Mary Gauldin
Mary is the owner ,photographer, and artist of A Thousand Words Creations Photography. http://www.athousandwordscreations.com
Ruth Jackson
Ruth is a versatile artist, proficient in pastel, watercolor, graphics and acrylic. She also has a strong interest in and talent for photography, recently wining a national award from Kodak who displayed her work nationally. Her paintings deal with all subjects from impressionistic landscapes to realistic portraits, both full of light and life. Ruth has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Masters of Art Education from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. All her postgraduate work was done at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She has worked as a fashion illustrator at a department store, in Creative Services at the Abilene Reporter News; she has been a cartoonist and a court room artist.
Ruth has a gift of portraiture and figure drawing; she loves capturing the spirit and personality of children. “Children are an artist’s dream subjects, and with 15 grandchildren, I am blessed with great models,” says Jackson.
Ruth is a member and artist-in-residence at the Center for Contemporary Arts. She is a well-known teacher in the Abilene and area community, having taught at Abilene Christian University, Cisco Junior College and in the Center for Contemporary Arts’ ARTREACH program since its inception. This program takes art to the aged, disabled and disadvantaged. She especially excels in working with special needs children. Ruth feels that this is a God given gift and is thankful to share it with others.
Donovan Sparhawk
“Donovan Sparhawk is one of the premier pencil portrait artists in the United States. His work hangs in private collections all across the country. In many ways, Donovan’s work transcends the images created through photographs by revealing much more than a moment in time – a smile from one moment, the twinkling of an eye from another.
The result is a work that truly captures the essence of his subjects. Many clients are long-time repeat customers, relying on his skill to chronicle their family’s changes and important events. Donovan’s art offers a remarkable opportunity to create a lasting memory – a gift to generations.
Whether he is portraying a cherished moment when a family is able to be together, a special event such as an engagement, or perhaps a subject at his or her favorite sport or pastime, Donovan employs his talent to create.
In addition to portraits, Donovan’s work also includes an amazing series of Indian art, western compositions and military art. Some of these works are available as limited edition prints.
From his home in Abilene, Texas, Donovan shares his artistic gift with the community by serving as a special visiting art instructor in the Abilene, Texas school system. As a result of his travels to Japan, he also has a unique interest in origami and sushi. Donovan is an outstanding sushi chef and shares his interest in art and origami by offering classes. Having converted a historic motel in Abilene into an art studio and bed and breakfast, his studio serves as a home base for his travels around the country for art and portrait work.” http://www.sparhawk.com/HOME.html
Susan Tedford
Susan is the owner, designer, and professional quilter of Sageford Quilting Company. http://sagefordquiltingcompany.com/
Hands of Windcrest 