Instructor Biographies
Elaine Bergstrom
Elaine has a B. A. in Design from the University of Illinois and a Botanical Illustration certificate from the Morton Arboretum. She has many years of teaching experience and is a member of the AHA/ABSA as well as a docent at Phipps and Beechwood.
George Broderick
George Broderick has worked as a professional in comics since 1982. He’s written stories for DC and Marvel Comics and handled scripting and editing on the LOST IN SPACE and QUANTAM LEAP comics for Innovation Publishing.
Ruthann Farinacci
Ruthann Farinacci has a B.S. in Art Education from Edinboro University. She has experience teaching in the public schools, a challenge program at La Roche College, and over 10 years teaching experience at the NHAC.
Kim Freithaler
Kim Freithaler has a B.F.A. in Painting from St. John’s University in N.Y.C. and has taught elementary level art in the Manhattan public schools.
Click here to see Kim's Portfolio
Diane Grguras
Diane Grguras has a B.S. in Medical Illustration from The Ohio State University and an A.S. in Scientific Illustration from San Bernardino Valley College (CA). She has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator and is a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, the Pittsburgh Pastel Artists’ League, and the North Hills Art Center. Her work has won awards in many local shows and can be seen online at the Pittsburgh Pastel Artists’ website, www.ppalartists.com, as well as the Gallery on 43rd Street, Lawrenceville.
Karen Hartman
Karen Hartman is a graduate of Duquesne University with B.A. in Studio Art and minor in Art History and French.
Robert Mueller
Robert Mueller is a graduate Landscape Architect, a member of the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society and a Board Member of the North Hills Art Center.
Diane Pontoriero
Diane Pontoriero has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University and Art Education Certification K-12 from Carlow College. She is a full time art teacher in North Hills and has over 7 years of teaching experience at the NHAC.
Matthew Pontoriero
Matthew Pontoriero is a physical therapy/sports medicine student at Gannon University. He is a two-time Scholastic Art Competition Silver Key Winner. He enjoys photography, pastels and drawing.
Colleen Sherts
Colleen Sherts has a B.S. in Art Education from Indiana University of PA. She exhibits her pastel paintings locally, and hopes to publish the children’s books she writes and illustrates.
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