Meet The Banana Factory’s Newest Teaching Artists
The Banana Factory is always looking for the most talented and experienced teaching artists to give students professional art instruction. As 2018 kicks off with new art classes, we wanted to introduce you to the newest members of our team!
(*denotes a longer-tenured teacher with new class offerings)
Maciek Albrecht
Maciek Albrecht is the founder of Magik Animation Studios. He is known for producing animated films for children for Sesame Street, Scholastic and HBO. His animated films have won numerous awards worldwide such as the Annecy Award for the best feature “Close To You”, the Peabody Award and 4 Emmy Awards in an Animated Short Category.
Upcoming classes: Stop Motion Animation (starts 2/20)
Michael Barone
Michael Barone has been a professional photographer for over 30 years after receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from the University of Delaware. His work has been shown internationally and has won numerous awards and has also published two books of his work. Michael specializes in commercial portraits and product photography.
Upcoming classes: Basic Camera Functions (starts 3/14)
Devyn Leonor Briggs*
Devyn Leonor Briggs studied fine art and business at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), a nationally ranked art college in Baltimore, MD. Devyn’s work has always been inspired by her mixed Colombian, Jamaican, and African American heritage. Devyn was raised in Bethlehem, PA, and is a graduate of Freedom High School.
Upcoming classes: New classes coming soon!
Jay Davenport
Jay Davenport has always been interested in and excited by fine art, especially, animals and wildlife. He has earned an Associates Degree in Painting and Illustration and completed a four year apprenticeship in Realism and Trompe-l’Oeil.
Upcoming classes: Drawing Realistically (starts on 2/15)
Deborah McCants
Teaching Artist Debrosha McCants is a 2017 graduate of Cedar Crest College where she earned a Bachelor of Art degree with an emphasis in Metalsmithing. Her work expresses an inner energy that she recognizes as herself. Lines, forms and compositions connect her work to nature and the things interact and relate to each other.
Upcoming classes: Jewelry Design & Fabrication (starts on 2/14)
Megan Padden
Upcoming classes: Pre-Teen Wheelthrowing (starts on 2/3) & Wheelthrowing for Teens (starts on 2/3)
Melissa Perhamus*
In the past few years, Melissa has made her art “career” a priority and is committed to never allowing it take a back seat again. She has learned that life is always much better with art in the forefront leading the way. Her work has very strong references to the natural world through shape, color, texture and line.
Upcoming classes: Water Color Painting – Level 1 (starts 1/31)
Elena Shackleton
Elena Shackleton has over 50 years watercolor painting experience, and has been teaching academically and privately for over 30 years. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and is a member of the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Palatte Club.
Upcoming classes: New classes coming soon!
Ramon Townsend
Ramon found his passion for bookbinding while working at a bindery during college in Virginia. In 2012 Ramon and his daughter Danielle decided to turn his passion into a vocation. At the Colonial Bindery they take pride in the craft’s traditions.
Upcoming classes: Discover Workshop: Paper Marbling (workshop on 2/24) & Discover Workshop: Bookbinding (workshop on 3/10)
