Meet the Staff

Some of the best and brightest artists Pittsburgh has to offer have been selected for the MLK Community Mural Project. Their objectives are to work with the youth artists by educating them on artistic styles, the basics of drawing and painting, and the histories of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is to empower youth through art education by arming them with the skills and knowledge to create public art. Key ideas revolve around teamwork, community involvement, respect for community history, and most importantly respect for themselves and their peers. The imagery is focused on the history and evolution of Pittsburgh. Under the staff’s guidance the students will discover not only the history, but also the future of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods. Each site has at least one working artist and educator who work with the art director and students to create empowering imagery. There are two cycles, the end result of which is the creation of 26 murals along the MLK East Busway. Both the established city artists and the youth artists create the images together. This is a large group effort, requiring teamwork, coordination, and hard work. Everyone involved will be working over 30 hours a week to create these stunning images all throughout Pittsburgh.

Kyle Holbrook (CEO0 is responsible for over 100 murals throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Holbrook once again takes the walls of Pittsburgh this summer, this time with 10 legendary artists and over 100 of the city’s brightest youth artists. Painting for the MLK Community Mural Project began June 18. This will be the largest community mural project since … well, Holbrook’s last project, the Pittsburgh All-Star Communities mural. Following Holbrook’s legacy in community-mural production, each mural will be a vivid, visual exploration of the histories of each of the nine neighborhoods hosting wall art.
Rev. Marcus Harvey (Moving the Lives of Kids Community Mural Project Board President) is known best for his work in the Borough of Wilkinsburg, where he has been a figurehead for community and faith-based projects. He tackles the tough realities of substance abuse, gang-involved and adjudicated youth, and economic development. He is the executive director of the non-profit Strength Inc., co-founder of Pittsburgh Recovery Systems, founder of Community Services Providers Network, Project Blanket, and former Chaplain of the Wilkinsburg Police Department. Rev. Harvey is a mentor and leader in his community, both personally and spiritually. Strength Inc. is also the site for many of the murals being painted along the East Busway.
Edward Rawson (Chief Operations Officer Web Designer, Teacher, Photographer, Documentarian, and Artist) is a native of Pittsburgh although he has explored his education and career in San Francisco, Los Angles, and Miami. Edward has a BFA in Illustration from the famous Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California, graduating in 2004. He has gone on to start his own successful business doing illustration, web design, graphic design, and various other creative professional outlets. More can be found out about Edward on his website, visit www.edwardrawson.com. You can’t spell Edward Rawson without dRaw.
Andre Johnson (Site Coordinator) A Marine and Pittsburgh native, Andre's focus is on his work ethic. With a can do attitude he has made a lot of the impossible possible. His spirit is positive and and outgoing. On the MLK team his focus is on preparation and helping everyone execute and fulfill their duties making him a valuable team leader.
Angela Corley (PR, Media & Event Specialist) is an actress, model, and a native of New York. She found her way to Pittsburgh attending and graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. This "Energizer Bunny" wears many hats! In addition to having a dynamic career as a television and radio artist, she can be seen and heard nationwide, regionally and locally representing numerous major clients, corporations, non-profit organizations and other creative entertainment outlets. Look out...Anji's recently started her own marketing company. More exciting details to come, visit www.anjicorley.com
Kristin DeGiovanni (Teacher) works as a professional potter as well as a public school teacher to secondary age students, and also has an extensive background in art therapy with special needs individuals. She is also a teaching/resident artist at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Kristin has donated numerous murals to Habitat for Humanity for fundraisers and was on committee in Philadelphia to promote mural collaboration throughout the state. She has a Masters of Art Education from Carlow University and a minor in Art Therapy. DeGiovanni is also a member of NAEA, Pittsburgh Craftsman Guild and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Free (Artist, Teacher) Calm skies, zephyr-like breezes, chilly, but not cold. It was a day such as this that the child who would one day be called Free was born. Betwixt the reign of Ronald the Ray-gun and the poetry of Gill Scott Heron he was thrust into the world. After cutting his own umbilical cord it was most certain that the child would grow to be either a jedi or a pirate. Now the chosen one roams the american landscape with only a paintbrush in his left hand and a microphone in his right, seeking only to free the minds of those who refuse to give up the funk.
Laura Jean McLaughlin (Artist) received an MFA in ceramics from West Virginia University. Her work has been exhibited in over one hundred galleries and museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Delf Norona Museum, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, the Baltimore Institute of Art and The State Museum of Pennsylvania. She is a recipient of the Maggie Milono Memorial Award from the Carnegie Museum and three prestigious residencies from Kohler Company in Wisconsin. She received an NEA Grant to conduct a workshop at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center as well as a Mid-Atlantic Fellowship at WVU
Magail Sahara (Artist)is a verr hard working man who really puts his emotions and full attention into his art. He has a strong background in art and it shows in his impressive work.
George Gist (Artist), grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan and studied with Jon Lockard, Charles McGee, Leroy Foster, and Saikis Sarkiean. He was a Courtroom artist for Herost Broadcasting for years early in his career. Gist has been doing murals since 1971. He has done over 100 murals in such cities as Detroit, Milwaukee, Larimer, Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Chicago, and Pittsburgh. He’s had several art shows all over the country. He is particularly proud of a piece he did for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society consisting of 18 panels telling the story of the African journey to America. He now works as a freelance artist in Pittsburgh.
Frank Tillman (Teacher) brings a lot of technical painting skills to the table. His background as a teacher and an artist make him an essential part of the teaching staff. Frank is also well known for being the sharpest dressed on the staff.
Christopher Schmidt (Artist) has degrees in psychology and english literature from the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system, worked as an artist's assistant for Sprout Fund Public Art, and been a graphics facilitator for community meetings. He currently does research at the University of Pittsburgh, and works weekends at Laforet restaurant in Highland Park. In July, he will be featured in two exhibits around town, at Tazza D'Oro coffee house, and at La Vie Gallery in Lawrenceville. He has an online gallery, and sells prints at his website: puzzleboxpaintings.com. He mostly leans toward very representational styles, with an element of surrealism as well as doing photography and mosaics.
William Borcik (Artist) With his strong military background, Bill proves to be a strong painter and valuable asset to the creative process. As a father and husband he understands the importance of instilling strong family core values in the youth. His military history is the essence of what it means to be an american patriot. His breathtaking renderings bring tears to your eyes and continue to be a popular starting place for many of the MLK murals.
Bonnie Schindler(Manager) is a journalist with a passion for making social injustices mainstream issues. As a blog writer, feminist, friend and healer, Bonnie uses the power of positive strength-based empathy to guide herself and those around her. She is currently a master of social work candidate at Columbia University in New York City; a locale that is rife with life's continuum. Next stop is a PhD dissecting the ways in which the media affects the coming-out process among queer women. She firmly believes that communication, in what ever capacity, has the ability to change lives; be it through an article in a newspaper, or a large-scale mural on a neighborhood wall.
Corey Beasley (Artist)has had a life long dream of becoming an artist. He is a Wilkinsburg local who has been involved in art his whole live painting since a youth. Now he is living his dream painting every summer since 2007 with the MLK Community Mural Project.
Damita Skinner(Manager, Teacher) a CMU graduate has a great passion for working with kids. She is an amazing teacher with a great passion for art. She has been working with youth for years helping to develop their abilities in the arts. She has been living an artists dream working with the MLK Community Mural Project.
Doug Brunner(Artist) Doug Brunner went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1986. He quit after one year, moved to nyc, from there to seattle and then back to Pittsburgh. A freelance Artist and Musician that works with various aspects of art and music of any medium. He recently designed the logo for Nub Cigars for Oliva Cigar Co. and has been featured in several magazines, books and album covers. Currently a tattoo artist of 15 years and a well respected member of the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community. He was also the instigator of the theft of the Andy Warhol Billboard in the fall of 88 (shhh) and rides an original 1985 PK Ripper BMX.
Chris Poindexter (Manager) is a Pittsburgh Public School Teacher who has years of experiece working with teenaged youth. A Duquesne graduate he has been teaching for most of his professional career. Before working with the Pittsburgh Public School system he worked with the Urban League.
Marcus Sayles (Special Projectts) has a great passion for the arts. He has always wanted to work in the arts since he was a youth. Now he is living the dream as a seasoned muralist.
Lavelle Coles (Special Projectts) has had a life long dream of becoming an artist. He is a Wilkinsburg local who has been involved in art his whole live painting since a youth. Now he is living his dream painting every summer since 2008 with the MLK Community Mural Project.
Kristoffer Smith i (Artist) s an Artist from the city of Pittsburgh. Recently spending time in California working as a graphic designer. Kristoffer is known for his comic books and paintings. With a history as a graffiti muralist He hopes to bring his skills to the MLK mural project.
Lucas Stock (Artist) Lucas Stock is a muralist, painter and designer from Pittsburgh. He holds fine art degrees from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of PA. He works mainly in acrylic and enamel paints on large-scale community mural projects, live music festivals, film sets and doing custom designs. His unique artwork reflects his positive energy, respect and knowledge of art, and admiration of the communities where he's been invited to work.
Marceda Gomez (Teacher) is a great teacher who cares a lot about the skills and accomplishments of her students.
Omar Foster (Fitness Manager) has a strict regiment of working out, eating healthy, and prayer. He is a spiritual person with a strong beliefe in treating yourself correctly and living healthy. These are the staples of a healthy lifestyle. Omar is a dedicated instructor of health and fitness.
Teresa Harris (Artist Teacher) People are obligated for the multiple tasks of developing personal relationships and job related responsibilities. They often find they are irritated, stressful – (full of anxiety), because they are full of business (things to do). The world won't change to suit your needs. However, the inner world is where you can learn to control yourself in a positive way. Keeping your mind in the present can diminish stressful conditions because you learn to be in the present moment. Mediation promotes positive initiatives for acquiring wisdom, common sense, peace, insightfulness, and reflection. When you meditate, empty yourself and allow these positive initiatives to occur. I want to present these meditative images as an inspiration to promote reflection.
Alison Zapata (Artist) is an accomplished muralist and teacher. She has been working in Pittsburgh for a long time having touched the lives of many young artists and many patrons of the arts.
Meg Graham (Artist Teacher) I’m from Park Ridge, IL. I came to Pittsburgh to attend the BFA program at CMU. I fell for Pittsburgh while in school and decided to stay after graduating three years ago. I currently work at the East-End Food Co-Op as a cashier. I’ve taught a few art classes before this, but this is my first time with this age group and outdoors. I am painter, but I love all art mediums and I’m always open to trying something new. My biggest interest outside if art is urban farming. I hope that with these two interests of art and farming I can help to build a stronger community both in mind and body.
Ian Brown ( Manager) was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA. He has his degrees in mathematics and physics from Duquesne University and is currently working for Pittsburgh Cares as an AmeriCorps. He enjoys working with high school students and plans obtain his masters degree in education.
Jill Carletti (Artist, Teacher) A Jill of all trades, Ms. Carletti has built roots in most art forms and brings her knowledge and experience in music, visual art and performance to her classes. She currently teaches in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and teaches the MLK fashion design class where student designers will be displaying their creations for the public in a fashion show where "Rock Stars Get Down To Business." She also assists in mural painting for our projects. Ms. Carletti has her degree in Art Education from The Pennsylvania State University at University Park. She runs a close second to Frank Tillman for "sharpest dressed."
Raymond Coles (Manager) is dedicated to the future of Pittsburgh’s youth. He is a thoughtful person with kind words. He is an artist and spiritual person.
Karen Mahoney (Artist) My name is Karen Mahoney. I grew up all over the U.S., as I am a “military brat,” My mother is a Lakota Sioux Indian from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. I’ve been an artist since I could remember. My Uncle Bill told me when I was young, “If you do something you enjoy you’ll never have to work a day in your life,” and he was right! I am a mother of four, and they are my life. I have a dog named Baby. She is an English Mastiff. Her name suits her. I attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in ’82 – ’83 and feel privileged to be a part of this company. I pray my art makes a difference in others’ lives.
Jeffrey Katrencik (Artist) has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, a Masters in Multimedia from Duquesne and Certification in Art Education from Carlow College. He has certificates from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania Governor's School. He has received awards from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Aristata Press, and Portfolios.com. He has been published in a variety of publications. His exhibits have been in Los Angeles, the Guanshanyue Art Museum, China and the Corcoran in Washington, D.C. Jeff teaches at WashArts and substitute teaches for pubic schools.
Ashley Hodder (Artist, education director) from Pittsburgh, PA, with a B.S. in psychology from the University of Utah and an Art Education Certification from Carlow University. Creating and teaching art in neglected and unexpected places is what Ashley enjoys most. She has taught for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit's Alternative Education program, Shelter Schools, the Shuman Center, and currently teaches adults at the Allegheny County Jail, as well as art therapy at Children's Hospital. As education director of KH Design, she has designed the youth program to not only hone the budding artists' skills, but also to foster a sense of pride in themselves and their community.
Chris Savido (art director 2007) is a Pittsburgh native, and has a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University in New York. He currently resides in New York working freelance as an illustrator and muralist. A number of his murals can be found around Pittsburgh, dating back to as early as 1995. He is infamous as the culprit behind the controversial “Bush Monkey” painting in 2004. Savido is famous for his jewelry, graphic and shoe designs. More can be found out about him at www.workmade.com
Michelle Leigh Gregio (Artist, Site Coordinator) has lived in New York, Columbus, and now resides in Pittsburgh. Creation and appreciation are goals for her everyday life and existence. Although graduating with a degree in graphic design and working with companies as a freelance artist, raw works of art are more appealing to this artist. Hungrier to bow at the foot of a tree and marvel in the beauty of the earth, to her, realization is compared to wisdom, while taking in, that which is art. Unique in her passion to create, Michelle finds alleys and dumpsters as her playground for materials, living aside from the mainstream of the world.
Michael Washil (Manager) was raised in Irwin, PA but is a lifetime Pittsburgher. He was an employee of Nabisco’s East Liberty branch for eight years in the warehouse/distribution center until the plant was closed. He studied computer networking and Microsoft systems to obtain MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) credentials. He was then employed by CTR Systems as technical/network support, server manager, anti-virus/email/network administration, and backup/recovery specialist for five years until downsizing.
Kirk Holbrook (Youth Manager) has been enriching the lives of inner-city youth for nearly seven years. Beginning with the Schenley Heights Community Development Program, where he served as lead teacher for middle school, after-school and summer camp programs. Holbrook has also served the youth at Renaissance Charter School and Central Baptist Academy. Kirk believes that all kids can learn, and tirelessly works to obtain academic excellence for his students. Teaching the world’s most precious resource – children -- has become an artform in itself to Kirk. Drawing from personal experiences, Holbrook is able to relate to the plight of many of the youth we serve
Charles C Smith (Special Projects Manager) Born and raised in Pittsburgh Chuck brings a special charm to the project with his ability to get the job done by any means necessary work ethic. He is great with kids and brings a special big personality to the team.
David Hahn (Artist) has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and a minor in video. He has taught drawing and painting at the Grove City Council of the Arts. He has worked as a graphic designer on a number of local projects. He has also done numerous art exhibitions around the northeast, solo shows at the Bee Hive, and Hall of Missions at the Chautauqua Institution.
Robert Qualters (Artist) has been an actively working artist in Pittsburgh since 1968. His One Artist Exhibitions include shows at the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, as well as numerous private Gallery exhibitions. In 1985, he was chosen as the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts' Artist of the Year. His commissioned murals and installations have included works for the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania, the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and the Jewish Family and Children's Services, among many others.
Nicolas Homan (Artist, Teacher) is a local artist who is heavily involved in the art in the southside artist lofts. His experiences in the arts translate well with the youth on the project and his enthusiasm for the arts makes him very approachable.
Tenanche Golden (Teacher) is a teacher in the Visual Arts Department at the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. She holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, Masters credits from the National University of Mexico School of Plastic Arts and an MA from the University of Pittsburgh. Trained as a painter, Tenanche has expanded into textile and installation art. Her work is in private collections in the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica including Howard University and the Mexican National Presbyterian Seminary in Mexico City. Tenanche is a long-standing member of the Women of Visions, Inc. artist collective.
Andres Ortiz-Ferrari (Artist, Manager) background is in graphic arts and uses that knowledge of design to translate to his art. He is also known for his paintings. A native of Costa Rica he also brings a lot of foreign cultural influence to the project which reflects in his work.
Coleen Black (Artist) is a local artist whose talents include painting, and sculpture. As a bright and fun character she brings as much smiles as talent to the project. Her work is often uplifting and very positive. An essential ingredient in her positive outlook is her loving daughter who she caries in her heart everywhere.
Ernest Bey (Artist) is a native of Pittsburgh andhas been on the local art scene for over 20 years. During that time he has been featured in many art shows and has received numerous awards, most notably the Champion Association Artist of the Year Award in 1995. Also that year, his contribution to the art world was applauded when Bey was awarded the Black Extravaganza Trailblazer Award. Bey prides himself in his versatility. His mediums include: watercolor, woodcarving and his new venture: crafting jewelry.