This coming Saturday, WHAL artists will participate in the Holiday Sale sponsored by Moon Parks and Recreation along with the Moon Township Garden Club, the Piece and Quilt Club and Moon Historical Society. Bring a friend and get into the holiday spirit while you shop for unique gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

A very special thank you to Kim McAninch who gave us a wonderful demonstration of her palette knife painting, vision and style. Kim's straight forward, real talk, made it such a pleasure to watch and learn. Kim had many of us laughing and truly enjoying ourselves by putting her spin on the trials and frustrations of being a working artist. If you missed last night's meeting you can learn about Kim on her website and maybe buy a painting. Thanks again Kim!

Our featured artist this month is Storma French, a local artist responsible for  patiently cultivating the creative gene in so many aspiring artists from our area and beyond. Storma sees art in everything around her and loves to paint and draw, particularly flowers and landscapes.

She has maintained an art studio in her home for the past 41 years and has taught over 600 students from the tri-state area. Adults and children have learned how to create art under her guidance in multiple mediums including watercolor, oil painting, collage, clay, basket weaving and copper enameling, to name a few. She has also conducted and hosted countless workshops  and children's classes in her studio in Crescent, PA.  

Storma  studied art at Carnegie Tech and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh until accepting a job with the airlines. While raising her four beautiful children, she continued to foster her passion for art by supporting and participating in local art groups including the Beaver Valley Artists and West Hills Art League. She also served an officer for West Hills Art League. Her work has been displayed in countless exhibits and she has received numerous awards. Her paintings are hung in businesses throughout the United States and abroad.

She and her husband, Gordon are avid gardeners. Visitors to their home can't help but be inspired to paint as you stroll through their backyard and enjoy the beautiful flowers and ponds. She encourages all of her students to "....Open your eyes; your heart will reflect the wonders of nature."