Artist Registry
The Artist Registry includes biographical and other information artists in the Fine Arts Program at the Center for Excellence at West Virginia University. Images of artists' artwork are available for public view in the Artist Gallery. The Gallery is designed for individuals interested in purchasing artwork, finding an art teacher, or for learning more about the artists and their art work. If you would like to speak to someone about any of the artists, please follow the link in their biography, or call 293-4692, ext 1159.
The Artists Registry connects artists to online visitors, including researchers, publishers, collectors, exhibitors and arts administrators. The listing is a work in progress and is updated weekly.
Rusty Allard
Rusty Allard was from Huntington, West Virginia. At the time he was introduced to Center staff, Allard was living in a homeless shelter and producing carefully crafted and intriguing "watercolors" using graphite and the dye from the outside of M & M chocolate candies. Rusty drowned in the summer of 2005. Before his death, Center staff helped him sell two paintings. With this money, Allard purchased oil paint and produced his last three paintings. His commitment and love of the arts were, "What kept (him) going," according to Allard. For more information, call Helen Panzironi at 304-293-4692 x 1154 or e-mail her at hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu. See Rusty's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Charles "Chuck" Andrews
Charles "Chuck" Andrews is an artist who has Charcot - Marie - Tooth (CMT) disease, which affects the functioning of the peripheral nerves. Andrews works in oil, watercolor, acrylic and pencil. Andrews says he started drawing at a young age, doodling rather than "getting into trouble, like other kids in my neighborhood." Andrews found that artists at arts festivals were often willing to teach him when he asked. His ambition is to learn painting techniques and to teach students in his home. For more information, call Chuck at 304-534-3362. See Chuck's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Stephanie Ayres
Stephanie Ayers is a 1996 graduate of Morgantown High School and the Monongalia County Vocational / Technical Center. She is employed at The Dominion Post. Stephanie is taking drawing classes and exploring opportunities in the arts, as well as music therapy. She has been participating in the mentor program at the Center and particularly enjoys painting with WVU art student, Kristina Palumbo. See Stephanie's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Dewey Berry
Dewey Berry was born in a log cabin in Roane County, West Virginia. Although Dewey began producing sculpture in the late 1970s, he has never produced a large number of pieces as he spends hundreds of hours on a single sculpture. He uses wood from apple, cherry, oak, and pear trees found on the property his family settled on in 1835. For more information e-mail Dewey at geneberry_2000@yahoo.com. See Dewey's sculptures in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Mark Calvert
Mark Calvert says, "I got a camera in 1982. Instead of using a gun or a bow I would shoot the animals with a camera. I just enjoyed, and still do, being able to capture the beauty and essence of the outdoors. After my accident, which left me in a wheelchair, my hobby of photography turned into much more. It slowly progressed into my life’s work and I am now on my way to bringing my passion for my art into others’ homes for them to enjoy and love as much as I do." For more information, call Mark at 304-864-7395 or e-mail him at bigtruck45@frontiernet.net. See Mark's photography in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
David Caplinger
David Caplinger is the brother of Steven Caplinger, of Parkersburg, WV. David lives in Williamstown, WV. "I started drawing in the 70’s, including cartoon’s, cars and Mad Comic Books. I would also take movie star magazines and try to draw them. It worked sometimes, and sometimes not. My brother and I have developed our own technique for doing original artwork on t-shirts. I am learning to draw on the computer now. I get my inspiration from people, places, books – everything!" See David's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Steven Caplinger
"I am from Parkersburg, WV. I receive my inspiration for my work from a variety of people and places. I have done greeting cards for SW Resources and I sell commissions. My inspiration is Daddy Roth, the creator of Rat Fink." See Steven's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Alec Davis
Alec Davis from Martinsburg, West Virginia has been around painting and sculpture all his life. His doctors said he would never walk or talk due to cerebral palsy and a mysterious “sensory disorder.” At 17, he began to express his many emotions through watercolors. Now at 19, he insists on his own art studio and will tell anyone who asks that he is an artist. Art has been a way out of Autism for him and a way to connect to the rest of the world. For more information, e-mail kathrynvdavis@yahoo.com. See Alec's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Delmar Davis
Delmar was born in a hollow in Wayne, West Virginia. He attended numerous schools and also had a homebound teacher. In 2007 he learned that he could not learn to read which explained his problems with reading and spelling in school. His brain connecters were damaged at birth creating a learning disability.
Delmar has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventists Church for sixty years and now serves as a deacon.
He would like to get his own book published and to have someone write the music for all the songs he has written. For more information, call Delmar at 304-344-0050 or e-mail him logcabinman11@verizon.net. Read Delmar's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Rodney Dukes
Rodney Dukes is from Huntington and he describes his work as "primarily of my feelings of myself." He was always attracted to art of all kinds, from drawing to woodwork. Dukes is a self-taught artist, who is interested in taking classes to further his education in the arts. "Mixing mediums enables me to accept myself and the world around me, which brings enjoyment and happiness to me, and hopefully others," states Dukes. For more information, call Rodney at 304-690-1200 or e-mail him at rdukes012@comcast.net. See Rodney's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Joseph Gatski
Joseph Gatski wass a published poet, songwriter, musician, watercolorist, naturalist and maker of bamboo flutes. Born in Fairmont and raised in Grafton he had extensively explored, painted and written poems about the eastern mountains in "Wild Sweet Notes - An Anthology of West Virginian Poetry" by Publisher Place in Huntington, WV. Other publications include, "Artworks" by the West Virginia Cultural Center, "The Highlands Voice," "Goldenrod Magazine," "The Dominion Post," and the "Mon County Review." The World of Poetry in Sacramento California gave Gatski an award of merit for his poem "Earth Time," published in their Great Poems of the Western World. In 1993, Joseph released a collection of poems "Promontory" published by the Greenmont Publishing Company and he has three other collections of poems, "Annie's Stick," "Cranberry Way" and "Anthology."
As a songwriter, musician and poet, he had performed for over 25 years and has played and read poetry at the Cultural Center in Charleston, the Monongalia Arts Center in Morgantown, the Crossky's Village in Baltimore MD, the Blue Moose Café in Morgantown, the WVU College of Creative Arts, the WV Cultural Center and the William Tomlinson Art Gallery in Morgantown. He had also appeared with the Creative Garden Theatre Company as a musician. He was a guest poet at the West Virginia Poetry Society Convention in October 2001 and lectured and read to the Grafton High School Literature class in Autumn of 2001.
As a naturalist, Gatski harvested medicinal herbs, edible plants and mushrooms, and grew and transplanted herbs to continue the health of these species. He also grew and used West Virginia bamboo to fashion a variety of musical flutes and paints in watercolor the wild plants and backwoods scenes he loved so well.
Gatski continued to perform, paint and write about his deep woods explorations until his death in November 2007. For more information, call Helen Panzironi at 304-293-4692 x 1154 or e-mail her at hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu. Read Joseph's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Gary Godorov
Gary Allen Godorov is from West Virginia, but currently lives in Savannah, Georgia. In his younger years he was placed in special education classes with no encouragement to learn. As an adult, he writes about deep emotions and hopes this may help others who may be feeling the same way.
Gary is interested in public speaking at schools or other organizations about the topic of mental illness and depression. He also wants to write plays, children’s books and an autobiography. He is currently busy working on a college degree in business, writing more poetry and planning the rest of his life. For more information, call Gary at 912-414-4831 or e-mail him at southerenliving@myway.com. Read Gary's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Cliff Holliday
Cliff Holliday is from Oak Hill, West Virginia and paints in oils. " I’m a self-taught artist," says Holliday, "still trying to find my way. I enjoy art of all types and hope to improve my skills to a professional level. I’ve done commissioned paintings. I’ve been in a couple of shows." Cliff’s goal is to eventually teach people with disabilities and others in his home studio. He is particularly devoted to supporting folks with developmental disabilities. See Cliff's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Jay Honeycutt
Born in Cary, North Carolina into a family of artists, Jay attended Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. As a freelance artist and illustrator, Jay has designed logos for toys, illustrated technical publications for NCSU and others, and was staff illustrator for "Kidsville Magazine." Jay is a portrait artist, and sometimes a caricature artist for events hosted by GE, IBM, North Hills Mall, and Triangle Town Center. His work includes murals and faux finishing at Rex Hospital, WDNC AM 620 Radio Station at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a restaurant in Cary, NC, and private residences. Jay currently lives in Raleigh. Jay’s lighter side can be seen through his work as an editorial cartoonist for the "Apex Herald," "Fuquay-Varina Independent," "Holly Springs Sun," "Cleveland Post" and "Garner News." He is the only out–of-state artist in the gallery, and hopes to serve as a mentor for others, as well as learning along the way.
Jay is also a picture framer and instructor at The Nature of Art in Cary, North Carolina. His classes include art fundamentals for beginners to advanced students in various media including pastels, acrylics, oils, and ink washes. Jays states, "I come from a family of artists and have had many influences. My favorite subjects are usually peaceful nature scenes. I paint what I see and try to tune in to color. My technique varies and is still evolving." For more information, call Helen Panzironi at 304-293-4692 x 1154 or e-mail her at hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu. See Jay's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Caleb Hudson
My name is Caleb Hudson. I am eighteen years old and a student at Riverside High School in Belle, West Virginia. I have C4 quadriplegia due to a diving accident in 2005 when I broke my C4 vertebrae. I like to paint because I can do this activity independently. Everything I could do independently was taken away after the accident. Football, basketball and baseball and many every day activities are no longer possible for me. But I can paint with a paintbrush in my mouth and express myself. Painting is one activity that I can do independently and enjoy. I like to paint religious pictures and landscapes. These scenes are most relaxing and interesting to be. The reactions of people inspire me. I want people to enjoy my pictures and be inspired by me. I want the pictures to be comforting, relaxing and peaceful. This is how I want to live my life.
Candace Jordan
Candace Jordan was born in Amarillo, Texas, into a military family and has resided in Morgantown since 1991. She enjoys both writing and painting, tending to write during the winter months and paint in the open air during spring, summer and fall. Her paintings celebrate the natural world—external reality—whereas her writing tends to explore inner landscapes. One of her artistic goals is to reverse those tendencies—to write from the outside in and to paint from the inside out—just for a change of perspective. For more information, call Candace at 304-291-3577 or e-mail her at abyssfish@labs.net. Read Candace's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Daniel Lantz
"I was born in Alexandria, Virginia and moved to West Virginia as an infant and have lived here my entire life. My work reflects aspects of the human personality especiallyl what it is like to be in a depressed state of mind, to be in love, to have lost the love of your life and the human struggle of day to day life as we know it. My works tells the day to day emotions that we all go through each and everyone imaginable from joy, anger and love to the lowest depths of despair. I believe that my work captures the human spirit as we are and that many people will be able to relate to one aspect of it or another." For more information e-mail Daniel at scifihero@suddenlink.net. Read Daniel's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Butch Lee
Butch Lee is a graphic artist who for forty years has left his mark on West Virginia. Many community members remember his mural Steppin’ Out, on Daniel’s Men’s Store, in downtown Morgantown. Most recently Butch donated a mural to the United Way, honoring individuals who gave service to the victims of 9-1-1, which is located at Riverfront Park on Don Knotts Boulevard. In 2003, Butch was seriously injured in an automobile accident. This is the first time Butch has exhibited his work since the accident, and says he finds it “invigorating.” Butch also volunteers for ADAPT WV. He has donated thousands of dollars of art supplies and technical expertise in the past ten years to artists and art projects designed for people with disabilities. For more information call Butch at 304-292-5822 or e-mail him at bigart@labs.net. See Butch's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Tucker Lewis
Tucker Lewis is a young man on a mission. At only twelve years old, his primary goal is to dispel the myth of incompetence surrounding people with disabilities through his success as both an artist and an ambassador. Tucker has already sold seven pieces and had a one-person show. You can learn more about Tucker on his website, www.TuckersTrust.org or e-mail j.tucker.lewis@gmail.com. See Tucker's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Echo McCallister
A resident of Clay, West Virginia, Echo’s work and story is remarkable on many levels. He has been able to create art and have it shown widely despite having autism, living through child abuse and having spent numerous years in state institutions. For more information call Chris Nooney at 304-587-4205. See Echo's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Melanie McKelvy
Melanie is an artist who recently moved to West Virginia from Florida where she taught art classes for children in her community. Besides working on private commissions, Melanie does window murals for local businesses. She currently volunteers her time with the CED Fine Arts Program and wants to teach. She is also volunteering at the CED and helping emerging artists develop basic skills in a variety of media. Melanie would like to continue to work, and explore employment in the arts. See Melanie's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Josh Miller
Josh Miller is a 22 year old self-advocate ambassador for the Mountain State Direct Action Center (MSDAC), a non-profit agency in West Virginia operated by individuals with disabilities, their families and friends. Josh lives in his own home in Lewisburg. He is a drummer, performer and creative artist. After being named Homecoming King in 2002 at Greenbrier East High School, Josh has gone on to wow audiences across the state with his infectious good humor and awesome dance moves. Josh is a fan of Cuban music and musicians, which was the inspiration for his piece "Cuarto del Tula." Proceeds for this painting will go to MSDAC. See Josh's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Evonne Nicholson
Evonne Nicholson is from Morgantown and is a dedicated painter. She has Cerebral Palsy and uses a head pointer to produce her work. Evonne has recently shown her work for the first time in Charleston, West Virginia. Her influences include the California colorists, as well as Georgia O’Keefe. She is an expressive painter who wants to paint as a profession and to exhibit her work.
For more information, call Evonne at 304-296-3866 or e-mail her at evonnenicholson@yahoo.com. See Evonne's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery. Read Evonne's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Vijay Patnaik
Vijay is a 22 year old male with Autism. He communicates with a picture book and some sign language. He lives at home with his mother Angela Bryson, and they are often in the community. Vijay likes to cook and does not mind tending to a garden occasionally. Vijay’s passion is to paint and he expresses himself with the colors of his palette. In October 2005, Vijay received a second place national recognition award through the San Diego University. Vijay is a prolific painter and has sold several pieces of his art on e-Bay and donates his art work at the annual Walk for Autism event. For more information, call Vijay at (304) 529-0343 or e-mail him at angpatnaik@aol.com. See Vijay's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Chris Putkowski
My Name is Christine "Chris" Fowler Putkowski. I am a lifelong resident of the beautiful Mountain State of WV, a Morgantown resident, a graduate of WVU, and a survivor of a brain tumor. I now reside in the Cheat Lake Area with my husband Vince. I have two children, Jessica Walls and Derrick Walls.
My Photography is inspired by being blessed with such abundant beauty and interesting sites in West Virginia. Wild flowers, mountains, streams, structures’/old & new, and the occasional personality I can’t resist.
My goal is to take a picture that will light up someone’s life in just the perfect way!
For more information, e-mail Chris at royalorchidchris@yahoo.com. See Chris' photographs in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Joseph "Mark" Rogers
Joseph "Mark" Rogers is a fifty year old self-taught artist from Mount Clare, West Virginia, who has been drawing all his life. Rogers frequently sketches scenes from his imagination for hours at a time. In his first exhibition at the PATHS Artist Showcase, Mark sold 12 pieces of artwork. His goals are to pursue arts as a hobby, take formal art classes and sell his work. See Mark's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Tara Roush
Tara Roush is 30 years old, and from Cross Lanes, West Virginia. Tara’s creations include painting, mixed media and clay. Her unique use of color and texture bring a moving spirit to her work. Tara had a painting on display in the office of Governor Joe Manchin in 2005. Over the years, she has enjoyed expressing her artistic talent by creating gifts for family and friends. E-mail Tara at pamroush@wvdhhr.org. See Tara's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Lori Santer
Lori Santer likes to produce work with colored pencil, but also enjoys watercolor. In high school Lori did "Two Days Before Christmas," which was published in an article called "Don’t Stress" on the Parkersburg TV News. She is inspired by the work of her cousin, Chris, who is a professional artist. "I like his work," said Lori, "because he has always appreciated my art. My grandmother also encouraged me to continue to draw from a young age." "I like fantasy work, because it motivates me…I make things up from my mind, and sometimes follow the work of other fantasy artists." Lori would like to find a way to make money in the art field. She says her greatest enthusiast is her boyfriend, Clark Queen. "Clark leans more toward nature, but he is really a fun person and keeps me going." See Lori's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Vicki Shaffer
Vicki L. Shaffer who now lives in Morgantown is a Preston County native. She started writing when she worked for a Preston County newspaper in the early 90s. There she also started her advocacy career fighting for people with disabilities which she continues to do today.
Vicki was born with cerebral palsy but she does not let her disability get in the way of her dreams. She used a tracker until she finally got to a point that she didn’t need one. "I use my paintings to tell a story," she shared. Vicki hopes for a day when people with disabilities do not have to fight for their basic rights to live in the community and enjoy life.
For more information, e-mail Vicki at furbygirl30@yahoo.com. See Vicki's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery. Read Vicki's poetry in the CED Fine Arts Poetry Corner.
Greg Siegwart
Born in Wheeling, Greg Siegwart’s interest in oil painting was inspired by paintings by his great grandfather Joshif Siegwart, a Swiss immigrant. A self-taught artist, Greg has progressed into a fine art painter. He has completed numerous commissioned pieces including portraits, still life, wild life, land scapes, fantasy and animal portraits. For more information, call Greg at 304-243-1066 or e-mail him at art_and_design_studio@hotmail.com. See Greg's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Marcia Springston
"I am a full time studio potter in rural West Virginia. My disability is that I am totally blind. Clay is a tactile medium in which my keen sense of touch is an asset. My customers seem to appreciate the uniqueness of my work. I throw or slab build most of my pieces and fire them in an electric kiln. I use some adaptive equipment, such as a talking pyrometer. This allows me to read and make crucial adjustments to the temperature during the kiln firing. Overall, art has transformed me by giving me a voice, a skill and my life’s work." For More information, call Marcia at 304-466-2227 or e-mail her at wakerobin@wcgnet.net. See Marcia's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Sara Vannatter
Sara Vannatter is 26 years old and lives in Charleston, West Virginia. She has been interested in photography since a teenager. "Photography is a passion for me. Even though I am raising an infant, I still find time to shoot. I’m inspired by many different things, but really enjoy industrial subjects. I would love to have a career in the photography field." For more information, please e-mail the photographer directly at punk_rock_mommy13@yaoo.com. See Sara's photography in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Christie & Donna Wilfong
Christie Wilfong is a fourth generation needleworker. She has had spinners, weavers, quilters, crochet artists and dressmakers in their family. Christie is the first weaver since her great grandmother. She started weaving at the age of eight when she designed a loom from a window frame, and got her brother to build it for her. She studied dressmaking in high school. She was taking business and computer classes at Glenville State when she had her first stroke in 2001. For more information, please call Christie and Donna Wilfong at 304-269-3376 or e-mail them at cjwmeow@verizon.net. See Christie & Donna's textiles in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Bertie Wood
Bertie Wood still had her southern drawl at 92 and painted with oils until she was 88. When taking her first art classes at the age of 77, she found that her arthritis required that she hold her brushes differently than most painters. Most of her work is landscape and still life. Her diabetic retinopathy slowly diminished her vision but her vibrant use of color is a hallmark of her work. Bertie who was born in West Virginia, led the choir, taught piano lessons to adults and ran a part-time beauty shop while always setting up an easel in the backyard. For more information e-mail Helen Panzironi at hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu. See Bertie's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
Fritz Zacher
Fritz Zacher is a young aspiring artist from Monroe County, West Virginia. He has created art since the age of four and has focused on cartoons as a way to express his understanding of the world. Fritz is planning to be a commercial artist and dreams of creating his own video game. See Fritz's artwork in the CED Fine Arts Gallery.
For more information contact:
Helen Panzironi
Phone: (304) 293-4692
Fax: (304) 293-7294
Email: hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu
