DAVID PARSONS:
Founder & Executive Director
Painting/Drawing/Clay/Sculpture Instructor

David has an MFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and a BFA from CSU Long Beach.   He has taught at various colleges and universities across the country since 1989, including University of Michigan and College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, as well as El Camino College.   He is currently a professor at CSU Dominguez Hills.   David has been involved with numerous shows and exhibits, regionally and internationally, and is represented in many private collections.  He is a past president of the Ann Arbor Potters Guild.   David founded Summer Studios Arts Academy in 2005, is the Executive Director, and teaches drawing, painting, clay sculpture, and pottery.   David provides local volunteer services and is members of both Lomita and Palos Verdes Chambers of Commerce. 

CATHERINE BALCOM:
Public Relations Director and Photo Instructor

Catherine studied fine arts, photography, motion pictures and graphic design at UCLA.  She is a photographer, instructor, writer, and marketing consultant who has been published in newspapers, magazines, and websites.  She is a founder of "Photographic & Digital Artists" of the Palos Verdes Art Center, is past president of "SP Arts Association" for the Harbor area and its gallery, and is co-producer of the Port of L.A. annual "Art on the Waterfront" festival.  She promotes art-related events, teaches workshops, is a gallery docent, and has juried art competitions. 

LISE CHRISTIANSEN:
Assistant Instructor

Lise is originally from Denmark and is an accomplished pottery artist and expert quiltmaker with over 20 years experience of combining patterns with fabrics.   Her quilt work and ceramics are on permanent display in Denmark at GC Design Gallery, where she is also known for her ability to design and create canvas art, anything from boat sails to custom awnings.

FRANK DELUCA:  
Hand Drumming / Percussion Instructor

Frank has been drumming since age four. He has been one of the organizers of San Pedro 1st Thursday Art Walk's "Drum Circle" for almost two years -- which provides entertainment and encourages public participation. Frank supports studies indicating the very act of drumming and particular rhythms can promote well being, and he invites others to share music as a group.

ANITA DIXON:
Mixed Media Instructor and Kids/Teens Instructor

Anita comes from Amsterdam and a family of artists.  She studied at Otis College of Art and Design under Joe Mugniani and creates art in various mediums.  She has been a docent in the Art to Grow program, has coached students in set painting for both Dodson Junior and San Pedro High Schools., and has helped paint murals in the Harbor area.  She is a member of SP Arts Association and former Director of their Gallery in Ports O’Call Village, San Pedro.  Anita assists in art programs for children including Summer Studios’ education for kids and teens.

KRISTINA GREGORY:  
Office Manager and Painting Instructor

Kristina grew up in Chicago and finished her studies at Columbia College University. She has since worked as a freelance watercolor artist in Michigan while showing her art through various exhibitions, fundraisers and private collections. An animal lover at heart, she continues to paint using the subjects she has met through personal rehabilitation efforts and various organizations where she is an active volunteer and member. Kristina and her husband share their home with four parrots and one rabbit.

CHUCK HULSEY:
Music Instructor

Chuck has a BA in Music from Cal State University Dominguez Hills.  He has been teaching all styles of music from classical to contemporary since 1972.   Chuck has experience in commercial and studio work with all types of genres and has performed sound tracks for TV documentaries including KCET.

BRENDA KNEPPER:
Writing and Art Instructor

Brenda has been a creative director and communications manager for almost two decades.  Currently director of university communications at CSU Dominguez Hills, she is a freelance writer whose work has been published in magazines, newspapers, journals, and online. Brenda is a branding consultant, design and calligraphy instructor, and versatile artist who pursues a variety of creative endeavors, including graphic design, illustration, lettering arts, ceramics, and sculpture. She holds a B.A. in Humanities and working on her M.A.

BRANDON ROTH:
Assistant Instructor

Brandon grew up in Torrance, and has been involved with swimming (competitively and teaching) since the age of fifteen. He is currently attending Cal State Dominguez Hills, and pursuing a career as a teacher. After taking one of David Parson’s art classes he discovered a newfound hobby and love. At Summer Studios he can now combine his passion for teaching and art. 

LANCE RICHLIN:
Painting Instructor

Lance is an accomplished figurative artist and has taught and lectured perspective, anatomy, figure drawing and painting in many locations including Art Center, Otis Institute, the Associates in Arts, California Institute of the Arts, and Laguna College of Art and Design.  His new book on portrait drawing will be released by Walter Foster Books in fall of 2008.  His work has been featured and published in several magazines including Juxtapoz Magazine and American Artist Magazine.   Lance has shown at major museums across the U.S. and in private collections.

BETH SHIBATA:
Writing and Poetry Instructor

Beth has an MA in English (linguistics) from CSU Dominguez Hills and has won awards for her poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. She has taught poetry and journaling workshops in the South Bay and writes for several publications.   Her work has appeared in the LA Times Calendar and in national magazines.

DOUG STENHOUSE:
Painting Instructor

Originally an architect for many years, Doug now focuses on watercolor painting and teaching.  He has studied at St. Albans School under Dean Stambaugh, with Marion Junkin of Washington & Lee University, under sculptor Joe Brown at Princeton University, and under William Shellman and Francis Comstock.  He has been working with Henry Fukuhara and Hisako Asano, at USC and Harbor College.  Doug’s work is exhibited in regional and international exhibitions and private collections.  He is an active member of several art associations.