Melissa Amaral paints mostly large expressive faces, employing the use of bright colors. She also enjoys painting gestural figures. Melissa grew up in Austin , Texas and now lives in Lexington , KY. She uses art as a means of expression and relaxation while improving eye-hand coordination. Melissa looks forward to becoming more independent while producing art and working with a variety of people in the community.
Ambrose received formal training in her early childhood, but did not return to art until twenty-five years later. Due to her mental illness, she was reluctant to express herself through painting, singing, or acting. Today, these creative outlets are extremely meaningful to her. Ambrose describes her style as free flowing and expressionistic. Her paintings suggest a magical realm where edges or sharp contours cannot be found. Her artwork is a portrayal of the inner experience of the soul and spirit of herself and those she paints. Physical and psychological realities are recognized and interwoven.
The natural beauty of Raven Run Sanctuary in Central Kentucky has had a
lasting influence on my photography. I was brought to my knees, not to
pray, but to look at the tiny things growing out of the dirt. I made a
lot of belly flop photographs in those days. I attempt to give voice to
a planet we have forgotten how to love. Photographing land, water and
sky seems like small potatoes compared to what needs to be done. Nonetheless, in rare moments time and space dissolve and brief contact is made with the Infinite. Hunched over the tripod, in a wild and remote place, a shaft of light moves, a shutter fires, a moment of time is borrowed for an instant of salvation.
Drawing, painting and writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Having a hearing loss and Lupus slow me down at times, but never stops me. My art is how I communicate with the world.
Kathy Arnold Louisville, KY
MUSIC:
Instrumental and Vocal
Piano, Guitar and Lap Dulcimer
Folk, Country, Multi-Cultural, 40's Tunes (performances and workshops)
Tom and Kathy Arnold met at a music festival in 1995, married in 1997, and the combination of love and talent from these visually impaired musicians has blossomed into many entertaining and inspirational appearances. Tom is a talented guitarist and singer who blends well with Kathy, whose beautiful voice has been featured in many festivals and recording projects. These accomplished musicians play and sing for a wide variety of audiences, primarily in the Louisville area, which include nursing homes, bookstores, weddings, parties and coffee houses. Tom and Kathy have both been praised and acclaimed for their versatility in musical talent, style and interpretation of songs, which include country, gospel, folk, blues and old-time sing along.
Tom Arnold Louisville, KY
MUSIC:
Instrumental and Vocal
Piano, Guitar and Banjo
Folk, Country, Multi-Cultural, 40's Tunes (performances and workshops)
Tom and Kathy Arnold met at a music festival in 1995, married in 1997, and the combination of love and talent from these visually impaired musicians has blossomed into many entertaining and inspirational appearances. Tom is a talented guitarist and singer who blends well with Kathy, whose beautiful voice has been featured in many festivals and recording projects. These accomplished musicians play and sing for a wide variety of audiences, primarily in the Louisville area, which include nursing homes, bookstores, weddings, parties and coffee houses. Tom and Kathy have both been praised and acclaimed for their versatility in musical talent, style and interpretation of songs, which include country, gospel, folk, blues and old-time sing along.
The Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, provides operational support funding for VSA Kentucky with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
© 2006 Melissa Amaral 
Enlarge Picture
© 2006 Anne Ambrose
© 2006 Don Ament 
© 2006 Barbara Appleby 
