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Represented Artists
-Within a 35mile Radius-
Antoinette "Nettie" Nestor
Nettie Nestor has an absolute passion for making quilts. She has made over 500 in the past 15 years and has evolved into using fabrics that are pictorial and larger than the small squares would usually allow. Bold colors and modern designs characterize her works. She often employs west coast designer fabrics to get the right effect. It's pure excitement for her, and she can't wait to start the next one. Nettie Nestor is a graduate of Kent State University, with a degree in Art History and Library science. She has been living in Indiana, PA for 35 years, married to a sculptor and has two sons who are photographers.
Barb Kubala
Barb is a retiree of Indiana Area School District and has been active in the community for many years. As a fiber artist, Barb has practiced many different forms of woven techniques, all of which are a stunning display of her talents. Much of her work is done as pin weaving, which gives her the flexibility to weave any shape that she draws. Her use of simple, non-objective, organic shape is a constant in all of her work, whether it is a wall hanging, a necklace, or a jacket. She is pleased to say that every one of her works is completely unique and one-of-a-kind.
Birch Frew
Birch’s love of clay began at a young age when his father encouraged him to attend Continuing Education at IUP with him. He concentrated on throwing while still in high school and studied at IUP with an emphasis on ceramics. With the support of his parents, Birch built a studio on the country site outside of Indiana, complete with kiln pads for electric, soda and wood fired kilns and successfully creates many pots there to this day.
In 2006 he married Debra, and helps raise his two daughters. He continues to make pots as much as he can around outside employment.
In 2006 he married Debra, and helps raise his two daughters. He continues to make pots as much as he can around outside employment.
Bonnie Chovanec
Bonnie Chovanec retired from a career of 33 years in Laboratory/IT at IRMC to concentrate on her passion for painting with acrylics, her family, and grandchildren. She named this passion, 'Minds Eye' to reflect original artwork on a variety of exciting mediums such as milkweed pod, palm tree bark/husk, sycamore bark, rock, wood, ceramic, and canvas. She is continually fascinated with the variety/intensity of color and texture found in nature, although the attempt to recreate them brings simultaneous joy and frustration. Bonnie is self-taught and relies on prayer and practice to bring her work to life. Her desire is to make your heart smile, to avoid the mundane, and to display the glory of creation. - Psalm 148:5
Brandon Hirt
Brandon Hirt is a fine art photographer that currently resides in Ebensburg, PA. He boomeranged back to the area after living the dream in both Colorado and Oregon. During his time out west, he developed his artistic eye and passion to photography. "I strive to find a different perspective for my images. My photography sweet tooth is long exposure landscapes. The longer exposures help bring a silent peace to images. I create most of these with the power of light and ninja special effects. These shots can last 2 seconds or as long as 2 hours. Long exposures will smooth out crashing waves or have stars spin around the Northern Star. Variety is the spice of life, so I engage in different sorts of image creation." Brandon also photographs weddings and portraits. He is constantly striving to create images of everyday views from brand new perspectives.
Brianna Adkins
As an all-around arts educator, I am passionate about creating and guiding students of all ages through art and dance opportunities. I work as an elementary art educator and participate in numerous freelance activities as an artist, photographer, and dancer. I am represented as a photographer at the Artist Hand Gallery and did documentary photography for a youth mural project through the gallery and Dripped On The Road. I've choreographed 6 musicals for 3 high schools, taught tap at a studio, and performed in numerous productions throughout high school and college. Going into adult life, I've found that taking dance classes and finding that connection with community is even more important for adults. I am a TExpL educator after taking part in the Albright College teacher cohort program-- they understand the importance of connecting and empowering community too.
In college, I studied abroad in Italy twice, first in Florence (which was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020) and then in Sorrento). I have a passion for world travel, leading me to create travel content and photography and expand the worldview of my students with frequent Art Around the World lessons.
In college, I studied abroad in Italy twice, first in Florence (which was cut short due to the pandemic in 2020) and then in Sorrento). I have a passion for world travel, leading me to create travel content and photography and expand the worldview of my students with frequent Art Around the World lessons.
Cathryne Mercurio
Cathryne Mercurio was born on Long Island, NY, but spent most of her childhood moving between NY and PA. Drawing and Painting has always given her a sense of stability. She enjoys finding new ways to create by learning new mediums like wood carving. Inspired by the curiosities and different cultures of the world, she is driven by the support and love of her family. Determined to illustrate the magic in reality for the enjoyment of her viewers.
Chere Winneck-Shawer
Chere Winnek-Shawer has been a longstanding artists represented at the Artists Hand till her death. With permission, some of her last pieces remain here to be valued and honored by someone to continue to appreciate her creativity.
In Chere's words, "I have always liked to make things, in woods, metal, or whatever was at hand and I have always loved to learn. However, for many years I was busy with life that I almost forgot about my desire to create. First was having children, then school with a PHD in Philosophy, with a short hiatus into pottery, subsequently a JD in Law and practicing law for many years. Then lo and behold I retired. At last I remembered my creative desire, and I was back again in school, first in weaving fibers, and then to jewelry and metals. I have been at it ever since."
In Chere's words, "I have always liked to make things, in woods, metal, or whatever was at hand and I have always loved to learn. However, for many years I was busy with life that I almost forgot about my desire to create. First was having children, then school with a PHD in Philosophy, with a short hiatus into pottery, subsequently a JD in Law and practicing law for many years. Then lo and behold I retired. At last I remembered my creative desire, and I was back again in school, first in weaving fibers, and then to jewelry and metals. I have been at it ever since."
Cindi Macry Kordell
Cindi has been dabbling in Calligraphy since her teenage years, and has always had a love of beautiful letterforms and classic poetry. She 'put her pen and ink down' in the years she was most needed to raise her family and help run their businesses. Born in 1959, Cindi grew up in a close-knit family in Philadelphia. She attended Penn State University and graduated on the Dean's List with a BS Degree in Human Development. She met her husband, Damian, at Penn State and they were married soon after. They eventually settled in Indiana, PA in 1992 and have considered it home ever since.
They raised 2 lovely daughters, owned and operated 2 successful businesses, have 2 grandchildren - and have recently retired from the working world! Cindi Kordell's personal rennaissance began when she joined the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh a few years ago, where she took several lettering courses and studied with Calligraphy Masters. It is through the praise, support, and encouragement of her "calligrafriends."
They raised 2 lovely daughters, owned and operated 2 successful businesses, have 2 grandchildren - and have recently retired from the working world! Cindi Kordell's personal rennaissance began when she joined the Calligraphy Guild of Pittsburgh a few years ago, where she took several lettering courses and studied with Calligraphy Masters. It is through the praise, support, and encouragement of her "calligrafriends."
Colleen Wakefield
Colleen’s style of digital photography is her own unique design which she calls “Colleenism”
(characterized as being whimsical, vibrant, bold, colorful, and floral-inspired). Her original works are
more than just photos. They are her creations magically transformed from her creative soul into
beautiful pieces of art inspired by nature.
Her photos invoke excitement, and her use of color usually results in a “wow”.
Colleen’s photography reflects her passion for beautiful flowers, using multiple layers of floral images
and other scenes blended into one to create unique artwork that resembles paintings or collages that
are distinctive from others.
(characterized as being whimsical, vibrant, bold, colorful, and floral-inspired). Her original works are
more than just photos. They are her creations magically transformed from her creative soul into
beautiful pieces of art inspired by nature.
Her photos invoke excitement, and her use of color usually results in a “wow”.
Colleen’s photography reflects her passion for beautiful flowers, using multiple layers of floral images
and other scenes blended into one to create unique artwork that resembles paintings or collages that
are distinctive from others.
Cora Smith
"Born in Chicago, Illinois, I grew up in her west suburbs surrounded by a variety of cultures and diversity. In my earliest days, art found me. I established the Kyrie Gallery in 2004 to showcase my work and create a place for art in my rural area of Pennsylvania, home since 1991. The Kyrie Gallery motto is "Art for Life" and my goal has been to produce work that touches lives and makes connections. This is my passion and great joy - who I believe I was designed to be. I have been creating and selling art for the past 35 years. Through those years, I had the benefit of many wonderful art friends and colleagues who shared concepts, ideas, and techniques along the way - and I have grown as an artist through each one.
Dayas Silvis
Dayas Silvis was born in Johnstown, PA, raised in Northern Cambria and Indiana Counties. She earned her degree in visual communication from Oakbridge Academy of Art and Pittsburgh Art Institute. Originally wanting to illustrate comic books and children's books, her interests shifted to portraiture and pet portraits, trying to capture the emotions around her. She loves the contrast of black and white work; charcoal remains her favorite medium. She will delve into color using pastels or markers when the situation calls for it. She still loves illustration, but typically only by request.
"It's the emotion in a scene, a story, or a photograph that grabs my attention. If I can't get the emotional impact out of my head it has to be put on paper." When not working on an art project, Dayas is a layout designer at Creps United Publications. She has also served on the board of the Indiana Art Association since 2009. She enjoys spending her time with her two boys and husband. Her favorite place is home and her interests include gardening, wool felting, video games, and all things geeky.
"It's the emotion in a scene, a story, or a photograph that grabs my attention. If I can't get the emotional impact out of my head it has to be put on paper." When not working on an art project, Dayas is a layout designer at Creps United Publications. She has also served on the board of the Indiana Art Association since 2009. She enjoys spending her time with her two boys and husband. Her favorite place is home and her interests include gardening, wool felting, video games, and all things geeky.
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