Tanya Shymko:  Tanya was born a natural Artist  in the BC Interior. It was here that she gained an appreciation for nature, the details and patterns within it, a unique ability to SEE the world around her, and how to translate it into a work of art. Tanya further refined her skills with formal training at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, BC, and at  NAIT in Edmonton, AB. Tanya fell in love with the beauty of the Peace Region, and made Fort St. John home for herself and her family. Working in a variety of mediums (acrylic, watercolour, graphite, charcoal, paper mache, pen & ink, mixed media,  while favouring pastels and oil paint – but really depending on  her mood and surrounding atmosphere at the time)Tanya has a talent for teaching techniques to Students of all ages in her Art Classes. She also has a knack for helping others to SEE the world that surrounds them as well! Tanya has taught Art for 18 years through her business Spectrum Art Studios, within School District 60, Northern Lights College, the Homeschoolers Association, Arts Umbrella, and elsewhere throughout BC.

Natalie Brekkaas:  Known primarily for her unique and expressive pottery, Natalie has also recently  begun  exploring  abstract painting. Throughout her life, Natalie  has  explored  multiple art mediums including painting, pen & ink drawing, flower arranging (fresh & dried), cake decorating, textiles, traditional embroidery and cross stitch, Hardanger, clay, metal working, wood working, silversmithing, beading, and many others. Coming from a largely self-taught background, Natalie has had the great good fortune of rubbing elbows with, and developing friendships with, a wide variety of artists from sculptors to painters, potters, tattoo artists and glass blowers. “Being supported by a like-minded community,” Natalie says, “fosters a beautifully accepting attitude.”      Natalie has taught Pottery in Calgary, AB, and she currently teaches the Pottery Classes for kids and adults through the North Peace Potter’s Guild in Fort St. John.