Our Instructors

Laurie Blue is a local girl who grew up in Ridgeway and has always been in love with doodling and painting since the time she was a little girl. She graduated from Sheridan College of Art and works as a freelance artist/illustrator in-between teaching and being a mom. She is passionate about nurturing artistic talent and has taught several age groups from the ages of 3 to 80 years of age. Currently Laurie is a full time art teacher at Niagara Christian Collegiate where she has taught for the last twelve years. 

Crystal Beach artist Melani Pyke has been painting and teaching for 30 years.

Her paintings are collected worldwide, and she has participated in juried exhibitions nationally and internationally. While her surrealist oil and acrylic paintings carry messages of hope and healing, Melani is also well known for window and wall murals across Fort Erie and beyond. With a wide base of knowledge and experience, Melani is eager to inspire beginners and experienced artists alike who are looking to try a class.

www.melpyke.com

Maria Harrison-Edge is an acrylic, watercolour & ink artist, and a Fort Erie Arts Council (FEAC) Board Member.  

Maria began in 2005 to paint in watercolour, unfolding a talent and a spirited passion. She continues to develop her artistic skills by attending courses to enhance her techniques.  As a self-taught artist, she has developed an understanding of what works and doesn't when creating her artwork; it's from these lessons that she is able to teach and engage her art students to learn and find their creative niche.

Her work has been displayed in several exhibitions and there are many commissioned pieces that can be found in private collections throughout Canada.

 Hazel Vacon Reinhart has enjoyed creating art since childhood. The retired Children's Services Coordinator has taught painting with seniors at Portal Village in Port Colborne and at Michaels. Over the years she has taken courses at the Haliburton School of Fine Art, Niagara College and  Brock University. Hazel paints primarily in acrylics, but also enjoys the transparency of watercolours. As an instructor her aim is to help those who take her course to explore their own creativity and discover the joy of painting.