Park hill art club

JOAN PORTER – PRESIDENT

Joan has been a member of PHAC for five years and considers herself a low intermediate watercolor painter, although she did try her hand at acrylics last winter. She spends a lot of time trying to improve her painting technique and enjoys the varied art classes that PHAC offers. She enjoys Denver's varied cultural opportunities, socializing with friends and taking OLLI classes during the school year. She has a house in University Hills and has lived in Denver for over 50 years, relocating from Michigan at the tender age of 21.

RODNEY BUXTON- CLASS COORDINATOR/FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Rodney Buxton is a photographer and digital painter/photographic illustrator who emphasizes U.S. National Parks, Monuments and Public Lands in his work. Recently retired as an associate professor for the University of Denver, he holds a Ph.D. in film and television studies and moving image production from the University of Texas at Austin. He has formed his own LLC, On and Off the Road Creative Images, to distribute his artwork that explores the tenuous state of national parks and public lands under threat from climate change, industrial development and irresponsible tourists. He enjoys the community aspects of PHAC.

DIANE O’CONNOR – TREASURER

Diane is a recent resident of Denver, having spent the previous 11 years living in Evergreen, and for nearly 15 years working as a hospice respite volunteer.  She has loved losing time in art museums and has gained particular appreciation for abstract art and appreciates the fluidity of liquid mediums.  Recently, she has begun to take watercolor classes at PHAC and enjoys experimenting with alcohol inks.  She enjoys and appreciates the friendliness of the instructors, fellow classmates and PHAC members. Diane is looking forward to helping the PHAC board accomplish its goals in the years ahead.

LISA CROSSE – SECRETARY

Lisa has a PR background working for Japan Airlines in Hawaii. She was also Contributing Editor for Singapore American, Singapore, as well as Contributing Editor for B International and Best of the Best, Hong Kong. Lisa has done freelance work in art and food related subjects. She was born in Switzerland and met her husband, Chuck (a bank executive), in Honolulu. Their two children were born in Hawaii. They moved to Asia for 10 years, traveling widely, returning to Hawaii. Lisa and her family have lived in Colorado for the past 25 years.

SHELLI GROGAN- REGISTRAR

Shelli is a retired Cardiac cath lab nurse and Littleton resident of 45 years. She has been an artist since a small child when she drew her baby brothers' profile. She began painting in oils then gravitated to painting acrylics on furniture, to floral design including a project for the Molly Brown House. She started taking watercolor classes in Littleton 9 years ago and claims it as her favorite medium. She has taken classes over the years at PHAC and enjoys participating and volunteering at the show. 

JENNIFER STECK – COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Jennifer Steck has created art in a variety of mediums over the years. One of her goals, after retiring from a 32-year career in law enforcement, was to focus on her art. In February 2018, Jennifer had her first public showing of two paintings and shortly thereafter, joined the Park Hill Art Club so she could participate in 2018  spring show. “In a world of extreme divides, I think it's important to recognize how much we have in common. I play in acrylics and mixed media to create works of whimsey and humor that I hope, make people smile.  My work celebrates the characters and critters that enhance our lives on a daily basis." Her dogs, Scarlett O'Hairy and Albus Dumbledog, and her cat, Bubba, provide constant inspiration. She is thrilled to be part of the Park Hill Art Club and has found everyone to be supportive and encouraging as she continues learning and moving forward in her creative journey.

GAI SWANSON – MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Gai took her first PHAC workshop in 1993 and has been a member since retiring in 2004. Some of her dearest friends are artists she has met in PHAC classes. Most of her work is abstract, using acrylics and mixed media. Gai lives in the Cheesman Park neighborhood and enjoys walking in the park and through the Botanic Gardens. At home, she often discusses world events with her cat, who is a good listener.