Loretta Marie Chandler is best known as “Dusty Tyler” on the hit TV series “Fame.” The award-winning performer, writer, and producer is giving back to the industry that has given her so much. As an alumnus of the internationally renowned California Institute of the Arts, Loretta thrives on encouraging other artists to be more today than they were yesterday and to never give up on their dreams.
Natisa Williams is a self-taught fashion designer with ten years of experience in sewing and embroidery machines. She has been teaching children in home daycare, in mentoring and tutoring programs, and in sewing courses virtually throughout Covid-19. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a degree in Criminal Justice.
Patrice Gates is a University of Louisville college graduate with a BA in Fine Arts and a Minor in Creative Writing. She is a professional artist who specializes in portrait and still life painting, having participated in art shows and competitions across the metro Atlanta area. Her goal is to inspire and uplift others by creating artworks that highlights beauty and fashion and the uniqueness in women.
Sylvia Denise is the creator of her nonprofit “B.E.E. INSPIRING, INC.” and serves as Program Director on the board of the SOZO Family Services Inc. With a background in theater and film, she wrote and produced an original musical called “A Trip to Purpose Land” in 2019. She currently provides activities and motivational workshops to children and adolescents to empower them unto a life of positivity and passion.
Lisa Waldron is the creator, producer, distributor, and face of Zen Zaia Candle Co. LLC, making soy candles, wax melts, and so much more. She also shares and teaches her craft to those with a passion to learn the ancient craft. her products are eco-friendly, vegan and free of chemicals, supporting a natural life.
Phoenix Aquino Sabino is is a Master Choreographer and yoga instructor with over 20 years of experience in instructing both kids and adults, as well as performing throughout New York and Atlanta. She founded Phoenix Dance36 and Flex Therapy by Phoenix as a way to integrate dance, fitness, and Martial Arts.
Salena Epps-Jackson has a background in Early Childhood Education and is the founder of Storyland Adventures, LLC. She has served as a teacher, coordinator, and afterschool director. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, and an AA in Education, as well as Nutrition.
Stephen Armstrong is a graduate of West Georgia Technical College with a primary focus on portrait and cinematic photography. Having attended Shutterfest and Professional Photographers of America Conference, Stephen shares his love with others and help them capture unforgettable moments with the touch of a button.
Kristie Brooks Paige is a graduate from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She majored in Fashion Illustration and had her first one-woman exhibition at the age of 21 in Roanoke, Virginia. After moving to Georgia she became an apparel graphic designer and is the owner of The Art Host, a mobile paint party business.
Kimberly Taylor is a former educator who uses her educational experience plus her natural creativity to offer adult and youth development interactive programs, focusing on social and emotional awareness and artistic creations. She designed the bracelet bar to provide a nurturing life experience; participants decide on a declaration about his or her life and assemble their adornment while intentionally choosing a personal commitment to living a harmonious life.
Charissa Cruz has been painting and creating with multiple art forms her whole life. She owned her own mural business from 2005-2007. Her business, Charissa’s Life Nuggets, LLC, combines her faith, teaching, counsel, and art.
Leslie K. Nelson is the founder and CEO of PIVOTAL Connections, LLC. She has twenty years of combined service to the U.S. Military and Federal Govt., with over nineteen years in the nonprofit industry, as well as multiple degrees. She is now focused on her passion of professional development, with a focus on preparing, inspiring, valuing, optimizing, and transforming aspiring leaders.
Joseph Falligan is an expert and professional drawing artist as well as medical and comic book illustrator. He also illustrates for video games and animations. He studied at the New York School of Visual Arts and Jersey City State University with a focus on medical and biological illustration.
Ervin Richards is a Middle and High School Social Studies teacher and an Ordained Pastor. He is the founder of Richards Sportingear, an apparel decorating and promotional product business which began in 2007. He provides workshops that combine his love for custom product design and teaching.
Elizabeth Mobley studied under Master Glass Artisan, Miriam de Fior, of Glass Fusing in Italy. Her work has been featured at the CAC, Carrollton Arts Center, and the Spruill Center for the Arts. She has also participated in the Decatur Arts Festival, Taste of Marietta, and Mable House of South Cobb Arts Alliance. She is currently the president of the Atlanta Glass Art Guild.
Latisha Johnson has been teaching children for over four years. She has taught at Wills Park Recreational Center in Alpharetta, was a three-time winner at our very own Taste of Douglasville, and took “Best Dessert” in 2017 for her Pina Colada cupcake. Her love of baking grew from watching her grandmother bake and as a teen in high school attended a Summer apprenticeship program at Johnson & Wales while living in Charleston, SC., where she grew up.
Yvette Johns has won 31 ribbons and a plaque at the Georgia National Fair in Perry Georgia. She has taught classes at the Carrollton Center for the Arts, Carroll County Schools, and Community events. She is passionate about working with children to help develop flexibilities of the mind such as mathematics, social interaction, and building self-esteem.
Arnold German studied under the internationally acclaimed artist Virginia Fouche Bolton and studied art at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL. He worked several years working for advertising agencies in Charleston, SC, and has work in many public and private collections.
Katherine Williams is a homeschool graduate with ten years of piano instruction. She started teaching piano in 2017, working with children and seeing their love for music grow. In addition to her love of music she enjoys theater and is a volunteer on the Executive Committee at Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn.
Krystel Sanchez is an illustrator and crafter based in Douglasville who studied at the Atlanta College of Art and Savannah College of Art and Design. She is the creator and owner of Krystel’s Creations, a place where she envisions any project for a client with even the smallest idea. She believes that with bright colors and positive attention to detail, imagination truly has no limits.
Tammy Jane Barton has been teaching acting to all ages for well over 30 years. She has worked with multiple art centers and schools and currently owns and operates “A Company of Friends” educational productions. She is an award winning Director, a published playwright, has directed over 200 productions to date, and is a private acting coach.
Dana Helton is a logistics specialist by trade and an artist by passion. She has been creating, teaching, and selling custom glass art for more than twenty years. She is an avid equestrian, a member of South Cobb Arts Alliance and the Carrollton Artist Guild. Her work has been sold all over the USA, Virgin Islands and Canada.
John Eachus has made his passion for stained glass into a profitable career for over 42 years. He has served as an instructor and artisan in various places, such as the John Campbell Folk Art School. He strives to continue hands-on courses in the medium as a profession in order to perpetuate the love of the art form.
Want to Teach an Arts Class?
Artists or craftspeople interested in teaching a class or workshop are encouraged to Contact Us. We are interested in one-session workshops, short-term classes, and semester-long classes. We are interested in theater, dance, literary, musical, visual art and craft disciplines. Contact our Program Coordinator at: Brittany.Gilbert@artsdouglas.org for additional questions.