More Biographies and statements by our Artists
Kit Paulsen
Kit is an award winning watercolorist from Washington County, whose works have been described as "expressive" and "brave." Following a successful career in professional advertising, she has become one of Pittsburgh's most recognized painters. Kit takes great pleasure in being active in the local arts community and is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. With a double major in design and painting, she is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Tennessee. Living on a farm in the Laurel Highlands with her husband Scott, two dogs, three cats, three horses, five chickens and a host of wild creatures she has an endless source of inspiration and subjects for her paintings.
Like all painters, Kit paints things she's attracted to, preferring to paint on location whenever possible. Painting on location (plain air) brings an immediacy to her work which is not often found in the studio. Intrigued by the intricacy of a subject, most of Kit's images are very detailed. Of her attention to details, Kit says, " I love to draw, and so a very detailed drawing is like solving a puzzle for me."
Kit recently finished 11 commissioned paintings for a new restaurant, the Porch at Schenley, in Pittsburgh's Oakland area, near the Carnegie Museum. The restaurant is now filled with Kit's scenes of folks cooking and eating outdoors. The "Grillin" image is from that series. Kit has also been creating quarterly illustrations for Table magazine, which she enjoys since she's able to paint what she wants. If you're not familiar with Table, the magazine is produced in Pittsburgh and is dedicated to celebrating food culture and lifestyle in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA. "I love the process of putting down what I see, of finding the poetry of place," says Kit. "My favorite creations are those which tell a story, making the viewer want to study them and enjoy his/her own interpretation."
Kit is an award winning watercolorist from Washington County, whose works have been described as "expressive" and "brave." Following a successful career in professional advertising, she has become one of Pittsburgh's most recognized painters. Kit takes great pleasure in being active in the local arts community and is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. With a double major in design and painting, she is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Tennessee. Living on a farm in the Laurel Highlands with her husband Scott, two dogs, three cats, three horses, five chickens and a host of wild creatures she has an endless source of inspiration and subjects for her paintings.
Like all painters, Kit paints things she's attracted to, preferring to paint on location whenever possible. Painting on location (plain air) brings an immediacy to her work which is not often found in the studio. Intrigued by the intricacy of a subject, most of Kit's images are very detailed. Of her attention to details, Kit says, " I love to draw, and so a very detailed drawing is like solving a puzzle for me."
Kit recently finished 11 commissioned paintings for a new restaurant, the Porch at Schenley, in Pittsburgh's Oakland area, near the Carnegie Museum. The restaurant is now filled with Kit's scenes of folks cooking and eating outdoors. The "Grillin" image is from that series. Kit has also been creating quarterly illustrations for Table magazine, which she enjoys since she's able to paint what she wants. If you're not familiar with Table, the magazine is produced in Pittsburgh and is dedicated to celebrating food culture and lifestyle in Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA. "I love the process of putting down what I see, of finding the poetry of place," says Kit. "My favorite creations are those which tell a story, making the viewer want to study them and enjoy his/her own interpretation."
Kyle Hallam
Kyle worked predominantly in clay for about 25 years, creating brightly colored terra cotta hand-built pots and wall assemblages. About 5 years ago, he began incorporating clay elements into wall assemblages he created from recycled materials such as cardboard, tin cans, fabric, rope, etc. During the past 18 months (due to grants from the Sprout Fund and the Community Foundation of Greene County, and private donations) he designed and implemented an Arts & Crafts program to work with the mentally & physically challenged clients at Greene ARC in Ruff Creek, PA. The projects involved using cardboard from the Recycling Center to create art. From his Greene ARC experiences, Kyle was inspired to explore new avenues and began a new body of work. Using cardboard, books, containers, old metal, firewood, etc., he is creating interesting assemblages that will certainly catch your eye and set you to thinking. While some are brightly colored cardboard mosaics using altered books as a venue, and others make use of the naturalness & subtlety of wood, they are all unique, uncommon and playful. Kyle views each of his creations as a study, having an entertainment value as well as a therapeutic value. Kyle says he is compelled to create these objects but cannot explain the why, how or origin of this whole process, although many ( but not all) result in much satisfaction and pleasure and adds, " I would hope that others will also experience some of that satisfaction."
Kyle worked predominantly in clay for about 25 years, creating brightly colored terra cotta hand-built pots and wall assemblages. About 5 years ago, he began incorporating clay elements into wall assemblages he created from recycled materials such as cardboard, tin cans, fabric, rope, etc. During the past 18 months (due to grants from the Sprout Fund and the Community Foundation of Greene County, and private donations) he designed and implemented an Arts & Crafts program to work with the mentally & physically challenged clients at Greene ARC in Ruff Creek, PA. The projects involved using cardboard from the Recycling Center to create art. From his Greene ARC experiences, Kyle was inspired to explore new avenues and began a new body of work. Using cardboard, books, containers, old metal, firewood, etc., he is creating interesting assemblages that will certainly catch your eye and set you to thinking. While some are brightly colored cardboard mosaics using altered books as a venue, and others make use of the naturalness & subtlety of wood, they are all unique, uncommon and playful. Kyle views each of his creations as a study, having an entertainment value as well as a therapeutic value. Kyle says he is compelled to create these objects but cannot explain the why, how or origin of this whole process, although many ( but not all) result in much satisfaction and pleasure and adds, " I would hope that others will also experience some of that satisfaction."
Heidi Marx DeSousa
Heidi resides in Greene County and has had a passion for doing creative things for all her life. Currently she works in numerous mediums including acrylic and watercolor, clay and mix media. Heidi also offers face painting services for events and has volunteered her creative skills on various community projects. Heidi won 2nd place in Waynesburg's "Rock the Chalk 2015" and collaborated in creating a Photo Op painting for the Area Council on Aging. Heidi loves to travel and derives much of her inspiration from nature and its vast variety of forms, colors and textures.
Heidi resides in Greene County and has had a passion for doing creative things for all her life. Currently she works in numerous mediums including acrylic and watercolor, clay and mix media. Heidi also offers face painting services for events and has volunteered her creative skills on various community projects. Heidi won 2nd place in Waynesburg's "Rock the Chalk 2015" and collaborated in creating a Photo Op painting for the Area Council on Aging. Heidi loves to travel and derives much of her inspiration from nature and its vast variety of forms, colors and textures.
Ed R. Silsley’s
I have been wood working for 24 years. I have made everything from potty chairs to gun cabinets. I have taught myself everything except for the bowl turning. I have found a new friend and teacher of the art of turning.
My first project was two flag cases for my dad and his brother. We got one from the disable Veterans’. I took it apart and started to figure out how they made it. I wasn’t happy with any wood but the American Chestnut. Which has been dead, east of the Mississippi for 100 years, due to a blight. I had to take the logs from the woods, find a small sawmill, learn about drying it . After giving the cases to their wife’s I had nothing. So I set my sights on a chestnut gun cabinet. I started making everything I could, to learn about wood and the steps, get ready to make the gun cabinet. After 10 years I was ready and had enough tools from Christmas, and father’s day. I made that 19 gun cabinet, and found a love for wood that I never knew that I had.
I made my grand kids cradles out of walnut, the first tree I got from the farm. I got a kiln and dried wood to sell it for tools. I made a table out of Maple from the farm. I made our daughters crib out of trees from her in laws place. I have made 11 cradles and gave them away.
I like to carve, too. If it is wood I like it. I love the challenge of it and figuring it out. Some say it’s a gift, I am not sure, but I like it. I enjoy making Intarsia.
We have a handicap grandson son, I thought the pens would be good to help with things that he needs. He has a rare syndrome name Bardet – Beadle syndrome. He will turn 8 on January 17, 2013. It will be our 39th wedding anniversary. We have four grow kids 2 boys and two girls, and 11 grandkids.
I have been wood working for 24 years. I have made everything from potty chairs to gun cabinets. I have taught myself everything except for the bowl turning. I have found a new friend and teacher of the art of turning.
My first project was two flag cases for my dad and his brother. We got one from the disable Veterans’. I took it apart and started to figure out how they made it. I wasn’t happy with any wood but the American Chestnut. Which has been dead, east of the Mississippi for 100 years, due to a blight. I had to take the logs from the woods, find a small sawmill, learn about drying it . After giving the cases to their wife’s I had nothing. So I set my sights on a chestnut gun cabinet. I started making everything I could, to learn about wood and the steps, get ready to make the gun cabinet. After 10 years I was ready and had enough tools from Christmas, and father’s day. I made that 19 gun cabinet, and found a love for wood that I never knew that I had.
I made my grand kids cradles out of walnut, the first tree I got from the farm. I got a kiln and dried wood to sell it for tools. I made a table out of Maple from the farm. I made our daughters crib out of trees from her in laws place. I have made 11 cradles and gave them away.
I like to carve, too. If it is wood I like it. I love the challenge of it and figuring it out. Some say it’s a gift, I am not sure, but I like it. I enjoy making Intarsia.
We have a handicap grandson son, I thought the pens would be good to help with things that he needs. He has a rare syndrome name Bardet – Beadle syndrome. He will turn 8 on January 17, 2013. It will be our 39th wedding anniversary. We have four grow kids 2 boys and two girls, and 11 grandkids.
Andrew Corfont
I never really considered myself an artist, but looking up the term artisan it is a worker who produces a trade or handicraft, using that definition I guess I can be considered an artisan. What started as a lifelong hobby of taking pictures has developed into a passion of saving and sharing beautiful images. I love taking pictures of flowers and scenery in the Greene County area, my camera is always at my side. You may see me pulled over along the side of the road taking a unique shot. I enjoy taking photos with a different twist, whether it is a close up of a flower or looking out the window of a covered bridge. Many of the flowers come from my own small yard. I hope my images remind you of a special memory.
I am a graduate of Waynesburg College (University) in Business Management and work for Community Bank. I am married to my best friend and have two wonderful daughters. I enjoy sharing my love of photography with fellow artisans who belong to the Greene County Photography Club.
I never really considered myself an artist, but looking up the term artisan it is a worker who produces a trade or handicraft, using that definition I guess I can be considered an artisan. What started as a lifelong hobby of taking pictures has developed into a passion of saving and sharing beautiful images. I love taking pictures of flowers and scenery in the Greene County area, my camera is always at my side. You may see me pulled over along the side of the road taking a unique shot. I enjoy taking photos with a different twist, whether it is a close up of a flower or looking out the window of a covered bridge. Many of the flowers come from my own small yard. I hope my images remind you of a special memory.
I am a graduate of Waynesburg College (University) in Business Management and work for Community Bank. I am married to my best friend and have two wonderful daughters. I enjoy sharing my love of photography with fellow artisans who belong to the Greene County Photography Club.
Miriam Rubin
Miriam’s book Tomatoes: a Savor the South Cookbook has just been released. Miriam (a passionate tomato connoisseur) explores the tomato’s rich history in southern culture and provides 50 vibrant recipes, as well as helpful tips on how to choose the right tomato for a particular dish.
Tomatoes includes recipes that celebrate everything from the traditional down-home to the inventive and contemporary. Some of her fascinating offerings include Stand-over-the-sink Tomato Sandwiches, Spiced Green Tomato Crumb Cake and Tomato & Golden Raisin Chutney. Miriam also gives us information about cultivating & preserving for year-round enjoyment of the tomato.
Miriam is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and was the first woman to work in the kitchen of the Four Seasons Restaurant. Author of Grains, she writes the food and gardening column “Miriam’s Garden” for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Miriam lives in a log house in New Freeport with her husband David Lesako, one of our Artbeat artist.
Miriam’s book Tomatoes: a Savor the South Cookbook has just been released. Miriam (a passionate tomato connoisseur) explores the tomato’s rich history in southern culture and provides 50 vibrant recipes, as well as helpful tips on how to choose the right tomato for a particular dish.
Tomatoes includes recipes that celebrate everything from the traditional down-home to the inventive and contemporary. Some of her fascinating offerings include Stand-over-the-sink Tomato Sandwiches, Spiced Green Tomato Crumb Cake and Tomato & Golden Raisin Chutney. Miriam also gives us information about cultivating & preserving for year-round enjoyment of the tomato.
Miriam is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and was the first woman to work in the kitchen of the Four Seasons Restaurant. Author of Grains, she writes the food and gardening column “Miriam’s Garden” for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Miriam lives in a log house in New Freeport with her husband David Lesako, one of our Artbeat artist.
