All teachers and volunteers working with children must have current clearances. Independent contractors are also required to sign an quarterly contract and submit a completed W9 form.

We look forward to welcoming new creative and compassionate educators to our team!
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Abigail Hall

​Unleash your creativity and dive into a world of artistic exploration with Instructor Abigail! With a passion for art spanning her entire life, Abigail has been teaching at the Chester County Art Association since 2010, guiding students aged 5-18 through a diverse range of classes. From painting and drawing to collage, sewing, embroidery, and more, Abigail's expertise spans a variety of mediums, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience for her students. But that's not all—Abigail also delves into the enchanting realm of Dungeons and Dragons, crafting her own captivating campaigns for students aged 12 and older. Join us as we embark on exciting adventures, fostering creativity, teamwork, and storytelling in a dynamic and engaging environment. Don't miss out on the creative fun—sign up for our camp and club classes today!
Alexis Bocelli

Alexis Bocelli earned her BFA from West Chester University, and since graduating she has taught local workshops and participated in several shows around Chester County. Alexis has always been passionate about figurative artwork, and is excited to get to share her wisdom and particular love for figure drawing with her students.

Her work consists primarily of portrait and figurative drawing and painting using colored pencil, watercolor, and graphite. As an artist, she seeks to create art that feels refreshing, and aims to produce images that have an ease and playfulness to them. In her figure drawing, she uses an energetic quality of the line while retaining the softness of the form to evoke aspects of the figure that she finds beautiful and inspiring.
Amanda Church

My love for crafts developed at an early age.  Over the years, I have made many origami objects, with varying success.  Six years ago, I discovered Modular Origami and became fascinated at the concept of using one folded shape to form limitless forms.  I love the versatility of paper and find it therapeutic to sit and fold and it is a craft that is available to all as there is little outlay and no special equipment required.  It can be done practically anywhere at any time.  Spread joy with paper, not words.
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Beth Clark

Beth Clark's artistic approach is rooted in the rich tradition of plein-air painting, which emphasizes direct engagement with the landscape. Guided by this tradition, she endeavors to capture the essence of nature through her work, ensuring that her pieces reflect keen observations of the environment with a tangible imprint of her craftsmanship. For Beth, the application of materials—be it oil paint, pastel, or charcoal—is imbued with significance, paralleling the importance of her chosen subjects.
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Central to her practice is the concept of revisiting locations multiple times, allowing for a deeper exploration of familiar motifs. Through this process, Beth finds continuity in her artistic journey, uniting her various techniques and approaches into a cohesive whole. Each return to the same setting unveils new perspectives and nuances, transforming the familiar into an ever-evolving source of inspiration.
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Chris McKinney

Chris McKinney's journey into the world of printmaking commenced during his time as a student at the Chester County Art Association. Amidst a plethora of captivating subjects, it was silk screening that captured his imagination, aligning seamlessly with his fondness for skate and music graphics. Venturing further into his artistic pursuit, he embarked on a BFA program at Penn State, delving deep into various printmaking disciplines, with a particular focus on etching and silkscreen techniques.
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His path took a fortuitous turn when he assumed the role of an instructor at CCAA, succeeding his esteemed printmaking mentor, Joan McClure, upon her retirement in 1997. In the ensuing years, Chris's artistic endeavors flourished, encompassing graphic design, interactive multimedia, and a return to his roots in hand-printed rock art posters. Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over 200 designs and prints for rock and jam bands, showcasing the enduring resonance of his passion for screen printing.
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EO Omwake

Eo Omwake is a prolific painter with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Equivalent from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. With exhibitions spanning from 1968 to 2023, including prestigious venues like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Annual of American Art, his work has garnered recognition and is represented in collections worldwide. Omwake's contributions extend beyond his artistry; he has served as an Assistant Curator, Guest Artist in Residence, and Instructor at esteemed institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Additionally, he has produced and directed over sixty art-related videos and has been published and reviewed in renowned publications such as Art in America and Artforum.
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Gary Altoonian
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Gary Altoonian is a self-taught photographer whose passion for photography began while he was serving in the US Navy. In 2013, he took his passion and created Altoonian Photography, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that provides a wide range of photography services that include head-shots, portraits, personal branding, event photography (corporate, organizational, golf outings, intimate weddings, engagements, family, etc.) architectural, Groupless Groupshots®, light painting and fine art photography.

He is known to go just about anywhere to capture a great photograph on land, in the air, on the water and underwater.

Gary has won many awards for his fine art photography and has exhibited in numerous juried fine art exhibitions and shows. His work has appeared on the cover of CIO magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Altoonian Photography has been named the West Chester Best Portrait Studio for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
George Gehringer
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​After earning a BFA in ceramics from Alfred University, George became the educational director at the Hand Workshop in Richmond, VA, where he also taught ceramics. A year later, he joined Pfalzgraff Pottery as a research associate, deepening his expertise in industrial decorating techniques. He opened his first studio in central PA, producing and selling functional wares for four years. In 1984, George moved to Lansdale, PA, to work as a design manager at American Olean Tile Co., where he continued to explore ceramic tile technologies while maintaining a private studio. After 13 years of global travel and design work, he transitioned to a creative director role across various industries. In 2002, George and his partner opened METAPHOR LLC, a design consultancy in Exton, PA, and established his fourth ceramic studio, Geo Ceramics. During COVID, he focused on expanding his glaze techniques and began selling his work. In 2023, George started teaching wheel classes at Centered Clay Studio in Kennett Square, PA, while continuing to showcase and sell his ceramics locally.
Gretchen Studlien-Webb

Gretchen Studlien-Webb is the coordinator for the dance minor program in the Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University. She holds an M.F.A. from Temple University and a B.F.A. from The Ohio State University's Department of Dance.  As the advisor for the University Dance Company, she has directed more than 33 full-length concerts and choreographed over 50 dances. Studlien-Webb has taught and presented work internationally at the Ladek Zdroj International Dance Festival in Poland (2008 and 2013) and Claremont Project in London, England (2014). Her scholarly research for the past fifteen years often focuses on environmental sustainability which translates into her choreographic compositions; E.A.R.T.H.  (Evolution Arises Revealing True Humanity) (2007), Shared Ignorance (2011), Re[F]use (2013), Continuous Cycle (2015), and Environmental Intervention (2016), Carnival of Ruin (2021), and re(surge) (2022). In addition, Studlien-Webb maintains an active private yoga practice. She has been presenting workshops and teaching yoga in both the corporate and private sectors for more than 20 years.
George McMonigle

George McMonigle, a graduate of Temple University's Tyler School of Fine Art with a focus on Sculpture and Design from 1970 to 1974, has pursued further studies at renowned institutions including Fleisher, Philadelphia College of Art, Cornell University, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. From 1990 to 1998, he contributed his expertise as a board member for the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. His artistic prowess is celebrated globally, with his works featured in numerous public and private collections worldwide. A distinguished member of the National Sculpture Society since 1989 and The Society of Animal Artists since 1980, George McMonigle continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world.
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Jackie Kane

Introducing Jackie Kane, an Artist / Photographer who specializes in realistic paintings with an emphasis on vivid colors.  Jackie’s passion for creating Art extends into her enthusiasm for seeing the progress of her students, while her teaching style is to work with each individual’s artistic goals and skills.

Formal training in Art, Design and Photography, has made specializing in Painting as well as Architectural and Fine Art images, a natural fit.  Jackie’s own artistic journey has inspired her to teach others the many tips and tricks she has learned and developed over the years.  In addition to the essential Fundamentals of Color and Oil Painting, Jackie provides a wealth of information for your painting journey in a fun and motivational way.
Jackie is a member of Oil Painters of America, National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society and Delaware Valley Art League.  She enjoys life with her blonde Labradors, Daisy Violet and Leo.
Jane Palestini​
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Originally from the UK, Jane moved to Philadelphia in 1975 to pursue a career in social work. There, she met her husband, and together they raised two children. After spending 15 years in Iowa, they settled in West Chester, where they've called home for the past 14 years.

During a visit to family in Australia, Jane discovered her passion for nuno-felting, a technique that combines loose wool fibers with lightweight fabrics like silk. Inspired by its versatility, she expanded her repertoire to include scarves, pictures, jewelry, and 3D objects using the wet felting method.
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Though mostly self-taught, Jane enriched her skills through workshops with renowned felters in Australia and the UK. For the past decade, she has been teaching workshops, sharing the joy of nuno-felting with others eager to explore this captivating art form.
Jill Keefer
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Jill Keefer has spent her lifetime creating and supporting the arts. She started her professional career as a graphic artist and supported her children in a variety of volunteer gigs -- from an annual art gala to marching band mom to Girl Scout leader. With her kids mostly out of the house, Jill had time to focus on her own interests and get her hands dirty. Jill splits her time between hand building and throwing on the wheel and can't decide which she likes best.  
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Lily Petro

Meet Lily Petro, a talented ceramic artist calling Pennsylvania home. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with a focus on Ceramics from West Chester University in 2023, Lily's journey with clay began long before her university days.

It was in high school where Lily first unearthed her passion for ceramics, captivated by the transformative process of molding clay into functional and decorative masterpieces. Now, as an instructor and studio technician at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA, Lily shares her love for ceramics with eager learners, guiding them through the intricate art of clay manipulation and creation. With each piece she crafts, Lily continues to weave her unique blend of creativity and skill into the vibrant tapestry of the ceramic world.
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Mark Cole

T. Mark Cole, a Pennsylvania-based artist renowned for his traditional landscapes, also creates under the pseudonym Favi Dubo, specializing in abstract art. With over three decades of experience as a fine arts instructor, Cole's passion for architecture led him to document historic homes on Mount Desert Island for the State of Maine. This endeavor sparked a series of curated exhibitions and lectures, along with co-authoring two books on Stone Harbor, NJ's history. Additionally, he designed and executed diorama exhibitions at the Brandywine River Museum and undertook architectural commissions.
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Embracing theatrical design as an extension of fine arts, Cole's set designs have graced productions such as The Broken Hollow Banshee and Agnes of God, garnering nominations for Best Set Design on BroadwayWorld.com. His scenic designs include acclaimed productions like Next to Normal and The Nutcracker. Cole's artistic journey began at CCAA in high school, instilling in him the belief that artists are perpetual learners, with each brushstroke or pencil stroke marking a new evolution in their work.
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Rachel Hubbs

Rachel Hubbs is the children's and teens ceramic educator at CCAA. Throwing since 2012, she uses the concepts and skills she picked up from her Master's degree in Education and several years as a secondary teacher, to patiently show beginners of all ages the joy of clay! In her own work, she focuses on functional stoneware with a whimsical touch, often featuring the Pennsylvania seasons or local flora.
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Sue Trembath

Sue T. has been immersed in art since childhood, initially studying as an art major before dedicating over forty years to nursing. Throughout her nursing career, she maintained her creative passion, utilizing art as a form of self-care.

An accomplished paper artist and educator for over two decades, Sue holds a master's in nursing education. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, she discovered solace in Zentangle, finding beauty and tranquility in its simplicity. Now a Certified Zentangle Teacher, Sue shares her love for creativity and mindfulness with others.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Sue enjoys a supportive marriage and the company of her two beloved cats, Pixie and Petey, who offer comfort as she continues to explore her artistic journey.