Doug Billings
Bio
After receiving his BFA degree, Doug was accepted into the printmaking graduate program at Wichita State University gaining his MFA degree in Printmaking in 1982.
Later, he was accepted into the Wichita Artists Guild; Doug was a member for 12; years, serving on the Board of Directors for 7 years and as President for 3. Since 1998 he has been a member/partner for Gallery 12; the longest existing artist cooperative gallery in Wichita being founded in 1977.
Doug started a printmaking program at the Wichita Center for the Arts in 2002 and has been teaching printmaking classes at the Center since then. He is also the founder of the Tallgrass Prairie Press, an association of local printmakers; based at the now named Mark Arts Art Center.
Doug is presently teaching both printmaking & acrylic painting classes at Mark Arts Art Center as well as at Friends University. He is currently a member of the American Color Print Society and the Society of American Graphic Artists.
Connie Cofer
Artist Statement
Relief, Intaglio and Monoprint printmaking techniques should be considered for color incorporation with additional art forms. Mixed Media works well using various types of printmaking for the core or structure of the art piece. The printed world can be enhanced by adding hand coloring via watercolor, acrylic paint, marker etc. This mixed media method allows for great flexbility in color, shape, and value which can be unique. The final result is distinctively expressionistic.
Susan Fox
Artist statement
My artwork draws upon naturally occurring textures, light reflection, and color. Several of my prints incorporate the texture of woodgrain.
Bio
In fall of 2021 I began taking printmaking at Mark Arts under the instruction of Doug Billings. Prior to the printmaking class I have enjoyed creating art using different mediums including watercolor, drawing and stained glass.
Becka Jahelka
Bio
A versatile artist, continually exploring new techniques, though often applied to her same favorite subjects, landscapes and the natural world of her home state of Kansas and summer home in Colorado. She predominately makes art on paper. Her printmaking methods include reduction block, collagraph, drypoint, monoprints and monotypes. She also works with watercolor batik on Japanese papers.
Becka studied art at the University of Kansas with a focus on three-dimensional media. After raising a family and a career in business, she resumed a dedication to the creatve arts. She took classes and workshops to enhance her skills in two-dimensional media. She continues to take the studio printmaking course at Mark Arts for inspiration, instruction, and access to the large printing presses.
Wyatt McCrea
Bio
Education: BFA Bethany College | BAE & MFA Wichita State University
Taught: Kansas Newman University, Emporia State University, Wichita High School West, Wichita Collegiate High School and Wichita State University
Artist Statement
I am primarily interested in Printmaking, Photography, Drawing, Silversmithing, and 3-0 constructions. I takeimages from both nature and humanity which reflect mechanical and organic aspects. I am interested in boththe spiritual and compositional possibilities of my subjects.
Previous Exhibits include: The Fabric Gallery, Friends University 2 man show, City Arts (multiple exhibits), Wichita State University Faculty Shows
Springfield Missouri Art Museum , Savannah College of Art & Design, Birger Sandzen Gallery
Lynda Hastings Medlock
Bio
I became an "art person" in third grade after my teacher complemented a drawing I made of two girls ice skating in the snow. I loved making art as a child but always considered it a hobby I was in college at Wichita State before I left the hobby label behind and began to see myself as an artist.
I am currently an art educator for Wichita Public Schools and have taught elementary art inboth Arkansas and Wichita for a total of 17 years.
Throughout my years of teaching I have painted and experimented with other mediums however mthing on a steady basis. After moving back to Wichita in 2013, from Arkansas, I found I needed more creative continuity in my life.
Mark Arts new building opened inJanuary of 2018, I was overwhelmed at the bright new studio spaces andsigned up for a Saturday printmaking class with Doug Billings. Almost 5 years later I am still in printmaking experimenting, learning, pushing boundaries and making art. I added my love of painting to my weekly creative schedule two years ago and it became the extra oxygen needed to make it through teaching under the limitations of COVID.
I concentrate on making mono-prints because there is a close similarity to them and painting. My artistic work focuses on color and movement that that I find in nature. I strivetoward learning more on color theoryas well as abstracting forms in the photcgraphs I take for inspiration.
I have two poly prints entered in the show based on my photographs. "Spring Muse" was taken this past March during a visit to Cottonwood Falls. "Summer Relief/Botanica" was taken in 2020 on a visit to the gardens with my grandson. The photographs were copied onto Poly Print paper earlier this year and color added by applying litho ink to a stencil and running the stencil, with the poly print through the press.
Carlene Williams
Bio
For the past 20 years, Carlene has been working in the therapeutic arts with seniors in Wichita, KS. She loves to help others find the magic that she feels while creating. In this setting she has seen the healing benefits of gathering and making together. Although she has a BFA in Illustration, she has a passion for all art media and crafts. Most recently she has been combining painting and printmaking with fiber art.
Artist Statement
Although Carlene Williams has a BFA in Illustration, she has a passion for all art media and crafts. Growing up in a home with a mother who sewed, she was surrounded by fabric. Now she combines her printmaking, painting, fabric and stitching to create multi-layered and textured work.