Please welcome six new membes:

Hengjing Yan: Hengjing was a walk-in to VGA. She works full time as an Engineer for Intel. She is married with one young son, Hengjing is an acrylic and watercolor painter and enjoys painting plein air. She recently participated in the Columbia Arts Guild Old Town Plein Air paint out for which she received 3rd place in her class.

Thomas Eldridge: Tom was a walk-in to VGA. He is retired. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Oregon University. He taught printmaking classes when he was there. He also organized exhibitions there of M.C.Esher and Jerald Silva, He was the first recipient of Schneider Merit Award at SOU. Tom also had a fishing boat and lived and worked in Alaska! Tom paints from his life experiences and travels.

Kate Rodrigue: Kate Rodrigue was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. After living in several places, including Rome and near Washington, DC, she eventually settled in the Portland area.
During her childhood in New Orleans she was influenced by artists, including her mother who encouraged her children to observe light and composition in everyday scenes. She holds an Associate Degree in Commercial Art/Graphic Design, but went on to study business and work in the insurance industry for most of her career. Now that her children are grown, Kate enjoys revisiting her early love of art and design.

Kate Mayo: Kate was referred to VGA by Kim McLaughlin and Nancy Chesler. She is retired from working in business and leadership as a development coach and communications director. She has served on the boards of volunteer organizations and she is a lector at The Grotto. She is also a member of Viva Village. She is a member of The Colored Pencil Society and has taught mixed media and colored pencil classes. She joined us because she wants to support the gallery and serve the community.

Holly Amoako: Holly was introduced to us through the recent WASHCO Open Studio event. She is a freelance surface pattern designer. She was an elementary school teacher and has also taught adult art classes. Holly works in mixed media, collage, and ceramics. She is also a community builder organizing local artists and friends to meet up to create together. Holly is excited to join our community.

Beth Pansino: Beth was introduced to us through the recent WASHCO Open Studio event. She is a part-time pharmacist. She has taught art literacy to first graders in the Beaverton School Dist. She works in watercolors and mixed media. She is a mom and likes to be outdoors. Beth came to use hoping to learn more about the professional side of being an artist. Some of you may have met Beth at the Art Chat last Sunday. She is a delightful person.

Also welcome new Community member Deepali Jain