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.