Welcome to the Special Friends Page
We are delighted to present this page of Special Friends of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS. These highly respected individuals and organizations share our mission and belief that art can serve as a catalyst for healing individuals, society and the environment, that art can raise awareness and lift our spirits.
Please visit their websites to learn more about them.
Would You like to Become a Special Friend of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS?
Visit this page for details.
Deborah Koff-Chapin
Special Friend of the Week
Deborah Koff-Chapin is an artist, sound healer, author and workshop facilitator. Her evocative images are created through the simple yet profound process of Touch Drawing. She has taught the process internationally and holds online workshops. Deborah is creator of the iconic decks, SoulCards 1&2, and Portals of Presence: Faces Drawn from the Subtle Realms. She has published five SoulTouch Coloring Journals and is author of Drawing Out Your Soul. She has been artist-in-residence at numerous conferences including the Parliament of the World’s Religions. She holds free online “Song Bath Sanctuary. Shown here is “Image from SoulCards 1 – Touch Drawing”, etching ink on paper, 18″ x 24″. touchdrawing.com
Deborah Ann Baker
Deborah Ann Baker is an “Independent Intuitive Fine Art Artist, Illustrator, Instructor, Exhibitor and Speaker”. Her abstract intuitive and innovative contemporary works of art are “inspired by nature, the human spirit, and the vibration of color that connects us all… an invitation to invoke a feeling, tell a story, and the opportunity to shine light out into the world.” She layers colors and textures “until the painting becomes a portal where we connect on a soulful and intimate level in adventures of magical moments in time called NOW.” She combines touches of whimsy, intuitive marks, and passages of color “to poetically inspire the spirit.” Shown above is one of her “Abstract” paintings. deborahann-baker.pixels.com
Corina Ioana
Corina Ioana was born and raised in Transylvania, Romania. The self-taught artist who now lives in California welcomes you to her world of digitally elaborated photography. Corina’s exploration and experimentation with modern techniques have led her to blend various mediums such as canvas, original photographs, paintings, and drawings. With her camera, iPad, laptop, Procreate, Photoshop, Apple Pencil, and mouse as her brush, Corina embarks on a diverse artistic journey daily. Her natural curiosity and fearlessness are among her greatest qualities. Read an Art Review “Corina Ioana Creates Bold, Vibrant and Empowering Artwork” by Renee Phillips. Shown here is “The Explosive Tree of Life”, digital art, 51″ x 60″. corinafoto.com
Janice Phelps Williams
There are few things as magical as taking a piece of paper and creating something interesting and colorful on its blank, white surface. Thinking of the nuances of color, shape, and line can hold my interest for hours as with each mark I consider something — life, love, loss or hope. It all transfers to the tool I am using and is forever captured in the piece, which then seems to be like a friend waving to the future me from the past and making all the days of my life present at once. Shown here is “08-2023-A”, ink, metallics, 19″ x 24″. janicephelpswilliams.com
Debbie Crouch
Debbie Crouch is a Creative Community Expert, artist and author. As founder of Creative Wellness Journey CIC, a non-profit organization based in the U.K. she provides a safe environment “helping people who feel lost and alone discover their true selves through expression of emotions with creativity.” She explains, “How do I know because I have been there and found my true self with a passion for creativity.” She also works with other communities to develop working alliances and partnerships and develops online courses and materials for art for wellness. Read an interview with her as one of our “World Changers”. Shown here is “Leo Lion”, acrylic painting. creativewellnessjourney.co.uk
Synthia SAINT JAMES
Synthia SAINT JAMES is a world renowned multicultural visual artist, and award-winning author and/or illustrator of 17 children’s books, several poetry and affirmation books, a cookbook, a play, a monologue, and 2 marketing books. In her recent book Healers, Orishas, Shamans and Deities: The Healing Art of Synthia SAINT JAMES she shares 12 paintings created in 2020 and healing inspirations. She states, “Painting for me is like a breath of fresh air – revitalizing and stimulating – a magnificent gift from The Creator.” She lives in Los Angeles, CA. Shown here is “Butterflies Dream”, acrylic on canvas, 12″ x 16″ x 3″. This painting has been reproduced for a hospital to measure 48″ x 64″. ateliersynthiasaintjames.com
David G. Rickman
“I’m seeking to create something that will flood our heart, mind, and soul with a sense of hope and excitement! My art helps me to work thru difficulties and promote a sense of soul healing for myself as well. My process of co-creating with the Creator is a spiritual and therapeutic experience that promotes healing internally. One of the main areas that I’m passionate about are ‘Healing Arts’ projects that integrate the arts with healthcare and the well-being of people. It’s such a great way to communicate and help others in so many ways.” Shown here is “Rising Sound”, acrylic, 30″ x 40″. This painting was selected for “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience” 2022 Juried Exhibition and the promotional YouTube video. dgrickmanart.com
Britt Michaelian
Britt Michaelian was selected for our exhibition “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience” in 2022 and the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory 2023” exhibition. She states, “Healing takes courage. In my work with others on the healing journey, I realized I had the opportunity to integrate healing transmissions through my art, thus providing a space for artist and viewer to heal together. By incorporating healing frequency music into the creation process, healing crystals and sage smoke into the paint, as well as quantum healing as a medium, this collection can help heal the people, pets, plants, and places it inhabits.” Shown here is “Be Still. Surf the Silence”, mixed media: acrylic with powdered healing stones and quantum healing, 48″ x 60″ x 1.5″. brittmichaelian.com
Nelly Marlier
“I am a Belgian self-taught painter. I live in Syracuse, in Sicily, where I gain inspiration from the beautiful seascape and landscape. My perception of nature is reflected in expressive tones of my paintings through dynamic energy and spontaneous gestures. My work is always a combination between light, colours and forms. My artworks are part of private collections in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, United Emirates, and USA.” Shown here is “Birch Forest”, oil on linen, 28″ x 43″. nellymarlier.com
Hiske Tas Bain
Dutch-born artist Hiske Tas Bain creates paintings that capture “fleeting moments of memory, nature, dreams, different places and culture.” She is inspired by Magic Realism and stimulated by her world travels. She explains, “I am interested into changing reality into a positive experience.” Hiske has exhibited worldwide and has received many commissions for her work. Her art was selected to receive a top award in “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition. One of her paintings was featured in the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022 exhibition. She has been featured in many publications such as Who’s Who in Visual Art, Germany, and Art in Vogue, UK. Shown here is “Flood Moon”, the full moon painted after the big flood in Australia, acrylic on canvas. hisketas-fineart.com
Marcella Rose
Marcella Rose traces her artistic roots and love for the natural world back to her formative years growing up on a western Minnesota farm. Following graduation from Minnesota State, Moorhead, Marcella’s art career carried her to Phoenix, Kansas City, Spokane and Santa Fe. She now resides on Prairie Lake, near Pelican Rapids, MN. Marcella owns Lady of the Lake Studio and Rose Gallery, offering inspirational fine art encompassing oil painting, jewelry design and sculpture. For many years she has been represented by prestigious galleries in the U.S. including The Capital Gallery in Bismarck and Medora, ND and The Grande Gallery, at the Dayton’s Market in Minneapolis, MN. Animals, symbology and feminine figures are the focus of her work. Shown here is “Essence of Grace”, oil and gold leaf on canvas, 72” x 84”. marcellarose.com
Cristina del Rosso
Cristina del Rosso has exhibited in many exhibitions and her art is in numerous collections throughout the world. She received a Special Recognition Art Award in “The Healing Power of ART Inspired By NATURE” online exhibition to become a “Special Friend”. She states, “The immensity of the sky, the eternal presence of the rocks, the corners of the forests, the color of the flowers, the movement of the sea are inexhaustible sources of inspiration. They reveal to us the mystery of life. I try to bring those emotions to the viewer, to make them dream, taking them to those places, and provoke those sensations when contemplating my works.” Shown here is “Eucalyptus”, oil on canvas, 27” x 27′.’ cristinadelrosso.com
Judy Hatlen
Judy Hatlen’s art is in many collections and she has created many portrait commissions. She states, “It’s important to have a peaceful haven where people can nourish their spirit and renew their energy. My artwork is meant to help create that. Through my close-up, detailed views of nature, and my wildlife scenes, I encourage the viewer to slow down, observe, and marvel at the intricacy of God’s creation. My images of rural life are an invitation come away from the rush of modern life, enjoy a sunset, and feel the peace of a life lived close to the land.” Shown here is “German Iris”, acrylic on canvas panel, 22″ x 28″. It was Selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” juried exhibition. judysartco.com
Donna Secour
Donna Secour is an award winning artist who lives in Massachusetts. Most recently she received the Second Place, Peoples Choice Award in the 2022 Attleboro Art Museum Annual Flower Show. She also received a Special Recognition Art Award in “The Healing Power of ART Inspired By NATURE” online exhibition to become a “Special Friend”. She states, “Nature in itself is the great healer, containing the most potent beauty. Flowers in particular inspire me for their translucency, purity of color, and how shadow can be the backdrop for luminosity. Trying to paint soothing scenes that people can rest in is the purest way that I can express the joy I feel in the natural world.” Shown here is “Rest”, acrylic, 24″ x 24″. donnasecour.com
Gloria Weiner
When the pandemic started, I took my old brushes and started painting. I had painted before but not the way I want to paint now. I want to paint nature, hidden and not so hidden, small and delicate finds, between weeds and dry brushes. Often overlooked flowers that are so resilient, intricate and challenging to paint. There is so much beauty out there in daily life, I just have to open my eyes and my soul. I paint relatively big sizes because I want to share with you the grandeur of small hidden beauties in nature all around us. Shown here is “Love Arizona”, acrylic, 30″ x 24″ x 1 3/4″. gloriaweiner.com
Elise Beattie
Elise Beattie is known as “a fearless water- media artist”. Her artwork is a mixture of positive emotion and a fusion of representation and abstraction. She calls her process “painting with her mind’s eye and heart”. This method allows her to utilize her imagination while cultivating content, composition and mood. Elise is an award winning painter who has been in many exhibitions, publications and collections. She was recently awarded the Liana Mooney Award for innovative abstract landscape at the 132nd National Association of Women Artists 2021 exhibition. Shown here is “Window on My Universe” beattieartworks.com
Mary Manning
Mary Manning takes southwestern landscapes and nature’s winged creatures and transforms them into ethereal settings using acrylic, oil and watercolor paints with gilding and epoxy/resin pours. As a full-time artist and poet her inspiration comes from “red rocks, desert light, birdsong, the sounds of a rare river running through parched landscapes”. She loves color, wide open spaces and western skies. Her work is collected by private, public and academic collections. Her art was selected for “The Healing Power of Color” 2022 exhibition. She welcomes visitors to her website as, “a place to enjoy, heal, and create your own dreams.” Shown here is “Mountainscape”, mixed media, 18″ x 24″. marymanningnewwest.com
Cindy Lutz Kornet
Cindy Lutz Kornet is an innovative artist who lives in Massachusetts. She skillfully applies a variety of mediums that include acrylic paints, encaustic wax, inks, collage, printing and calligraphy. She explains, “My objective is to create art that is hopeful, uplifting, inspires courage and even joy. It is my deep desire to help bridge the gap from human condition on earth to a spiritual place in the higher realms.” One of her works of art was selected for “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience” 2022 exhibition. Cindy also teaches the creative process “as a healing vehicle and roadmap for healthy expression.” Shown here is “Rooted in Hope”, acrylic, pen and ink, and collage using her original artwork, 18″ x 24″. artandsoulofcindylutzkornet.com
Jodie Brenner
Jodie Brenner is an award-winning pastel artist who creates inspirational horse memorial portraits and horse paintings. She states, “The Wild Mare Collection is focused on supporting women to trust and heal their hearts and to embrace their authenticity, grace and wild wisdom.” She has extensive training and experience in Equine Facilitated Coaching, Equine Integrated Bodywork and is an Animal Reiki Teacher. The organizations Jodie supports through her art include Dove Creek Equine Rescue, The Cloud Foundation, and Return to Freedom. “Golden Spirit”, pastel, 8” x 10″ was selected for “The Healing Power of Color” 2023 exhibition. She won a Special Recognition Art Award and was invited to become an Honorary Special Friend. jodiebrenner.com
Patricia Gould
My inspiration comes from travel in Asia, East Africa, Russia, Antarctica, and throughout North America and Europe. My voice is whispering a tribute to the incredible beauty of nature. Obsessively drawn to trees, rocks, all forms of water, and animals, I portray these subjects as if they were asking me to reveal their messages to the world. My paintings, photographs, and fiber art are dramatic portraits of Earth. I hope to draw the viewers into these scenes to share the exhilaration I feel and to cherish the wonders of the place we call home.” Shown above is “Together Forever”, acrylic and Shiva Oilstiks on canvas, 30″ x 30″ x 2.25″. angelfiredesigns.com
Painting A New World
Painting A New World is an organization founded in 2008 by Agnes Jorgensen and Andre Chatelain, husband and wife and humanitarians from Canada. Their mural projects are funded through the sales of their original artworks. “The aim of Painting A New World is to create positive change by employing artists in Africa and Haiti and educating communities about their environment and future through a mural art program. Murals are painted on school walls and/or community centers by local artists. We have 32 completed murals in Africa to date.” ~ Agnes Jorgensen and Andre Chatelain, Artists and Founders paintinganewworld.com
HPAA has included Agnes Jorgensen and Andre Chatelain in our “World Changers” series. Read an interview with them.
Teri Leigh Teed
Teri Leigh Teed is a photographer, writer, poet and songwriter living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Her brand name is “Healing Spirit Art”. Shown above is a mesmerizing photograph from her new “Eleanor’s Dream” series. Her photographs reveal the life-affirming presence of a power greater than us. She captures light filtering through majestic trees, tranquil landscapes, reflections in water, peaceful roadways, and drifting clouds in the sky. Teri is also an advocate of animal welfare, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. She is the author of Mystical South Carolina – A Pilgrimage to Joy. Teri states, “Being amidst Nature’s glory is where my sacred space is, as that is where my heart resides.” terileighteed.com
Eda Gyenis
Eda Gyenis creates works of art that capture intense emotions. She lives in Harkány, Hungary. She graduated from medical university (POTE) and retired as a doctor in 1992. She has been painting seriously since 2016. Her art has been shown in many exhibitions including the Light, Space Time online gallery. One of her works of art was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022 juried competition/exhibition and also “The Healing Power of ART in Honor of Nature” exhibition. She states, “I paint because it gives me happiness. I think the main of task of art is to touch the infinite. Honesty and love are the most important values of art for me.” Shown above is her painting “Girl With Bird” Facebook.com/edagyenis
Dr. Michael Durst
Dr. Michael Durst is known for impressionism, but also for his “Fractal Visions”. Fractals, as the building blocks of all things, are stunning, often containing sacred geometry. The energy contained within these powerful mathematical expressions can be experienced on a cellular level. Humans resonate with these images- energetically, intellectually and spiritually. Durst’s magnificent art, based on combining the digital image with many layers of glazing to exude beautiful translucent colors and a 3-D effect, reflect an almost ecliptic enchantment and a surreal, dreamlike quality, providing an immersive transcendental experience, allowing the body, mind and spirit to heal as never before. Shown here is “Divine Meditation”, mixed media, acrylic on canvas, 32″ x 32″. HeartscapePaintings.com
Michael’s art was selected for “The Healing Power of ART: Resilience” exhibition and he received a Special Recognition Art Award and appears in this article.
Patricia Nah Rohe
“My inspiration has always been nature’s awesome beauty or grandeur viewed in certain light or season. I’ve only been to Yosemite once many years ago but I’ll always remember it in my mind. Here, I try to capture it in a East meets West style of painting. I prefer to paint the brighter side of things and not to express a state of horror on a blank canvas that has to be looked at forever.” Shown here is “Yosemite In My Mind”, mixed media, 26″ x 31″.
One of Patricia’s paintings was selected for “The Healing Power of Color” 2023 exhibition. patrochegallery.com
D Yael Kelley
D Yael Kelley lives and works in the Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood in St. Petersburg Florida. She is an internationally collected expressionist artist and arts advocate, who embraces Art as therapy, empathy, healing, and a connection to the world. She says about her oil painting “The Watcher in the Water”, 48″ x 24″, shown above, “when I travel the furthermost landscapes of my private soul, it is the lost ancestors, the forgotten stories I long to connect with. The desire to find the calm eye of the storm amid the chaos of the scattered threads of my past.”
One of D Yael Kelley’s paintings was selected for the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2022 exhibition. dyaelkelley.com
Rebecca Katz
“My inspiration comes from the beauty of the atmosphere — of the sky and how it’s connected with the earth. When I see clouds, seductive with the constant movement of the atmosphere, I am reminded that life is constantly shifting and never stagnant. My paintings are asking viewers to step into a world of possibility, mystery, magic and atmosphere and to be transported through color and light and texture.” Shown here is “Promise”, acrylic and graphite on linen, 48″ x48″. rebeccakatzart.com
ILham Mahfouz
ILham Mahfouz was born in Damascus, Syria and came to the U.S. in 1972. She states, “I had the privilege of having the best of two cultures and the adventures of a new world guided by the upbringing of an old world.” She received her B.F.A. with a major in Painting and Ceramics and a minor in Art History from Eastern Michigan University. Her many exhibitions include a solo show at Canton Village Theater, Canton MI and a group exhibition “Beyond Borders”, Fantapia M Museum in Korea Republic. Shown here is “Summer Breeze”, 3-D acrylic on canvas, 60″ x 32″ x 15″. She states, “I interpreted in 3 D effects splashing joyous colors on the canvas. It is joy of hope for life derived from nature.” artistilham.com
Kathleen Streitenberger
Kathleen Streitenberger is an extraordinary realist painter who finds peace in painting the light and colorful serene essence of a day in and around the pool. She also enjoys feeling the healing energy from the clear blue water of the ocean. She is drawn in by the light aqua blue of a swimming pool or the layers of cerulean and teal of the Caribbean. Kathleen’s painting style is alla prima. She uses a palette knife to create movement, capturing the light and delicate reflections of a sunny day near and under the water. Shown here is “Healing”, oil on canvas, 30″ x 30″. kathleenstreitenberger.com
Andrea Kay
“I create 3-D mixed media bird sculptures and 2-D bird collages from torn paper, wire and found objects, then write a story for each piece. I love giving new life to random paper and stray objects to create my interpretation of one of nature’s most magical creatures that lift spirits and embody hope––and are guaranteed to make you smile and feel joy. My work has been featured by organizations that focus on healing including Hospice, Alzheimers Association and American Society on Aging.” Shown here is “Dolly”, I like to dilly dally, paper and mixed media, 6″ x 5″. andikayart.com
Alison Thomas
“My work stimulates the viewer to explore more deeply the way beauty is seen and experienced by removing much of the detail and leaving only the essence. In doing so I not only show you a scene but I also draw your eye to the larger facets that can get lost in an ordinary photograph. My art is available in print option only, either unframed or framed.” Alison is widely recognized for her “Serenity Scenes” and has received many awards including most recently Second Place in Photography in the Virginia Fall Foliage Festival 2022. Shown above is “Fog on the Lake”, digitally modified photography, 8.5″ x 35″. serenityscenes.com
Manhattan Arts International
The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS is an initiative of Manhattan Arts International. It has been a leading advocate for under-recognized and accomplished artists from around the world. We created our website in 2000 and have been dedicated to promoting and rewarding artistic excellence in all styles and mediums. We offer a curated artist membership program, online gallery, juried online exhibitions, and articles about art and artists. ~ Renee Phillips, Founder, Director and Curator manhattanarts.com