Roy & Blanch Cavarretta

Gourd Artists

Gourd art is a unique art form that is practiced in cultures all over the world.  From the field to fine art. Little did they know, that planting a simple seed would lead to a unique journey.

Roy’s interest in art started at an early age. He took art classes in school and was a member of the Art Club in high school. After serving four years in the Air Force, he then earned his B.S. Degree in Art from Lamar University.  After retirement, using his pen and ink skills, he drew local landmarks.  His pen and ink drawing skills were transferred to pyrography (fire drawing) on gourds.  Gourds are now the new canvases. 

Blanche’s interest in gourd art started later after observing Roy creating works of art from gourds. She decided to try doing pyrography and quickly started carving and using other techniques to create her own style of gourd art. A year later, they were both represented by an art gallery in Fredericksburg, TX and in Santa Fe, NM for seven years. 

They were also participating in juried art shows while being represented by the two galleries.  After both galleries were sold, they decided, for now, to only pursue juried art shows. The juried shows give them an opportunity to visit with people and share their passion for this unique art form.  It is rewarding to visit with people who embrace their art and return to the shows year after year to visit and to see their new creations.  

Their goal is for their art to find a place in someone else’s life and bring them as much pleasure as it did to the artists when they created it.

They have been honored to win numerous awards such as Best in Show, Best in Class, Best in Category as well as People’s Choice Awards.  They were also featured in the Texas Country Reporter TV Show (You-Tube “Cavarretta Gourds”).

Sherry Fotopoulos

A sculptor, metalsmith, and teacher, Sherry has exhibited in, juried, and curated over 200 exhibits nationally and internationally. She is known and respected throughout North America, Mexico, and Europe. She has taught classes in PMC (Precious Metals Clay), metal-smithing, and fused glass (among other art and craft disciplines). Her teaching style is notable for being extraordinarily supportive, encouraging, and responsive. 

Before Sherry began her formal art education, she studied physics. She was just 3 credits shy of a degree in that when she decided to switch over to art. She went on to earn an MFA (in Sculpture, Foundry) at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Additionally, Sherry has studied with international masters in Germany, Panama, and Mexico. She has authored two works on sculpture and many articles for art and craft magazines.  

Sherry maintains a studio in San Antonio, where she produces custom designs in many mediums, including Argenteum silver.

Mark S. Holly is a visionary fine art photographer and digital artist, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and seamlessly transitioning between the realms of high-definition photographic realism, impressionism, blended AI creations,  and abstraction. His extraordinary talent enables him to transport viewers into his captivating world, evoking a profound sense of immersion as if they are physically present, reaching out to touch the elements within the scene.

With a distinct edginess, Mark's digital art mesmerizes with bold colors, unique shapes, and compelling compositions that leave a lasting impact. Amidst the abstraction, he artfully conceals small elements of realism, inviting audiences to delve deeper into his creations and unravel hidden narratives. This rare ability to captivate and pique interest across the spectrum of real-world subjects to highly abstract concepts has garnered him a plethora of awards, graced magazine covers, and earned him a coveted spot among prestigious articles and publications. Notably, one of his iconic shots was selected as one of the top six weather-related photographs of 2017 by Shutterbug Magazine, an esteemed international publication.

Among Mark's cherished subjects are San Antonio, it’s Riverwalk, and missions dating to the 1700’s, and the enchanting landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, which he passionately captures in all their natural splendor. The shifting seasons provide him with boundless inspiration, from the vibrant Fall colors to vast fields of wildflowers, and the arid, desert-like conditions that create an aura of mystery. Fascinated by the historical tapestry of human endeavors, he embarks on journeys to time-worn European locales, capturing the allure of old doors, windows, and buildings through captivating series.

In his quest to create unique and evocative artworks that mirror today's dynamic environment, Mark matches his medium with utmost precision. Employing everything from the highest quality rag art papers to canvas and acrylic, his versatility in materials amplifies the richness of his artistry. Embracing innovation, Mark has ventured into the realm of metal prints, utilizing an enhanced process that transforms inks into gas, integrating them seamlessly into the metal surface and transcending traditional printing methods.

Mark S. Holly's artistic journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to visual storytelling and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his masterful compositions. His works stand as captivating testaments to the seamless harmony between the real and the abstract, inviting viewers to partake in the intriguing narratives woven within each piece.

Yosan Mirabet

Yosan Leon Mirabet is a Cuban-born artist whose innovative and bold approach to contemporary art has earned him a distinguished place in the art world. His eclectic and daring works explore current themes and reflect his unique contextual reality, making him a dynamic and influential voice in visual arts today.

Yosan’s journey as an artist began with a strong foundation in visual arts, having studied at the Escuela Profesional de Bellas Artes “Oscar Fernández Moreira” and the Instituto de Bellas Artes “Roberto Diago” in Cuba. Over the years, he has developed a body of work that is both impressive in quality and originality, capturing the attention of critics and collectors alike.

One of the most notable achievements in Yosan’s career was the selection of his painting to grace the cover of “Hey Hey Rise Up,” a new song by the renowned guitarist David Gilmour of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd. This song, dedicated to Ukraine, is a testament to the profound impact Yosan’s work has had on the global art scene.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Yosan has participated in numerous exhibitions, and his works are part of private collections across various countries. His art has been widely praised by critics, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary art.

Today, Yosan Leon is a recognized artist whose reputation continues to grow. His unique and innovative work inspires people around the world, and his continued presence in the art world is a testament to his passion and commitment to his craft.

Miles Stovall

Miles Stovall is often called the renaissance man, and with good reason. Miles is a  multi-talented and multi-faceted individual who brings a level of excellence to all he  pursues that is impressive and Inspirational. 

Miles was born with an artist’s heart, so his parents nurtured his pursuit of this special  talent. He studied fine art at Illinois State University. As a professional artist, Miles has  had numerous art shows and continues to paint and sell his work. Miles lived in  Germany during his high school years and credits this experience for the opportunity to  absorb culture in a different light in studying art from a European perspective. 

Miles will never fall short of an overachiever, and with a harmonious symphony of self  preservation, he will continue to motivate, inspire and encourage others to find the  strength of life’s success. His works of art inspired by life’s travels, and beautiful  surroundings, can now be viewed at MilesStovallArt.com or follow @milesstovallart on Instagram.