Patty Swartz has been studying T’ai Chi Ch’uan with Stan since 1988 and has participated in workshops with Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo. She specializes in teaching the Eight Methods of T’ai Chi for beginning students and T’ai Chi Form classes. Additionally, she offers private instruction for students with physical limitations.

The Eight Methods are a series of eight simple movements derived from the more complex T’ai Chi form. Initially designed for seniors and individuals with physical limitations, they are an excellent introduction to T’ai Chi principles. Despite their simplicity, these movements present a challenge that can benefit even advanced students.

T’ai Chi Ch’uan is an ancient Chinese exercise used for health and relaxation. Derived from martial arts, it comprises slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing, enhancing balance, health, and emotional well-being.

Class Registration: swartztaichi@mac.com

More Info:www.swartztaichi.com

Mrs. Robinsky began ballet and folk dance training at 10 at the “Fuete” Dance School under a Vaganova Academy graduate. By 14, she performed soloist roles in productions like Les Sylphides, Carmen, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and more. She trained with renowned ballet star Vadim Pisarev and explored modern, contemporary, and jazz dance alongside ballet.

During her studies, Mrs. Robinsky performed in children’s productions like Pinocchio, Firebird, Aladdin, Chatterbox-Fly, and Snow Queen and competed in dance festivals across Russia and Ukraine. At 16, she joined the “Antre” dance ensemble, performing Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. She also worked as a backup dancer for Russian and Ukrainian artists. From 2002 to 2004, she performed East European folk dance in Japan. As a graduate, she taught at her alma mater, “Fuete” Dance School. After moving to the U.S., she continued training at Dance Alloy Theater and Dance Studio Room 609 while exploring yoga. Mrs. Robinsky holds a Master`s in Elementary Education from Crimean Humanitarian State University and an MBA from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA.

More Info:  Polina’s Ballerinas

Gretchen Lecrone has been creating collages since childhood. She considers collage the most accessible art form, as it requires no drawing skills and uses inexpensive materials. She enjoys transforming worn-out books, junk mail, and forgotten magazines into something extraordinary.

Beyond collage, Gretchen enjoys writing, journaling, and playing video games. She is also currently learning to draw.

Regarding her work, she explains that her class is designed to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for collage. It covers the history of the medium, various approaches, material inspiration, elements of art, techniques, and organization tips. While collaging materials are provided, students are encouraged to bring their own. The class fosters a collaborative environment where feedback is available for those who seek it, and encouragement is always offered.

Founder of Istituto Mondo Italiano, Viviana promotes Italian culture and language through classes, workshops, and cultural events. Originally from Rome, she moved to Pittsburgh on a $100 bet and has since built a thriving cultural center. She also hosts “The Italian Radio Hour,” where she explores Italian culture, food traditions, and Italian-American identity. 

Viviana offers classes for children and adults, including Italian language and cooking classes. Istituto Mondo Italiano offers a full online boutique of wonderful items made in Italy.

After the pasta-making fun, participants can shop at La Dolce Vita Boutique

Bradford Mumpower is a self-taught fashion designer and artist based in the East End of Pittsburgh. When working with fabric, Mumpower often works with bright, bold prints and colors. He has a passion for using unconventional materials like maps, trash bags, candy bar wrappers, and icicles to create anything from clothing and wearable sculptures to large art installations. Mumpower’s work has been seen in Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, and San Antonio. He also enjoys teaching the art of sewing and fashion design to adults and children.

Brad has his studio on the second floor of WSCC and can be contacted at bradmumpower@mac.com

Rob has had a lifelong passion for martial arts. Over three decades, he has learned from many teachers, mentors, senior students, and training partners who have guided, challenged, and encouraged him. He is especially grateful to Mr. Gary Myers, Sifu Zhang Yun, and Haniti Wesley Crisostomo.

Rob began studying kung fu and Arnis with Mr. Gary Myers in 1994 in Garner, North Carolina, earning his third-degree black belt. This foundation fueled his desire to keep learning. Since 2004, he has trained extensively with Sifu Zhang Yun (www.ycgf.org) and is a formally recognized in-door student and lineage holder. In 2013, he started training in Pinakatay (www.pinakatay.com) and now holds the rank of Bagani as an instructor.

Stan Swartz has been practicing T’ai Chi Ch’uan since 1973, studying under four senior students of Grand Master Cheng Man-Ch’ing: Robert W. Smith, Patrick Watson, Tam Gibbs, and Benjamin Pang Jeng Lo. His teaching journey has taken him to New York City, Florida, Europe, and Puerto Rico. In 1982, he returned to Pittsburgh, where he continues to offer classes for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

His teaching experience includes:

• Credit and non-credit courses at local universities

• Wellness programs, workshops, and retreats

• Classes for rehabilitation patients at local hospitals

• Senior (50+) classes through the OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.

T’ai Chi Ch’uan is an ancient Chinese exercise that is used for health and relaxation. Derived from the martial arts, it is composed of slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing, which enhance balance, health, and emotional well-being.

Class Registration: swartztaichi@mac.com

More Info: www.swartztaichi.com

Neighborhood Realty Services Associate Broker and Owner.

Actively involved in sales and listing of residential, investment, and small commercial property for the last four decades.

Annual multi-million dollar producer.

Managed and trained real estate agents for over 30 years.

Has been a guest speaker for Neighborhood Housing Services, Consumer Credit Counseling, and Dollar Bank.

Knowledge and experience in the Real Estate Industry. Having listed and sold real estate in Pittsburgh, I have a wealth of knowledge about this market. I have listed and sold millions of dollars in real estate in markets with interest rates as high as 18.5%. (I know that 18.5% is hard for some to imagine today. And no, people weren’t using credit cards to purchase homes then.)

Training and Education. I train and educate my clients and the Sales Associates in my office. Knowledge is power, and I strive to empower my clients, in turn helping them to enjoy the process of buying or selling their homes more.

Financing Knowledge. Financing is one of my strong suits. Yet, at times, I may not have all the answers regarding financing. Still, I understand the fundamentals of real estate financing and surround myself with resources to answer inquiries beyond my realm of knowledge. Knowing all the answers isn’t as important as accessing the appropriate resources for a situation.

More Info: www.maureenstates.com

Auriaun Thomas is passionate about art, creativity, and inspiring others to explore their own creative expression. Through art, she has embraced mindfulness—staying present, processing emotions, and finding peace in the creative process. She believes one of the most rewarding aspects of mindfulness through art is creating something tangible that reflects personal growth and experiences.

Her career in education began in 2020 at Flexible, a virtual daycare, where she developed and taught a Black history curriculum for young children. In 2021, she became the Open STEAM/Media Lab Coordinator at Sarah Heinz House, where she discovered her passion for engaging others through art and creative learning. She later served as the High School Program Coordinator at FAME (Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education), managing a college preparatory program for grades 9-12 students.

Currently, Auriaun is a Tobacco Health Educator at Adagio Health, partnering with schools, hospitals, and businesses to combat youth vaping and promote smoke-free communities. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to education, creativity, and helping others find meaningful ways to learn, grow, and express themselves.

Contact: auriaunt@gmail.com

I am a certified art teacher with a deep passion for creativity and the outdoors, and I have a beloved corgi named Peach. With expertise in various artistic mediums, Ashley specializes in handbuilding with clay, skillfully shaping and sculpting unique ceramic pieces. Watercolor and gouache painting are key focus areas, allowing for exploring fluidity, texture, and vibrant color. Always eager to push creative boundaries, Ashley enjoys experimenting with new materials and techniques, embracing innovation in artistic expression whether teaching or creating. Inspiration is drawn from nature and the limitless possibilities of the arts.

Contact: ashley.godshall93@gmail.com

Francine VandenBerg’s lively and enthusiastic teaching style encourages others to discover hidden talents, develop a creative vision and enhance painting confidence and skills in a variety of mediums. She is a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Pittsburgh Pastel Artists League, and The Pittsburgh 10 Plus.

Francine teaches the Artists Studio and WSCC monthly paint nights.
Artists Studio provides an opportunity to develop and expand individual creative vision and skills, explore techniques and mediums, and enhance painting confidence and skills. Participants provide their own supplies and work from their own or instructor-suggested source material in a supportive environment. Easels and incidental materials are provided.

Contact: flvandenberg@gmail.com