Celebrating the Artists Within

 Rachael is an artist and an employee of The Art Experience. When she started making art at the studio, she fell in love with the fluid painting method.  

Tarlton has been making art at The Art Experience for over 20 years, and our most prolific Artist in Residence. A graduate of the Kennedy Center School, he spends his time at home filling sketchbooks with his often vibrant interpretations of the world around him. 

 Megan, also an Artist in Residence, loves to explore different media - painting, resin, beading, writing, and collage. She too is a graduate from the Kennedy Center School. 

Wayne is currently a student at the Kennedy Center School who loves recreating characters from cartoons. He makes incredibly detailed miniatures of characters from Cars, Peanuts, and Ice Age. This piece is a rare expression of Sid, one of his favorites, in 2D.  

Created by an Army veteran whose treatment is sponsored by The Wounded Warrior Project, this collage was inspired by the love and support the artist receives. Each flower was carefully created while reflecting on the people that mean so much to him. 

 Thanks to the support of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, The Art Experience has been able to offer art therapy services specific for the caregivers among us. This project offered the caregivers opportunity to reflect on the contributions to the world around them.  

 In this collaborative art piece, the butterfly emerges as a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal. Each woman involved has contributed her vision, creating unique representations of her personal journey toward growth and self-discovery. 

 One of the founding members of The Collective, Patty’s artwork is vibrant, colorful and joyful. Sadly Patty passed away from cancer a little over a year ago, and her daughter, one of Patty’s favorite creatives, donated a lot of her work to the studio.  

 Ramone is an Army veteran and Pontiac native.   

 Martin is a longtime friend of The Art Experience. His favorite subject matter are the icons of popular culture from his youth. His works include tributes to Soul Train, Stevie Wonder, and this, Tina Turner. 

The Art Experience’s Lead Open Studio Artist, Jaymes Walker, and sociology professor, Graham Cassano, PhD, did not know each other before creating Webster September - they were paired together after the artist kick off event in 2024. 

This piece is a study of the impact of development requires death and departure, and the tendency we have to deny and forget that new life, despite the necessity of said development.  

 This piece, also a part of Glimpse and Glimmer 2024, was created by artists Siakara Cooper and Kathryn Schneider. Kathryn is a dedicated volunteer at the studio, who not only shares her creativity in a visual format, but also volunteers on the Events Committee for The Art Experience. Siakara is a regular artist participant in our Open Studio program.