Gayle Danley is one of Maryland's most beloved teaching artists. Recently she launched Poetry Pros, an agency devoted to poets who are experts at weaving art into learning. She has worked as an independent MSAC teaching artist and was a roster artist for Young Audiences of Maryland where she was named both Maryland Artist of the Year and Young Audiences National Artist of the Year.
After winning the International Poetry Slam in Heidelberg Germany, poet Gayle entered the classroom teaching thousands of children how to access their emotions through the force of words.
Elizabeth Rees is the author of Every Root a Branch and three award-winning chapbooks. A fourth chapbook was published by March Street Press in 2002. Over 350 of her poems have appeared in journals, including The Southern Review, Agni, Partisan Review, New England Review, and Kenyon Review, among many others. She has taught widely: Howard University, the U.S. Naval Academy, Harvard University, Boston College, Boston University, Macalester College, Hamline University, and in the graduate program at Johns Hopkins University.
Khaleshia Thorpe-Price is the Owner and Master Teaching Artist of Dramatic-Play. She has worked in the field of arts education for over 20 years. She is a versatile creator and educator. She aims to dazzle participants with the love of play and creative exploration.
My Writer's Notebook
Children's Book Author Mary Amato shares the writing process and shows how she uses her writer's notebook.
Israeli-born Noa Baum is an internationally acclaimed storyteller and author. With mesmerizing voices, impeccable timing, and warm authenticity Noa captivates audiences of all ages, with stories drawn from diverse cultures that highlight our similarities, celebrate our differences and encourage curiosity, and acceptance. In a world where peace is a challenge in the schoolyard and beyond, Noa’s work builds bridges of understanding and compassion.
I've always drawn - started too young to be intimidated by portraiture. I graduated from Corcoran in 1983 & The University of Maryland 4 years later. My late husband, Michael & I raised our daughter, Katherine in old Greenbelt. Teaching kindergarten for 20 years was most rewarding but left little time for my art. Retirement, remarriage, & a home studio here in Laurel has allowed me to create portraits full time. I have exhibited with The Laurel Art Guild many times. My favorite venue is the Montpelier Mansion.
Douglas Thomas, commonly known as Durdi Doug, is a hip hop artist and all genre writer from Baltimore City with a keen understanding of business management. As an independent artist, Durdi Doug is able to diversify his brand by engaging in a variety of activities within the entertainment industry. Doug is on the scene, but he is also behind the scenes. Durdi Doug is a verified musician on Google, and he is the CEO of Vibes Entertainment. His popular single “Birthday Drop” premiered on World Star Hip Hop and ranked #1 on the Digital DJ Pool website.