Nikii Murtaugh learned to knit as a teenager in Michigan, and has been doing it for the last 50 years. At this point, she’s a well known knitting resource amongst her friends and beyond- she often helps with individual questions and regularly tests knit patterns for designers. Marie Pratuch learned pottery from Michael Booth at BMCC, and is now ready to share her talents with others. Check out Marie’s work at www.facebook.com/thistledewnicelyboutique Brian Purnell has been working with young artists for more than 30 years in schools and alternative education programs. He’s interested in what happens when you stop worrying about what something’s going to look like and simply explore the process of Making. Natalie Rhodes is the artist formerly known as Natalie Sanusi, after recently completing a performance art piece called “Wedding”. In her regular art practice, she assembles bits of the past into modern statements. She fi rmly believes that everyone can, and should, make art. Peg Willis has taught music for over 50 years and has directed several performing groups, including The Pick ‘n’ Bow Company, Shenanigans and Mulligan Stew. Her groups have performed extensively around the region and as far away as Washington DC and Ireland. Peg enjoys fi ber arts (knitting, cross stitching, weaving) and has written several books. www.pegwillis.com 13