Having a heart to listen and try again.
~We help each other grow.

Knowing our value doesn’t come from likes, applause, or being the best achievement.
~We know our value comes from God.

Understanding we are all supporting cast in a bigger story.
~No one shines alone.

Knowing our words can build people up or tear them down.
~We use our words to bring life and truth.

Creating beauty that shows God’s creativity, goodness, and light.
~We make art that points beyond us.

As a teacher and creative, Shannan is thrilled to be part of the Creative Arts Collective. Her background is in intermediate and middle school education, where she used an integrated Arts curriculum to instruct students with significant emotional trauma. She is excited for the opportunity to work together with instructors and students!

For the past five years, Whitney has worked in the video department at Grace Church—first as a project manager and now as the lead videographer. She also produces and co-hosts Grace’s podcast and has experience in social media and brand management. She is excited to help students grow creative skills for future careers and serving the local church.

Ashleigh brings over fifteen years of photography and six years of filmmaking experience to her role as a film instructor. Her dedication to education reflects her belief in nurturing creativity and helping others develop their artistic voice. She homeschools her three children and has been an active member of Grace Church Spartanburg for a decade.

Molly has had a lifelong love of performance and storytelling. She caught the acting bug in 6th grade, minored in theatre at Lipscomb University in Nashville, and afterward continued in community theatre and improv. She works on the Technology Team at Grace Church and is excited to collaborate with students as they use the gifts God has given them.

Marianna is a theatre educator who attended Anderson University’s South Carolina School of the Arts and has experience in both performing and working tech for productions. She has a heart for helping students find their creative voices while growing in confidence and faith. She has attended Grace Church for six months and loves her community there.

Michelle loves mentoring young people in both their writing craft and their Christian faith. She earned her graduate certificate in Theopoetics & Writing from Bethany Theological Seminary and has extensive experience in teaching, writing, and publishing. She coaches writers online while pursuing her MA, and she attends Grace Church Travelers Rest.

Derek, an Associate Professor of English at Anderson University, was drawn to creative writing in high school. He has an M.F.A. in creative writing and a Ph.D. in English and has published over one hundred short works and six books. He attends Grace Church Powdersville and is excited to help students grow in their love and understanding of writing.

Elizabeth spent most of her career performing with the San Diego Ballet. Since retiring from professional dancing, she has taught and choreographed at numerous ballet schools and professional companies. She teaches dance at Anderson University and attends Grace Church Powdersville. She is excited to work with young dancers in this new program.

Jordan Leigh works as a freelance artist and private art instructor from her home studio. Her specialty is oil painting. She graduated from Francis Marion University with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts and a minor in theatre. She has a passion for encouraging young artists to take both their art and its role in the Kingdom of God seriously.

For Andrew, art has been his lifelong passion since the age of three. He studied Graphic Design at Anderson University and has leveraged his expertise as both a corporate and freelance designer. His ultimate desire is to nurture young artists to value their unique skills and find powerful ways to express their faith through their God-given gifts.