I provide paintings, art prints, and photography services directly to clients. My work is featured in a number of private collections within (and beyond) Western New York. In 2016, I founded Avery & Harlow to grow my art business. I have individual and commercial clients, including Meet & Eat Charcuterie, Magic Bear Beer Cellar, Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, Trocaire College, Canisius University, and TEAM VIA (New York City Real Estate Advisors). I've donated art to Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Rochester Contemporary Art Center (as part of the 2023 and 2024 6x6 fundraiser exhibition) and the WNY Women's Foundation. In addition, I'm a former instructor (specializing in business and marketing) for the Arts Management Program at University at Buffalo. I'm also a Teaching Artist and marketing consultant for GWFA Gallery in Hamburg, New York.

Day in Clay is a diverse, multicultural ceramic art program for K–12, including professional development and disabilities. The programs are conducted virtually and in school. Overview Headquartered in Tomkins Cove, NY, Day in Clay was founded by Cliff Mendelson in 1988. Day in Clay provides a multicultural ceramic artist in residence programs for K–12 in over 400 schools and districts. It offers both virtual and on-site assemblies and classroom interactive programs with diverse culturally inspired hands-on/demonstrations in clay. Students get a real taste of the creative process and how design, form, and function relate across disciplines and cultures. Students create and explore African, Asian, Latin/ Native American, and Greek cultures through programs like vessel making, tile making, mask making and multicultural potter's wheel, all custom-tailored for their curriculum. Students work directly with clay, learning advanced techniques and understanding how each culture tells their unique story through 3D art, and discover the relationship between art and society. In the class, students become involved in working with clay while learning advanced techniques and the science behind glazing, painting, and firing. They explore the relationship between art, science, and society. Students also use historical techniques to create, decorate, and design vessels using culturally specific patterns, symbols, and imagery. Day in Clay invites an artist to demonstrate various aspects of different programs, how they connect to the history of ceramics, and show the interrelation of ceramics in cultures worldwide. Staff development provides arts faculty with the techniques, cultural history, and hands-on problem-solving, ready-to-go lesson plans to bring clay into the classroom. Staff learn to use cultural connections as a way to connect students to their own work. The training mirrors Mendelson's college-level teaching, where engagement and sharing expertise are paramount. Lessons are tied into Native American, Asian, African, Latin American, and Greek cultures. Mendelson provides advanced hand-building techniques and the science behind glazing, painting, and firing. Staff development is custom-tailored to meet the needs of a school’s faculty. The best way to problem-solve with students is a hands-on approach and learning the limits of the materials to advance their success. A lively Q&A is always encouraged!

Rachel’s Challenge provides school presentations that inspire kindness, connection, and hope. Our assemblies for students and staff address bullying and violence prevention while equipping schools with practical tools to improve culture and strengthen relationships.

Stomping Ground is an overnight camp in the gateway to the Adirondacks in Saratoga Springs, New York. We are building radically empathetic communities through humble curiosity, personal responsibility, restorative practices, and unbounded creativity. In the off season, we offer more focused programming around community building, conflict resolution training through circles, and practices focused in empathy and inclusion. Our mission is to partner with young people to inspire the next generation of radically empathetic decision makers. Together we re-imagine a more perfect world.

I offer hands-on creative writing workshops in poetry and prose (3-5 days each---3 workshops per day---across a chosen grade level, where each class gets 3-5 visits each). I meet with teachers to discuss their curriculum needs and thematic requests, suggesting various workshop ideas tailored to their requests. Teachers then choose what works best for them---for example: Assistance with reluctant writers, adding details, word choice, adjective strength, voice---in whatever current learning theme is paramount, such as animals, environment, feelings, character development, social studies, etc. I support teachers throughout the residency where they will be present and interact whenever their insight is needed as I teach. During and after the residency, I check in (over lunch, etc.) to ascertain how teachers are feeling about their students' progress, and also to offer many resources from both my books, stories, poems, and teacher oriented publications (nine books with Scholastic Professional Books for teachers) where they might copy any lessons they wish to use in the future. I also offer follow-up ideas at the end of every residency for those who wish to continue using the writing "tools/ideas" I present to their students. And there are always numerous options! I love to work with the core levels to help develop a stronger writing momentum with students (for example, 2nd grades in fall, same students in 3rd grade with different themes/format the following year, 4th grade added on or begun simultaneously--always building on previous workshop skills, etc. Districts have booked me in various schools for 25 plus years, often having me conduct workshops from year to year in multiple levels, as teachers love the support and boost my energy brings to their classrooms and students from which they springboard after I leave. The sky's the limit! I am here to serve educationally and creatively.

Founded by artist, speaker, and author Tom Varano, Emotion Into Art™ offers one of the most unique and positive programs for K-12 schools nationwide. Tom creates stunning portraits of famous faces on a 4-foot by 5-foot canvas, set to music or the voice of the person he is painting. These portraits are completed in mere minutes, often upside down for an exciting reveal. His extensive catalog includes icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Disney, Nelson Mandela, Kobe Bryant, Taylor Swift, Robin Williams, Rosa Parks, and many more. This captivating process keeps students and adults guessing the identity of each painting. Once a piece is completed, Tom shares the inspiring stories of these individuals, highlighting how they overcame adversity and hardship in their respective fields. He also uses personal anecdotes to further engage students and drive home key messages. The show is tailored to the age group, with younger students enjoying paintings of Disney characters or relatable figures. Tom collaborates closely with school staff to address relevant topics during the presentation, such as Dreaming Big, Overcoming Bullying, Using Trauma as a Force Forward, and Living with Passion. In addition to student performances, Tom also offers programs for staff convocations. These sessions encourage school staff to be their best, stay aware of burnout, and find ways to overcome challenges within the teaching field. Emotion Into Art™ is more than just a performance—it's an inspiring and educational experience that motivates both students and staff to dream big and live with passion. Emotion Into Art™ is an extremely unique Speed Painting/Inspirational speaking performance. This is a nationally recognized show with the goal of inspiring students of all ages to not only follow their dreams, but to follow their dreams with PASSION! The performance entertains and captures the students’ attention while the microphone allows Tom to speak a message of hope and encouragement into their lives.

Sandra K. Athans is an award-winning children’s author and a published literacy specialist with vast classroom experience. Her children’s books represent a mix of playfulness, adventure, discovery, and fun! Her goal is to “glue” kids to her book’s pages with high-interest content that is full of page-turning wonder! In Tales from the Top of the World – Sandra shares nonfiction vignettes of her brother’s seven summits of Mt. Everest. In Secrets of the Sky Caves – she invites readers on scientific expeditions to remote cliff caves in Nepal. These are but two of her many works, which she shares with students in lively and engaging multi-media presentations. Sandra has written at every level, from early childhood fiction, through to award-winning middle grade nonfiction and above. She is currently working on Chasing Curious Creatures, a playful nonfiction series about unusual animals and the scientists who study them (Astra Books for Children – 2025). Sandra also continues to publish teacher and student resources within the educational market and can provide reading/writing workshops for students and/or teachers along with her author visits.

Andre Chevalier offers various music based school assemblies on the topics of Anti-Bullying/Character Building, Mindfulness, Reading Celebration Show and a Multicultural assembly. From start to finish Andre will have your students engaged by utilizing lines of inquiry, storytelling and interactive songs to deliver the theme of the assembly. Andre's music styles range from Rock to Blues to Reggae to Folk and will have your Kindergarten through Eighth Grade classes up and moving. He specializes in working with Elementary aged children and has worked with educators to make sure his connection to curriculum is spot on. Andre was born and raised in Glens Falls NY and graduated from Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe where he earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Sustainability with a focus on music and education. Having recently moved back to the North Country, Andre has been traveling the west coast performing his assemblies in cities from San Diego to Seattle.

Wendy and DB Duo and Band - Get your Sunny Side UP with Grammy nominated and award-winning kindie duo from Chicago, with two vocals, guitar and a ukulele, Wendy and DB blend their powerful voices, write and perform songs about science, nature, diversity, animals, safety, and the arts. Their unique style is reflected in the music and catchy lyrics along with their vocal harmonies. They examine the world with curiosity and what you experience is just plain fun!  Wendy and DB Pioneers of Blues for kids and families concerts are high energy and get everyone moving, singing, and dancing.   Grammy Nominated in 2023 in the Best Children’s category for their album “Into the Little Blue House” a blues album for children and families. “Get your Sunny Side Side UP” is the bands 8th album filled with positive pop songs that will light up the whole neighbor with sunshine.

Exciting multimedia school assembly programs featuring LIVE performance of rock and roll songs by three talented musicians. Educational content is reinforced by large computer projections of photos and videos. In schools since 1984, "READING ROCKS" promotes literacy; "BIG 80s" features STEM themes and "Mistletunes" is a multicultural December program.

Backtrack Vocals is an a cappella group from New York City. They have extensive touring history across the United States, as well as performances in Vietnam and Kazakhstan. They infuse heart and humor into their educational programs, and their versatile repertoire, spanning Top 40 hits, Motown, classical, show tunes, and original music offers programming for any age! They have conducted educational programs at over 250 schools worldwide, from elementary assemblies to college workshops and a cappella camps in the US and abroad. Our offerings include school assemblies, choir workshops, professional development for choir directors, and introductory clinics on: beatboxing, group vocal improv, pop vocal techniques, choreography, and more. You can find testimonials and more details on these programs here: https://www.backtrackvocals.com/educational-programs

Picture this: laughter echoing through the trees during spirited team building games, the pride of a child as they climb to the top of a rock wall, and the serenity of hiking along winding trails to discover cascading waterfalls and enchanting forests. At Frost Valley, we weave magic into every moment, crafting a truly unforgettable experience for every guest. Within our program, we celebrate every milestone and cherish every shared smile. Our dedicated Outdoor Instructors are more than just educators—they are role models, companions, and guides. Their mission is to spark meaningful connections within your group and inspire a profound bond with the natural world. We passionately believe in the power of outdoor education, now more than ever. Our science curriculum is designed to kindle student’s curiosity, empower their critical thinking, and deepen their understanding of the environment and their place within it. As you explore the wonders of nature, you are invited to awaken your inner adventurer. Conquer our exhilarating high ropes courses, glide across Lake Cole in a canoe, and build a fire from scratch—each activity a gateway to self-discovery and empowerment. Beyond the thrill, it’s about uncovering the extraordinary found within every individual. Frost Valley is more than a field trip; it is a safe space where friendships blossom, memories are etched in time, and hearts are forever touched. We invite you to delve into the enclosed materials for a glimpse into the magic that awaits you through Frost Valley YMCA’s Outdoor School Programs.