Visual Arts

Visual arts have the power to enrich people's lives in many ways; they can inspire creativity, evoke emotions, and provide a means of self-expression. Whether it's through painting, sculpture or other mediums, the visual arts can offer a unique perspective of the world around us. By engaging with art, people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world they live in, leading to personal growth and enrichment.

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Visual Arts Instructors

Jane Luft

Drawing & Acrylics

I am a lover of all visual art forms and have been drawing since I was a very small child, almost to the point of obsession. I am a ‘self-taught’ artist, so I am continuously learning from others. I teach drawing and acrylic painting in a realistic style, so each artist knows the general rules. Only then, can they manipulate those rules & create artwork in their own voice. As Pablo Picasso once said ' Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist'.

I'm truly blessed to be able to share this passion for art with both children & adults here at PAC. To witness that 'Eureka!' moment when 'it all comes together' for the artist is incredibly rewarding! They now have the knowledge and techniques to free them up to be even more creative and grow in courage with every new piece they create. Some influences for me are Norman Rockwell, Chuck Close, Leonid Afremov & Wassily Kandinsky. I have 3 grown children and I live in Overland with my husband and our 4 legged child, Bruno.

Linda Ballard

Crafts and Card Making

I live in Overland and have 2 grown sons & 5 grandchildren. I have had a love of arts and craft my entire life. When I was younger, I took oil and tole painting lessons. Shortly thereafter, I started acrylics, decoupage followed by crochet, embroidery, quilling and counted cross stitch. A few years later my husband and I started a craft business and sold our items in stores across Missouri and Illinois for over 10 years. I have been associated with PAC since it’s inception and have enjoyed every minute taking classes and giving craft classes and donating my time wherever needed. I am most proud of instilling my love of the arts to my grandchildren, who hopefully will pass it on to their children.

Sharon Early

Watercolors & Crafts

I’ve had a passion for art all my life and studied art at Northwest Missouri State University. I have taken a variety of art courses throughout the years and currently work in Watercolor and Acrylics. I’ve been teaching Watercolor at PAC since 2018 and also help out with many of PACs technology needs. My goal for the students is to have them see the world in a new way - with an artists’ eye - and then help them put what they see onto paper. I live in Chesterfield and love creating arts and crafts, photography and spending time with my kids and grandkids.

Nancy Murphy

Pottery

I am a semi-retired occupational therapist with a creative flair. My interest in Pottery began in college at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Since then, I have taken many pottery classes through adult continuing education at the community college; from a professional potter, in her study; and through commercial pottery studios. I enjoy the entire process of hand-built pottery, from beginning to end. As an occupational therapist, I feel it is therapeutic in many ways, from the physical benefit of manipulating the clay to the emotional benefit of creating something beautiful. I thoroughly enjoy leading others as they discover the joy of creating with clay. I am always thrilled to see others create a beautiful piece of art out of a piece of clay. In addition to pottery, I enjoy watercolor and spending time with my husband hiking, biking spending time with family and traveling.

Grace Pandolfo

Mixed Media & Board Nights

There is a vision before the painting begins. Drawing, erasing, speculating and finally deciding. The creative zone I enter is timeless. A candle, plenty of light, classical guitar from Alexa, what more could anyone ask for? Acrylic painting on wood or canvas can be challenging, although the properties of acrylic paint make it most forgivable. I ask it everyday to do so. However, stopping or even pausing is unthinkable. Actual “fine art” painting on my part has been evolving for roughly 8 years. Seeing a photo or scene that someone might want to view over and over is key to my art. That’s when I’m most excited to get started. Teaching is difficult for me because of the “zone”. I do love sharing my vision as best I can. Giving a class now and again is mostly a lesson in creative cooperation and fun. Mixed media creations are really beautiful and fun also. No “zone” is necessary. Come to PAC and see for yourself just how artsy you can be.

Vinny Ridolfi

Floral Crafts

I have been involved with PAC for the last 8 years, starting with the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Presentation church. The idea of the “Art Center” was born after the volunteers came together to make table centerpieces for the celebration. Since then, I have taught many craft classes, starting with a jewelry making class. I also made all of the floral arrangements for the church during this time, which lead to floral and wreath arrangement classes, as well as many other seasonal crafts, keychains, lanterns, etc. I am a retired RN, after working 40 years at BJC, but have always loved to create in the area of arts, crafts and design, It has been a pleasure meeting and creating with so many wonderful teachers and students. I hope you will be one of them.