Billings, MT

Hannah Baldwin

Jess Sanders

Hi, I’m Jess Sanders, and I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember—ever since I could hold a pencil. That passion only grew over the years, eventually leading me to pursue a dual major in 3D Studio Art at Southwest Baptist University. There, I built a strong foundation in form, material, and art education. I believe that art is a balance of both creativity and skill: imagination gives a work its voice, while technical ability brings that vision to life.

For more than ten years, I’ve worked with children, and teaching has become just as meaningful to me as creating. I love encouraging young artists to challenge themselves, explore new ideas, and discover confidence through the creative process. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to experiment are endlessly inspiring—even if they’re also endlessly messy! Today, I work as a teacher, ceramicist, and printmaker, creating work inspired by pattern, functionality, and the joy of making. Whether I’m in the classroom or the studio, I believe art is meant to be shared, explored, and enjoyed together.

Madelyn Goffena

I have always loved to create. Trinkets, doodles, and various mediums. My favorite has to be portraits. I find the human form fascinating. I use my art to express myself. I find it therapeutic. Art can capture the beauty around me and the emotions within the n. I love trying new materials and mediums in my art.

I am continuously striving to grow and learn from both the world around me and my fellow artists. My work varies from day to day in both medium and contents because I enjoy pushing my abilities by creating various art forms.

Nicole Hodge

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from LSU-Shreveport. With over 14 years of experience in Project and Supply Chain Management, she excels in problem-solving, team building, and leadership. Through her work on various technical programs for the Department of Defense, she has witnessed academia’s growing recognition of the importance of integrating the arts into traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, transforming it into STEAM. This shift acknowledges that art fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, which are essential for holistic learning and problem-solving in today’s complex world.

A published poet, Nicole has always embraced writing as a means of creative expression, healing, and personal growth. Her deep appreciation for art stems from its ability to foster critical thinking, enhance visualization skills, and develop fine motor abilities. She is a strong advocate for integrating art into education and believes that art is essential for building children’s self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Nicole is committed to promoting comprehensive art education through Children’s Art Classes (CAC), which offers a dynamic program designed to nurture creativity and growth in young minds. She understands that art has a profound impact on community development by fostering social cohesion, driving economic growth, preserving cultural identity, enhancing education, and improving health and well-being. Nicole is particularly passionate about using art to bridge generational gaps, bringing youth and the seniors together. Through shared artistic activities, she believes that both generations can learn from each other, build meaningful connections, and enrich their lives.