Artist Bios

Gerrie McManamon

As a child, I was always making things - sewing dolls, coloring, drawing, etc.  I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but really didn’t have the guidance to figure out ‘how to be an artist’.  I studied art my first semester in college, but ended up being a German/Russian teacher, after receiving a scholarship to study abroad in Germany.  I used my artistic skills throughout my teaching career, coming up with many hands on projects like books and posters for students to show their learning, as well as illustrating my own worksheets. 

I taught in Toledo and Columbus Public Schools for a combined 27 years.  As I neared my retirement, I found myself with more time to create.  So, I did. I began taking classes in life drawing, printmaking, ceramics, and mixed media, online and at the Cultural Arts Center of Columbus.

At this point, painting is my focus, but I still enjoy drawing, printmaking and mixed media work.

In addition to visual art, I have been a part of the Columbus music scene for over 30 years, having played with numerous Reggae and Ska bands. This experience has been a source of inspiration, having been able to meet and work with some of Columbus’ music icons. This inspiration culminated in a solo show this past March, “Assemble the Musicians”, a series of portraits of musicians I have had the pleasure of working with.

Another major source of inspiration is nature. Although I live in an urban setting, there is a lot of wildlife in my neighborhood, and this often comes up in my artwork. I feel fulfilled as an artist when the viewer has an emotional connection with my work.

Instagram: @gmcmanamon

Rebecca Gonzalez-Bartoli

I am an intuitive and expressive artist in recovery. I tell stories with my art using eclectic, whimsical colors, and thought provoking themes. My art expresses joy and grief through the lenses of animals, people, and words. Art has been a healing tool for me, and my goal is to spread that healing message to the public. I’ve been able to share my artwork by participating in multiple shows and exhibits since moving to Columbus in 2016 and have found that community is an important part of art storytelling. I started my small business RGONZOARTS in 2022 by becoming a vendor at art markets and festivals, which has been challenging creatively. As a self-taught artist, I create my work by using acrylic paint, gel printing, and different mixed-media techniques and mediums.

Instagram: @rgonzoarts
Website: rgonzoarts.crevado.com

PARTICIPATE IN THE COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY COLLAGE DURING IN-STUDIO DAYS/TIMES-FREE!

Take a walk inside and outside the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Take your time to observe and see what makes an impression. If you find something interesting, bring it back to the resident artist room.  You will be given a 4"x4" cardboard square.  This will be the surface for creating your collage piece. See the artist in residence for examples and materials to create a square that represents your experience at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. 

SOUND DRAWINGS AND ABSTRACT ANIMALS MINI WORKSHOP- SUNDAY JULY 21, 1PM-3PM ($10.00)

Create a drawing while listening to the sounds around the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.  You will be using water soluble crayons, watercolor, and oil pastels to create an abstract, meditative, multi-media painting.  Register HERE.