Bev Sanders, Founder
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Bev Sanders has made a lifelong commitment to helping women to reach their full potential. "The empowerment of women would be a benefit to us all. My goal is to inspire us to accomplish what we once thought was impossible."

In 1982 , Bev co-founded one of the first snowboard companies and greatly impacted the evolution of the new sport. After decades devoting herself to the development of women's snowboarding needs, Transworld Snowboarding Magazine recognized Bev's contributions by honoring her as the "Pioneer Woman of Snowboarding". Learning to surf at the age of 44, she saw a new opportunity to promote her mission and launched Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women.

Bev's personal interest in Artista comes from her past years spent in the thriving art community of Benicia, California, and now living in Carmel-by-the-Sea. "Over the last decade, I've been slowly introduced to the local art scene which was, quite frankly, intimidating early on. Since then I've gained enlightening friendships and a much deeper appreciation for the arts. This is no surprise considering I'm easily distracted by beauty, whether it's in my garden, on a mountaintop, or . . . even wandering aimlessly through a fabric store. As a beginning artist myself, I've found great reward in exploring my own creativity. And I know, if given the opportunity, there are many women who would like to experience the same."

Judi Morales-Gibson, Artista Creative Senior Artist
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Judi helped Bev launch Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women over a decade ago. Since then she has applied her experience as a merchandising manager at Discovery Channel, and Board Member for Arts Benicia, as the head of customer relations for Las Olas. Judi is a practicing Mendi Body Artist, costume and jewelry designer, and event planner. Never short of inspiration and positive energy, Judi paints, surfs, and dances her way through life while finding time for her most cherished position as Dexter's Mom."The idea of painting used to be scary to me, but once I started, I had way too much fun to be afraid. When I paint, I find my hand moving the brush on it's own, without me having to think about. The fear of judgement and rejection just disappears. I absolutely love seeing women at Artista have the same experience. They face and conquer their fear, discover their own creativity and giggle like little girls while doing it. "

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Lauryn Taylor,  Director of Instruction/Intuitive Abstract Painting
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"The process of discovery becomes the journey, and the destination becomes the reward... expecting nothing but the unexpected." Lauryn Taylor is expert in teaching a style she describes as intuitive, abstract painting. Creating through the act of mixing, brushing, and texturings liberating for anyone who otherwise fears the process of making art. A former designer for a leading greeting card publisher, Lauryn moved to Carmel after her company sent her to the area to find inspiration. She now teaches a series of classes throughout Northern California designed for both novice and expert painters. Her contemporary acrylic and mixed media paintings employs vivid colors combined with rich textures result in intriguing abstract paintings. She is also curator/owner of the Lauryn Taylor Fine Art gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea where works by her students and accomplished artists can be viewed and enjoyed.

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William Harsh, Director of Instruction/Encaustic Painting
and Monotype Printmaking
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William Harsh is a well-known painter, printmaker and studio art instructor who lives and works in the art community of Benicia, California. He received his MFA from Boston University and has studied with Philip Guston and James Weeks. William has had numerous solo shows and his work is represented in galleries across the country and in private collections in the US, Canada, and Europe. With nearly two decades experience teaching painting, drawing, color, design, and printmaking at colleges and universities throughout New England and the San Francisco Bay Area, William has returned to teaching the encaustic medium.

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Jackie Sanders, Guest Service Manager, Writer, Mom
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Jackie is an avid reader, writer, and fabulous cook who is most appreciated by the Artista Alumnae for her delicious culinary creations. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Jackie and surfing husband Brian settled in Carmel-by-the-Sea to raise their daughter Juliet. "My greatest desire is to bring up my girl to be a kind and happy woman." Jackie understands the needs of our guests and is there throughout the safari to insure a lovely vacation for all.

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Jessica Wishard, Studio Manager
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Jessica grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where she found her passion for the arts at a young age. Fort building, sewing, painting, and organizing craft clubs with her neighborhood girlfriends were her childhood pastimes. Jessica attended Mills College where she graduated with a B.A. in Studio Arts and a double minor in Art History and Anthropology. In addition to school she has explored museum and gallery work as well as taught inner-city children.

Attending Mills College, an "all women" school, has given Jessica the opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of women of different ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Her experience has encouraged her to embark on a mission to inspire women to explore creativity. Currently Jessica enjoys sharing her love of the arts with the Artista ladies and is determined never to let go of her inner-child.

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Chris Sanders, General Manager
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Chris coordinates the different aspects of each safari into one fantastic experience for our guests. Bev Sanders, his long time partner and Manifeta founder, have been married and working together for over 20 years starting with the launch of Avalanche Snowboards in 1982. He applies his education and experience in graphic arts and industrial design throughout the organization. When not in the office, Chris surfs and tests restaurants throughout California and Mexico. Good gig.

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Annie, Good Dog
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Originally from Massachusetts, Annie was a dedicated therapy dog for Bev's dad. Bev adopted her shortly after his death in 1998. Annie currently holds the esteemed title of "Cutest Senior" awarded at the annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Reindoggie contest. She also captured the hearts of the audience by taking "Best in Show" at the screening of Best in Show, a favorite event in dog-friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Any day, Annie can be found curled up on Bev's desk, precariously close to her keyboard. Whenever she needs attention, she tiptoes around the keys making her responsible for all typos on this website.

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