Our Instructors

Our "Master Gardeners" ... of Art

Meet our Instructors ...

At MWCA, our teachers are more than talented artists—they are passionate, experienced, and thoughtfully chosen for their ability to inspire others. Whether you’re a beginner or building on existing skills, our instructors are committed to creating classes that are welcoming, engaging, and full of creative energy.

We’re proud to have some of the best teaching artists around. Get to know the incredible people who make our classrooms come to life.

Lydia-kay Blackburn: Summer Camp and Pottery

Lydia-Kay Blackburn is an experienced art educator with over 30 years of teaching in both public and private schools, working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

She holds bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in Art Education from the University of Georgia (UGA).

Lydia-Kay is passionate about helping young artists grow their creativity and confidence, encouraging them to “make their thinking visible” through a variety of art media in a supportive, engaging environment.

Gracy Bondy: Therapeutic Arts Practitioner

Human Services Professional and Certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner, Gracy Bondy integrates creative and nature-based approaches to support individuals and families through life’s challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in community welfare settings locally and abroad, she has worked extensively with trauma-affected populations, vulnerable children, at-risk youth, and families navigating grief, recovery, disability, abuse, and major life transitions.

A Walton County native, Gracy trained as an artist at Penland School of Craft, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling from Point University, and completed Master of Social Work education at Albany State University. She has advanced training in therapeutic arts, trauma-informed facilitation, grief support, animal-assisted interventions, and nature-based practices including forest bathing and blue therapy.

Her work is strengths-based, relational, and trauma-informed, drawing from mixed media, textiles, clay, and expressive arts methodologies. Gracy works with adults, youth, and children through individual and family sessions, support groups, workshops, and retreats. Her services are non-clinical in nature and do not include psychotherapy, diagnosis, or mental health treatment.

Gina A. Bramble: Photography

Gina Bramble is an award-winning, Georgia-born photographer with over 40 years of experience. A Walton County resident for more than two decades, she draws inspiration from her love of nature and the outdoors, often capturing images with a minimal-editing approach that allows the subject to speak for itself.

In addition to nature photography, Gina’s work includes portraits, families, weddings, pets, and real estate.

She has been teaching photography course at MWCA for several years and offers classes quarterly. Gina enjoys helping students build confidence behind the camera while developing their own creative eye.

Her work can be viewed at her website.

Judy Burress: Fabric arts and weaving

Judy Burress is a lifelong crafter and skilled seamstress with a passion for creative making. As a valued member of the Monroe Makers group, she is known for her attention to detail and thoughtfully organized projects.

Judy’s classes are warm, welcoming, and engaging—filled with laughter, learning, and plenty of “wow, I made that!” moments. She enjoys helping students of all skill levels build confidence while creating something they’re proud of.

Donna Coffman: Friday Night Art Party (adults), Kids Paint & Pizza, Brushes and Bites, After School Arts Program (ASAP), Summer Art Camp, Artistic Shelter (grief/loss workshops)

Donna Coffman has been a driving force behind the growth of MWCA’s education program since joining the Board of Directors in 2015. As Education Chair, she has helped expand the program from just a few classes to a thriving offering of over 60 classes and events each month.

A homeschool mom of three, Donna taught art at a local homeschool co-op for over 15 years.

Donna is known for her kind, encouraging teaching style and creative spirit, helping both children and adults feel confident, inspired, and excited to create.

Jennier Dominy: Paint Parties
https://jennifersartstudiollc.com/

Jennifer Dominy is the creative force behind Jennifer’s Art Studio, LLC, specializing in acrylic painting. Her work spans a range of styles—from impressionistic and contemporary realism to abstract and whimsical—reflecting her love of color, expression, and storytelling.

An active member of the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts (MWCA), Jennifer serves as Gallery Chair and contributes to both the Gallery and Shop Committees. Her artwork has been featured in numerous MWCA exhibits, including the Member’s Show (Honorable Mention), as well as regional and juried exhibitions.

Since 2021, Jennifer has been teaching “paint pARTy” style classes for both adults and children. Her classes are fun, encouraging, and approachable, with a focus on helping students relax, explore their creativity, and enjoy the process of painting.

Eileen Driscoll: ArtReach, General arts, collage, and Summer Art Camp

Eileen is a retired educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in a wide range of settings, including public schools, Head Start, after-school programs, and adult education. She has worked with students of all ages and abilities, including those with diverse physical, emotional, and learning needs.

She holds a BA in General Studio Art with a minor in Education and a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Career and Technical Education. Her continued studies include watercolor, acrylic painting, collage, and handbuilding ceramics at institutions such as the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning.

Eileen’s work has been exhibited in regional and national shows, including the Lyndon House Arts Center, Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF), and the Hudgens Center.

Eileen enjoys helping students discover their creative voice through a variety of media. Her classes are relaxed, supportive, and exploratory, encouraging students to build skills while enjoying the creative process.

Rebecca Good: pottery

Rebecca has been doing pottery for 11 years. Coming from a family of artists, including potters, oil painters, and quilters, she fell in love with pottery in high school. She went on to major in art education with a minor in ceramics in college, and has been teaching art to kids for 7 years. She loves making pottery, watercolor paintings, and quilting in her free time!

Sheila Hudson: Creative Writing

Sheila is an award-winning writer with over 20 years of experience, with work published in numerous anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Not Your Mother’s Book, and Chocolate for Women, as well as a variety of magazines and literary collections. Her writing has been published internationally and translated into Korean.

She has served in leadership roles with the Southeastern Writers Association, including two terms as President, and has worked as a feature writer, reviewer, and contributor across multiple publications.

Alongside her husband, Tim, Sheila co-founded Bright Ideas, a ministry focused on fostering hope and inspiration through writing and speaking. She enjoys encouraging others to find their voice, share their stories, and grow in confidence as writers.

Laura Hunt: Painting and crafts

Laura is a lifelong creative who enjoys exploring a wide range of artistic and hands-on projects. Influenced by her family from a young age, she learned skills such as crocheting, sewing, and woodworking, which continue to inspire her work today.

She holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia and spent over 35 years working as an IT software engineer. In recent years, Laura has embraced watercolor painting and creative building projects, often incorporating repurposed materials.

Laura loves sharing her creativity with others and brings a warm, encouraging spirit to her classes. She enjoys helping students explore new ideas, try new techniques, and discover the joy of making something uniquely their own.

NancyJeanette Long: Acrylic Painting

NancyJeanette is an accomplished painter and educator with a lifelong passion for art. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, she has studied at several universities—including Texas Christian University, the University of Texas, Indiana University, East Tennessee State University, and the University of West Georgia—where she pursued both academic studies and formal art training.

She taught art for over a decade at The Heritage School in Newnan, Georgia, and has led workshops and classes at studios throughout the region. Her work, now focused in acrylics and pastels, has received numerous awards and has been exhibited in juried shows across the United States.

NancyJeanette teaches acrylic painting at MWCA and serves on the Gallery Committee. She is passionate about helping students discover their own artistic style, believing that everyone can learn to paint and enjoy the creative journey along the way.

You can follow NancyJeanette on her website, Facebook, or Instagram:
Website: www.disRemembering.com
Facebook: NancyJeanetteArt
Instagram: @nancyjtte

Jordan Longenecker: printmaking

Jordan Longenecker is a Monroe native and graduate of Walnut Grove High School. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration for Marketing and Advertising from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2023.

During her studies, Jordan developed a love for printmaking, drawn to its hands-on process and unique, handmade quality. She currently works as a fine artist and artist assistant.

Jordan enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for printmaking and helping students explore creative techniques in a fun, approachable way.

Linda Luzum: oil painting

Linda Luzum is a Fine Arts graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a strong background in oil painting and a deep love for traditional fine art. Her work includes portraiture, landscapes, still life, and figures in motion, often blending impressionistic techniques with elements of realism.

For more than 20 years, Linda has continued to grow as an artist through study with both local and nationally recognized artists. She brings a thoughtful, encouraging approach to teaching and enjoys helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and discover the joy of working in oils.

Ann Mann: Creative Journaling

Rev. Ann Mann is an Emmy Award-winning writer, pastor, artist, and author who is passionate about helping others tap into their creativity through journaling.

She leads hands-on “Creative Journaling” workshops that invite participants to play, explore, and discover the joy of self-expression on the page. Her classes are welcoming, reflective, and designed for all experience levels.

Grace McCormick: Fiber Arts and Monroe Makers

Grace McCormick is a fiber artist with a lifelong passion for crochet and handmade craft. Inspired by her family at a young age, she has spent years exploring a wide range of fiber arts, including knitting, tatting, macramé, and more.

A longtime Walton County resident, Grace is an active member of MWCA and a co-founder of the Monroe Makers group, a welcoming weekly gathering that fosters creativity, connection, and community. She is also involved in creating handmade items for Art MD Boxes, supporting individuals experiencing difficult or traumatic moments.

Grace creates and sells a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, fiber art pieces, and paper quilling, and regularly participates in MWCA exhibits and the gift shop.

She teaches fiber arts classes at MWCA and offers private left-handed crochet instruction. Grace loves sharing her knowledge and helping students discover the joy, creativity, and connection that handmade art can bring.

Vera Miller: pyrography and acrylic painting

Vera is a visual artist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in pyrography and acrylic painting. Her work is narrative-driven and inspired by nature, storytelling, and the beauty of handmade craft.

She works in woodburning and acrylic painting, incorporating techniques such as layering, texture, and mixed-media approaches to create rich, expressive pieces.

As an experienced teaching artist, Vera leads engaging, hands-on workshops for both adults and youth. Her classes are approachable, creative, and designed to help students of all skill levels feel confident and inspired.

She has taught at Spark (Ann Peden) and the University of Georgia (UGA).

Jen Schwartz: Pottery

I’ve been working with clay since 2018, with experience in both wheel throwing and hand-building. My work focuses primarily on functional ware, with an emphasis on creating pieces that are both useful and visually interesting. I rarely make the same piece twice, and I enjoy experimenting with form, surface, and design. As an instructor, I aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring clay and developing their own style.

Joel Shimkus: Pottery

What do you do when your last year of college course load is two credits shy? Everyone said, “Take the ceramics class.” So I did. And I fell in love with it. Then graduation came, and I entered a world where it could not follow. Eight years later, after all my initial plans had come to nothing, I found and joined a local pottery studio. For eight years I was part of a thriving ceramic arts community where I could create, experiment, discuss, listen, and learn, learn, learn. Then I had to move away, and it could not follow. I have had the satisfaction of using my own dishes every day for over ten years—no art degrees, no formal training, nothing flashy. I am just one in the countless multitudes that have been making things with clay for thousands of years. Come join me.

Susie Skillman: Fiber Arts

Susie Skillman is a lifelong creative with a passion for fiber arts, beading, and mixed media. After raising her family in South Florida, she now calls Monroe, Georgia home, where she enjoys being a grandmother and staying actively involved in the arts community.

Her teaching experience spans the Southeast, including women’s groups, retreats, birthday parties, and classes for both children and adults. At MWCA, she serves on the Board of Directors as Event Chair.

Susie’s classes are energetic, welcoming, and hands-on. She loves sharing her creativity and helping others discover the joy of making something with their own hands.

Denise Van Balen: painting and pottery

Denise found her artistic passion while drawing stick people on her bedroom wall as a child. Nurturing her creative journey, Denise obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Columbus College of fine Arts.

She spent the next 30+ years reflecting on and refining her painting, drawing, sculpting, graphic design and teaching techniques. Denise’s mediums are watercolor, oil, acrylic, and pastel painting; graphic pencil and color pencil drawings; and clay sculpture.

Amy Weems: preschool art (Art Sprouts)

Amy Weems is a painter who is passionate about using creativity as a joyful, healing, and engaging experience for children.

She has spent several years volunteering at her church’s Vacation Bible School and art camps, leading hands-on projects that encourage imagination and fun. At MWCA, she also leads drop-in workshops at Rust & Dust.

Amy brings warmth, patience, and enthusiasm to every class, creating a welcoming environment where young artists can explore, build confidence, and enjoy the creative process. She is also a talented face painter, adding an extra touch of fun and creativity to her work.

Feel free to contact our teachers for more information!

Barbara Barth (Literary Arts Chair: Walton Writers, Monday Write-In): [email protected]
Gracey Bondy (Therapeutic Arts Practitioner): [email protected]
Lydia Kay Blackburn (summer camp and pottery): [email protected]
Gina Bramble (photography): [email protected]
Judy Burress (fabric art, weaving): [email protected]
Donna Coffman (Education Chair: sip and paint, kids ASAP, paint and pizza, summer camp, birthday parties, artistic shelter): [email protected]
Jennifer Dominy (acrylic painting, paint pARTy): [email protected]
Eileen Driscoll (Summer Art Camp and mixed media/collage and more for adults): [email protected]
Rebecca Good (pottery): [email protected]
Sheila Hudson (creative writing): [email protected]
Laura Hunt (crafts and painting): [email protected]
NancyJeanette Long (acrylic painting): [email protected]
Jordan Longenecker (printmaking): [email protected]
Linda Luzum (oil painting): [email protected]
Grace McCormick (fiber arts, Monroe Makers): [email protected]
Vera Miller (pyrography and painting): r[email protected]
Hope Reese (resin tumblers, beaded bracelets): [email protected]
Jen Schwartz (pottery): [email protected]
Joel Shimkus (pottery): [email protected]
Susie Skillman (fiber arts): [email protected]
Denise Van Balen (painting and pottery): [email protected]
Amy Weems (preschool): [email protected]