Artist+Bios

We are delighted to have such stellar artists joining us today. Read their bio to learn more about each one as a person and artist.

Black Pinto Horse, Mr. Monte Yellowbird, Sr.

Monte Yellow Bird Sr. or better known in the art world as Black Pinto Horse is an Artist, Nationally-known Cultural and Educational Consultant, Presenter, Storyteller and Horseman of the Arikara and Hidatsa Nation from White Shield, North Dakota. He is a member of the Horse & Bear bundle Societies and believes strongly in his spiritual ways as he works hard to incorporate it into every aspect of his life. Black Pinto Horse, best expresses himself through the use of a collection of vibrant oil colors, gradient hues and shapes and symbols of his traditions. His love of color, the faith he learned from his mother and images from his First Nation heritage are all influences helping to create his artwork. T he applied color imitates the bright, bold application of Expressionism and the 20th century “**Fauvism** Movement”. His focus on collaborating “First Nation” Images with 20th century “Expressionism” has given him a better understanding of himself and has been the key to establishing his own style of works. His work is a reflection of pride his people and a respect for life. key phrase, //“We are on this earth for such a short time, if you’re going to shine, shine brightly”,// best describes his work. see work by Black Pinto Horse: www.blackpintohorsefinearts.com

Mrs. Cynthia Becker

Cynthia Becker is by day a Kindergarten teacher and by other times in a day, a jewelry fabricator and instructor from Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania where she lives with her husband, dog, and iguana. She earned a Masters of Liberal Arts degree from Temple University and has attended many classes and workshops in museums and colleges throughout Central PA. Her jewelry is driven by personal inspiration from the combination of shape, light, nature, friendships, and family. She uses PMC clay, beads, silver, photographs, found objects, and anything else interesting to connect the inspiration of each piece with the wearer. She believes that jewelry should be a remembrance of something or someone that has touched us. She also believes that experiences with creativity, such as personalized jewelry, capture the light and reflect it to others, allowing them to shine all the more brightly!

Mrs. Ann Bonwit

Potter Ann Bonwit earned an undergrad degree in Art Education from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master's degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Delaware, and has 45 additional post graduate credits beyond her degrees. Her work legacy includes 32 years of art teaching at Upper Dauphin Area and Glenolden Elementary in the Interboro School District near Philadelphia. She has also worked as a waitress, rest room engineer, manager of a "Things Remembered" store at the New London, CT Mall, and World Book salesman, and has taught Adult Ed Calligraphy and Potter's wheel classes. Her love, of course, is the students and staff of the Upper Dauphin Elementary School. Oh! And speaking of love, her husband, Ted, is part of the Gratz National Bank, and their son Alex, a recent graduate of American U in Washington DC, is employed at the Apple Store in King of Prussia, PA.

Mrs. Judy McCarthy

Mrs. McCarthy is the elementary school librarian for Northern Lebanon School District. She teachers kindergarten through 6th grade. Her most favorite of jog is reading stories and storytelling to her students in grades K-3. Since she grew up on a farm in Berks County, she has many vivid experiences that she likes to share with her students-some would be considered as 'tall tales' Pennsylvania Dutch Style.

McCarthy's hobbies include: her six grandchildren, walking, listening to many types of music, floor-clothing, painting with watercolors, and, of course, reading!