Meet Our Artists

Artist Bios

Annette Kelly

“Photography has always been a passion of mine but during my ‘working years’ I used it as a hobby. Now with more time on my hands I have my eye behind the lens more than ever before. I love establishing relationships with my clients that go beyond just one shoot; I love watching families grow over the years. I adore capturing real life moments – whether it’s laughter between family members, tender touches, children playing or even babies crying, I love it all.

While I was primarily a portrait/lifestyle photographer, during the pandemic when I was unable to photograph people, I went out and found amazing animals, flowers and beautiful landscapes. This unique time afforded me the opportunity to capture the wonders throughout Northern California, especially the Tahoe region. I’ve found a new passion and made my images available through greeting cards and wall art.”

— Annette Kelly

Annette Kelly

Maximum Joy Photography

www.maximumjoyphotography.com

@maxjoyphoto

Bee Gerhardt

“Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, I had a true mountain upbringing. My mom was the expert on summer fun, camping, biking, fishing, birthdays at the beach. In the winter, my dad would build giant snow hills for us kids to dig in and sled on. In my teens, mom and her sidekick Todd Pankey, tried to play match maker with me and a childhood friend. It wasn’t until my 20s when I went to visit that friend in Maui, married him, and had a beautiful little girl. I’m proud to say I grew up in this community and returned after living in Maui collectively for about 13 years.

Since I was little my mom always inspired creativity, painting, sculpting, building, crafting, photography, and my favorite, beading. When I was eight, she took me to Beads Ect. My first thought was, “I wanna work here someday”. Ten years later, I did. I became passionate in gemology, designing, color wheels, custom pieces. While I lived in Maui, I used that experience to get various jobs at high end jewelry stores. I learned so much more and met some of the most famous designers in the world.

After enduring a serious health scare, I battled with depression. My lack of sobriety interfered with everything I cared about. My mom was always trying to get me to do something with this talent. I’m so glad I listened. I made a lot of sincere changes.

On January 4th, 2022, “Mom, you went to be with Jesus”. Like any broken- hearted daughter, I wanted to do everything I could to keep her tangible, keep her spirit alive, keep my promises. I reached for my tools, opened my boxes, and in a way found her again. Now I’m doing exactly what she wanted me to do and more. The name “Kamel Bee”, is our story. She was Kathy with a “K” and she had a funny obsession with camels. Mom taught me the Be Attitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), in which I adopted the nick-name Bee. My life is so full of joy it doesn’t seem real. Even in the ashes of my life, I see so much beauty. I regret nothing and I’m learning to live life on life’s terms with a smile on my face.

Everything I make is “Mother Inspired, Daughter Made”.

Bee Gerhardt

Kamel Bee Designs

Bonita Paulis

“Nothing gives me more joy than to hike, paint and explore this Wild Western Landscape. Having lived in the "Rare Air " of the Sierra Nevada at Lake Tahoe, south shore for over 30 years, I have had the pleasure of hiking most of the trails around the lake - into Desolation Wilderness, Carson Pass Iceberg Wilderness and in and out of the surrounding desert areas of Nevada. The seasons, colors, clouds, sky and ever-changing weather make every day unique, and give me scenes of endless inspiration.

Coming to live in the Eastern Sierra high desert region of Western Nevada near Topaz Lake in 2018 gave me a new but very familiar home base. I spent many years, long ago, in the tiny town of Keeler and hiked and explored all over the Owens Valley, Coso and Inyo Mountains, Saline Valley, Panamint Valley and Death Valley. The desert clouds, colors and starry nights give me great pleasure as does the wide open landscape.

When I am not painting, I am out hiking and exploring as often as can be, and I only paint places that I have personally been to, such is the pleasure of painting those scenes, I can relive my journey in each one. What great fortune it is to live at the crossroads of the eastern Sierra Nevada and high desert Great Basin of Western Nevada and to try to capture some of the beauty of this incredible natural area, being able to share it with you is a wonderful feeling. I hope you enjoy my work.

I am a signature member of the Pastel Society of the West Coast, a member of Nevada Artist Association and my paintings from the western United States and Canada, Ocean, Mountain, Desert, Southwest are in homes here and in many international locations, many thanks to my wonderful collectors.
My paintings have won awards in many shows through the years and have been in some wonderful galleries in this area and others, unfortunately many are gone now but still much appreciated,

Bonita Paulis Fine Art

Pastel and Oil Landscapes

Cherie Pinsky

Cherie became interested in painting when, at age 14, her parents presented her with a “Paint by Number” Christmas surprise. Entranced by placing shapes of differing colors next to each other, resulting in a compelling image, Cherie decided to try to become a painter. She was nurtured spiritually, emotionally and visually by visiting the museums in her hometown of Hartford, Connecticut at the excellent Hartford Atheneum and in world class museums in Boston and New York.

She studied painting at Rhode Island School of Design, spending her senior year in Rome. One of the strengths of RISD is their "Nature Lab", where students hone their draftsman skills by copying nature specimens (skulls, leaves, shells, etc.) - who could excel the design found in the natural world?

“One of my favorite painting motifs is images of the past (Ghost towns, old buildings) because they evoke feelings of nostalgia and mystery. I particularly like depicting houses, landscapes and imbuing them with personality.

Thank you for your interest in my work.”

— Cherie Pinsky

Cherie Pinsky

Cherie Pinsky Fine Art Paintings

www.cheriepinsky.com

Claudia Elkin

Claudia Elkin is a third generation Californian who grew up in the bay area and now resides in South Lake Tahoe. Her college experience focused on art studies at the College of Marin in 1973 and in 1976 she earned her BA in Physical Education at San Francisco State.

Claudia is inspired by the shapes and values inherent in landscapes including old cars, buildings and boats. Before moving to Tahoe her work was displayed at various locations in Benicia California. Claudia’s paintings have been displayed at the Tahoe Art League Gallery for several years.

Claudia Elkin

Plant Glam & Original Art

Colby Albino

“Hey, Hi! For those of you who don’t know me, or are newly following, I’d like to introduce myself! I am Colby Albino, and Skiing has been my favorite passion until I was 24 years young when I became a full time journeyman carpenter for John Lowe. He taught me so many tricks of the trade, because I told him I wanted to learn cabinetry and possibly obtain my General Contractors license. My good friend @abaz_art at the time, was upgrading his wood turning lathe and he helped spark the fire in me, to learn and create wood turned pieces. I quickly grew a passion for creating wood products that others could enjoy and or use daily. I also worked full time at cabinet shop in Meyers for 3.5 years, which makes me feel like I’ve made my dream a reality, since this seed for woodwork was planted. I named my company @wellroundedwoodco because I have always felt nourishment from the process of becoming a Well-Rounded human. We have a full wood shop with all needed tools and machinery, to make cabinets, furniture, and whatever custom woodwork that you can dream of.” 

— Colby Albino

Colby Albino

Well Rounded Wood Co.

www.wellroundedwoodco.com

John Mercer

“My interest in art first began while I was studying in university and over the past 50 years it has grown so much. Having the opportunity to work under and learn from several famous artists like Frank Francese, Sterling Edwards, Tom Lynch and the late Terry Madden, I ended up learning a lot and my fascination for the world of art grew even more. I also served as an understudy for Richard Kenny, the famous water color artist in Maui Hawaii. My close experiences with these extra-ordinary people were the major factors that encouraged me to start PISPLACE WATERCOLORS. I wanted to have a platform of my own where I can showcase my art to the people who love and enjoy it as much as I do. When I see something beautiful, I share it with people through my paintings and sketches. With the help of PISPLACE; I want people to discover the world through my original paintings.

I also make pastel and black and white pencil sketches of your loved ones and people you are close to. Through my skills and interpretation of the world, I aim to spread joy and love within people. My artwork helps me do that. The colors, the strokes, the designs and everything else allows me to express myself and I hope that everyone who sees my work eventually gets inspired in some way or another.”

—John Mercer

John Mercer

Pi’s Place Watercolors

Lynn Starnes

“I consider myself to be wildlife “portrait artist.” Whenever a photographer makes a portrait, timing is of great importance. The expression of the subject, such as the smile on someone’s face, or the position of the body, will make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful photograph. When I am watching an animal through my camera and lens, I watch for gestures and the combined position of head, legs (or wings) and eyes, in hopes of recording an expressive moment. Knowing when to take that photo is difficult as animals are always in motion – ever alert for that sign of danger. Unlike a photographer who takes human portraits, I cannot “pose” my animals for that perfect photograph. So, I must make my portrait through great patience and basically waiting for the animal to exhibit postures that I think are expressive. The longer that I am with an animal, the greater the opportunity for me as the animal begins to acclimate to my presence. Sometimes, being motionless and passing up early photographs of the animal is the key to later, great photographs. Other times, I use wildlife calls and other techniques to convince the animal that I am another wildlife species. Determination, persistence, skill, and of course luck, are all factors in whether the images captured are unique and expressive or not. Hopefully, I can inspire you to love these wild animals and inspire you to help conserve these animals and their habitats for future generations.

I have worked as a restoration ecologist for over 40 years. My work has allowed me to explore the wildest habitats in North America. I have been privileged to work with several endangered species and that has allowed me candid photographs of them. The advantage of being a biologist first and a photographer second is my knowledge of animal behavior and habits. I see the animals I am studying doing activities rarely seen by humans only occasionally visiting our wild lands. Did you know that animals of all ages play? Rather than relying on “luck” to find animals, I utilize their feeding habitats and watering areas - preferring to wait for the animals to come to me.”

— Lynn Starnes

Lynn Starnes

Great Wildlife Photos, LLC

www.greatwildlifephotos.com

Marina Mulvey

“Everyday, Tahoe reveals her clandestine grays and her brilliant palette of blues.  I am awed by the mountains arguing with the weather and the finch ignoring the storm.  Being an avid hiker, and skier, I ready myself for the beauty and color to be frozen through angles and light.   

My most profound moments are when I lock eyes with the essence of wildlife and capture that instant, and then share it with another.

The mountains called me for years, and after numerous visits my husband and I  realized our  dream, and moved here full time.  I am a Doctor of Audiology and relocated here for a position at Barton, our local hospital.  I spend much of my free time with my Nikon,  finding new paths, creeks, and adventures that I hope will bring a smile or a pause to your day.”

—Marina Mulvey

Marina Mulvey

Abundance Photography

Mary Palin

“I have been saying to myself for some time, ‘I think I could make that!’ when browsing jewelry during my travels around town or around the world (and this has lead to an extensive personal collection of earrings and necklaces, which I cannot ever possibly wear entirely!) The day I walked into Tahoe Home Consignment wearing my latest creation of earrings - changed my whole thought about making jewelry to sell. Now, instead of making gifts, I get to spend my retired educator days creating and discovering happy mistakes that end up on the earring tree or necklace holder for sale.

I love creating one-of-a-kind offerings and constantly changing it up with new beads and findings. A big ’thank you' to my customers and the team at Tahoe Home Consignment for giving me a most rewarding endeavor.”

—Mary Palin

Mary Palin

One-of-a-Kind Jewelry

Rick Madden

Rick Madden was born in Boise Idaho in 1955 and later attended high school in a small town in Ness City Kansas. Rick joined the Navy and served for the next 4 years as a jet engine mechanic working on jets and helicopters stationed in North Island. Rick met his beloved wife Jeannie who also served in the Navy and married in 1976. Rick discharged from the Navy in 1977 and went to work in the Research and Development department at Solar Turbines Intl. and specialized in the development of Ceramics and Coatings for the aerospace industry working on NASA and DOE projects. After leaving Solar, Rick and Jeannie managed large apartment complexes and for the next 12 years ran a successful management operation specializing in troubleshooting problem properties. While managing Rick started a business fixing kitchen and bathroom surfaces and learning on the properties he managed.

Ricks love for the outdoors and the new sport of snowboarding led him to take a trip to Lake Tahoe and after three years of researching Tahoe moved his new business and family to South Lake. Rick, like so many other Lake Tahoe locals, share the same story. After 2 years and purchasing a home, Rick lost his love, Jeannie, to breast cancer but continued to snowboard and build his business. Rick has serviced South Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas for over 30 years as a Surface Repair and Refinishing specialist and has become well known for his trade.

Rick has always wanted to pursue an art career having tried several different things like custom clawfoot bathtubs with themes and cutting them into sofas and chaise lounges but one day while watching YouTube, Rick decided to pursue the art of Lichtenburg burning. Rick dove head first into the art of Fractal burning and spent the next 3 month building his burning center, practicing without interruption to learn the art of burning safely.

Rick now has many fulfilling passions in life and aside from creating incredible artwork, one of the includes the new love of his life, Dianna. Dianna too has spent a lot of time and enjoys helping Rick make his dream to be a full time artist become a reality.

Fractal or Lichtenburg figures was the discovery of George Lichtenburg a German professor of Physics in 1777. This discovery led to creating one of kind fractals in wood through the use of high voltage electricity and is absolutely fascinating. Every piece Rick creates results in its own completely unique design which is why Rick loves to create fractal art, he enjoys knowing that two people will ever own an identical piece of his work.

Rick is enthusiastic and looks forward to creating artwork that he can share with others.

Rick Madden

Bearfoot Creations

Royce Peacock

HomageMade was created during the economic catastrophe of COVID-19 by founder Royce Peacock. While traveling through Mexico, Royce saw several of his favorite artisan villages completely closed down due to the virus and the artisans had no ability to sell their works. He decided to start working with the artisans to better understand their history and process behind their products in order to share their story with the rest of the world. He decided to buy the products that the artisans were not able to sell at the time in order to start creating a flow of income for the artisans and Royce sold them to friends and family in the US who shared his passion for the beautiful goods. He traveled around Mexico knocking on doors and meeting with artisans and their families to find sustainable, handmade goods that could be ethically-sourced and that could tell a story. He found a way to pay them above market-value and be able to offer percentages towards future community-projects: A way they could all win! Also, many of the artisans' children no longer saw use in learning the crafts that had been passed down for centuries, so Royce aimed to bring in ways to show more income possibilities as well as modern takes on the classic designs. This sparked new interests for the younger generations. He took these products online to share with a larger audience.

HomageMade is growing and now working with over 30 artisans in Mexico and bringing you handmade, fair-trade home goods with a story behind them.

Royce Peacock

HomageMade

www.HomageMade.com

Theresa Skodacek

“My Mother was a wise woman. Noticing random drawings in her books & walls of our home by a local 4 yr old artist, she quickly bought me my first box of 60 ct Crayola Crayons & colored paper. I've been drawing/painting/creating, ever since!

In 1984, I began a 20 year stint as Staff Artist at The Children's Museum of La Habra, the first hands on museum west of the Rockies. What a very creative time that was! Had the opportunity to design & transform the room that held their changing exhibit...from the Pyramids of Egypt to Ancient Life in Northern CA & more!

In 1996, I enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles. I was consistently on the President's Honor Roll...which helped to receive scholarships & much needed confidence in my craft. I graduated in 1999 with an A in Graphic Design. I received allocates awards & praises from different venues but my greatest accomplishment has been teaching art to children: pre-K thru high-school.

I moved to Oklahoma in 2000. There I got involved with an after school program teaching art in an impoverished area. From there, I was hired as an art teacher & taught students, pre-K to 8th grade! Best time EVER as those young students were hungry to learn!! When the grant money ran out, I was offered a position as an art teacher for a large homeschool group. I was responsible for all aspects of teaching this class...from payment, ordering supplies...which was like getting multiple packages for Christmas...I was in heaven!! I taught but mostly INSPIRED these young aspiring artists to believe in their talent & to CREATE!!!

Recently, my former husband passed away, was given the gift of marrying a good friend & moved to his home/now, my home, here in South Lake Tahoe! Hope & encouragement are my inspiration for my work, along with my Faith & an ABSOLUTE love of teaching ANYONE how to be creative!

Theresa Skodacek

Original Art & Art Teacher

Yumi Demarest

“My passion for jewelry designing started during my 20-year stay on the beautiful island of Kauai, currently I reside in Gardnerville, NV, and Folsom, CA. Being creative is and has always been a big part of my life, and love sharing my biography. I have been a cosmetologist for over 30 years by trade. Making simple jewelry started as just a hobby but after some time and lots of trial and error, my skills have blossomed into something truly special. I decided to introduce my creations abroad! Now blossomed into creating for the local gallery and shop in South Lake Tahoe (Tahoe Home Consignment), Minden, NV (Pink Rose Boutique), Gardnerville, NV (East Fork Gallery), continue to provide the Poipu, HI ( Halele’a Gallery),  Hanalei (Black Pearl),  Maui, Hi (Maui Ocean Art) as well.

I use a variety of materials to create one-of-a-kind and Boho-style jewelry for free-spirited women who love adventure and appreciate the simple thing in life. My favorite material are Diamond Beads, Tahitian Pearl, South Sea Pearls, Turquoise, Gold and Silver.

I continue to create one-of-a-kind jewelry for everyone to enjoy!”

—Yumi Demarest

Yumi Demarest

One-of-a-Kind & Boho-Style Jewelry