AJ

AJ (Amanda Jean) has been a part of the PWAT Colorado Springs family since the summer of 2014. “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” -Confucius. A Few Fun Facts about AJ; Momma of two awesome little boys, best friends with her hubby, lover of all things Art & creativity, enjoys Improv, speaking in multiple (silly) accents & is terrible at remembering jokes & names. She’s left handed but of course… in her right mind. Gets tattoos instead of therapy. Is the epitome of an “outgoing-introvert”. Wings most things in life, including eyeliner… boom. :)

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Avery-Ana

Avery-Ana is a surrealist painter and sculptor from Nashville Tennessee. She’s been teaching art abroad for the last year in the UAE, and recently made her new home in Colorado Springs. She’s been exploring the world one country at a time for the past several years and taking in all the art and culture from her travels to let it influence her own artistic style.

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Ben Bires

Ben Bires grew up in Western Pennsylvania. Halfway through his twenties, he felt the need to pack up and move out of his small town. In 2016, he found a new home in Colorado Springs. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a focus in drawing and painting. His adventures include scuba diving in the Caribbean, exploring the American West, climbing Machu Picchu and hiking active volcanoes in Nicaragua. Changes of scenery inspire his creativity. Now you can find him at the dog park with his dog, Fin.

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Cedric

Tall, dark, and happy to be here! I was born and raised in Houston TX. One of 14 silbings raised in love. Aiong with 6 dogs 12 cats 24 chickens, a pony 1 box turtle and 1 duck.I am a single father of 4 grown-ups. I am a people loving, music loving' horse riding gum chewing basketball playing food cooking caricature drawing hat wearing mural painting degree having, giant of a man. I am sporting a BFA (big fricking african) from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.

Dante

Dante's a self taught artist whos favorite mediums are acrylic paint and pencil. He would best describe his approach to art as chaotic and experimental, and loves to see all the ways he can utilize his supplies in new ways in his art. They love spending time outside in nature and drawing inspiration from the earth, but you can also find them gaming with friends, binging The Clone Wars, jamming on his ukulele, or cosplaying! He's always down to sing some musicals and talk about books, but will definitely not be winning any trivia nights. Dante's super passionate about art and it's the most important thing in his life, aside from his cat, Kiya, of course!

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Jess Preble

Jess Preble is a native born Colorado artist with over 12 years of experience painting. She works with all mediums, ranging from acrylic to pencil, charcoal, pastel, and oil paint, and she professionally exhibits and sells oil paintings both locally and nationally. She enjoys fancy Japanese goldfish, old country and pop music, coffee, tiny house plants and all things Hello Kitty. She can be found working on her project car "The Princess Sprinter", loitering in the kitty adoption room at petsmart, or chatting in galleries at first friday. She is so happy to be here and to paint with you!

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Kanik

Krystal is a winter lovin native Coloradoan who you could run into on the slopes! With a background in LARP and RPG games, she is a well rounded nerd her lets her imagination fuel her creativity. Also a self taught artist whom loves to dabble in new mediums , but has found a happy place with acrylic paint. "Id far rather be happy than right any day" Dougles Adams

Kiersten

Kiersten was born in Denver, and is a Colorado native through and through. Although, due to her family’s military background she’s had the opportunity to call many places across America, “home.” However, for the past fifteen years, the Springs has had her heart. She’s completed the majority of her education here, and most recently has graduated from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and criminal justice (and a minor in visual art too!). Currently, Kiersten is back at UCCS, pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary school art teacher. In regard to her creative background, she’s been making art since she was a child, and has had the honor of participating in many fantastic art programs, placing in competative shows here and there, and most recently has displayed her work in local eateries and galleries here in town. When she’s not learning, teaching, creating, or working, you can catch her kicking’ it wither her loved ones (especially her cat), roller skating, soaking up the sun outside, or cooking up her favorite breakfast item… omelets!

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Kitty

Kitty is a Colorado loving native, who is a former collegiate athlete with an Associates of Arts Degree in psychology, who has gone on to pursue her career and passion in all things fitness and art. She is currently a 200hr certified yoga instructor and certified personal trainer, with more than 5 years of experience independently teaching and hosting art and wellness events in the community. Kitty's personal art has had the honor of being featured in different venues, galleries and murals across Colorado Springs. Her style is a reflection of mixed mediums, acrylic, and spray paint, but will get creative with whatever she can find! Kitty thrives on helping others tap into their creative nature and is excited to encourage and guide those looking to explore that artist essence. When she is not instructing art or yoga classes, you can find her binging out on her books and comics or rolling around on her skateboard.

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Maddy

Maddy is a St. Louis raised artist who always loved creating art from the very beginning. A few years after graduating college, she felt the desire to move out of the Midwest closer to some Colorado Springs family in 2019. Shortly after moving to Colorado she became an art teacher. When she isn't working as a teacher you'll find her riding her horses, camping, jamming at concerts, and enjoying all that Colorado has to offer.

Rizzo

Jeresneyka (Jeh-Reh-Snay-Kah) Rose, known as Rizzo, is a self-taught visual artist and community advocate who originates from Brooklyn, New York. Being a first-generation American raised in Southeast Colorado Springs, Colorado, she thrives off of her creativity incorporated within the community. Rizzo’s main objectives are to promote multiculturalism, diversity, equality, and respect. This will allow her to support, positively influence and affect change for the community while continuing to grow as an artist.

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