Featured Artisans

Wendy’s artistic journey began in her youth, sparked by her unique upbringing as the child of a military officer. Growing up immersed in diverse cultures worldwide, she discovered her passion for art, spending countless hours drawing and painting. These experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to creativity and self-expression. 

With a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Texas at Austin, Wendy has spent decades refining her craft as a freelance artist and illustrator. She works across a variety of media, including watercolor, oil, and acrylic, allowing her to explore a wide range of subjects. Her work is deeply personal, often inspired by moments of joy, pain, and memory that resonate universally. 

She is excited to share her creations with the community and connect with fellow artists. “I hope my artwork inspires people to feel a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them,” she shares. 

Wendy’s artistic journey extends beyond her own creations. With 28 years of experience as a public school art teacher, she is dedicated to inspiring her students to express their ideas and embrace the creative process. 

Her commitment to nurturing creativity in others mirrors her own goals as an artist: to continue pushing boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and discovering fresh ways to bring her ideas to life. 

While Wendy focuses primarily on commissioned work, she welcomes the opportunity to collaborate and create custom pieces. Those interested in her art can find her online: 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WendyWilsonArt/)

Instagram: wendeeeeee.wix.com/wendywilsonart

Website: https://wendeeeeee.wixsite.com/wendywilsonart

Candace French, a talented Mixed Media Artist, draws inspiration from nature and her dreams, creating pieces that blend vibrant colors, intriguing textures, and radiant light. With a unique approach that combines the seen and unseen, Candace’s art captures a sense of mystery and wonder. Each piece unfolds through her intuitive process, layered with concealment and revelation to captivate the viewer’s eye. This artistic journey began as a healing process after the loss of her brother, rediscovering her love for painting and the transformative power of creativity. Today, Candace paints not only for her own joy but also to share that joy and a deeper appreciation for life’s mysteries with others.

Candace has been a professional mixed media artist and art teacher for over a decade. She finds endless possibilities in her medium, beginning each artwork with a vision and allowing it to evolve with each brushstroke. Her art has been featured in various shows, including the Art Students League of Denver, the Parker Artists Guild, Art in the Park, and the Curtis Center for The Arts Instructor Show.

At this year’s festival, visitors will discover a diverse selection of Candace’s creations, ranging from note cards and mini artworks to canvas prints and matted originals. Each piece offers an opportunity to connect with her community and share her passion. Candace is particularly excited to connect with new neighbors and reconnect with familiar faces. 

Visitors can view Candace’s art at [candacefrench.com](http://www.candacefrench.com), on her ROX Arts Gallery profile  at http://www.roxartsgallery.com), and on LinkedIn at(http://www.linkedin.com/in/candacefrench11/).

 Evelyns  creative inspiration comes from a deeply spiritual place—her connection to God. Her journey in this creative expression began twenty years ago when she felt moved to share her unique perspective on spirituality through storytelling. Her book, How I Learned About God From My Dog, A Tribute to TinkerBelle, explores the profound lessons she learned about faith and love through her experiences with her beloved dog, Tinkerbell.

This is Evelyn’s first time participating in an art show, and she is thrilled to share her book with the community at the Silver Mesa Artisan Festival. Her hope is that readers will find inspiration, comfort, and perhaps a new understanding of faith within its pages.

For those who want to explore her work beyond the festival, How I Learned About God From My Dog is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com, Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com), and her website Godmydogbook.com  https://godmydogbook.com. 

Evelyn’s greatest wish is that her book reaches the people who need it most, offering them a spiritual touch that resonates as it has with her.

After years of facing the challenges of secondary infertility, Kandis Van Gelder found solace and fulfillment in an unexpected place—the art of sourdough baking. While it wasn't the same as nurturing a new life, sourdough offered her the opportunity to create, nurture, and experience growth in a deeply satisfying way. Over the past two and a half years, Kandis has transformed this passion into a small home business that brings joy to both her family and her customers.

What Kandis enjoys most about sourdough baking is its versatility. The process can be as simple or as complex as she chooses, allowing her to adapt recipes and techniques based on the situation. She relishes the challenge of problem-solving when complications arise, finding immense satisfaction in producing a delicious and beautiful loaf from humble ingredients. Providing her family with fresh bread and sourdough goodies free from store-bought additives is a source of pride. They enjoy guilt-free indulgence, knowing the food is both nutritious and delicious.

The Silver Mesa Artisan Festival marks Kandis's debut in the art show community, and she's excited to meet new people and share her creations. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her venture by securing a spot at a local market to reach even more bread enthusiasts.

You can follow Kandis's sourdough journey on Instagram at @the_crusty_cupboard https://instagram.com/the_crusty_cupboard, where she shares her latest bakes and sourdough adventures.