Bravo's co- founder, LAUREN BECKER DOWNEY was born an artist. She remembers creating her first weaving in kindergarten when she made her Mom a pot holder. Earning a BFA in Weaving and Textile Design from Tyler School of Art of Temple University in Philadelphia, she was immersed in the world of art making. She also studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Utah. For many years, she exhibited woven tapestries and painted fabrics of abstract, nonrepresentational imagery. Lauren now uses Mosaics and Painted Furniture as the medium for her expression. As a Founder of Bravo School of Art, the former Director of Workshops at the Art Academy of San Diego, and the former owner of Bravo Gallery and Bravo Workshop, Lauren has been involved in San Diego’s arts community since 1990. She has been teaching art and fine crafts to adults throughout San Diego County since 1992.

WENDY FETTERLY is a painter, illustrator and chalk artist working and living in San Diego, CA. Wendy graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in drawing and painting. She uses her skills to create murals, chalkboards for displays and menu boards for clients. Wendy complements her fine art background with a love of technology, as she also works in graphic design and website design.

As a teenager, artist IRINA KOREN immigrated to United States from Russia in 1991. Making art is her way of connecting cultures. In her paintings, she focuses on uncovering layers of human perception of the world and our place in it through juxtaposition of colors, textures, and concepts. Irina strives to evoke emotion and start a dialogue about the important concepts of modern life, our role in it, and the problems we are facing. She finds beauty in ordinary objects that inspire her artwork and wants to challenge the viewer to see familiar things in a new way. Irina earned a BA in Visual Communication from Maryland Institute College of Art. Irina enjoys helping her students find their creative voice. It is very rewarding to see art bring more joy and beauty into their lives.
www.irinasartstudio.net

THIA NEVIUS has taught watercolor painting for many years including at The Bishops School and The Athenaeum School of the Arts. She has exhibited in many shows and continues to be an active member in the art community. Thia’s MFA from Colorado State University has opened many doors for her as she continues to enjoy teaching and exhibiting her work.

LEE ANNA YATER has been creating art since childhood. Both her parents, being artists themselves, encouraged and supported all of her creative endeavors. LeeAnna began her professional art career as a weaver in 1985. She eventually evolved to "fiber paintings”. The images she chooses for her artwork are a reflection of personal experiences, usually memories of childhood and dreams. However, LeeAnna enjoys the challenge of creating artwork for any one who may want a piece narrating their life and/or interests. The education and years of experience as an artist and designer have allowed her to be open to and challenged by various unique projects that have come her way.