Meet our Teaching Artists
Lorena Vera
Lorena Vera is a Chilean-born artist and educator based in New Jersey. She earned her BFA from the University of Chile and continued her studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She specializes in acrylic, oil, and watercolor painting, portraiture, and drawing. Founder of The Pickled Artist Center and the Artsynior Center, Lorena has taught since 2013, helping seniors and individuals with disabilities explore their creativity, build confidence, and share their talents.
Valerie Vanone
Valerie Vanone is a New Jersey mixed-media painter and wearable art designer with a BFA from Georgian Court University. Her work combines bold colors, layered textures, and unexpected materials, from abstract paintings to hand-painted leather handbags. As a teaching artist, she encourages curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression.
Brooke Martin
Brooke Martin is an artist and graphic designer with a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing from Sacred Heart University. Exploring a variety of mediums, she makes art approachable and enjoyable for all skill levels. Her welcoming workshops encourage experimentation, self-expression, and confidence through creativity.
Rebecca Benzant
Rebecca Benzant is an artist and educator whose work celebrates her Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Specializing in painting, drawing, and mixed media, she creates a welcoming space for students of all abilities. With patience and individualized guidance, she helps students build confidence, express themselves, and discover the magic of art.
William White (BJ)
BJ White is a New Jersey multimedia artist skilled in drawing, painting, illustration, and digital design. His art book, Forever Unfinished, showcases his detailed ballpoint pen drawings. He brings experience in traditional and digital techniques to help students explore new ways to create and express themselves.
Joann Campanella
Joann Campanella brings creativity, warmth, and experience at Hallmark to her scrapbooking classes. She helps seniors turn photos and keepsakes into meaningful pages, encouraging them to revisit cherished memories, engage their minds, and share their stories in a welcoming setting.
