......."I am pleased to present the following Associate Artists who have chosen to begin their artistic journey "in the footsteps of masters." They have demonstrated a passion for the disciplines and traditions of great drawing as I have practiced them over all these years. They now wish to follow in my footsteps by learning as much as they can about the techniques, styles, and methods of my craft of fine art drawing, from classical to contemporary, and to experience that learning in my studio, yet at the same time develop into fine artists who are unique in their own personality and creative expression." Gerrit Verstraete, principal artist Alisha Bennett-Okum