Daphne Okcuoglu is a fine arts educator and fine art and portrait photographer who resides in the borough of West Chester with her husband and two daughters. Mrs. Okcuoglu is a BFA graduate of Tyler School of Art, and has a Masters Degree in Photography and Art Education from New York University/ International Center of Photography. Mrs. Okcuoglu has been teaching high school art and photography for over thirty years, as well as camp and adult programs. Mrs. Okcuoglu has developed photography curriculum and designed new classrooms in the private, public and charter school “brick & mortar” and “online” environment, including instituting, designing, and formatting four AP courses in the fine arts department. She is the chairperson of the fine arts department at PALCS / CPFA. Daphne instituted the CPFA yearbook as the supervisor for 10 years, as well as instituting the first art honor society at PALCS, the National Arts Honor Society, of which she has supervised for 15 years.

Mrs. Okcuoglu’s fine artworks are photographic images; often digitally altered, painted, and collaged. Her work has been in gallery exhibitions throughout NJ, NY and PA. Recent works include a wide variety of fine art and commercial photography techniques and can be viewed on her website> www.daphneokcuoglu-okcuoglu.com Mrs. Okcuoglu’s large-scale works are computer altered photographs concerning the human body and our connection to nature. Her still-life photographs echo the work of Dutch Master 17th century paintings. In recent years her work was chosen to be in the Perkins Center for the Arts in NJ, and The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, and Project Basho in Philadelphia, The Chester County Art Association and the Gryphon Cafe.

Joseph Fuiman is a Philadelphia-based artist who has taught Drawing, Painting, and Illustration, AP Studio Art, Sculpture, and Ceramics at CPFA since 2013. Prior to joining PALCS/CPFA, Mr. Fuiman taught at Russell Buyers Charter School, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Chester County Art Association, and the University of the Arts. He has also worked with numerous city art programs, where he helped enrich and expand their curricula through hands-on, student-centered instruction.

Mr. Fuiman’s classes emphasize strong foundational skills, creative problem-solving, and personal expression. Students develop technical proficiency in drawing, painting, and three-dimensional media while learning to observe closely, think critically, and communicate ideas visually. Coursework encourages experimentation, thoughtful risk-taking, and an understanding of both contemporary and historical art practices. The goal of his program is to help students build confidence in their artistic voice, assemble a meaningful portfolio, and develop skills that support lifelong creative thinking, whether they pursue art professionally or as a personal passion.

Joseph Fuiman’s artwork has been exhibited in many galleries, schools, restaurants, and other venues throughout the Philadelphia area. A Philadelphia native, he currently resides in the Italian Market neighborhood. Recently, he traveled cross-country to California with fellow fine arts colleagues. Inspired by this journey, he produced a body of artwork reflecting his experiences, culminating in a solo exhibition. Mr. Fuiman continues to create artwork that draws inspiration from the American landscape, using it as both subject and palette.