Douglas Tarenyika is a Zimbabwean born writer, gifted with a deep and vast imagination alongside a talent for writing stories that reflect the struggles of climate change, war, racism and the pathways of finding peace and common ground. The core of his work focuses on understanding that the differences between us don't have to separate us but can bring us closer and make society stronger. Douglas was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe. His mother is from Ethiopia, and his late father was from Zimbabwe.
Lydia Sylvia Martin is a musician and writer from Central Maryland. She performed with her family, The Martin Family Band, for over 20 years and studied traditional old-time and Irish music. She has an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Goucher College and currently performs and teaches banjo.
Laura Sturza is a writer and teacher living in Rockville, Maryland. She primarily teaches classes for older adults that incorporate her experience as a writer, storyteller, and theatre artist. She marvels over the courage and artistry of her students and welcomes the chance to work with groups of all ages and backgrounds. Laura's work is published in The Washington Post, Shondaland, AARP’s The Girlfriend, The LA Times, and Lunch Ticket, among others. Laura wrote, produced, and starred in the one-woman show, Finding the Perfect Place to Live in 111 Gyrations.
Ten years experience in spoken word performance / poetry reading
GAIL MARTEN BIO
Gail Marten climbed the iconic steps, where Sylvester Stallone would later train for his role in the film Rocky, to study at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Between classes, she visited the famous galleries, inspired by the phenomenal work of legendary artists displayed. She also took courses at the Moore Institute of Art and received a scholarship for additional art studies.
In Massachusetts, ten years later, she learned painting, etching, and collagraph techniques at the Decordova Museum and Northeastern University.
Naturally gifted and nurturally raised in a family of fine art father, floral artist mother, and prose and performing art grandparents, Ann was installed the love of art since a young age. She earned Bachelor of Art from Chiang Mai University (2003), Thailand and completed several art courses through continuous education at Georgetown University in D.C. and Yellow Barn, Glen Echo Center in Maryland.
Tavish Forsyth (He/Them) is a queer improviser, educator, and word technologist.
Tavish helps learners Decode the Script, create Improv Drama Clubs, and establish Writer's Rooms. He helps educators in supporting community-focused theatre. Tavish is based in Baltimore City, which is the ancestral land of the Piscataway people. He is the founder of Bird City Improv and a teaching artist with MSDE's Centers for Creative Classrooms.
Sue Batton Leonard is an award-winning writer and blogger who has worked in many capacities in the independent publishing industry. Her writing includes several genres - memoir, biography and fiction. Her life experiences have led her to writing about her favorite subject - art. Her most recent publication, Richard Galusha: An Artist’s Journey was a finalist in the 2020 Eric Hoffer Award book contest. It is the “largest International book awards contest for small, academic and independent presses.” She was also hired to be a blog writer for ThroughtheLensofHerCamera.wordpress.com.
I started out in the arts when I was 5 years old, from singing to painting and many other things. I decided to further my knowledge at the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, Virginia. I sharpened my skills and picked up some others. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts and Animation, and what does one do with a degree in Media Arts and Animation you ask.. Well, I can show you better than I can tell you.