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Image by Alexander Ant

ABOUT US

​Catalyst Arts Collaborative is housed within the Gem Center for the Arts in the heart of the Bench in Boise, Idaho. Located near the iconic "Washer Woman," the "Cat" primarily operates from a small community classroom setting in the basement, where on any given day you can find art and writing workshops, figure drawing, lectures, film viewings, book clubs, meetings for Arts organizations, and overall, a sense of community and inclusiveness. We understand that everyone is learning different skills at a different pace, and we LOVE to foster creative growth for ALL life-long learners, providing diverse perspectives within our curriculum in a wide range of mediums and topics.

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We are always developing new programs to support artists and include the community. Bridging the gaps between separate Arts organizations and encouraging collaboration over competition is an overarching goal, as well. Our passion lies in supporting EVERYONE to tap into their creative potential and to provide opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to engage in the Arts.

Meet the Cat Team

Meet our talented ensemble of creatives, each bringing a unique blend of artistry, passion, and innovation to the Cat canvas.

Candy Canning

Founder/Owner

Ali Fernandez

Teacher

Asya Sheley

Volunteer

Britney Brougham

Volunteer Coordinator

Char Tarashanti

Teacher

One-on-one or small group consulting in any of the areas of interest as listed in her biography.

Danica Factor

Teacher

Emma Hood

Volunteer

Jessica Henry

Teacher

Kayla Hanson

Teacher

Lisa Hlavinka

Teacher

- Custom Pet Portraits
- Commission Artwork
- Private drawing (pencil, ink, color pencil) lessons, acrylic painting lessons
- Vendor at public markets
- Project Management

Nicole Hefley

Admin Asst

Sabrina Valdivia

Teacher

Thomas Van Stein

Teacher

Mel Strong-Duncan

Aryssa Hutchins

Teacher

Live portraits (set up appointments to sit in the studio. wedding gifts, kids growing up, pets, glow ups and fantasy portraits, costumes, cosplay, bands and album art/posters. pretty much anything involving a human and their appearance. I CAN work from a photo but live is a better experience for the subject. I am not sure how to price this at all, I will have to research portrait artists to see how it's done, since I don't know of any personally.)

Commissions (based on the budget and desires of the patron).

Private lessons (I can teach almost any 2D media including some digital art and design, negotiated per patron).

Barbara Balkin

Teacher

Art commissions accepted.
Private Classes offered: Branch Weaving; Weaving on a Cardboard Loom; Fabric and Paper Collage; Mixed Media Paint and Paper; Children's Beginning Painting (or Drawing); Private Art Parties (all ages); and more!

Carrie Panzer

Teacher

Chase van Weerdhuizen

Teacher

Elias Hargrett

Team Member

Gretchen Weitemier

Teacher

Private Lessons: Woodblock printmaking and unique carved paintings for teens and adults with
intermediate experience.

Commissions for my artwork.

John Hargrett

Volunteer

Kellie Canning

Volunteer

Mindy Curran

Teacher

Polly Barrett

Teacher

Sivita Justice

Volunteer

Tracy Darling-Demarcus

Volunteer

Abby Egan

Teacher

Ashley Furr

Shop Coordinator

Ben Alexander

Teacher

Casey Gurr

Teacher

Art Instruction:
Beginning to advanced Pottery / Ceramics. Hand-Building and Wheel Throwing.
Printmaking; block printing, Reduction block, Screen Printing.
Drawing techniques
Painting, Airbrush Painting.
Private/ small group lessons.

Commissioned work:
Painted Murals, Shirts and clothing, automotive surfaces, portraits, space themed fine
art paintings.
Custom wheel thrown ceramic vessels / Wares.

Consulting:
Kiln repair, trouble shooting and installation.
Pottery wheels: Purchasing used, trouble shooting, set-up.
Airbrush and compressors for studio use. Help you set your up and get your airbrush
running or trouble shoot issues you are having.

Dana Long

Writing Program Coordinator

Emily O-Toole

Calendar Coordinator

Janelle Wilson

Teacher

Justin Blauch

Teacher

Dr. Laura Burlingame-Lee

Teacher

Private lessons; accepting commissions

Mitsuko Lili

Shop Member

Always available for commission work!

Robin Canning

Volunteer

Tawny Olsen

Teacher

Macrame Classes and Home Parties (5-10 people), Custom macrame designs (Large Tree of Life, Wall Hangings, Wall shelves, Wedding backdrops), Large Signature items (at Tona Transformations in downtown Nampa), Smaller items (at meraket) including plant and vase hangers, water bottle hangers, terrarium hangers, hat hangers, small wall hangings, keychains/purse bling, earrings, hat bands, car charms.

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