Donna Mund-Gustafson, Winter Artist of the Season
I was born and raised in Santa Monica, Calif., and moved to Goodyear 14 years ago. As an early childhood educator, I dabbled in many creative projects over the years with young children. As a “crafty” person, it was often said that I could create something exciting out of almost anything. I didn’t see myself as an “artist” per se and I have had no formal art training. I just enjoyed making and creating gifts and decor.
After moving to PebbleCreek I began experimenting with acrylic painting at local “paint and sip” events in the community. I tried several different aspects and styles of acrylics and mixed media art, but I realized that I like realism in my art and attention to even the smallest details.
After retirement in 2018, I joined the PebbleCreek Art Club and have served on the Art Club Board as well as many of the club committees. I also serve as registrar on the PebbleCreek Bocce Ball Club Board.
Just before COVID hit, I took a colored pencil class and fell in love with the technique. It gave me the medium with the opportunity to create in the great detail I like. I began by drawing landscapes and then decided I wanted to explore “feathers and fur.” After watching a few training YouTube sessions, I was hooked. Thus began my adventure and passion for colored pencil drawing. Just a simple piece of paper, some pencils, and a sharpener and I was all set. No messy paints and no brushes to clean up at the end of a project.
I soon expanded my adventure in colored pencil to drawing African animals, flowers, structures, seasons, and even a few portraits. But my favorite is still pets and bringing out their personality, especially in their eyes.
I have been invited to show my art at many different art events and recently was awarded the Colored Pencil First Place ribbon at the PebbleCreek Fine Art Show for my piece titled “Storm Brewing at the Old Red Barn.” I was also awarded the blue ribbon in the 2024 show for my grizzly bear titled “Paws in Motion” and in the 2023 show for my pink roses drawing titled “Pretty in Pink.” This past summer I was honored to again be selected as one of 100 Colored Pencil artists from around the world to participate in the International Colored Pencil Exhibition, which was held in Bethesda, Md., showing my drawing titled “Elegance in Bloom.”
The art of colored pencil inspires me to bring colorful images to life, whether it be an animal, a landscape, flowers, or just an everyday object. I love and appreciate the beauty in simple, ordinary things and have learned that my journey in colored pencil art can create memories and help all to see the beauty around each of us.
Donna’s art can be seen during the month of January in the Creative Arts Center and both clubhouses
In an oil painting workshop, all the supplies were included and students left with beautiful paintings of an apple.
Art Club Plans for Artists at All Levels; Try Something New in 2026!
Emily Grotta
With close to 250 members, the Art Club’s artists range from absolute beginners to professional painters. Meeting the needs of the wide range of talent in the club is a challenge, but it’s one the club welcomes, said Sylvia Armstrong, president of the club.
Each year, several newcomers to PebbleCreek join the Art Club with almost no art experience in adulthood, and they don’t know how to begin. For these members, the club offers workshops taught by experienced members. In the acrylics workshop, for example, they learn how to handle paint brushes, and work with acrylic paint as they follow the instructor to complete a simple painting. Workshops are also offered in drawing, oil painting, and other mediums, and there are also introductory classes offered by outside instructors.
The majority of the club’s members have some experience, whether their art journeys began in their teens or after they retired to PebbleCreek. Many of the club’s classes are designed for these artists, who are still developing their skills or want to learn new techniques,” said Cathy Lai, vice president for instructors.
“Professional artists rarely take classes, but they enjoy the open studios, social events including lunches, happy hour mingles, parties, and trips,” said Armstrong. “We are very fortunate that these artists volunteer to teach workshops in their medium to help less experienced artists.”
The social activities, organized by Shoray Wolfe, vice president for operations, include monthly lunches and happy hours, pool parties, trips, and other events. “We take our tagline, ‘Laugh, Learn, and Grow with us!’ seriously, Shoray said. “While we all love making art, we also love the camaraderie and friendships we find in the club.”
Social activities are for members only, but classes are open to all PebbleCreek residents, non-members always pay $20 more per class. With membership just $25 a year, it pays to become an Art Club member if you plan to take more than one class.
The Art Club is an all-volunteer organization, which also holds two art shows each year and features the work of its artists in the Creative Arts Center windows and at both clubhouses. Please check the Art Club website, pcartclub.com, where you can learn about the club’s classes and other events, and also explore valuable information to help you with your art journey. Questions? Please send an email to Diana Horton-Smith, vice president of membership, at Membership@pcartclub.com.