Beverly Mihelich dba My Happy Place Gallery

Bev, one of our original founding members, has a vast knowledge of numerous art techniques, is eager to learn, share her knowledge with others as an instructor and presently serves as administrator over the gallery.
Both a life long military family member and veteran, she has lived overseas for 16 years, both in Europe as an early teen, then as an adult as late as 2002 and across our nation before settling in the Lenoir area in 2004, with her husband Wayne upon his retirement from the USN.
She earned her BFA in studio art from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1990. Her work is part of numerous private collections across the USA and in Europe. Most important to her career as an artist was working as assistant to sculptress, friend and sister in Christ, Clydetta Fulmer of Montgomery AL from 1992 until 2008. She credits her successes to her philosophy that life should be guided by Biblical instruction; trying to live life in all humility as God has directed, with love, joy, wonder, and thankful appreciation.

Carole, a founding member, is also considered a renaissance artist in her vast array of art techniques and applications. Earned a BFA from the University of Ohio and after completing graduate studies in art education  has taught in public and private schools for 33 Years, including several years in Saudi Arabia. She is currently employed by CCC to teach adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Her work is eclectic in style. Carole is currently scheduled to teach a guided painting class on Friday, beginning in September. she has entitled "Painting with the Masters". For more information take a look at our Classes Page.

Matt, a founding member, earned his BFA from the Ringling School of Art located in Florida. His work is intricate and he is a stickler for detail. He works primarily as a printmaker, specializing in etching, using a wide variety of techniques including multi-color prints. Matt loves older buildings and homes; they have such wonderful character or built with precision and to be visually appealing.  He feels the need to record these historic places before they are lost to us. During a time when others are wanting to destroy and turn their backs on our past he is seeking to preserve it in his work. Matt always works from life, giving his work a three dimensional quality and gives the viewer a closer connection with the subject matter. Seeing his work and watching him work when he is in the gallery is something you shouldn't miss.

Rozzy, a founding member of our group, has had a lifetime love of art. At the age of 9, his parents gave him a John Nagy "Learn How to Draw Kit" to help him pass the hours on the road when his family was moving from one military base to another. Nagy was the first artist to have an instructional TV show and Rozzy watched the show when he came home after school. Charcoal drawing became his first love in art. Illustrations by N.C. Wyeth in classic books he read also inspire him. "Long hours on the road moving to new bases during my father's Air Force career gave me the opportunity to see a variety of lanscapes in many states. Those passing views out the window of our 1952 Chevy made a lasting impression," said Rozzy. Following a 15 year career in journalism, he was able to put his drawing talent to use doing editorial cartoons. in his 25 years as a Caldwell County teacher, Rozzy incorporated art into his literature and social studies lessons. "I also drew caricatures and cartoons for students on their birthdays."
Since his retirement from teaching, Rozzy has thrown himself into his art. He paints in acrylic and oil and does charcoal drawings and uses markers. "I love shy and water and try to capture the felling in a moment of time." he said. "Each work has a meaning to me, but I keep that to myself, preferring those who view my work to get their own meaning or interpretation.

Gretchen has been instrumental in preserving local North Carolina stories through oral history projects have resulted in several narrative nonfiction books with tow more in the works.  She is a former teacher with thirty years of experience covering multiple levels from Head Start five year olds to college freshmen at Appalachian State University and Caldwell community College although she claims fourth grade as her favorite spot to fall.  An interest n international cultures began in high school  when she was an exchange student in Lima, Peru and continues today through volunteer work with AFS, and intercultural program.  Her 2013 children's picture boo, When Christman Feels Like Home, in based on personal experiences of adapting to a new culture. Visit her at her website, www.gretchengriffith.com

Jim was born in Washington DC and spent the first 15 years living in Rockville, MD. He continued to live in the general DC area for the next 40 years. He is married to his HS sweetheart Gail and they have children , Kelly and Josh who reside in the DC/Belt area. At this time they have 4 grandchildren, 2 by each child. He began his adventures in Glass in 1980 by taking a Rec center Stained Glass class and he was hooked. After retiring from the Washington Transit Authority in 2004, Jim and Gail relocated to Lenoir, NC in 2006.
Jim is a largely self taught artist who enjoys exploring different styles and techniques, this is why his body of work is so eclectic.  He enjoys combining the beauty of
fused glass art with functional objects. He is influence by the environment and especially the undersea world that he and Gail love to explore while scuba diving.
In 2007, Jim was accepted into the prestigious Southern Highland Craft Guild and is a member in good standing.  He has numerous works displayed at galleries in Asheville, Blowing Rock, Lenoir, Hickory and in St. Lucia, WI, he also has work in several international collections.
Custom work and commission are readily accepted.

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A new artist to our roster.