Rebekah Sanders Bynum
Owner, Creative Director, and Teacher (Huntsville)
I graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1999 with a BFA and a double concentration in graphic design and painting. I spent the next 8 years as a portrait artist and muralist. A few things that I heard repeatedly were, “well I can’t even draw a stick person!” and, “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body.” What a bummer! We all have the wit and intelligence to make art! C.S. Lewis wrote, “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” I believe this to be true, and Spirited Art® has been a wonderful way for me to encourage others to try to find their voice through art. If you can build your confidence while having fun and learning, there is no telling what stories you can tell!
Now, instead of people telling me that they can’t draw a stick figure, people are telling me of murals they’ve painted in their kid’s room. Or how they can see the shapes and lines in works of art they saw while on vacation. That makes my day! Art doesn’t have to be the ultra-snobby, highbrow item that must be explained and sold for tons of money. Just about anything that piques your senses and touches your mind or heart can be art. I hope you will come to Spirited Art® and uncork your creativity!
Madelyn Albright
Teacher (Knoxville)
Although I have enjoyed painting and drawing for as long as I can remember, the turning point was when I was in third grade. I made a blueprint of my future “dream house” and showed it to my family. They were amazed at how I had created a rather mature design and encouraged me to continue. However, growing up in small town with poor school funding, art classes were few and far between. I knew that I must pursue it independently.
From that point forward I explored and am still exploring creative outlets! I have dabbled in it all! After wandering through various types of art (from theater to screen-printing!), I decided to take those skills and expand my world by learning a new language – leading me here to Knoxville, where I am currently studying Spanish at the University of Tennessee.
Fortunately, this path has given me the incredible opportunity to travel all over the world. My personal philosophy is that EVERYONE is gifted in a unique and important way. And I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, then life is full.
So I encourage you to come and indulge in a little exploration of your own. Reach beyond your comfort zone, grab that paintbrush and come give painting a whirl!
Keithe Baggett
Teacher (Huntsville)
While I was growing up, I thought the artistic, creative genes may have jumped straight from my parents (music teachers and members/conductor for the Mass Symphony Orchestra) to my sister (professional photographer and amazing artist). I pursued the math and science route and graduated with degrees in aerospace engineering from WPI and Boston University, respectively, but kept feeling like I needed more of a balance. I moved to Huntsville to foster my career and stumbled upon Spirited Art, where my left brain met my right brain.
I love coming to the studio and seeing people gradually relax when they can infuse their own personalities into the paintings! With the right music, laughter and maybe a glass of wine (or two), an otherwise dreary day turns into something colorful and inspired. Can’t wait to paint with you!
Pam Cash
Teacher (Huntsville)
I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil in my hand. It is a wonderful thing to look closely at God’s creations and amazing colors and express yourself through paints and other mediums.
I have a BS degree in Nursing and minor in Art from the University of Alabama. I believe everyone has a little artist in them, and with encouragement and a few instructions, we all can develop these talents.
Spirited Art® is a great place to begin your journey in painting. It is a fun, friendly atmosphere that offers simple directions that will allow you to be successful and also make your painting your own.
Lauren Cliburn
Teacher (Knoxville)
For as long as I can remember, I have loved painting, coloring and basically anything that gave me the chance to play with color. I first learned to paint when I was 2 years old. Standing in the chair next to my mom, we painted while we watched Bob Ross (you have to love his happy little trees!).
My desire to create has never faded. In high school, I filled my schedule with as many drawing, painting and sculpting classes as I could. I think art classes were the only ones where I came early and stayed late! Although I painted all through college, I didn’t pursue it academically . . . at least not yet. I received my degree in Communication and Information Sciences from UT Knoxville.
Some of my favorite things to paint are giant flowers and I’m sure you can guess that Georgia O’Keeffe is one of my favorite artists! One of the best things about teaching at Spirited Art® is getting to watch people tap into their inner artist and realize they like it. Come to Spirited Art® and release your inner artist!
Susan Cooley
Teacher (Huntsville)
I have lived in Huntsville all of my life. I am married, I have four daughters and I received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Samford University.
I joined Spirited Art® in November 2010 and am loving every minute of it! I never thought I would get the opportunity to help others connect with art. What fun it is to meet people of all ages and professions with such colorful personalities! After teaching Kindergarten for over 16 years, I can pretty much teach anything step by step! When teaching a painting, I love to “walk through” the steps in a relaxed and fun way.
Picasso once said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” If you have a lot of dust in your life, art might be a good feather duster for you! It can’t hurt to give it a try. Let’s pick up our feather dusters . . . I mean paintbrushes . . . and paint together. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Raven Edwards
Studio Manager and Teacher (Knoxville)
“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.”
I believe this to be SO true – I’m in my 30′s and still love nothing more than opening up a fresh box of crayons. I could color for hours (with or without my precious children by my side). And for the record, if I could have a full 64-count box of Robin’s Egg Blue, I would be a happy girl.
After graduating from The University of Tennessee (Go Big Orange!), I spent several years as a Graphic Designer, then went back to school for a certfication in Elementary Education. And then I found Spirited Art. After my first class, I was in love. I knew I had to be part of it. I began as an Assistant, then became a Teacher and now as Studio Manager I get to combine everything that I love – art, education, and really just having a great time with lots of amazing people.
Our staff here is incredible. They’re the BEST at giving you a fabulous night out. My favority part of any class is looking at the group at the end – seeing everyone’s personality coming through loud and clear in their painting (especially the people who were afraid when class began!). Each painting is perfect in its own way. Just like each of us.
Lynda Englehart
Teacher (Little Rock)
I have a background in art but my career has been in the political arena, which makes me part-time artist and part-time political junkie! In combining those two worlds, I have found a niche that is perfect for me. The legislative process is formal and requires discipline and a strategy, while art seems far less intrusive and can be an outlet for stress relief. Working at Spirited Art allows me to stretch my artistic wings. For me, teaching is an art within itself, and a privilege! It allows me to share my experiences and serve as your guide. I love showing someone they can do something they didn’t think they could do. I hope you’ll join us soon at Spirited Art®, and give me the opportunity to paint with you!
Brandi Good
Studio Manager and Teacher (Huntsville)
I have always loved art. It is amazing to me that whether it is a painting, a sculpture or even a song, art has a way of affecting you. It can take you back to a different place in time, change a mood, or give you a new way of looking at things. Sometimes just for a moment, and sometimes for a lifetime.
I took my first painting class when I was 12 years old and I was hooked. I studied art in high school and college, and I received a BS in Studio Art with an Emphasis in Graphic Design from Florida State University in 2002. I worked as a graphic designer for several years before I had my first child. Since then, I have been doing freelance graphic design, party stationary and children’s murals.
For me, Spirited Art® is a little bit of escape from the real world. So come and escape from work, spouses, kids or just the daily grind. Anything and everything happens here.
Cortney Hall
Teacher (Knoxville)
I was lucky to have access to artistic inspiration and materials all my life. My mother is an amazing and talented artist, and made sure that if I wanted to try anything, from crayons to watercolors, I was able to give it a whirl.
When I went away to college, I promised myself I’d try a little bit of everything before settling on a major, but by my second semester, I knew art was for me. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, concentration in drawing, but despite all my professional training, the lessons that have meant the most to me all came from my mother.
She taught me that everyone has the potential to be an artist, as evidenced by the fact that every child loves to paint and draw, but it’s when we grow up and our own critical voices take control, that so many of us give it up. I’m so happy to be a part of Spirited Art®, where our collective goal is to teach everyone how to silence that inner criticism, to break down what they see into simple shapes and colors, and embrace the artist hiding in all of us! There is no greater satisfaction than looking around a room full of first time painters, and seeing each and every one proudly completely their own masterpiece.
Come paint with me some night and I promise I will make a believer out of you!
Jill Hollingsworth
Teacher (Knoxville)
A teacher at heart, I grew up in Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a BA in Arts in History and a minor in Dance Pedagogy. I love teaching people of all ages everything from dance classes to swimming lessons! I have always had an appreciation for all art forms and from this appreciation, have nurtured a natural ability to draw and paint.
As a former student at Spirited Art, I have seen firsthand what fun and joy it brings to people. You end up with a unique “masterpiece” that you created from a blank canvas. More importantly, it is the experience itself and sense of accomplishment that you take with you from class. It is this feeling that makes these classes so much more than painting. They spark your creativity, lift your spirit and give you a moment out of your everyday world. As Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
Emily Hopper
Expansion Manager and Teacher (All locations!)
Having traveled an a-typical path to become a painting teacher, I am living proof that anyone can create beautiful art, no matter how “Type-A” you may be; all you have to do is take a deep breath, and a few sips of wine, and TRY IT!
I was introduced to painting by a college friend and in a few short years, it has developed into an unexpected and unbelievably rewarding career. During college at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), I was a competitive public speaker and received my degree in Psychology. I worked in my field for several years as a Substance Abuse Counselor and then as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Educator, but it wasn’t until I moved home to pursue law school that I was introduced to this incredible company.
I came to work for Spirited Art just as it was getting off the ground. Coming from being one of two employees to helping develop a business that now has multiple locations in several states has been an amazing experience! I put my pursuit of law school on hold to become Spirited Art’s Expansion Manager and now travel across the nation yelling “Don’t Drink the Paint Water!” and spreading Spirited Art’s philosophy far and wide. Meeting people from around the country who are only just learning of Spirited Art, and seeing their excitement toward our concept, is continually refreshing. I’m one of those few lucky people who can whole-heartedly say I LOVE MY JOB!
Lucy Inserra
Teacher (Little Rock)
Like most artists, I was introduced to art at a very young age and it has been my passion ever since. Painting is my favorite medium as it soothes the soul. Painting expresses who I am and how I see the world around me. I recently received a BA in Studio Art from UALR and am thrilled to have the opportunity to encourage others to learn how to paint, or to simply relax and have fun with art. When the world around you is full of uncontrollable things, one thing you can depend on is that once your paint brush hits the canvas, magic happens.
Nichole Mumert
Teacher (Little Rock)
First and foremost, I am a mom to one awesome little boy and four furry kids, and I am a wife. I have a wonderful family who supports and encourages my aspirations. I wouldn’t be where I am today without each of them providing inspiration. My entire life I struggled with the decision of pursing a degree in either art or veterinary medicine. Animals and art have been passions in life since I was a small child. As it turned out I got the best of all worlds. I was able to work for a veterinary clinic while earning a BA in Studio Art from Lyon College (Batesville, AR) where I developed side job doing pet portraits for our clientele. Since then I have been a commission artist.
Moving to Little Rock to pursue my husband’s career has been such a blessing for my family. When his career brought him across Spirited Art, he said, “Nikki, you have see this place, I think it would be perfect for you.” He couldn’t have been more right! Spirited Art is an amazing, innovative place that allows people of any skill level to come in and enjoy the art of painting without the pressure or time constraints of a formal class.
Every heard the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life . . . “ I love my life because every day is a challenge, every day is something new. As a teacher I get to nurture each individual’s strengths whether that means giving helpful hints of direction, teaching a technique, or simply providing encouragement while watching beauty unfold. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to give back that which has been such a huge part of my life and happiness. With commission work the most rewarding parts are the smiles, tears of joy, and often times hugs from people who are truly moved by my work. And now, thanks to Spirited Art, I get the same reactions from people over their own accomplishments.
Katie Sturgis
Teacher (Huntsville)
My career in Art began when my mother handed me and my siblings a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. To this day, she still takes credit for all of her kids’ artistic abilities (kidding . . . mostly). Art was always a hobby for me, second to sports and other things, until I went to college. At Auburn University, after switching majors numerours times, I finally settled into the Arts program.
I fell in love with painting the moment I tried it. I am thrilled to be able to teach what I love!
