Maureen Amaturo

Maureen Mancini Amaturo, NY-based fashion/beauty writer with an MFA in Creative Writing, teaches writing, leads Sound Shore Writers Group, which she founded in 2007, and produces literary and gallery events. Her fiction, essays, creative non-fiction, poetry, and comedy are widely published and appear in hundreds of magazines, literary journals, and anthologies globally. Maureen was nominated for The Bram Stoker Award and TDS Creative Fiction Award and was awarded Honorable Mention and Certificate of Excellence in poetry from Havik Literary Journal. Her work was shortlisted by Reedsy and by Flash Fiction Magazine for their Editor’s Choice Award. Funny Pearls UK named her work as their best short story selection for '23. A handwriting analyst diagnosed her with an overdeveloped imagination. She’s working to live up to that.

Laura Anechiarico

“I have been an artist since I was old enough to hold a crayon and draw on the walls.” Laura attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned a BA in Art, specializing in drawing and painting, preparing for medical illustration and publishing. Moving to New York she attended the Art Students League, for three years, studying with many modern and classic masters. Laura earned her Master in Teaching, Visual Arts, from Manhattanville College. She currently teaches children, teens, and young adults at the Rye Arts Center, adults at The Center for Continuing Education, and seniors at the White Plains Senior Center. Laura is working on a series of illustrations for a childrens’ book and her fine artwork is represented by Gallery 52 in Rye, New York.

Larry D’Amico

Larry is a landscape painter and muralist. His art work has been widely exhibited in one person and group shows in museums and galleries in New York City, the Metropolitan area and throughout the country. He has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards for his work. His paintings are in numerous public and private collections nationally and internationally including the US Dept. of State.

Bruce Dunbar

Bruce Dunbar is a photographic artist who works across processes, combining analog to digital to instant to alternative. He holds a BS from Boston University, a MA in Photography from New York University and a MFA in Visual Art (Photography) from Lesley University. Mr. Dunbar is an adjunct professor of Photography at Western Connecticut State University. He is a photography instructor at the Silvermine School of Art, at the Rye Arts Center and has taught at the Art Explorer Program at Weir Farm National Historic Trust. His photographs and mixed media photography have been exhibited in numerous group and solo shows in Connecticut and New York including the Lockwood Matthews Mansion Museum, Katonah Museum, Silvermine Galleries, Chroma Fine Art and CJG Projects.

Helayne Friedland

Helayne Friedland is a ceramic artist, printmaker, graphic designer, and native New Yorker. She earned her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Helayne has been working with clay for over 30 years, exhibiting her work at both craft shows and galleries. She has participated in ceramic workshops nationwide and had the fantastic opportunity to work and travel throughout China as part of an artist residency at the Sanbao Art Institute in Jingdezhen.

After a long career as a graphic designer, Helayne works as a teaching artist. She enjoys teaching ceramics and visual arts to artists of all ages and watching her students grow as they explore (and learn to trust) their creativity.

In her studio, she works with both functional and decorative ceramic forms and incorporates printmaking techniques into her ceramic work.

Ismael Checo

Born in the Dominican Republic, from an early age showed a great interest in the arts. In 1981 he joined the National School of Fine Arts in Santo Domingo. In 1984 Ismael enrolled at the Art Students League of New York, where he took classes with painters like David Leffer and John H. Sander. It was there that he met the renowned painter and instructor Nelson Shanks , serving as an apprentice in his private Studio located in Andalusia, Pennsylvania, from 1985 to 1989. In 1989 he began a professional internship in The Grassi Fine Art Conservation Studio, where he was trained in Conservation and Restoration of works of art.

Katarina Karlsson

Katarina Karlsson is a Swedish American artist, designer and art educator. She holds a BA from Hunter College (NY) and a BFA in Fashion Illustration and Print Design from Fashion Institute of Technology (NY). Graduating with a degree in fashion Katarina worked for many years with children’s design in New York City, designing product for Gerber Children’s wear, Carters and other major brands. Following her passion for fine arts and education Katarina has continued her career teaching art, recently earning her MA in Art Education at Adelphi University (NY).

With a curiosity for various creative expressions Katarina is passionate about exploring new art making techniques and creating art with children and adults. She currently teaches art at Rye Art Center and at community centers in Westchester.

For more about Katarina’s work please visit her website: https://katarinakarlsson.net/

Ann Ladd

Ann Ladd, a seasoned visual artist renowned for her expertise in mural-making and painting, has served as a Teaching Artist at ArtsWestchester for over 15 years. At The Rye Arts Center, she has imparted her knowledge in drawing, painting, and recycled art for seventeen years. As an independent contractor/artist, Ladd leverages her creative prowess to empower and inspire her students. Enjoying the autonomy to craft her own curriculum, she fosters an environment where students explore their unique inspirations.

Recently, Ladd contributed to the revitalization of neighborhoods through a mural project at the Maple Avenue bus stop in White Plains, funded by the Michael Bloomberg “Love Your Block” Grant. She also led engaging Recycled/Repurposed workshops at notable venues like the Yonkers Rowing and Paddling Club and Untermyer Gardens. Currently, her exhibition at the Brockton Art Gallery near Boston showcases fifteen captivating paintings until the end of March.

Through her prolific body of work, Ladd continues to enrich the community with her artistry while inspiring both students and the broader public to embrace creativity. Explore more about Ann Ladd’s portfolio and accomplishments by clicking HERE!

Gary Mack

Gary Mack, MAT/Special Ed. does the impossible. He captures the attention and excitement of young students, helping them develop skills while instilling a love of learning. Mr. Mack, or “The Mackgician,” has taught at The Rye Arts Center since 2006. His classes include: Minecraft, Creative Building, Digital Architecture, Engineering using LEGO/K’NEX, and numerous Computer Coding languages. His expertise and passion have been integral to the success of S.T.E.A.M education at The Rye Arts Center.

As an academic tutor at the Manhattanville College Disability Help Center, Mr. Mack is part of a dynamic and dedicated team that assists and mentors college students with a variety of learning styles and needs. This supportive environment prepares students for academic independence and success in meeting the challenges of higher learning.

Jim Paget

James Paget is an Artist and Designer that has produced products for companies such as Disney, DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Archie Publications, Suess, Charles Schultz, General Foods, Sesame Workshop, and many others. 

He is the Co-Author and Artist behind Ray Cycle, Connecticut's Recycling Superhero. In 2021 he assisted in the "Arts In Connecticut" outreach program, teaching hundreds of underserved children.  Additionally he has extensive knowledge in comic and animation history as well as a modest collection of original art. He loves teaching art and cartooning to kids of all ages and he is excited to bring his classes to The Rye Art Center!

Terry Taylor

Terry Taylor is a passionate artist who thrives in various mediums including clay, paint, polymer, assemblage, and collage. Her artistry is dedicated to evoking joy through every sculpture and image she creates. Terry earned her B.F.A. from SUNY College at Oswego and is celebrated as the author and illustrator of the award-winning craft books “Clay Play!” series and “Sand Play!” and many picture books. Her distinctive dimensional clay illustrations, crafted with polymer clay and meticulously photographed, captivate both children and parents alike. 

In addition to her literary achievements, Terry brings over 20 years of teaching experience to her weekly art classes. She teaches classes for both children and adults, covering ceramics, sculpting, painting, polymer, sewing, and mixed media. Through her books and classes, she generously imparts her expertise, firmly believing in her mission to “make the world a happier place one piece of art at a time.”

Mitchell Visoky

Mitchell Visoky is a visual artist and art educator from White Plains, NY. Visoky holds a B.S. in Art Education from Buffalo State College (NY) and a M.S. in Studio Art from the College of New Rochelle (NY).

His work includes mixed media encaustic paintings and the printmaking techniques of monotypes. His encaustic images are a collaboration of various media: wax, charcoal, transfers, hand-printed paper, and oil stick. Into his painterly, one-of-a-kind, hand-pulled monotype prints he often incorporates collage, drawing, paper lithography, and other mixed media elements giving his work a rich visual experience for the viewer.

Inspirations for his work include land formations and patterns, textural objects and surfaces, the unique qualities of nature, and the built environment. In a world that holds many contradictions, he explores the interplay of congruent and disparate relationships within these elements.

Mitchell has also been pursuing the medium of fused glass for 10+ years that also connects to his process of layering colors and translucency in all his work. For more about Mitchell’s solo exhibits, artworks and qualifications click here.

Amanda Wilson

Amanda Wilson BFA School of Visual Arts; MAT in Art Education, Manhattanville College. Illustrated magazine illustrations for Adweek, the Atlantic Monthly, New York Magazine, the New Yorker, and numerous book jackets. Exhibited at the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center, American Institute of Graphic Arts, Society of Illustrators, and the Society of Publication Designers. Former Chair of Education at the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center. Teaching experience: St. Thomas Aquinas College, Scarsdale Continuing Ed, the Art School at Old Church, MOMA’s Art Barge in Amagansett, Long Island.

 Kathy Wood

Having taught for the past 29 years as an Art Teacher, using all types of materials, I feel that I have developed an extensive background of art experiences. I am excited to pass this knowledge on to my students.  I have a BFA in Art Ed/ART Therapy and MS in Special Ed. 

I have been a ceramics instructor at The Rye Art Center for over 30  years and have enjoyed serving the Art Center with my knowledge and expertise in this art field. I love being in a classroom that offers a diverse group of kids and learning about all the different cultures and ideas that the students have to offer.  I like to foster creativity and knowledge between the students and their art,  thereby understanding the influence one has on the other.  I  believe this helps students develop an appreciation for and tolerance of the many differences among people. The visual arts provide a better understanding and a common bridge among cultures worldwide. I have supported the Art Center and its endeavors for many years and truly believe in its crucial place in our society as one such bridge. As the Art Center states, “Empowering youth to use the arts for local, national, and global community-building initiatives.”  I look forward to continuing my support of the Rye Art Center and its initiatives in the field of education.

Nicole Zahour

 Nicole Zahour has lived, worked and studied art in Pittsburgh, PA; London, England; Leipzig, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic and Oporto, Portugal. She has a degree in Fine Arts and Art Therapy. She has been creating handcrafted artisan jewelry for over 25 years. She was an event photographer in NYC for 10 years, photographing fashion shows and large Fundraisers. She was the personal press photographer of the Czech President on his visits to the US and the UN. She was featured on the cover of INstinkt Magazine with her photographs of famous producer Milos Forman. She's taught throughout Westchester for the past fifteen years focusing on drawing, painting, sculpture, clay and STEAM.  She currently teaches at the Rye Arts Center. She has taught at The French American School as their Elementary Art teacher, the Pelham Art Center, Scarsdale and New Rochelle Continuing Education, Level Up Village, Hackley, Greenwich Country Day School,  and various Elementary and Middle schools throughout the county and Connecticut. Her jewelry website is  www.zahourjewelry.com