Lea Kouzios, a former stay-at-home mom turned business owner and veteran, hails from the Midwest, specifically Wisconsin. After joining the army in 2018 as an intelligence analyst, she was stationed in Georgia, where she met her husband. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she began crocheting in her spare time and gradually transformed it into a business as she transitioned out of the army and into stay-at-home mom life. Building a social media following of approximately 80,000 across various platforms boosted her confidence and paved the way for her venture into teaching.

In the Studio, EducationNicole MogyorosiJune 6, 2024Chesapeake Arts Centerartist, maker, fiber, crochet

Meet the Maker with James Whipple

James Whipple, also known as Jimi, has been married to Zettie Whipple for six years and resides in Brooklyn Park, Maryland. He shares his home with a cat named Edgar. While his full-time job may be uneventful, his personal interests are quite the opposite. Jimi has a passion for crafting and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, including sewing, painting, and recently, screen printing. He's been immersed in punk music and fashion for about 25 years and is a seasoned musician, playing bass (upright and electric) for 22 years. He also runs a small business called Punkrawkstuff.

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiJanuary 4, 2024Chesapeake Arts Centermakerspace, maker, artist, leather, STEAM

Instructor Spotlight: Benjamin Dysart

Benjamin Dysart is originally from Oxford, Ohio, a college town near Cincinnati. Benjamin earned a BFA in Studio Art from Miami University and an MFA from the Rinehart School of Sculpture at MICA. Dysart’s professional work involves creating installations that utilize handmade objects to obscure and abstract projected video. “I am deeply interested in the power objects hold and their push and pull on the world around them,” says Dysart. Woodworking, particularly crafting cutting boards, boxes, and bowls, is a significant part of their creative practice, along with lathework, mainly focusing on bowls and lidded boxes.

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiJanuary 4, 2024Chesapeake Arts Centermakerspace, maker, artist, leather, STEAM

Meet the Maker with Stephanie Alphee

Stephanie Alphee is the driving force behind Alphee Arts. She's an educator, creator, and entrepreneur, harnessing her love for crafting and technology to inspire and assist fellow makers. With nearly a decade of experience, Stephanie has dedicated herself to introducing young minds to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through interactive experiences. Today, she leverages her extensive background in teaching and community involvement to empower a diverse range of makers, whether they're kids, do-it-yourself enthusiasts, or budding entrepreneurs, by involving them in the exciting manufacturing journey.

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiOctober 19, 2023Chesapeake Arts Centermakerspace, maker, artist, leather, STEAM

In the Studio with Artist Rich Isaacman

Today we are going in the studio with Rich Isaacman. Rich’s extensive photography experience is deeply rooted in his passion for travel, having explored more than 50 countries across six continents. His photography focuses on landscapes, cityscapes, and street scenes, and he’s also honed his skills in drone photography, which he now teach professionally.

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiOctober 17, 2023Chesapeake Arts Centerartist, photography, landscape, digital

In the Studio with Artist Becky Borlan

Becky Borlan is a Baltimore-based public artist known for her large-scale installations that use light and color to inspire wonder and playfulness. She approaches her art with childlike curiosity, experimenting with various materials and color theory to create vibrant and whimsical works. With a background in public art dating back to 2009, including collaborations with artists like Janet Echelman and Steven Weitzman, she has developed a passion for large-scale sculptures and suspended artworks

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiSeptember 21, 2023Chesapeake Arts Centermakerspace, maker, artist, sculpture, public art

In the Studio with Artist and Instructor Chris Potts

Chris Potts, a burgeoning watercolor artist painting for the past four years, wields color and brush with finesse. His sweeping landscapes evoke a private serenity in his works. His pieces have graced galleries and shows regionally and in Annapolis, earning acclaim from both peers and enthusiasts. A new educator at Chesapeake Arts Center, Chris shares his learned skills, nurturing budding artists.

In the StudioNicole MogyorosiSeptember 20, 2023Chesapeake Arts Centermakerspace, maker, artist, sculpture, public art

In the Studio with Artist Lisa Scarbath

Lisa Scarbath is a Resident Artist at the Howard County Arts Council in Ellicott City, MD. She creates mosaic wall art, decor, furniture and custom portraits. Lisa's art is diverse; she thrives on being able to choose what materials to work with based on the finished project she envisions.

Here’s Lisa talking about her art, process and experience………..

In the Studio with Artist Mia Halton

From the beginning the role of figures was central, ranging from cartoon-‐like, graphic images to more gestural forms. It is the pictorial space between the figures and forms that has continually evolved in Halton’s prints, drawings, and paintings.

She was recently awarded the A.I.R. Vallauris in France, and a solo exhibition at Stevenson University.

Mia has also been an incredible ceramics instructor at the Chesapeake Arts Center for the last 4 years, so we wanted to make sure that we highlighted Mia in our blog.

Here’s Mia talking about her art, process and experience:

In the StudioNicole CaraciaMarch 10, 2021Mia Halton, art, artist, ceramics, prints, visual artists, maryland artist

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