At his studio in Cincinnati , Ohio , Jeff B. Carroll creates his artwork from plaster and mixed media. His sculptures have been exhibited in several prestigious venues including Deaf Way II, the VSA arts International Festival, and at exhibits for VSA arts of Kentucky . He has created commissioned works for various organizations and private collectors across the country.
Mike Cleveland Charlestown, IN
MUSIC:
Vocal and Instrumental
Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar
Bluegrass
A three-time recipient of the International Bluegrass Association’s Fiddle Player of the Year Award, Mike has performed with Bluegrass legends Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Doc Watson, and J.D. Crowe. At age four, Mike picked up the fiddle. At age 12, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut as a guest of Allison Krauss. Currently Mike and his band, Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock, play sizzling bluegrass and are much in demand.
My art takes many forms, primarily oil painting, but also includes drawing, watercolor, print making and screen-print, woodcut and monotype. I am a late-deafened person; therefore, the language of art is my communication mode. It is my belief that there is no barrier to understanding a beautiful piece of art, whether it be a tonal study, vibrant floral work, portrait or landscape. At the age of 69, I recently graduated magna cum laude with a degree in art from the University of Kentucky.
I am 50 years old and was born in Kentucky . I’ve lived 12 years of my youth in southern California where I was exposed to the rich musical heritage of the 1960s. I’ve been playing the guitar since 1968, and music has gotten me through rough times, like my ongoing battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis. VSA arts of KY helped me get some songs of mine that were recorded on cassette cleaned up a bit and put on CD right before my arthritis kept me from being able to play the guitar for over two years. I can now play for short periods, for which I am grateful for.
Joann is a loving, vibrant, spunky and talented lady, 85 years young! She says, “Living with the challenges of deafness and Muscular Dystrophy, painting has been a sweet release. Taking paint, brush and canvas in hand, my thoughts and memories are transformed from my mind's eye to the canvas with the heartfelt joy of painting with friends. With each stroke of my brush and paint, I have captured the past and continue to live for the future.”
The Kentucky Arts Council, a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet, provides operational support funding for VSA Arts 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 Jeff B. Carroll 
Enlarge Picture
© 2006 Jack Cochran 
© 2006 Joann Hornback 