Cami Travis-Groves (aka CoachCami)

Coach Cami is a transformational coach, artist and seasoned graphic designer with over 30 years of experience. She also has a BFA in art, majoring in graphic design and illustration. Drawing from her background in art, she specializes in guiding creatives to overcome their inner critics and unlock their fullest potential. Coach Cami is a keynote speaker, an author of three books, a publisher and podcast host, celebrated for her good juju and genuine care. With her authentic approach and unwavering belief in each individual's strengths, she's committed to helping you discover the path to personal fulfillment. When you're ready to unleash your creativity and live a life that truly inspires you, Cami is here to support you every step of the way. Cami is also the current studio manager.

Artist Website

Charlie Hartwood (he/him)

Charles (he/him) is a born creative who has been creating art, to quote his mom, "ever since he could hold a crayon." He loves to make art of any kind, whether it be through djembe, paint or pencil, a potter's wheel or anything that he can get his hands into. As a thorough enjoyer of all things artistic, his favorite way to make art of any kind is to make a total mess. That's how you know it's fun! Messy art is absolutely not just a kid's thing — as an adult, there is so much joy to be had in creating something that you can really get your hands on and in and all over that it's truly invigorating. Art can be an unlimited number of things and it's incredibly good for you! Let's be kind to our inner child and make some art together, shall we?

Cynthia Bird

Cynthia Bird has a passion for art and sharing it with others, especially children. A mother of four, her interest in enlightening student began with the development of a voluntary art program in her daughter's school in 2010. This led to teaching art classes in the Turner Recreation Center and completing a Visual Arts Associate degree at Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2011. She started with an interior design degree in 1994, moved to drafting, murals and painting on everything. She painted murals residentially as well as exploring illustrating books and fine art painting. Cynthia developed a high school curriculum for virtual students including, drawing, painting and other art classes, including teaching art at Our Savior Christian Academy. Cynthia says the reason she teaches is to see the light bulbs come on. "There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a face light up when a child gets a concept and takes pride in their accomplishment." She believes that art is an important outlet for expressing creativity. Art, like any skill, takes practice to master, but a student doesn't have to be a master to enjoy art.

Diondra Bartsch

Diondra (she/her) likes to see people’s creativity with their lives in general, that's why she’s a teacher who teaches kids ages 5–12 about all things, but especially art and how to embrace their inner imagination! She’s been working with children since 2019. Art has always been Diondra’s passion since she could see colors. She’s wanted to become an art teacher since elementary school. She never thought it would become a real job until she recently moved from Colorado in November of 2024. She started exploring her hobbies a little deeper after she arrived, realizing she can actually paint professionally! She’s used many mediums and techniques, from pencil, acrylic paint, and water-based paint, to pottery, crafting with random objects, and anything she finds! Creativity is her third middle name!

Meghan Herrera

Meghan is a multimedia artist who graduated with a BFA in film. Their minor certificate is in social practice, also known as community engaged art. So they love working in groups or on group projects and drew them to be interested in teaching painting to groups of new and returning artists. They enjoy the process of making more than the final result most of the time and encourage people to explore art like painting and other crafts with the same optimism we often approach playing a game. They have had their work shown locally and internationally. Most of their work is 35mm black and white, but they also paint and work as a fiber artist as well. Meghan loves to read and to travel and any attending any sort of event that requires a costume.

Phoenix Mayer

Phoenix ("Pho") is an artist born and raised in the midwest. After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute, she began her art career as a screen printer, creating apparel for sports clubs and local artists. Over the last 5 years, she's participated in group exhibitions and events including Day of the Dead at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. During those events, she experienced a sense of joy demonstrating the process of print making. She has since introduced painting to her practice. Painting has altered her view of perfection, giving her the freedom and confidence to make mistakes. She's always looking for other forms of art that can disrupt her previously rigid ways of creating. She hopes to provide guidance to fellow artists and beginners alike, to try new things.

Samantha Woods

Samantha Woods grew up with a love for creativity in Olathe, Kansas. She currently attends Savannah College of Art and Design for Illustration concentrated on visual development with a minor in Themed Entertainment. From painting to drawing with charcoal, oil pastels, colored pencils, and even old highlighters, Samantha enjoys getting lost in the imaginative journey of creating. Sharing this process and watching others find the same joy in every messy and unique brushstroke truly makes teaching art all the more important. Art has no age limit and learning has no bounds. No matter how many times you make a “mistake”, your finished art piece is uniquely yours to celebrate and cherish the time you spent creating it!

Sharon Jackson

Sharon Jackson is a Kansas City, Missouri native whose artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her upbringing, her curiosity, and her lifelong love of color. Born the eighth of ten siblings, Sharon grew up in a bustling, energetic household where creativity was both an escape and a form of expression. Even as a child, she gravitated toward art, complex activities, and anything that allowed her imagination to take the lead. Her artistic path took an unexpected turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world slowed down, Sharon found herself drawn to painting tutorials, landscape videos, and the soothing rhythm of YouTube art channels. What began as a way to pass the time quickly became a passion. She immersed herself in learning techniques, studying outdoor scenes, and experimenting with impressionistic styles. It was during this period that she discovered the Bob Ross method — a technique that resonated with her love of nature, texture, and peaceful expression. As Sharon practiced, her confidence grew. She found joy in capturing the serenity of landscapes, the movement of clouds, and the quiet poetry of trees and water. Painting became more than a hobby; it became a source of grounding, healing, and purpose. A longtime PWAT (Painting With a Twist) customer, Sharon realized how much fulfillment she felt each time she picked up a brush. The thought kept returning: What if I could do this every day? That question became a turning point. With courage and excitement, she embraced her identity as an artist and stepped fully into the creative life she had always imagined. Today, Sharon continues to explore landscapes, outdoor impressions, and the emotional connection between nature and the human spirit. Her work reflects the calm she found during uncertain times and the joy she continues to discover in every brushstroke. She paints with intention, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. Sharon’s art is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the belief that it’s never too late to follow the path that calls to your heart. She is, proudly and wholeheartedly, an artist — and she’s loving every minute of the journey.

Shelly Vance

Shelly Vance brings 35 years of experience in education, with 26 of those years dedicated to inspiring young artists as an art educator. She has taught both elementary and middle school students, nurturing creativity across a wide range of media. Her artistic passions include drawing, painting, (especially pet portraits) ceramics, stained glass, sewing, and sculpture. Shelly finds the greatest joy in becoming fully immersed in the creative process—often surprised at how quickly time slips away while she works. In addition to her teaching, she has painted murals, written several articles published in Arts and Activities magazine highlighting her students' work, and is currently illustrating a children's book.