About the Artists

About the Artists...

Brodeur, Teara Renee' - Artist/Designer

TearaRenee' grew up traveling up the East Coast with her mother who was in retail sales. At the age of 12 her mother remarried and the family settled in Upstate NY where Teara finished out her High School years. Her favorite classes in school were always art and physical education. From a very young age she won awards in art shows and schools often showcased her art projects. The only person in her household who was outwardly artistic, Teara never really thought that she would be able to make a career out of art. She attempted college, and pursued a degree in liberal arts. After a very underachieving semester, she decided to join the USMC. From NY she traveled with the Marine Corps to the usual places, SC, VA, FL, and NC. After 8 1/2 years in the military Teara was given the opportunity to attempt college once again.

After a few semesters and some juried art shows, it was time to try her hand at art as a full time profession. She graduated Coastal Carolina Community College with her Associates Degree in Fine Art and began her business as a freelance artist in August 2005. TearaRenee' educates parents and children on the importance of the arts and culture in the lives of our younger generations. A useful tool in expressing emotions in a controlled and personal manner, art can be used by any person regardless of experience or training. Teara's artwork is defined by intricate details, intense colors, textures, and unique composition. Her main driving force is to be able to translate emotion onto any 2-D or 3-D medium. Whether it is a piece of jewelry, a sculpture, or a painting Teara strives to entice the senses and emotions. Each of Teara's pieces tells a story about her life. Every work she creates is influenced by someone she meets, something she has done or felt. Teara strives to tell a story in each piece, and she hopes you see a bit of your own story as well. More about this artist...

Brodeur, Michael - Photographer

Though born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Michael J. Brodeur spent most of his childhood in the rugged Upper Peninsula of the state. Very athletic Michael played many sports and particularly enjoyed outdoor activities. He grew up with a natural respect for nature. After some college he joined the United States Marine Corps. Michael has traveled all over the world with the Corps and has always had an interest in capturing moments and scenes through a camera lens. It wasn’t until Michael accompanied his wife on a trip to Lexington, NC for an art show that he seriously entertained the idea of taking up photography.

Armed with the proper equipment he now has the means to pursue his passion. Michael has a natural eye for the beauty of things around him. Even more rare is his ability to find beauty in the things most cast off as plain or ugly. Many of his photographs have deep personal meaning; from the striking scenery back home in Michigan to the breathtaking aerial views he has witnessed while flying as a crew chief with the Marine Corps. The ability to share the moment frozen in time is a glorious contribution Michael makes to our world.

Rivera, Louie - Jeweler

Shannon, Candy - Artist/ Designer

Candy Shannon lived in New York State until the age of 10, when her family moved to Burlington, NC. She recalls drawing even as a very young child and always imagined she would be an artist living in a penthouse apartment in New York City. She did grow up to be an artist, but ditched the penthouse idea. Candy was fortunate to have two wonderful art teachers at her schools in Burlington. During this time she worked mainly with oil paint and water color.

Candy attended East Carolina University and Alamance Community College with a major in Advertising and Commercial Art. She married in 1984 and moved to Wilmington, NC with her husband. There Candy worked as a technical illustrator for many years. After moving to Kenansville, NC she began teaching Graphic Design at James Sprunt Community College. She never stopped creating art in her spare time. She paints on furniture, glass, canvas, and clothing. Her children claim if you sit still too long she’ll paint you! In her art she uses bold colors of paint, cut paper, buttons, sea glass, and beads. She likes a variety of surfaces to paint on because they all take the materials she uses differently.

Waller, Wendy - Floral Arrangement Designer