Meet Our Fall 2026 Class and Workshop Instructors!

Jenn Clemons received her BFA from the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.  Until recently, Jenn was the Visual Art Department Chair at the Hampton Roads Academy in Newport News for over twenty years. She has displayed her work in numerous group exhibitions and showcased her work in her solo exhibition “Growth in Liminal Space” at the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center.

Tom Daley is an avid watercolorist who is attracted to the dynamic nature and portability of the medium.  A graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, he is comfortable in the studio as well as painting outdoors.  Tom will bring his experiences and love for the medium to the classroom.

Jim Dees began studying watercolor with Phyllis Greenway at the former Peninsula Fine Arts Center in Newport News in 2003. He has studied under Leslie Rich in Venice and several nationally-known watercolorists in workshops throughout VA. He is a past president and signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and participates in art shows throughout the Tidewater area. His work is on permanent display at Blue Skies Gallery here in Hampton. 

Dawn Flores is a professional artist and instructor who teaches art courses nationally. She double-majored in art and theater at the Edgewood College, the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and Loyola University in New Orleans, and earned a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration from the New York Botanical Garden.

Watercolorist Pam Oden is a fourth-generation painter who has had countless artworks featured at The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center. Pam was juried into the Virginia Watercolor Society (VWS) 2025 exhibition in Roanoke (her 4th acceptance). Last year, she received 'Signature member' designation on my 3rd acceptance. 

Sean “Teach” Strickland is a Hampton based artist and art educator. He has been an art teacher for 28 years for Hampton City Schools. He received a BFA from Christopher Newport University and studied under the tutelage of notable artists such as Betty Anglin, Greg Henry, Mike Hernandez, Sarah Sedwick and Alice McEnerney Cook. As an educator, he prides himself in meeting students’ needs wherever they are on their artistic journey by creating fun, engaging and meaningful lessons that focus on both the skill and knowledge of the artistic practice.

Amanda Wallace received her MFA from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT and her BFA from Virginia Commonwealth in Richmond. She currently teaches art at the Tidewater Arts Outreach and has taught at the Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center for almost 15 years.

A self-taught photographer, Shirley Whitenack enjoys sharing with others. Being aware of the world around —the direction and quality of light—is essential to make a compelling photograph. Whitenack earned the Fellow of Photography degree from Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) and has been a member for 35 years. She is also a lifetime member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She has received many awards for my photography including the Fuji Masterpiece award and the Kodak Excellence award.