Officers and Board Members

After moving to Murrieta 13 years ago, Cathy started painting when a neighborly artist invited her to join a local art group that met weekly.  After observing her for a few months, the group’s instructor encouraged her to paint portraits.  Cathy studied portrait painting on her own until her neighbor invited her to attend a GEM meeting.  She won her first ribbon at that meeting and has been painting ever since. Cathy still enjoys doing portraits but now has a penchant for landscapes as well.  A member of GEM since 2011, Cathy enjoys the warmth and love of her fellow members immensely and has served as a Board member since 2013.

Gina’s art experiences began as a young girl, crafting and painting around the kitchen table with her mother and sister. Largely self-taught, over the years Gina refined her skills with lessons, books and online mentors. She enjoys interpreting the beauty of the natural world with landscapes, vignettes, and still life. She began her fine art journey with acrylic on canvas, eventually expanding into watercolor, water mixable oils, oil pastels, and chalk pastels. She believes creativity is an invitation from God and she responds enthusiastically. Gina particularly enjoys the sense of welcome found at GEM – an art community to engage with other artists and celebrate our creative endeavors.

Teri was introduced to oil painting about 10 years through a good friend who was an accomplished artist and a  GEM Demonstrator. Teri enjoys painting a variety of subjects and especially landscapes. She has been a GEM member for about 4 years. What she enjoys most are the demonstrations at the monthly meetings.

When Cathy discovered that her Granddaughter’s art teacher offered lessons for seniors she signed up and has been painting ever since. She particularly enjoys paintings of things involving wood (barns, fences, trees, etc.). She uses acrylics mostly. This is her 7th year as a member of GEM. What she enjoys is the  friendships, camaradarie and  monthly demonstrations.

Roxanne’s main artistic interests have been in floral arrangements, paper mache and costumes. Her major interest is in food and she and her husband own two local restaurants. She has been in GEM for 2 years. She loves the camaraderie of the group and how sweet and non-judgmental everyone is despite the competition. We are fortunate to have Roxanne in charge of hospitality.

Steve Staudenmeir began painting watercolor in retirement at age 68. Painting was something he had always wanted to do but never had the time. He found inspiration in drawings done by his artistic grandmother and wondered if he might have some of her talent. He picked flowers to begin with because he enjoyed the shapes and beautiful colors. He has more recently branched out into landscapes and animal subjects. He is a student of Richard Stergulz at The Green Art House art school in Fallbrook. He loves being part of the artistic community at GEM and appreciates the encouragement and friendship offered by the members.  It’s a perfect place for a new artist to be!