Faculty Bios
Chesterfield Arts instructors are working professional artists from
the St. Louis area and regional area.
Learn about our faculty
Greg Barth - Photography
"I was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1966. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University in Commercial Photography in 1989. After working in the industry for a few years I decided even though my work was technically well executed, there was not any meaning to my images. I began a quest to find out why I photograph and this search continues into the present. I live in Wildwood, Missouri with my wife Cindy and our two children."
Kathleen Barnes - Art Journaling/Mixed Media
Kathleen Barnes was born in Red Bank, New Jersey and spent most of her life in the American Southwest including Corpus Christi, TX; Santa Fe, NM and Las Vegas, NV. A passion for nature has played a major part in the development of her imagery, leading her to Plein Air painting in New Mexico, California and Maui.
She has twice been Artist in Residence at Yosemite National Park. She enjoys painting in acrylics and represents the Grumbacher Acrylics through her classes at Michaels in St. Charles, MO. Her other interest is working in Mixed Media. This work is more intuitive in process and exploratory in nature. In addition to creating Mixed Media artworks, she creates and teaches art journals, which expand her visual language and record her artistic journey.
Kathleen's paintings have been exhibited and collected nationally. Her work has been published in books such as "The Best of Watercolor" and"Abstracts in Watercolor" and in publications including Somerset Studio, Somerset Gallery and Somerset Art Journaling.
Lyubov Briginets - Pottery Instructor
"I am an artist and an art teacher in at Lafayette High School in the Rockwood School District. Art is my life long passion. I love to look at it, I love to create it and to teach it. I have been working with 2D and 3D design over 20 years and love to explore different ways of visual expression and experiment with various art media"
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Chris Burton - Art Education Liaison and Ambassador, Fiber Arts & Mixed Media
Jenny Donaldson - Children's Art Teacher
Jenny Donaldson – potter & illustrator – is passionate about art, art education, and supporting the local art community. Since the spring of 2000, after earning her Art Education degree from Murray State University, Jenny has been creating artwork, teaching art classes, and growing a small business – Unboxed ART. Her artwork reflects her passion for unique forms and rich texture. She has taught students of all ages in the public school setting as well as local community organizations like Chesterfield Arts. Jenny's art education and work experience enable her to use challenging media in new ways. Although she works in a variety of media, Jenny most enjoys pottery, sculpture, and the teaching of both. In her free time, Jenny enjoys creating whimsical clay animals – Zuliganz – and promoting her first children’s book – “The Earth, The Alphabet, and Me”.
M.J. Goerke - Paper/Book Instructor
MJ Goerke is a St. Louis based artist and teacher working in a variety of media. Well-known in the Midwest, MJ has been successfully doing art fairs for the last twenty some years. MJ's extensive experience has led to being juried into many of the best shows in the country and has resulted in being the recipient of many major awards in ALL categories. The winner of the Best In Show at The St. Louis Art Fair in 2003 (one of the top five shows in the country) and The Peoria Fine Arts Fair in the same year, Goerke has also won some of the highest awards at the Midwest Salute to the Masters on seven different years! www.goerkeart.com
Heather Haymart - Painting and Drawing Instructor
Heather Haymart is an artist who makes textural abstract paintings with depth. She is driven by nature, human emotions and inexpressible thoughts to create. Her paintings reflect this meditative state she enters during creation and the emotion is communicated by the light that comes through her color usage. She is working towards enlightenment, one painting at a time.
If you are looking for a fun day with art, take a trip to West County, MO and visit Art Trends Gallery in Chesterfield and then hop over to the Chesterfield Mall at Wood Icing where Heather keeps her studio, teaches and displays her work. You might even catch her painting! If an urban setting is more your speed, check out Heather’s work at The Gateway Gallery in Clayton and grab lunch at Mazara’s next door. Fine art, fine food; what more could you ask for? Heather’s creative interpretation of the Phoenix skyline can be found in pubic collections such as Strongfield Trimco Inc. in Mesa, AZ, or you can see three large pieces made especially for Lechner Reality in Des Peres, MO. If you would like to visit Heather’s past life as a mural painter, visit her large mural of Santa Fara Church at Stefanina’s Restaurant in Troy, MO.
Upon graduating from high school, Heather knew that art was in her future. She attended University of Missouri – Columbia and received her BFA and BSEd for Art K-12. She taught high school and middle school art for six years, painted murals for two and then finally, after having two babies decided life was too short to put off doing what she was meant to do. She created two abstract paintings while her two year old and 9 moth old napped. She sold those two paintings that year and so began her healthy addiction to painting. heatherhaymart.com
Jeff Hirsch - Adobe Lightroom Instructor
A digital imaging specialist with 25 years of experience, Jeff splits his time between graphic design, photography and Macintosh tech support. He teaches Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to individuals and groups.
 Beverly Lake Hoffman - Watercolor InstructorBeverly Lake Hoffman is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She has a Fine Arts degree from Principia College in Illinois and has resided in Mobile, Al, and Upper Montclair and Glen Ridge, NJ. She has thoroughly enjoyed the southern charm of the Gulf Coast and the history and culture of the East Coast. Beverly is a watercolor artist, a graphic designer and co-founder of the Saint Louis Watercolor Society. She is a regular exhibitor in regional and national juried art shows, and she is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, the Philadelphia Water Color Society, and the Saint Louis Watercolor Society. Her interest and intent is to create works that inspire the viewer to visualize the presence of the soul through the inherent qualities of watercolor painting. Her works focus on light and luminosity, and they feature the beauty of color, the interlocking of ordinary shapes to compose a harmony of pattern and design, and the vitality and precision of hard edges combined with the fluidity and diffusion of wet-on-wet washes. She enjoys involving the viewer in the visual experience with a touch of humor and a sense of imagination. www.stlws.org |
Sherri Jaudes - Metals Instructor
Sherri received her MFA at SIU-E and graduated Cum Laude with her BFA at Maryville University where she has now taught Metals for 13 years. Sherri's extensive exhibiting resume includes regional, national and international shows. Some show locations include St. Louis Artist Guild, Chesterfield Arts, Gump's Fine Art Gallery in San Fransisco, Washington D.C. Craft Show, Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston, Salon 100% Design in New York and the National Museum of History in Taipei, Taiwan. With Sherri's sensitivity to detail, it is no wonder she has won numerous "Awards of Excellence." www.sherrijaudes.com
Jennifer Klemp - Painting and Drawing Instructor
Jennifer Klemp was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1973. She received her Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Fontbonne University in 2001. She attributes most, if not all, of her success to her professors there who taught her all of the right things. Jennifer believes in animal rights, recycling, being good to the planet, biking, and creating things that are aesthetically pleasing, yet thought provoking. Additionally, she would like for her paintings and work to bring about change for the greater good. As an instructor for a local non-profit arts center in St. Louis, she hopes to inspire creativity among others. Jennifer has exhibited in several national juried and invitational shows, and believes that for herself, above all other things, it is most important to be an excellent painter. www.jenniferklemp.com
Kim Luberda - Children's Art Teacher
Teaching art is at the heart of my professional and personal life. Over the past twenty years, I have developed an interdisciplinary hands-on approach to teaching art that emphasizes art history, cultural studies, and diverse mediums. I believe in the power of art to encourage creative thinking and introduce children to the international world they live in. Outside the classroom, I am an avid traveler having visited over 20 different countries and living four years in Australia. I feel I have been blessed with seeing so many beautiful places and my goal is to share my art findings and cultural studies to my student body.
I have a BS in Art Education K-12 (Comprehensive) All Media. I am a continuing student in art and enjoy painting, pastels and collage work. I have always encourages the arts in my own family. My daughter is an Art History major graduating form the University of Chicago and my son is at Tulane studying Archeology.
Sukanya Mani - Youth Art Instructor
As long as I can remember, I have had a passion for art. All I wanted to do since I was five, was draw. My formal education which was in Chemistry led me away from art when I was in school. I started painting seriously again at 25 and have not stopped. I am a self taught artist. I began by reading every book on art and art instruction at the local library. Many artists inspire me- Modigliani, Van Gough, Frida Kahlo. Among Indian artists, I admire Ravi Varma, M F Hussein and Millind Mullick.
The human figure makes the strongest visual impression on me. I strive for mystery and intimacy at the same time. The use of intense and vibrant colors makes my art sensual and powerful. I enjoy painting the different facets of a woman.
My mother inspires me to see the strength in character and resilience in women. My father motivates me to constantly keep learning. My husband encourages me to evolve and grow. My son emboldens me to achieve anything I want. I hope to continue to grow and evolve. My goal is to create images that capture what I am feeling at the moment. www.sukanyamani.com
Barbara McCormack - Jewelry Instructor
Barbara graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BA in Fine Arts and a BS in Art Education. Barbara has an interest in the design and creation of jewelry as well as watercolor painting. She enjoys creating jewelry for personal adornment and for art shows. She feels that a jewelry piece can make a dramatic statement or be a unique beautiful or intriguing art piece depending upon the purpose and intent of the individual artist. Barbara believes that wearing your own jewelry can be rewarding and fun because, in a sense, you are your own art gallery and you can easily share your art work with the world. In addition, Barbara feels that once you understand basic jewelry skills and techniques you can design and create personal jewelry pieces for family and friends forever. There are many new and exciting materials and techniques to learn and experiment with in the design and creation of jewelry. The more knowledge and skills you acquire the more options you have in the use of techniques and materials to use to create imaginative and creative jewelry pieces. Barbara has taught a variety of art classes to children, teens and adults. She encourages her students to be experimental with different media in order to enjoy the creative process and trigger new ideas. She has won awards for jewelry pieces both in Missouri and Illinois. She is a member of the St. Louis Artist Guild, St. Louis Watercolor Society and Chesterfield Arts.
Annie Nillson - Youth Painting and Drawing Instructor
Annie Nillson graduated from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO in 2010 with a BA in Studio Art. She is currently an assistant teacher at Hope Montessori Academy.
 (Barbara) Remley Martin - Pastels InstructorRemley Martin is a painter of Pastel, Oil and Watercolor media and art instructor beginning 15 years ago at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild where she is recognized as a Distinguished Member. She came to Chesterfield Arts after building a home in Wildwood. Remley Martin’s work has been displayed and awarded in International Exhibitions, from California, Blue Ribbon in Pastels USA, to New York City in the prestigious Salmagundi Club where she has been awarded both the Silver Medal and Gold Medal of Honor. Visit her web-site for a complete rendition of her ongoing career, www.remleymartin.com. Remley Martin is a signature member of: Pastel Society Of America, Plein Air Artists Colorado, Audubon Artists, Inc., Pastel Society Of The West Coast & Degas Pastel Society. |
Rachel Santel - Adult Drawing & Illustration Instructor
Rachel Santel was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. She received her B.A from the University of Missouri St. Louis, with a degree in fine arts, Biology, and English. Her love of animals and nature led her to working with animals for a short time and that is when she decided to go back to get her Masters. Rachel received her Masters of Art Education from Lindenwood University and became certified to teach art K-12. Rachel taught Intro to Art, Drawing, and Painting, at a public high school for three years. During that time, she continued to paint and do commissioned portraits of animals and people. After her third year she decided to become a professional artist and work exclusively on making art.
Carol Savage - Youth Art Instructor
Carol earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Webster University. Her favorite classes were Psychology of Children’s Art,” plus a Graphic Design course at Washington University. Here she discovered the stylish rhythm of Chancery Cursive calligraphy. Now as a professional calligrapher she specializes in wedding stationery, individual items such as a family gift, and corporate work. Recently Carol developed an interactive word art dubbed Color Collision Water Writing, suitable for group events.
Carol has taught art in private schools and to Homeschoolers for more than 20 years. Teaching is always a thrill for her. Young artists in her classes discover the ability within themselves to express ideas in a variety of media. Older students are challenged with more detailed projects, often combining media and styles. She loves to present materials and ideas to jump start the innate creativity within each child, and guide the artists in a personally satisfying experience to complete the project. carolsavage.com
Phyllis Schulte - Pottery/Ceramics Instructor
"In order to feel complete, to feel alive, and to be genuinely me, I have found that I must create. I have always been drawn to the natural world in which color catches the eye and stimulates the heart, where flaws capture interest and give character, and where growth is inevitable.
I originally became involved in ceramics because the class was a requirement for an Interior Design degree that I was pursuing. I had decided to go back to school at the age of 39 after my kids were raised. It didn’t take me long working with a variety of clay, glazes, and firing techniques before I knew I was addicted to the world of ceramics. I have found that the clay speaks to me, the artist, and allows me to communicate to others who look at it, hold it or use it.
Though I have worked in a variety of artistic mediums, I believe I have found my place as an artist in the area of ceramics. Working with clay allows me to tap into the organic, natural part of our wold, giving it form, color, and texture. Through the unity of these elements, my creations can speak a language all their own. Clay is the medium that allows me to explore endless possibilities not only within the medium but also within myself."
Mary Beth Shaw - Mixed Media Instructor
Mary Beth Shaw worked in the insurance industry for 18 years before she went crazy one day and quit her job. While exploring her creativity, she re-ignited a childhood love of art. She is now ecstatic to support herself as a full time painter and teacher of adult mixed media workshops worldwide. Her mixed media process utilizes pastel, ink, marker and acrylics layered with various collage materials; she welcomes so-called “mistakes” because they lead to wonderful opportunities and discoveries. She works in series and has several bodies of work which employ her own symbolism of embedded meaning. She is the author of Flavor for Mixed Media and is a Columnist for Somerset Studios magazine. Living in St. Louis with her husband and 3 cats, Mary Beth is passionate about every moment of life. www.mbshaw.com
Terri Shay - Drawing, Painting & Illustration Instructor
Since 1994, Terri Shay has worked as an illustrator for a wide range of clients and publications. Starting as a card designer and illustrator for American Greetings she went on to complete her first children's book, It's Raining Whisper. After relocating to St. Louis, she worked briefly for the May Company as a color technician and illustrator. Most recently she completed a series of illustrations for her second published book, Only on Wish. In addition to being a painter and illustrator she teaches a variety of courses at Saint Louis University and St. Charles Community College.
Annie Spiller - Education and Outreach Director
Annie Spiller was born and raised in St. Charles MO. In December of 2009 she graduated from Lindenwood University with her BFA in Studio Art. During the summer prior to her senior year she was offered an internship in education at Chesterfield Arts. Annie worked directly under the Director of Education, facilitating the classrooms, working with the instructors, and administrative work. It was a great experience for her. The summer after graduation, she became a painting and drawing instructor as well as the Summer Camp Coordinator at Chesterfield Arts. In August 2010, Annie became the Education & Outreach Coordinator for Chesterfield Arts. She is very grateful to Chesterfield Arts for helping her pursue her career in the Arts.
Calise Thompson - Drawing & Painting Instructor
"Without light is no color. Like oil and water they are interdependent. I represent the reflections, refractions, and atmosphere created by light through the use of color."
Calise is an award - winning artist that has developed a representational and regional style, influenced by life in the Midwest. Calise has a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The University of Texas, a Master of Arts in Teaching Art Education K-12, and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in painting. She is currently teaching art classes at Chesterfield Arts and Wood Icing Studio / Gallery in Chesterfield Missouri. Her work can be seen at Wood Icing, The Lake St. Louis Community Association, Cappuccino's and First State Bank.
Terry Vermillion - Youth Art Instructor
Terry Vermillion has worked in photography, costuming, and printmaking but in recent years she is devoted to acrylic painting. Her recent series involve high contest abstract figures as she strives to paint the color and motion of her life. As an extremely committed and motivated teacher skilled in material selection for classroom, she inspires students and encourages creativity
Terry shows her work across the United States. She is a member of The Greater St. Louis Arts Association, a Grumbacher Artist, and teaches workshops in the St. Louis area. Terry holds a Master of Studio Art from Lindenwood University. She was born in the City of St. Louis, she has lived in Florida, California, Louisiana, Texas, and Guam. Currently she lives in Fenton, MO.
Dallas Woodson - Painting and Portrait Instructor
Dallas Woodson is native to St. Louis. He graduated in 2000 from Fontbonne University with his BFA and MFA with a concentration in painting. He has taught at Meramec Community College, Florissant Valley Community College and Jefferson College.
Dallas is also a blues musician in a local band and uses traditional techniques in his art inspired by the old masters. Dallas’ work has been shown at Forest Park Community College, Art Saint Louis, Gateway Gallery and Jefferson College.
Heather Woodson - Ceramic Sculpture Instructor
Working with clay gives me opportunity to show my appreciation of the natural world. Nature's ability to manipulate its way through fabricated obstacles, to adapt to environmental changes, to transform into new species, to combine and become one with its surroundings, is inspiring. I am motivated to create works that honor the perseverance of life.
More recent works have been focused on the perseverance of human life - adapting, converging and transforming continually throughout our life cycle. The many personality traits and characteristics that we pick up along the way are what I attempt to highlight in my work focusing on one specific aspect at a time.
The type of clay that I work with depends on the prospected outcome and the construction method used. My primary clay bodies are earthenware and a white stoneware. The finishes are a combination of mason stains, oxides, slips, low fire and high fire glazes. The colors on the pit fired pieces are achieved with various organic materials that flash different colors during the firing. My pieces are either thrown and altered or completely hand-built. By adding, subtracting, carving and altering, I am able to animate my imagination.
