Discover the artists creating culture in West Valley. Use filters to find people to collaborate with, support, or learn from across the local arts community.
Live Violin for weddings & special events Turning moments into memories
Dionna Figueroa is a self taught landscape artist that resides in Buckeye, Arizona. She began her painting journey in 2016. Living in the Southwest for over 30 years, Dionna draws inspiration from the many diverse landscapes that the Southwest has to offer. She is an avid adventurer, who enjoys photographing and painting the landscapes she captures through her camera lens.
Artist, writer, photographer, Julanne is a visionary of bliss and creativity. Photographs are prints from her personal collection reproduced on fine canvas. Professional backing, ready to hang on your wall.
I have been doing art since I was a little girl. All through school I took as many art classes as I could! I got married at a young age and my art came out in all different ways. Photography, scrapbooking, a T-shirt painting business that I took to arts and craft fairs. I had four children and then my art came in the way of face painting, painting murals on nursery walls and helping with lots of school projects! It wasn’t until I retired that I started exploring art more and when we moved to a community that had an art club I joined first thing. That is where I took some classes and found that I could paint on a canvas. I love mixing mediums and using other materials to create art. I am so happy when I am in my studio creating my art.
As Director of Digital Operation with Epic Earth Arts, I am an Arizona-based professional with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction and a background in cybersecurity, blended education, technology, and strategic operations. A dedicated patron of the arts, I support the growth and digital evolution of Epic Earth Arts: https://www.skool.com/epic-earth-arts-3788 ; https://www.epiceartharts.store/
MFA, Kent State University, major in Ceramics, minor in Printmaking. Taught at San Antonio Art Institute, Akron Art Institute, and various venues around Phoenix, AZ West Valley. Served 15 years as Curator, West Valley Art Museum.
I am a mixed media artist who enjoys experimenting with a variety of tools, techniques, media, and materials. I attempt to make meaning and tell a story through the use of cultural symbols, signs, words, and images.
https://vicritchey.com/about.html
I can't talk about photography without mentioning my dad. Shortly after moving the family to Arizona, he gained an interest in photography and even built himself a darkroom in the garage where he developed his film and printed his photos. At 16 I received a Pentax K1000 and have been learning ever since.
From my earliest years, I drew from the whimsical world of Snoopy comics to a fascination with animals and the individuals surrounding me. A profound connection with nature blossomed during countless family camping excursions, steering my painting toward the intrinsic charm nature reveals. My paintings serve as a compilation of diverse locales and moods that have stirred my soul. Despite life's divergence from the artistic path advocated by my teachers, my commitment to painting endured through various occupations. Under the mentorship of a seasoned wildlife artist during my formative years, I delved into professional classes and workshops. Painting is a lifelong learning process and I continue to study the work of those I admire. In 2018, I retired from teaching art to fully devote myself to this lifelong journey of artistic exploration. While I draw inspiration from esteemed artists like Thomas Moran, Carl Rungis, and Albert Bierstadt, my greatest muse remains our Creator, whose perpetual creation fills our world with beauty and wonder.
I have been creating art ever since I could hold a crayon. From a young age, art felt like a natural part of who I was, a way to understand the world and express myself visually. Along the way, I was told that art was not a “legitimate” career choice and that I wasn’t talented enough to pursue it seriously. Those words stayed with me, but they did not stop me. I went on to attend The Art Institute of Phoenix and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation, where I built a foundation in visual design, digital media, and creative storytelling. Although life eventually pulled me away from creating for a time, my passion for art never disappeared. In recent years, I have returned to making art with renewed purpose. I am largely self-teaching through experimentation, allowing myself to explore new techniques and ideas while drawing inspiration from artists and creative communities I discover through social media. My process is rooted in curiosity and growth, embracing trial and error and letting each piece evolve naturally. My work reflects a personal journey of resilience, rediscovery, and believing in myself as an artist. My ultimate dream is to host a gallery showing and art gala featuring my own collection; a celebration not only of my artwork, but of the journey that brought me back to creating.
My wife and I decided to get involved after our retirement in the Art World. For the opportunities that come with the industry, one of the many , to meet great people, and explore the variety of venues offered via this organization. Thanks
Live Violin for weddings & special events Turning moments into memories
Dionna Figueroa is a self taught landscape artist that resides in Buckeye, Arizona. She began her painting journey in 2016. Living in the Southwest for over 30 years, Dionna draws inspiration from the many diverse landscapes that the Southwest has to offer. She is an avid adventurer, who enjoys photographing and painting the landscapes she captures through her camera lens.
Artist, writer, photographer, Julanne is a visionary of bliss and creativity. Photographs are prints from her personal collection reproduced on fine canvas. Professional backing, ready to hang on your wall.
I have been doing art since I was a little girl. All through school I took as many art classes as I could! I got married at a young age and my art came out in all different ways. Photography, scrapbooking, a T-shirt painting business that I took to arts and craft fairs. I had four children and then my art came in the way of face painting, painting murals on nursery walls and helping with lots of school projects! It wasn’t until I retired that I started exploring art more and when we moved to a community that had an art club I joined first thing. That is where I took some classes and found that I could paint on a canvas. I love mixing mediums and using other materials to create art. I am so happy when I am in my studio creating my art.
As Director of Digital Operation with Epic Earth Arts, I am an Arizona-based professional with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction and a background in cybersecurity, blended education, technology, and strategic operations. A dedicated patron of the arts, I support the growth and digital evolution of Epic Earth Arts: https://www.skool.com/epic-earth-arts-3788 ; https://www.epiceartharts.store/
MFA, Kent State University, major in Ceramics, minor in Printmaking. Taught at San Antonio Art Institute, Akron Art Institute, and various venues around Phoenix, AZ West Valley. Served 15 years as Curator, West Valley Art Museum.
I am a mixed media artist who enjoys experimenting with a variety of tools, techniques, media, and materials. I attempt to make meaning and tell a story through the use of cultural symbols, signs, words, and images.
https://vicritchey.com/about.html
I can't talk about photography without mentioning my dad. Shortly after moving the family to Arizona, he gained an interest in photography and even built himself a darkroom in the garage where he developed his film and printed his photos. At 16 I received a Pentax K1000 and have been learning ever since.
From my earliest years, I drew from the whimsical world of Snoopy comics to a fascination with animals and the individuals surrounding me. A profound connection with nature blossomed during countless family camping excursions, steering my painting toward the intrinsic charm nature reveals. My paintings serve as a compilation of diverse locales and moods that have stirred my soul. Despite life's divergence from the artistic path advocated by my teachers, my commitment to painting endured through various occupations. Under the mentorship of a seasoned wildlife artist during my formative years, I delved into professional classes and workshops. Painting is a lifelong learning process and I continue to study the work of those I admire. In 2018, I retired from teaching art to fully devote myself to this lifelong journey of artistic exploration. While I draw inspiration from esteemed artists like Thomas Moran, Carl Rungis, and Albert Bierstadt, my greatest muse remains our Creator, whose perpetual creation fills our world with beauty and wonder.
I have been creating art ever since I could hold a crayon. From a young age, art felt like a natural part of who I was, a way to understand the world and express myself visually. Along the way, I was told that art was not a “legitimate” career choice and that I wasn’t talented enough to pursue it seriously. Those words stayed with me, but they did not stop me. I went on to attend The Art Institute of Phoenix and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation, where I built a foundation in visual design, digital media, and creative storytelling. Although life eventually pulled me away from creating for a time, my passion for art never disappeared. In recent years, I have returned to making art with renewed purpose. I am largely self-teaching through experimentation, allowing myself to explore new techniques and ideas while drawing inspiration from artists and creative communities I discover through social media. My process is rooted in curiosity and growth, embracing trial and error and letting each piece evolve naturally. My work reflects a personal journey of resilience, rediscovery, and believing in myself as an artist. My ultimate dream is to host a gallery showing and art gala featuring my own collection; a celebration not only of my artwork, but of the journey that brought me back to creating.
My wife and I decided to get involved after our retirement in the Art World. For the opportunities that come with the industry, one of the many , to meet great people, and explore the variety of venues offered via this organization. Thanks
@julannedalke.com