ARTIST INTRODUCTIONS

FAY WYLES

Fay Wyles is a professional artist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Born and raised in New Mexico, she developed a passion for painting at a young age, inspired by her father’s influence as an artist. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico before moving to the San Francisco Bay Area to immerse herself in the art world.

Throughout her career, Wyles has worked across various facets of the industry, including gallery management, sales, and fine art commissions. She has also worked with renowned companies such as Disney and Universal Studios, ultimately bringing her to Orange County, California.

Through Fay Wyles Fine Art, she expresses her love of painting, surfing, teaching, and the outdoors. Her work spans both impressionistic landscapes and contemporary large-scale installations inspired by nature, blending traditional and modern techniques to capture the beauty and energy of the natural world. Fay’s diverse collection of artworks is a testament to her dedication to capturing the essence of each scene she portrays.

CINDI UNGER

Visionary Photographer and Artist. Cindi Unger is an accomplished photographer with over three decades of expertise, renowned for her distinctive prints on glass, metal, and metallic paper. With a rich background in interior design, Cindi possesses an exceptional eye for aesthetics and composition, allowing her to create visually arresting pieces that elevate and transform any environment.

She channels her passion for photography into works that evoke tranquility and beauty, masterfully capturing the essence of her subjects in innovative and thought-provoking ways. Whether portraying breathtaking landscapes or the subtle elegance of still lifes, Cindi’s artistry invites viewers to engage with the world through her unique perspective. Her photographs not only serve as visual statements but also as invitations to reflect and find serenity in the everyday. With each piece, Cindi Unger continues to inspire, offering a glimpse into the beauty that surrounds us, seen through the lens of a true visionary.

NICOLE VOORHEES

Nicole's artistic journey began as an art appraiser and cataloguer, deeply immersed in the fine art world. With a keen eye for the evolving art market, she monitored auctions and galleries, and kept abreast of art legislation.

In 2013, Nicole became the Regional Director of the West Coast office of New York Fine Art Appraisers in Los Angeles. Here, she assisted private collectors, corporations, and institutions with valuations and art disposition.

A hobby blossomed into an art form as Nicole's passion for floral design flourished. Her creations, praised for their museum-worthy beauty, reflected her talent and artistic soul, transforming blooms into masterpieces that captivated all who beheld them.

CHARISSA SMITH

Charissa’s intentions are to create works that overflow with Happiness, Color, and Light by depicting sumptuous fabric, florals, and intimate tablescapes that refresh the spirit of the viewer. She wants her artwork to make people happy, make them smile and feel welcomed to the world she paints.

Charissa feels she brings a unique perspective of design awareness from her education from the Maryland Institute College of Art and her successful career as a licensed Interior Designer. Her psychology degree from Mount St. Mary’s University, helps her engage the deeper needs of the human psyche through painting. She feels, and expresses through her art, a unique perspective and a spiritual meaning behind the apparent. Walking along a pathway can be much more than simply the act of walking. Her art reveals spiritual undertones that exhibit kaleidoscopic altars to la dolce vita - if we only look at life through rose colored glasses.

Charissa works in both acrylic and oil paints - with brushes, palette knives, and impasto to explore composition, interesting shapes, and different lighting in life, nature, and architectural scenes.

VENITA SIEGEL

Venita Siegel is an artist based in Southern California. She draws inspiration for her art from the natural beauty of the rolling hills and picturesque beaches surrounding her.

Venita’s style is a fusion between Impression and Expressionism, often using vibrant colors to depict her scenes. In addition to being a featured artist of the Gray Matter Museum of Art, she is also a member of the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Association and California Art Club and has exhibited her works in a number of juried shows.

MICHAEL WEEMS

Michael gained extensive experience in design and fashion through his work with Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Michael set out on his in the latter part of the 1990s to start a business etching and carving glass & crystal. With a few years, Michael had built a company that sold 250,000 pieces of hand etched art for the table to the best stores all over the world. He was commissioned by Dom Perignon, who chose Michael’s champagne flutes to launch a new rosé champagne. These flutes were then chosen for the gift bags for the Academy Awards. The Attorney General of the United States chose Michael’s masterpieces as the official gift from America to heads of states, kings, queens, and dignitaries around the globe. Michael created a limited edition collection of appliances for the Jen Air Artezzi line, designed a vase for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and created many other licensed and exclusive pieces for the best stores in the country including Tommy Bahama and Neiman Marcus.

Michael resides in Palm Springs, California and his works have appeared in countless publications including Elle Decor and Palm Springs Life. Several of his pieces were also featured on HGTV’s Desert Flippers.

JOAN MESSENGER

Artist Joan Messenger has spent most of her life studying and teaching the physical, psychological and emotional efforts of color on individuals and groups. As a professor, Joan Messenger taught art at the College of Design, Coastline and Saddleback colleges in Orange County, California. Joan completed her official teaching career as Chair of Humanities & Arts at Miramar College in San Diego. Joan draws inspiration from he love of the California coasts and deserts, Far Eastern Art, live music (her late husband was a world renowned sax player), and women of California with a particular interest in Hollywood’s classic beauties. Joan proudly uses bold and luminescent colors with no hesitation on her paintings, but she also uses lighter tones and certain shapes to draw a range of emotion. Joan also creates wearable one of a kind fine art in the form of silk scarves. Each piece undergoes a lengthy process of stretching, hand dying, steaming and pressing to be made ready to wear. The scarves are best work with jeans or dresses and can even be framed and hung as a display. Some scarves are paintings, others are repeated patterns of single designs. At 93 years old, Joan wants to still be creative and inspire all those who meet her. She teaches us to never stop doing what you love.

ALEX ANDERSON

Alexandra uses hand crafted, unique and upcycled vessels with all things Mother Nature; plants, moss, rocks and wood to create her pieces. Her planting style is avant-garde each created with a specific intention.  An OC native, inspirations include the ocean, music, fashion and spirituality.

DJ MARK ANTHONY

Artist Mark A. Buchanan, a.k.a. DJ Mark Anthony: professionally known as DJ Mark Anthony, is a distinguished DJ based in CA. His musical journey commenced in the 1980s, inspired by his father's extensive and eclectic record collection. Fresh out of high school, Mark quickly immersed himself in the music scene. By the age of 23, he gained recognition as a prominent club DJ and promoter, captivating audiences at some of the most exclusive nightclubs during the '90s and early 2000s. However, as his career progressed, Mark discovered a deeper connection with his audience while performing at weddings. This revelation led DJ Mark Anthony to specialize in wedding entertainment services.

Mark’s initial passion for music was rooted in R&B and Hip Hop, but over the years, his repertoire has expanded to encompass a diverse range of genres. Today, his DJ sets feature an engaging mix of Hip Hop, Dance, House, Reggae, Afro beats, Bollywood and Salsa. With over two decades of wedding experience, Mark expertly curates playlists that resonate with various audiences, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere for every celebration. Through his artistry and dedication, DJ Mark Anthony continues to elevate the musical experience at weddings and events, leaving a lasting impression on couples and their guests and playing all their favorite music!

KYLE DENTON

Kyle Denton is a ceramic artist and instructor, born and raised in San Clemente, California. While studying at San Francisco State University, he received his B.A. in Studio Arts with a focus in ceramics.

Furthering his ceramic studies in New Zealand, he worked as a production potter to help develop his skills using a variety of techniques. His work is influenced by the Southern California surf culture while finding inspiration in the different environments he’s lived in.

He has been featured in galleries internationally and is continuing to perfect his craft through producing pottery for his business, Dntn Ceramics, and teaching at ARTime Barro in both the Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach studios.

DJ OMAR

DJ Omar Goodness: A Music Storyteller Artist. In the vibrant world of sound, DJ Omar Goodness emerges as a masterful storyteller, weaving narratives through the universal language of music. With an unwavering passion that has blossomed over a lifetime, Omar has meticulously honed his craft, curating a distinctive array of mixes, tracks, and playlists that ensnare the senses and ignite the spirit.

Omar’s musical odyssey is deeply rooted in family heritage; inspired by his grandfather—a luminary in their neighborhood renowned for his electrifying energy—Omar was destined to follow in those rhythmic footsteps. Born and raised in the culturally rich enclave of Queens, NY, he draws from a kaleidoscope of musical influences that reflect the city's dynamic essence. Disco, freestyle, jazz, house, and hip hop pulse through his veins, each genre intricately woven into the fabric of his artistry. His unique sound is further enriched by his urban upbringing and South American roots, creating a compelling blend that resonates with authenticity. Every mix crafted by Omar is a journey, a carefully curated experience that guides listeners through a spectrum of emotions—from funky grooves to soulful ballads, jazzy improvisations to spiritually uplifting anthems.

He possesses an extraordinary ability to narrate stories through an eclectic musical palette, transporting audiences from the vibrant energy of dance floors to the intimate depths of underground scenes, always leaving them yearning for more.

LESLIE SOUZA

Leslie Souza has always been fascinated with liquids and concocting the perfect pour with the art of mixology for a thirsty crowd. Leslie knows how to make the most amazing libations and it is no surprise that her art has fashioned into Dutch pouring and chain pulling, which requires major hand eye coordination. Her pouring has made quite a splash on canvas! Leslie is making creative designs that are one-of-a-kind eye candy creations and has you thirsting for more! Look for her art in farmer’s markets, boutiques, fairs, restaurants and museums. Her art displays well in any space!

GLENDA KRONKE

Glenda Kronke’s strong connection to nature is rooted in a passion for camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors. Her work is heavily influenced by the patterns and textures she sees on these treks. Glenda has spent the past 35 years working for and being mentored by glass artists from around the country. The knowledge gained has opened the door for her to create G Kronke Studios.

Glenda takes notice of how amazingly similar the growth process of artwork is to nature’s growth process. Life and Art ever evolves, seeking a vessel, a shape, a texture, a color - a path to expression. And once created, each possesses an essence of life, a statement of being. Wonders such as the swirling texture of beached driftwood, the unbelievable leafy sea dragon, the mystery of a sand dollar, the palmate structure of sea coral, the banded strata of the earth, the muted tones of a desert landscape, the swords of an agave, the solitary silhouette of the saguaro, the delicate understructure of a meadow mushroom, the velvety moss covered pillow of a creek side boulder, the exotic colors of tropical flowers, the mesmerizing hypnotic shadows of a rain forest canopy and a purple- orange stormy sunset she draws from.

MICHAEL SHEWMAKER

Michael Shewmaker, the contemporary sculptor of today, works in stainless steel, aluminum and bronze and even concrete. As a child, his love for sculpture began after seeing the Gateway Arch go up in St Louis, Missouri. He went on to appreciate and study American sculptor Alexander Calder. As a result, in his youth, Shewmaker decided to study metalsmithing at Southern Illinois University. Working with his hands became a lifelong passion. This and his love of art led him to pursue sculpture on a serious basis.

Shewmaker’s mirror-polished stainless steel sculptures are most captivating. Although decidedly abstract, his works have a definite feel of the living with a muscular structure and vivacious energy. The polished surfaces reflect the character of their surroundings and provide a liquid and mercurial appearance. Many of his masterpieces can be seen throughout the United States. For example, the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs purchased Exe for a permanent installation in their community. The Simpsonville Art Foundation of Simpsonville, SC. purchased Brace for their village. Leviatano was obtained by the Annmarie Sculpture Garden of Dowell, MD for their permanent collection. . Vita (Shewmaker’s most popular design) is on long term loan to Grounds for Sculpture, the huge sculpture garden in New Jersey.

Michael received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Southern Illinois University and did Art History graduate work at the University of Florida and San Diego State University. Mr. Shewmaker currently lives and works from his studio on the Big Island in Hawaii, he is vigorously building a 3 acre sculpture garden of his work there.

RANDI SOLIN

Randi F. Solin has been committed to the art of blowing glass for over 30 years, dazzling collectors and colleagues alike with her exceptional technique, skill, and highly inventive coloration style. The recipient of many Best in Show, Best of Glass, and, most recently, a Lifetime Achievement award, her work has been acquired by the permanent collections of The White House, The United States Embassies in Algeria, Guinea, Cape Verde, Paraguay, Guatemala, Benin, and many museums and galleries nationwide. Solin incorporates techniques found in both Venetian glassblowing and the American Art Glass Movement. However, atypical to the art of blown glass, she takes a two-dimensional approach to her work, assigning her pieces a “front,” and creating color compositions, working much like a painter to a canvas. Solin’s coloration process is complex and varied, using layer upon layer of glass in all particles sizes, and often incorporating sheets of fine silver foil, or a hand “drawing” in black glass cane. The optics of Solin’s work, with their cut and polished top, is her signature of sorts and an important component of her work. “My optics serve as the window into my coloration process; into the ‘soul’ of a piece, allowing the viewer to peer into its interior life, like the rings of a tree. All of my pieces are intellectually created on that notion, that with each finished work a history is revealed.” Solin earned a B.F.A. from the New York College of Ceramics at Alfred University, New York, and estabished her first glass studios in Nothern California.

CLARA BERTA

Clara Berta is a passionate, international, award-winning artist of Hungarian heritage. Her dynamic, abstract paintings have been exhibited and collected worldwide. Clara’s art has also been featured in high-profile television shows, movies, and magazines. She’s known for creating large-scale art that reflects the soothing colors and organic shapes found in nature, especially the ocean. Recently, her focus has shifted to express the vibrant colors of the human body’s biological and psychological energy. Clara studied advanced composition and technique at the Santa Reparata School of Art in Florence, Italy, as well as printmaking in the US.

BRIAN HANNA

Not a traditional artist, Brian attended Oregon State University where in 1994 he obtained a degree in Construction Engineering Management. It was in 2012 when Brian decided to combine his love of art, LEGO® bricks, and his construction knowledge to create complex mosaics. Brian examines pop icons and everyday objects in a nostalgic context, using images that inspire an emotional response from the viewer. Brian is currently working on a number of pieces with subjects ranging from political to sentimental.

 SUSAN LEONHARD

A third generation artist, Susan began oil painting at the early age of 10. By using the talent that was passed down to her, as well as years of study and experimentation, Susan has developed her own distinct impressionistic style. Susan’s “Underwater & Beyond” series was inspired by her love of the Pacific Ocean’s beauty. She wants to capture the surrealism of being under water and wants viewers to feel the peacefulness through her paintings, which focus on the transparency and simplicity of water itself.

BRIAN CARPENTER

Orange County based jewelry designer, Brian Carpenter has spent the last 12 years honing his craft. Blending his art and engineering background and a love for creating beauty his modern jewelry style was born. Inspired by color and the outdoors both elements are present in his work. 

Paying tribute to the past Brian is a classically trained  jewelry designer and bench jeweler. Combining his classic disciplines with technology via CAD he’s able to transform his one of a kind pieces form a rendering to a heirloom. His unique process spawns a new perspective into the world of fine jewelry. Each piece tells a story and imparts emotion through form and color.

KATLIN EVANS

Katlin’s art takes shape in the form of everyday objects that carry an ubiquitous weight of experience. Her intension is to convey these objects in a way that reads as an unfolding experience to the viewer, where the object is recognizable yet hard to identify. Her work also relies on the intensity of emotive obsession.

RON TAYBI

Taybi has received his schooling in the field of Science and Engineering from the California Polytechnic University in Pomona and UC Berkley in the mid 70’s. However his passion for art has steered him on a more transcendental experience. His academic training has inadvertently contributed to the unique character of his work.

Taybi’s vision had always been global in scope. His bold and magnanimous sculptures exude messages that are socially important for the betterment of the generality of humanity. Taybi’s passion for universal love, peace and harmony within all of mankind is infused in his site specific fine art creations.

CHERYL MAYHEW

Cheryl knows how to take risks, follow her passions, try new things, travel & enjoy life! This young & talented photographer who was born & raised in Japan loves to share what she finds to be wonderous. An OC transplant, eager to snap away at things we all can relate to: family, food, love, pets, and nature. Some of the most wonderful things in life are right under our noses!

 JEFFREY TURNBULL

Jeffrey’s work has a distinctive association with style & beauty, capturing elegant forms with a sophisticated eye & restrained hand. Jeffrey believes in beauty, grace, & virtue. Inspirations include myths & legends, divinity, iconography, nature, culture, & the supernatural.

RACHEL WILLIAMS

With a background in Fine Arts, floral designer Rachel Williams brings her creative insight, love for design, and thoughtful attention to detail to every arrangement she creates. Having worked with clients on both the East and West Coast, Rachel has learned to work with a variety of styles, preferences, and visions. Inspired by a love of nature, each of Rachel's designs are unique and abundant with seasonal flowers and rare beauty.

MERI WAGNER

Meri knows how to make her garden grow! See how she exhibits her talents & abilities to use her floral creations to bring a sense of beauty, sophistication, & fun to any space. Her philosophy on flowers are that they are much like people, each flower is its own unique art specimen.

 ANH TRAN

Each & every day we live in a world of floral beauty & extravaganza! We may not have been the Author of creating either the floral or the fauna, but certainly there are special artisans who have developed gracious & glamorous art through skill by natural talent. Ahn’s gift is evident in her array of artworks on display, all of different dimensions.

 JOSE COLI

Always up for adventure & getting his feet wet, Jose is a multi-media artist who has a love for graphic arts, surf photography, & shooting film. His work has elevated local surf, skate, & snow companies to a whole different level. He has the ability to accentuate & enhance fashion design, coastal activity, and nature without losing the rawness & simplicity of such pleasures.

CAROL GREENWOOD

Carol is a world-traveled artist, who has recently settled here in sunny Orange County, her final destination. She is influenced by her life travels, and as an artist who was always on the go, she takes her time now to reflect and share all that she connected and experienced in life, and shares with her viewer those experiences. Carol had the ability to meet new people all over the world, saw different views on creativity, and was able to share ideas. Her art helps us open up our own worlds of curiosity, color, and challenge – the ultimate open-mind.