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Two Rivers Arts
Elevating Art and Artists
Meet our Teachers at the Arts Center of Montross
Click a photo below to learn more about our teachers
Eve Front
Autumn Morningstar Custalow Alfaro
Autumn grew up surrounded by art, craft, and creativity. Raised on the Mattaponi Reservation in King William County, Virginia, she was also deeply immersed in her Indigenous culture. Before receiving formal arts education, she developed skills in traditional blackware pottery, graphite and pencil portraiture, traditional loom beadwork, jewelry making, and painting.
Her talent became widely recognized by her family and local community, and that encouragement inspired her to pursue graphic design as a career before graduating from high school. She later earned a degree in Business Administration and Graphic Design.
For more than 20 years, Autumn has explored many facets of graphic design, including publication layout and design, business branding, and custom illustrations. Although graphic design is her profession, she continues to devote her time to fine arts, crafts, and, most importantly, her culture through personal practice, community events, and art classes.
At eleven years old I embarked on my journey as an artist. For a very long time it stayed my outlet and a way to spread happiness, helping my friends' fantastical ideas be visualized. Back in 2020 I enrolled at University of Mary Washington and acquired my bachelors degree in Studio Art. The reasons why I create are no longer so simple - I sat down and thought about how can my skills be used to help spread positivity and make a difference to everyone, not just those close to me. One of my favorite quotes is "you can't change the world, but you can change someone's world." My 'five-years-from-now' is to look back with a smile and say "I changed a lot of worlds!" That is why part of the proceeds on my works go to the Northumberland Animal Shelter.
Joan Flemer Campbell
Pottery and Jewelry
Pottery & Jewelry
With a foundation in the art’s Joan holds both a Bachelor’s and a
Master’s degree in Fine Arts (Art Education). Her career was dedicated
to nurturing the next generation of creators, teaching in Westmoreland
Co. for 30 years. Since her retirement, Joan has transitioned from the
classroom to her home studio, where she spends her days refining her
craft and exploring new artistic horizons.
Denise DeVries
Author
Denise DeVries is a translator and writer from Colorado who has lived in Virginia since 1977 and in the Northern Neck since 2001. The rural town of Kilmarnock inspired her “Hull Crossing Chronicles” and “Key to History” historical fiction series and the one-act plays, A Two-Faced Spinster and Barbershop Gossip. Denise enjoys blogging and writing poetry and is a member of several writers’ groups. She, her husband Alvaro Ibañez, and their youngest daughter Delia Ibañez are developing a retreat center for the arts outside of Kilmarnock, Virginia.
Denise DeVries is a translator and writer from Colorado who has lived in Virginia since 1977 and in the Northern Neck since 2001. The rural town of Kilmarnock inspired her “Hull Crossing Chronicles” and “Key to History” historical fiction series and the one-act plays, A Two-Faced Spinster and Barbershop Gossip. Denise enjoys blogging and writing poetry and is a member of several writers’ groups. She, her husband Alvaro Ibañez, and their youngest daughter Delia Ibañez are developing a retreat center for the arts outside of Kilmarnock, Virginia.
Sean Gates
Author
Sean Gates is the author of the Harry Cogbill series, "The Dark and Lonely Road" and "In the Trackless Wild." He is also the co-writer of several screenplays, including the short film "Lookout Mountain" and 2018 Final Draft Big Break top-five finalist "Shotgun & Lollipop." A graduate of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, Sean has worked as a freelance graphic artist, and as a typesetter and imager for a now-defunct print shop in Fredericksburg. He is the co-founder of Project94, an independent non-profit news service covering his hometown of King George County. By day he poses as a mild-mannered stock clerk who enjoys coffee, pizza, and outlaw country.
Sean Gates is the author of the Harry Cogbill series, "The Dark and Lonely Road" and "In the Trackless Wild." He is also the co-writer of several screenplays, including the short film "Lookout Mountain" and 2018 Final Draft Big Break top-five finalist "Shotgun & Lollipop." A graduate of Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, Sean has worked as a freelance graphic artist, and as a typesetter and imager for a now-defunct print shop in Fredericksburg. He is the co-founder of Project94, an independent non-profit news service covering his hometown of King George County. By day he poses as a mild-mannered stock clerk who enjoys coffee, pizza, and outlaw country.
Kim Hall
Oil, in studio and plein air
Virginia artist Kim Hall has been immersed in creativity since childhood, growing up with a painter as a mother who nurtured her artistic eye from an early age. After earning her degree, Kim explored several creative paths including graphic design, furniture making, and decorative painting, though fine art painting remained the constant thread throughout her career.
In recent years, encouraged by fellow artists, Kim discovered a passion for plein air painting — capturing landscapes and scenes outdoors in real time. That experience transformed both her process and direction as an artist. Since then, she has participated in numerous juried plein air events across the country, earning recognition and awards for her expressive and atmospheric work.
Kim especially enjoys wandering scenic back roads in search of unexpected beauty and hidden painting locations, often finding inspiration far from the main route.
She earned a BA in Fine Art from George Mason University and continued her studies at Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Her paintings are included in both private and public collections nationwide.
Kim’s work is currently represented by these Virginia galleries:
• Cabell Gallery in Lexington
• Crossroads Art Center in Richmond
Virginia artist Kim Hall has been immersed in creativity since childhood, growing up with a painter as a mother who nurtured her artistic eye from an early age. After earning her degree, Kim explored several creative paths including graphic design, furniture making, and decorative painting, though fine art painting remained the constant thread throughout her career.
In recent years, encouraged by fellow artists, Kim discovered a passion for plein air painting — capturing landscapes and scenes outdoors in real time. That experience transformed both her process and direction as an artist. Since then, she has participated in numerous juried plein air events across the country, earning recognition and awards for her expressive and atmospheric work.
Kim especially enjoys wandering scenic back roads in search of unexpected beauty and hidden painting locations, often finding inspiration far from the main route.
She earned a BA in Fine Art from George Mason University and continued her studies at Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Her paintings are included in both private and public collections nationwide.
Kim’s work is currently represented by these Virginia galleries:
• Cabell Gallery in Lexington
• Crossroads Art Center in Richmond
Janice Jones
Acryllic, Watercolor, Mixed Media
I always wanted to paint but wasn’t able to embrace my passion until I moved to Mexico and discovered Javier Ramos – an amazing teacher who I continue to study with each time I return there. When I returned to the US, traveled far and wide to continue my studies with teachers such as Karlyn Holman, Gerald Brommer, Don Andrews, Tom Lynch, Betsy Kellum, Sheryl Williams, Pat Troiani and many others. Most recently I was introduced painting with cold wax and oils which was my first earnest venture into abstraction.
To hone these skills, I study with David Kessler and after many classes in cold wax and oil I am being mentored by Linda Benton McCloskey which has emboldened me to teach basic CWM classes. I also work in pastels and have just started drawing with colored pencils. I consider myself to be an evolving multi-media artist who is always pushing the envelope to try new techniques while searching for my niche. I also teach basic classes in watercolor and alcohol inks.
My work has been shown in Maryland and Virginia and has won many honors from Best in Show to Honorable Mention.
I always wanted to paint but wasn’t able to embrace my passion until I moved to Mexico and discovered Javier Ramos – an amazing teacher who I continue to study with each time I return there. When I returned to the US, traveled far and wide to continue my studies with teachers such as Karlyn Holman, Gerald Brommer, Don Andrews, Tom Lynch, Betsy Kellum, Sheryl Williams, Pat Troiani and many others. Most recently I was introduced painting with cold wax and oils which was my first earnest venture into abstraction.
To hone these skills, I study with David Kessler and after many classes in cold wax and oil I am being mentored by Linda Benton McCloskey which has emboldened me to teach basic CWM classes. I also work in pastels and have just started drawing with colored pencils. I consider myself to be an evolving multi-media artist who is always pushing the envelope to try new techniques while searching for my niche. I also teach basic classes in watercolor and alcohol inks.
My work has been shown in Maryland and Virginia and has won many honors from Best in Show to Honorable Mention.
Anna Kim
Pottery
Anna is an artist working in drawing, sculpture, and ceramics, with a growing love for working in clay. Her work is inspired by nature, mythology, and the quiet magic found in everyday forms.
Anna is an artist working in drawing, sculpture, and ceramics, with a growing love for working in clay. Her work is inspired by nature, mythology, and the quiet magic found in everyday forms.
Rick Kohli
Mosaics
Rick is a self-taught mosaic artist who discovered his passion for the art form while creating mosaic steppingstones with his wife and grandson. After retiring from careers in law enforcement and as a criminal justice professor, Rick relocated to Montross, VA to be closer to family.
His mosaic artwork began with a focus on garden-inspired pieces but has since evolved to explore diverse subjects as his skills with various tesserae materials continue to grow. Kohli's mosaics are a celebration of color, texture, and his journey of creative discovery through this centuries-old art form.
What started as a shared project with loved ones has blossomed into a vibrant second act for this artist. Each mosaic allows Kohli to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary artistic expressions.
Rick is a self-taught mosaic artist who discovered his passion for the art form while creating mosaic steppingstones with his wife and grandson. After retiring from careers in law enforcement and as a criminal justice professor, Rick relocated to Montross, VA to be closer to family.
His mosaic artwork began with a focus on garden-inspired pieces but has since evolved to explore diverse subjects as his skills with various tesserae materials continue to grow. Kohli's mosaics are a celebration of color, texture, and his journey of creative discovery through this centuries-old art form.
What started as a shared project with loved ones has blossomed into a vibrant second act for this artist. Each mosaic allows Kohli to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary artistic expressions.
Anne McCahill
Embroidery
What makes Anne's classes special is her ability to blend fine art and embroidery into a creative experience that is both relaxing and rewarding. Drawing on her botanical art training, she designs many of her own original patterns and projects, helping students create works that are beautiful, unique, and inspired by the natural world.
Students appreciate Anne's patient teaching style, encouraging approach, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, whether they are picking up a needle for the first time or have years of stitching experience. Her classes are more than lessons—they're opportunities to slow down, learn new skills, meet fellow creatives, and discover the joy of creating something by hand.
If you've ever wanted to explore embroidery, improve your stitching skills, or simply spend a few hours immersed in creativity, Anne's classes are the perfect place to begin.
* Certified Botanical Artist
* Embroidery Artist & Instructor
* Original Designs Inspired by Nature
* Passionate Teacher and Lifelong Creative
What makes Anne's classes special is her ability to blend fine art and embroidery into a creative experience that is both relaxing and rewarding. Drawing on her botanical art training, she designs many of her own original patterns and projects, helping students create works that are beautiful, unique, and inspired by the natural world.
Students appreciate Anne's patient teaching style, encouraging approach, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, whether they are picking up a needle for the first time or have years of stitching experience. Her classes are more than lessons—they're opportunities to slow down, learn new skills, meet fellow creatives, and discover the joy of creating something by hand.
If you've ever wanted to explore embroidery, improve your stitching skills, or simply spend a few hours immersed in creativity, Anne's classes are the perfect place to begin.
* Certified Botanical Artist
* Embroidery Artist & Instructor
* Original Designs Inspired by Nature
* Passionate Teacher and Lifelong Creative
Katya Montes
Ronda Rotz
Acrylics, Collage and Specialty Classes
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Ulrike "Uli" Voss Thorn
Uli is a Master Student of sculptor Prof. Karl Bobek at the Academy of Fine Arts in Dusseldorf, Germany. She earned an MA in art education for high schools at that academy.
She has 30 years of experience as a high school art teacher in Washington, DC at the Washington Waldorf School and as Department Chair at the German International School.
Uli has taught art to people of all ages, including teachers in training. She specializes in terracotta figures and portraits, drawing, printing, paintings with watercolors, specifically veil painting, photography, - directing the yearbook-team for many years, mural painting and stagecraft. She has extensive experience with children's theater and teaching German and music.
Uli has been performing choral music an instrumental ensemble playing (recorders and violin)throughout her life. She loves gardening, reading and swimming. She and her husband have lived on the Buckner creek for 12 years and hosted her two sons with their families, her American and German families and many friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners joyfully and gratefully.
She has 30 years of experience as a high school art teacher in Washington, DC at the Washington Waldorf School and as Department Chair at the German International School.
Uli has taught art to people of all ages, including teachers in training. She specializes in terracotta figures and portraits, drawing, printing, paintings with watercolors, specifically veil painting, photography, - directing the yearbook-team for many years, mural painting and stagecraft. She has extensive experience with children's theater and teaching German and music.
Uli has been performing choral music an instrumental ensemble playing (recorders and violin)throughout her life. She loves gardening, reading and swimming. She and her husband have lived on the Buckner creek for 12 years and hosted her two sons with their families, her American and German families and many friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners joyfully and gratefully.
Barbara Lee Woodward
Open Studio
Barbara was born and raised in Bowling Green, VA. Descended from a long line of artists, art has been the focus of her life. Through education including VCU, VMFA, the Art Institute and numerous private instructors, her skills continue to develop.
Experience in a variety of variety of creative processes have included
Private art instructor in painting and drawing
Commercial Holiday Designer that included purchasing, manufacturing and installation for clients such as Union Station, Federal Reserve and the Williard Hotel in Washington DC.
Scenic painter at Kings Dominion, Doswell, VA and Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO.
The continuing drawing process is in itself a work of art. Creating art is a powerful experience. It’s a profound way to celebrate and appreciate the world around us.
Barbara was born and raised in Bowling Green, VA. Descended from a long line of artists, art has been the focus of her life. Through education including VCU, VMFA, the Art Institute and numerous private instructors, her skills continue to develop.
Experience in a variety of variety of creative processes have included
Private art instructor in painting and drawing
Commercial Holiday Designer that included purchasing, manufacturing and installation for clients such as Union Station, Federal Reserve and the Williard Hotel in Washington DC.
Scenic painter at Kings Dominion, Doswell, VA and Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO.
The continuing drawing process is in itself a work of art. Creating art is a powerful experience. It’s a profound way to celebrate and appreciate the world around us.
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