is priceless. Seeing that same expression as they view a photograph, reminisce, and take a journey down memory lane is priceless. The ability of a photograph to capture these emotions and memories that bring a certain peacefulness to the viewer brings me a great joy.

There is no better reward in this labor of love than seeing others experience the same passion and emotion as they find a place that once captured their own heart and watching as a special photograph takes them back to that very moment.

Blake Henkel

Blake Henkel is an artist with autism. Residing in his own apartment in his parents' basement, he began painting over 20 years ago at age 12 while being homeschooled. Preferring acrylics, he finds joy in vibrant colors.

Blake's art has reached a wide audience, with eight pieces featured at the International Home Furnishings Market through Yosemite Home Decor. These works are available nationwide, both in physical stores and online retailers. In 2018, he was a showcased artist on WGHP Fox 8's "Roy's Folks."

Despite verbal communication challenges, Blake eloquently expresses his perception of beauty through his brush strokes. He dedicates four weekly painting sessions, receiving guidance at The Arc of High Point and collaborating with local artist Dana Holliday for inspiration and mischief.

Blake's current website sells not only original pieces of his artwork, but also reproductions of various items. From ceramic pieces to canvas prints, tote bags, jewelry, and more, his art is a testament to his extraordinary creativity and ability to convey the beauty he sees.

Dana Holliday

Dana Holliday is an artist living in Thomasville, NC. She has been actively painting murals for over 20 years. Over the last few years, Dana has adopted encaustic wax as a preferred medium and has been exploring more textured and three-dimensional elements in her artwork. Dana has been influenced by Impressionism and the works of Georgia O’Keefe while travelling to Europe, South America and New Zealand, she gathered ideas, techniques and the qualities of many cultures to integrate into her highly unique artistic style. She has created many works with a realistic or impressionistic flair and is currently exploring the spontaneity of more abstract art.

Dana loves people and her outgoing and personal style makes her a wonderful person to work with in your home or office. Dana’s special gift is to bring life to the visions of her clients and bring those visions to reality.

Barry Hollingsworth

Barry found his calling amidst nature's wonders. After a shoulder injury forced him out of work in 2018, Barry turned to rock tumbling and jewelry-making to fill his time. What began as a hobby blossomed into a passionate pursuit, with Barry crafting stunning jewelry from polished stones and creating mesmerizing resin art from scrap materials.

Driven by the joy of bringing happiness to others, Barry's handcrafted creations reflect his love for nature and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Each piece tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the timeless beauty found in the world around us.

Al Jones

Crookedsteer - Al Jones, a diverse artist residing in Tyro, NC, originally hails from West Virginia. Growing up in Winston-Salem's rural south side, Al discovered her love for drawing at 8, capturing her surroundings' essence. Old country stores, old-timers, and eras gone by hold a special place in her heart, making her feel connected to a different time. Childhood road trips to West Virginia left indelible landscapes in her memory, lingering like ghosts.

Al breathes life into her creations through graphite, pen and ink, and acrylics. From landscapes inspired by memories, pets, and wildlife to portraits, classic cars, and commissioned pieces, her diverse portfolio reflects a rich artistic journey. Art became a sanctuary during her youth, where acceptance and accolades fueled her desire to learn and excel.

Today, Al actively engages in the Arts Community, earning recognition for her nostalgic and forgotten-themed work. Operating under the brand "Crookedsteer," each image bears a distinctive mark, showcasing her unique artistic signature.

Tad Kepley

Tad Kepley, the retired Chief of Police from Lexington, NC, boasts a distinguished 30-year career with the department. Earning an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Davidson-Davie Community College in 1983 and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Carolina University in 2005, Kepley brings a wealth of knowledge to his endeavors.

Post-retirement in 2015, Tad transitioned into the field of education. Initially starting as a part-time Law Enforcement Training Coordinator at Davidson-Davie Community College in 2016, he now serves as the School Director for Advanced Law Enforcement Training.

Beyond his law enforcement background, Tad discovered a passion for woodworking. With his grandfather's whittling knife in hand, he crafts exquisite wooden spoons, emphasizing functionality. From tree to table, each spoon is meticulously carved for everyday use. Tad extends his expertise by teaching Greenwood Spoon Carving classes at various venues, including the John C. Campbell Folk School and the Greenwood Wrights Festival.

Married to Elizabeth Hodges, Tad is a proud father of three grown children and a doting grandfather to two grandsons.

Zac Lunsford

Zac Lunsford is a versatile digital artist and design professional from Winston-Salem, NC, now residing in Lexington, NC since 2018. His journey into the realm of artistic expression began at a young age, where he demonstrated a significant aptitude for drawing, painting, and sculpting. Fueling his passion for creativity with a discerning eye for detail, he honed his skills through formal education and hands-on experience, both in elective art classes as well as The Sawtooth School for Visual Art.

A graduate of RJ Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, Zac pursued his higher education at East Carolina University School of Art and Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Animation & Interactive Design. Armed with a solid foundation in various artistic mediums, he embarked on a career path as a freelance digital artist and designer.

His artistic repertoire spans a wide spectrum, encompassing Illustration, 3D modeling, Digital Sculpture, and 3D Asset Creation. With a knack for wearing multiple hats in the design world, he seamlessly navigates through projects ranging from graphic design, logo creation, book cover illustration, digital marketing and web design. His ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving digital creative landscape coupled with his boundless imagination, bring a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and passion to his professional projects.

Preferring the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit of freelance work, Zac enjoys the opportunity to create from the comfort of his home studio. When he's not immersed in his creative pursuits, he likes spending quality time with his family or pursuing a new interest in 3D printing, exploring the seemingly endless possibilities it offers.

Lydia Mayes

Lydia Mayes is a dedicated artist who has been creating since she was eight years old. Inspired by the beauty of nature, she specializes in drawing animals, plants, and landscapes. Lydia has honed her skills through years of art classes in elementary, middle, and high school, developing a strong foundation across multiple mediums. She primarily works with pencils, watercolor, and gouache, while also exploring the tactile artistry of needle felting and clay. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world, capturing its essence with delicate detail and vibrant expression.

Debra Riggs

Debra Riggs is a fine artist whose work centers on portraits, figures, and landscapes, capturing not just the outward appearance of her subjects, but their essence. Through a delicate balance of color, light, and expressive brushwork, she brings her subjects to life—whether it’s the quiet, unguarded gesture of a person or the shifting atmosphere of a landscape.

Debra’s work is about the intimate moments that tell a deeper story, those fleeting interactions and scenes that reveal something raw and true. “Whenever something catches my eye, I feel there's a story I need to tell. It might be a person in a private moment or the gentle ripple of a marsh tide. There’s a sense of honesty in those moments, a rawness that speaks directly to the soul.”

Her process often begins en plein air, painting outdoors to capture the immediate essence of light and place. In the studio, she refines these impressions, deepening color relationships and layering textures to create a vibrant sense of presence. Her style is known for its rich color palette and loose, intuitive brushwork, where each layer builds complexity, inviting the viewer to connect with the emotional depth of the work.

With a background in fine art from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and Spruill Art Center, Debra has also trained with respected portrait artists Nancy Honea and Michael Del Priore. She regularly paints with a group of professional artists, working from live models, and often paints live at music venues alongside her husband, singer-songwriter Jack Riggs. Her primary mediums include oil, gouache, and pastel.

Tina Royal

Tina Royal is a passionate advocate for growth and progress in Davidson County, and a long-time supporter of Arts Davidson County. She is especially passionate about all things for the good of the youth in Davidson County, and to that end she founded Anything For Our Youth, a nonprofit supporting youth programs in the local area. Tina also founded and leads Black Butterfly Network Lexington, a nonprofit serving as an incubator and advocacy program for young, new artists and small business owners in Davidson County.

Kevin Trotter

Kevin Trotter, a Missouri native, found his artistic calling at the age of eight when his grandfather gifted him and his brother an artist paint set. Self-taught and driven by passion, Kevin's talent encompasses oil painting, pencil work, and sculpting. His artistic journey led to exhibitions at esteemed institutions like Duke University and the installation of a permanent sculpture at Clemson University.

Transitioning into the packaging industry, Kevin excelled as a graphic artist/print specialist, collaborating with renowned names in fashion, food, and department stores. Through his work, Kevin fostered connections across diverse cultures, races, and ethnicities, enriching his professional and personal life.

Kevin and his wife Donna, shares a deep commitment to advocating for adopted children, particularly those with special needs. Both are actively involved in organizations dedicated to serving the Special Needs Community, embodying their passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

Tere Wagner

Teresa ("Tere") Wagner describes herself as a "hobby" artist, working mostly in acrylic and watercolor, and in the past has tried her hand at oil painting. She also enjoys working with mixed media.

Tere's primary passion includes painting portraits, landscapes and abstracts.

Originally from Mississippi, Tere and her husband Mike have called North Carolina home since the 1970s. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Destiny West

Destiny is an elementary art teacher for Lexington City Schools. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she currently lives in Lexington, NC with her husband and son. Alongside teaching young artists how to express themselves, Destiny creates her own work in a variety of media and materials including caricatures, digital designs, oil painting, watercolor, polymer clay sculptures, and more! If you name the material she has likely had some experience working with it due to an innate curiosity and love for learning. This same philosophy of always stretching and exploring is a core pillar in her teaching pedagogy as well.

Destiny participates in a wide variety of festivals and community events selling her work and is available for commission.

Kee Zealy

Kee is originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina and moved to North Carolina in 1975, the same year he married. He is a husband, dad to 3 and has three grandchildren.

For the majority of his career, Kee has been an IT professional, specializing in databases, systems integrations and business intelligence. In his early career, he worked for Piedmont Airlines.

Kee has been writing poetry for over 30 years. He has been published in two anthologies -- "We Are Japan" and "North Carolina Bards." He posts his work regularly on Facebook and two websites -- www.pathetic.com and www.poetbay.com