 Collin Fry
One of our newest members, Collin Fry, explains his art journey, past experience and credentials. His recent move to the Phoenix area benefits our group. After 3 years as an artist in the Air Force, I went to the American Academy of Art in Chicago (Richard Schmid sat next to me in life class), and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (for art history). I worked as an illustrator and graphic designer on national accounts in Chicago for 40 years, ending up illustrating children's educational books. Over my art career, I took pastel workshops with Gil Dellinger, Eric Michaels, Doug Dawson, Alan Flattman and Frank Federico, and have done programs and workshops for the Great Lakes, New Mexico and Vermont pastel societies. I juried the last Vermont Pastel Society show. I'm a charter member of the Great Lakes Pastel Society and Signature member of the New Mexico Pastel Society. I have written over 20 articles for American Artist, Pastel Journal, Watercolor and Artist magazines, mostly profiles of others, although my work has been featured in American Artist and Pastel Journal.
Sandra Ciaramitaro
Sandi is a wife, mother, professional artist and entrepreneur. If you ask her why she paints, the answer would be, “It expresses my emotions in the language of color.” From Sandi’s perspective her most valuable tool is her imagination and the unique way she converts ideas into works of art. “Unlike some artists, my palette and body of work is constantly changing. I want my viewers to be surprised at what comes next. Whether it is a close up of an aloe, an ocean scene, architectural pieces or a seasonal still life, my desire is to take art enthusiasts along with  me on a journey of artistic discovery.” Her next most valuable tool “would be my hands.” “Pastel or watercolor, it doesn’t matter which, all bursts through my fingers onto the paper.”
From Sandi comes the rest of the story…
“My background comes from 15 years as a Designer with General Motors in Detroit. My degree is in Auto Body Design-Styling Specialty. But I have learned so much more from my fellow artists and friends. My past also includes starting and selling 3 businesses; I guess I would fall into the TYPE “A” entrepreneur category along with most of you. My latest business is creating printed material and images for artists (see the last 2 pages of my website www.SandiC.me). My main focus is to help so many amazing artists develop their marketing materials & image.
 My Family is my life! My husband Paul and I have two beautiful kids. Marissa is 17 and just received a scholarship to ASU Barrett Honors College - PreMed. My son is very active in school: he is the President of the Science Club, Wrestling Team & Orchestra (violin) but more importantly, he is on a mission to raise as much $ as he can for the Cancer Relay for Life. He wants to beat his tally of $10k that he raised last year. (See the “About the Artist” page of my website for info: www.SandiC.me)
We have recently moved my art studio from the dining room and created a dedicated studio in our loft.
Sandi continued
I LOVE IT! I have had the hardest time over the years considering myself to be worthy of the name “artist.” The studio helps me to feel the part. There is one more way that helped solidify that title recently. I was juried and selected to have a One Woman Show at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center for the month of April. WOW! What a rush! What a great feeling!!! I am so excited and honored that ten of my floras and abstracts will be displayed!
You may also know me by my email more than my name, Tropical02@cox.net. As I am the AAA Newsletter Editor, Director of the FREE Art Workshops at the AAA Exhibitions, Director of the AAA Mayo Gallery and APAA’s Publicity Director.
I have met and value so many artist relationships that have come about by being part of these art organizations that I belong to and the events and classes I have attended. Thank you my fellow artists, teachers & mentors for being such good friends!
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