Nance Ackerman -- Nance is a photojournalist whose focus is photographing native communities of the Americas. Her book, WOMANKIND - FACES OF CHANGE AROUND THE WORLD, published by Raincoast Books, is an exploration of women activists from around the world. Her work has appeared on the covers of TIME, Canadian Geographic, in the New York Times, International Herald Tribune, and Sports Illustrated and her photographs of First Nations have been on display at Aperture in New York City, the McCord Museum in Montreal and the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. She freelances for the Smithsonion documenting indigenous cultures and recently delved into directing films. Her first, COTTONLAND, won Best Direction award at the 2006 Atlantic Film Festival. She honed her critical editing skills while photo editor at the Montreal Gazette and now lives in rural Nova Scotia with her two children. To learn more about Nance and her work www.nanceackerman.com or email Nance directly at: ackphoto@ns.sympatico.ca.
Marian Alstad -- Marian has taught watercolor for over 15 years, including workshops in Taos and Santa Fe. Her love of the medium is evident in her versatile teaching methods as well as in her award-winning paintings. Marian studied at the University of Minnesota and with many nationally-known instructors. She is well-traveled and enthusiastically brings out the best in her students, whatever their skill level. You may email Marian directly at: mardi4011@aol.com and to take a look at some of her work www.artbymarianalstad.com.
Doug Beasley -- Doug is an artist who makes his living as an advertising and editorial photographer in Minneapolis. He received a BFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he also studied Eastern Religions and Native American Culture. Both his personal and commercial work have been exhibited nationally and published internationally. In addition, he is the founder and director of the Vision Quest Photographic Arts Retreat Center in Wisconsin. You can take a look at some of his work via his web site Vision Quest. Doug lives in a small wooden house in St. Paul, surrounded by trees, where he tends his Japanese gardens. He is a lover of late night discussions and strong morning coffee. Personal heroes include Lao Tsu, Jimi Hendrix and the Dali Lama. Email: doug@beasleyphotography.com.
Jackie Bell -- Jackie is a successful photojournalist with an impressive list of awards and a wide variety of experience. She's worked on a number of daily newspapers, lived and worked in most of the continents of our world and is currently working on a black and white documentary project in Latin America sponsored by Kodak. This project is 'where my heart and soul is' and concentrates on indigenous cultures from the Tex/Mex border to Tierra del Fuego. Her pictures have been published in many magazines including NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WORLD, NEWSWEEK, TIME and even many more newspapers. You can see her latest exhibit called: Blurring the Lines: Indigenous Cultures of Latin America at: Blurring the Lines. Jackie's email is: jbelski@aol.com.
Betty Hahn Chancey -- Betty is a writer, artist and filmmaker. Since she was a high school exchange student in Mexico in 1972, Betty has been finding artistic inspiration
in the indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica. Between trips to Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and Honduras, she received her MFA at San Diego State University and has taught in the arts, creative writing and women's studies at Radford University, Mesa College, San Diego State University and curently at Virginia Tech. Her documentary film, My Battle of Blacksburg, premiered recently at the Duke University Center for Documentary Studies. Betty's email is: bchancey@verizon.net.
Kit Davey -- Kit is a visual artist, teacher, interior designer, columnist, essential Feng Shui practitioner and life coach - WHEW !! She is definitely one of our more versatile and high energy instructors. Kit has worked with collage and mixed media for over 20 years where her goal is to "create delight by combining found objects, ephemera and paper to tell a new story." She is a popular instructor and her students appreciate her enthusiasm and willingness to share her talents and skills. Kit began her career as a bilingual third grade teacher, but then studied interior design to help better restore her new fixer upper home. During the process, she had an epiphany and realized this is what I was born to do !! Her business, A Fresh Look, strives to help others create beauty, harmony and order in their homes. Kit also writes a nationally syndicated design column for "Content That Works". Kit's email address is: kitdavey@aol.com and her website is: www.AFreshLook.net. Click on Classes and then Gallery to see her work.
Sharon Doubiago -- Sharon is a gifted teacher and prolific writer (she has 14 published books!!) She recently completed her memoir MY FATHER'S LOVE/ PORTRAIT OF THE POET AS A YOUNG GIRL, and her latest book, SON, was 20 years in the making. She received her third Pushcart Prize for BODY AND SOUL, and SOUTH AMERICA MI HIJA, was nominated twice for the National Book Award. EL NINO and THE BOOK OF SEEING WITH ONE'S OWN EYES - both collections of short stories - are in their second printings and HARD COUNTRY was recently reprinted. THE BOOK OF SEEING WITH ONE'S OWN EYES is in the list "100 Books of Oregon Literary History, 1800-2000." She's won numerous awards, including the Woman Writer Genius Award, Gloria Steinem's Woman Writer Award, the Oregon Book Award and twice received a California Arts Council Fellowship to complete works in progress. You can find out more about Sharon and her work at Online Mentoring University of Minnesota. Sharon currently lives and works in Berkeley and Mendocino, and as always, on the road.Her email is: sharondoubiago@yahoo.com .
Deborah Du Flon -- Deborah is a Guatemalan artist whose work has shown in New York, Conneticut and Florida in addition to most of the major galleries in Guatemala. She studied at Smith College in Massachusets, the Academie Julian in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum in Coral Cables, Florida and the Universidad de San Carlos in Guatemala City. She lives in Guatemala and Florida with her daughter Yamreij.
Liza Fourré -- Liza is the founder and director of Art Workshops in Guatemala. She spent most of her career as a commercial photographer specializing in environmental portraiture for editorial and corporate clients. Photography assignments took her to Brazil, India, Australia, England, Portugal and Morroco. Her personal work is documenting lifestyles in third world countries and then converting those images to an art form via polaroid transfer. She and her daughter Jessenia, and son Tommy, divide their time between Antigua and Minneapolis - which is quite a trick, let me tell you. Liza's email is:
fourre@artguat.org.
Susan Frame -- Susan is a nationally-recognized and award winning Sumi-e painter. She's studied in both China and Japan under teachers Lu Yen Shao, Zhuo He-Jun and Wuscious Wong. Susan has taught for over 25 years, using the mountains of Alaska, the islands of Pueget Sound, the gardens of Florida and now the natural beauty of Guatemala to inspire her student's work. Her instructional (and GORGEOUS!) book - Japanese Ink Painting, A Beginner's Guide to Sumi-e - is published by Sterling Books. Susan's email is: susanframe@prodigy.net.
Kim Grant -- Kim Grant is a Minnesota artist, instructor and writer. Her art represents a variety of mediums and styles ranging from textural and geometric shapes, to color layering, collage and beyond. Some of her more sophisticated pieces create the illusion of being metal, even though they were transformed from paper. She's an experienced instructor, having taught workshops in Thailand, Vietnam and France and has many articles published on her artwork and techniques in a variety of magazines. Kim's work is represented in fine art galleries and collected by corporations and private clients nation-wide. Her email is: kgrantdesigns@yahoo.com or take a look at her work here: www.kimgrantdesigns.com .
Annie Griffiths Belt -- Annie has traveled the world over for The National Geographic since 1978. In addition, she's published internationally in many magazines and books, including LIFE, Geo, Smithsonian and a number of the A Day in the Life book series. Annie also teaches with The Maine Photographic, Anderson Ranch Workshops and at the Coupeville Art Center on Whidbey Island.
Richard Harris -- Richard is the author or co-author of 18 guidebooks, including HIDDEN GUATEMALA, as well as many magazine and newspaper articles. As an editor at John Muir Publications, he worked with top travel writers such as Carl Franz (THE PEOPLE'S GUIDE TO MEXICO) and Rick Steves (EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR). He also served as contributing editor to Birnbaum, Access and Fodor's guidebooks. When not traveling, Richard lives in Santa Fe, where he is president of the writer's rights organization PEN New Mexico and director of the New Mexico Book Association. He's taught at Santa Fe Community College, for local writer's groups and the American Booksellers Association. You can learn more about Richard at Richard Harris and his email is: richard@rkharris.com.
Ginger Hooven -- Ginger is a popular yoga instructor and long time resident of Antigua. She first arrived in Guatemala during the turbulent '80's and developed a successful textile business - Al Pie de Volcan - then one of Antigua's most popular restaurant's - Cafe Condesa - and then Casa de la Musica - a B&B. Once they were up and running, she turned her enthusiasm and boundless energy to further her personal passion for the study and practice of yoga. She's developed an eclectic teaching style, blending the various limbs of Yoga together while focusing on alignment and form. Ginger is a registered Yoga Alliance teacher. She trained with Georg Feurstein, along with Patricia Walden, John Friend and Judith Lassiter, among others. She now resides with her two boys at Mount Madonna Center, a Yoga based community in central California, where she studies and teaches Yoga. Her email address is: gahooven@hotmail.com.
Gayle Liman -- Gayle is a fiber and bead artist with a love of Central and South America and a special interest in indigenous art and cultures. She spent many years traveling these countries and met her husband, John, on a bus in Ecuador. Her tapestry, made completely from natural fibers, hangs at the Smithsonian Instititue in Washington DC and other commissions hang nationwide. Gayle is a popular instructor and has taught jewelry, beading, colors, weaving and drawing. She and her family recently moved to the Okanagan Valley in BC, Canada and are enjoying its artistic influence and laid-back pace. She is curator of education at the Kelowna Museums. You can see her work at: www.gelizabethdesigns.com Gayle's email address is: gliman@kelownamuseum.ca.
Roseann Lloyd -- Roseann is a poet, editor, nonfiction writer and experienced instructor. Her most recent book - WAR BABY EXPRESS - won the Minnesota Book Award for Poetry in l997. She coedited the book LOOKING FOR HOME: WOMEN WRITING ABOUT EXILE, which was awarded the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Her first collection of poetry, TAP DANCING FOR BIG MOM, is now in its second printing. She teaches at several colleges in Minnesota as well as a long-standing private class. Roseann's email address is: roseannlloyd@hotmail.com.
Nancy McGirr -- Nancy has lived and worked as a photojournalist in Central and South America since l983. She covered this turbulent region for Reuters during the l980's, often working under fire. She's been published in LIFE, TIME, NEWSWEEK, DERSPIEGEL, US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT and in l985 was awarded the Media Alliance Meritous Achievement Award in Photography. Nancy founded a project called OUT OF THE DUMP which began in l991 when she handed cameras to eight Guatemalan children living with their families in the capital's garbage dump. Her work with these children resulted in a book of their writings and images published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. The project, and book, have generated interest internationally and there have been major exhibitions of the children's photographs in Tokyo, London, Paris, Amsterdam and the United States. Nancy's email address is: nmcgirr@intel.net.gt and you can see more about her project at: Fotokids.org.
Richard Nelson Richard is an artist, photographer and collector of Mayan textiles. His passion for backstrap woven textiles began in 1973 while studying in Tlaxiaco, Mexico. The experience changed his life and documenting the ancient ruins, architecture and indigenous cultures became his artistic focus. Richard is a designer for Marshall Fields by day, but his heart and soul are with the indigenous cultures of Central America, where he collects textiles and photographs the people who produce them, while also capturing personal, abstract images of daily life. He is curator of the Goldstein Museum of Designs exhibit called: Maya Textiles from the Guatemalan Highlands held from June 5 - Sept 17, 2005. It is a 30 year retrospective of color images and backstrap woven textiles from his private collection. You may reach him at RichardE_Nelson@MarshallFields.com or you can find out more about the Goldstein Exhibit at: www.goldstein.che.umn.edu.
Steve Northup Steve began his photographic career in 1962 when he joined UPI in San Francisco and continued to work with them in Miami and Saigon. He then joined the Washington Post for five years before moving on to Time Magazine - where he was on staff for 20 years. He's the recipient of awards from both the National Press Photographer's Association and the White House Photographer's Association. He now works as an independent photographer and is represented by Black Star Agency in New York City. He was a Nieman fellow at Harvard in the mid-70's and has a book out - SOUTHWESTERN INDIAN JEWELRY, published by Abbeville Press. After roaming the world, he returned to his roots in New Mexico, and now lives with his family in Santa Fe. His personal work is photographing the indigenous cultures of the southwestern United States and he's taught most every year at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops since their inception. You may reach him at SNorthup@aol.com or you can see his work at: www.illuminationsphoto.com.
Judy Olausen Judy's photographic career has always featured portraiture. For over 20 years as a successful commercial photographer, she has shot innumerable CEO's, and such notables as Prince Charles, Princess Di and Andy Warhol. But recently, her portraits have taken a more light-hearted and personal turn. Her book - MOTHER - a collection of 50 images of her 74 year-old mother, Vivian, sold out in three days and made the NY Times bestseller list. Judy's been featured on many TV shows such as Oprah and Eye To Eye. Her email address is: olaus001@tc.umn.edu.
Cynthia Padilla --Cynthia is an accomplished artist and enthusiastic traveler and teacher. She makes her living as a botanical artist, but her latin cultural heritage (her father is from Honduras) and her upbringing in an artistic environment (grew up in the garden district of New Orleans) endowed her with a curiosity and passion for all kinds of art. Her family home was always filled w religious figures, altars, wooden carvings from all over the world. So retablos and ex votos have always been a part of her cultural background. Cynthia is one of those positive, encouraging instructors that students love to learn from. Her teaching style is always supportive (as is her great attitude toward life !!) To learn more about Cynthia or see her work check out her RETABLOS here: www.geocities.com/utwou22000/retablos.html and her EX VOTOS here www.geocities.com/utwou22000/exvotos.html and her BOTANICALS here artinstructor.blogspot.com/ You may email her at: botanicalart@ev1.net.
Pat Rouse --Pat is an accomplished artist and the owner of Rouse Design Associates, a graphic design firm in Minneapolis. She recieved her BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design at the age of 41 and consequently understands making major transitions later in life. Pat enjoys helping people explore new paths and find renewed excitement in their own work. Pat's email address is: rouse004@data3.ndis.umn.edu.
Elda Lidia Tarton de Santos -- Lidia is an excellent weaver who lives with her husband Pancho, their children and an enormous extended family in Santa Catarina Barahona, a small village (aldea) just outside Antigua. Lidia and her sisters all teach weaving for us. Lidia and Pancho have a beautiful family that we also hire as models for our photography and painting classes. If you are interested in purchasing any of Lidia's weavings, email our director - Liza Fourr - at fourre@artguat.org.
Karen Searle -- Karen is a well-known fiber artist and author. Researching her books Latin American Brocades and Finishes in the Ethnic Tradition gave her the opportunity to become an expert on Guatemala and it's weavers. She is a contributing editor to Ornaments Magazine and is on the board of Weave a Real Peace, an organization dedicated to working with communities-in-need through textile craft development. Karen recently completed her MFA at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is researching relating women's spirituality in tribal cultures to their craft (including weaving) for an upcoming book. She speaks Spanish and has traveled extensively in Central America. You can see Karen's work at: www.karensearle.com Karen's email address is: ksearle@visi.com.
Sergio Solorzano -- Sergio is a 'real impressionist' painter specializing in landscapes, portraits, gardens and historical buildings. He was born and raised in Antigua, Guatemala where he began to develop his artistic talent at an early age winning awards in primary and secondary school. He studied at the Architecture School at the University of Guatemala and th School of Fine Art. He has lived in Canada since 1992 and is an accomplished artist and popular instructor in the Kitchner/Waterloo area. You may see some of his work by clicking on his website http://www.portraitsbysergio.com. His email address is: sergioasolorzano@hotmail.com.
Hilary Simon -- Hilary is a trained theatre and costume designer. She works at GMTV Breakfast TV in London as a costume consultant. Her first love, however, is textiles. She paints on silk and exhibits her work extensively in galleries and at craft and art fairs throught the UK. Her work has been produced as greeting cards, gift wrap and posters and is found in many private collections. Hilary enjoys travel and paints from these experiences. Her favorite destinations are Guatemala and Indonesia. Come join us and see why!!! You can see her work at: http://www.silkpainters-guild.co.uk/hilarysimon Her email is: hilary.simon@gmtv.co.uk.
David Wells --David is a photojournalist focusing on in-depth photo-essays for publication and exhibition. Hes produced 16 photo-essays for the Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday Magazine in addition to other work published by many major magazines. Hes received an impressive number of fellowships, grants and awards, most recently a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Mysore, India where he is still working on his project "Globalization's Mixed Blessings in India. Also, David is an experienced instuctor who loves to teach. He sees it as "how I give back to the world and the world of photography." He's taught at Maine Photographic Workshops, International Center of Photography in NYC, in London, Philadelphia and most recently at the University of Rhode Island. To learn more about David or see his work go to: www.DavidHWells.com or email him at: david@davidHwells.com.
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