East Oregonian : E.O., August 16, 2019, Page 13, Image 13

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Jeff Blackwood’s furniture and other
woodworked pieces are in high demand. He
has a talent for pairing the unique qualities of a
particular piece of wood with the perfect project.
When he’s not in the wood shop he’s helping to
protect our watershed, studying up on all things
having to do with the outdoors, and enjoying
being a grandpa.
Nika Blasser holds a BA from PSU and a MFA
from Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton. Her studio
practice involves meditative, obsessive mark
making and forcing seemingly organic forms out
of materials.
Arlen Clark is a self-taught painter producing
works for nearly 40 years. His fantastic portraits
have been displayed in a featured exhibit in the
East Oregonian Gallery. He uses bright colors,
exaggeration, distortion and imagination to
express his ideas.
Karl Davis is the Executive Director of Crow’s
Shadow Institute of the Arts. His love of board
gaming started early and has grown into a
collection of complex, strategy-focused games.
He is a natural teacher and looks forward to
introducing more people to the fun and diversity
of modern board games.
Erica Edwards is a native of California and a
lover of Oregon. She enjoys teaching classes,
reading and all things art. In addition to teaching
here at PCA, she’s out in the community with our
outreach program.
Charlie Herrington is semi-retired and working
at the Pendleton Music Company. His enthusiasm
for music led him to the PCA, where he’s brought
his 25 years of experience to share with our
beginner adult guitar groups. He’s a big fan of
improvisational music.
Katie Hall is a lifelong crafter and self-taught
macramé artist. You can follow her on Instagram
@emFiberCraft.
J.J. Hill has worked off-Broadway in New York
and did stand-up comedy all over the country
for 8 years. Previous to his career in acting, J.J.
received his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from
Eastern Oregon University.
David Orr is a recent transplant to Pendleton
who’s specialized in the soothing sounds of guitar
for upwards of 50 years. He is also known as a
guru for stress management. In this day and age
of hyper-busyness and multi-tasking, He enjoys
being an ambassador for relaxation.
Denise Henkle Owen is a farmwife and lifelong
pianist/accompanist/vocalist who loves all things
in the arts. Denise is a Zentangle CZT who has
shared Zentangle with youth, teens and adults.
Her other interests include photography, graphic
arts and digital art and of course, music. View her
work at denisehenkleowen.zenfolio.com
Marie Pratuch learned pottery from Michael
Booth at BMCC and is now ready to share her
talents with others. Follow Marie’s work on her
Instagram page ThistleDewNicelyCeramics.
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.
Chantell Reid is a creative minded soul, residing
in NE Oregon. Each piece of art she creates comes
from within, ensuring the individual uniqueness.
You can often find her exploring different creative
avenues, including needle felting, macrame,
photography and crocheting.
Juggling is just one of Greg Schulberg’s many
creative talents; he’s also a musician, visual
artist, and dancer. He’s been exploring the art of
juggling for more than 20 years and is passionate
about teaching others.
Ian Summerfield is a musician who’s a fan
favorite of Pendleton audiences. While also a
talented drummer and piano player, he’s best
known for the original music he writes and
performs for the ukulele.
Melissa Weston is a self-taught artist
specializing in repurposing furniture & wood, as
well as creating a wide range of décor, paintings,
and pieces of art that are sure to impress. A
mother, wife, and friend, Melissa is excited to start
her journey at the PCA.
Fall 2019 | 13