BAKER LUNCHEON

Koa Beam is an accomplished artist recognized for his artistic creations inspired by pop culture, comic books, fantasy, and science fiction, which have been exhibited in galleries and at comic conventions throughout Pennsylvania and other states. He has received numerous awards, most notably the 26th Richard G. & Wanda I. Baker Award for Excellence in Teaching, as presented to him by the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.

Having been born and raised in Cambria County, Mr. Beam graduated from Westmont Hilltop High School in 1991. Since then, he has amassed significant professional experience in the fields of graphics, design, and illustration, serving in various capacities. His work has encompassed diverse projects, ranging from t-shirt art and logo design to corporate branding, marketing, and digital media design. He currently holds the position of Lead Graphic Artist at CANA LLC, a distinguished logistics and analytics firm based in Gainesville, Virginia.

In addition to his professional endeavors, he is a dedicated practitioner of Tang Soo Do, a traditional Korean martial art, and serves as the advisor/instructor for the Martial Arts Club at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown campus. He also produces commissioned artwork in heroic, science fiction, and fantasy genres for fellow enthusiasts, as well as producing professional cover art and illustrations for games and books.

Mr. Beam's artwork is distinguished by its intricate detail and dynamic aesthetic, appealing to a wide range of fantasy art aficionados. He utilizes a variety of media and mediums, creating artwork on surfaces ranging from everyday objects like placemats to stretched canvas, and everything in between using pencils, ballpoint pens, oil, watercolor, acrylic paints, or whatever media is on hand.

Furthermore, Mr. Beam is a committed educator. He has experience teaching art at various levels, from elementary school to college. He is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all individuals interested in the arts, and he readily shares his passion for creativity. He believes in the value of sketching and doodling for creative expression, stress reduction, enjoyment, and catharsis, regardless of skill level.

It is through this mindset that Mr. Beam’s work and teaching have had a substantial impact on his community. He is dedicated to sharing his enthusiasm for the arts by imparting his knowledge and experience to others. He endeavors to serve as a role model for aspiring artists, and he hopes his commitment to his craft inspires others to share their artistic endeavors.

Carla Shehan-Sturgis is the owner of Delightful Ewe, a yarn shop in Hollidaysburg, PA and is currently celebrating 25 years as a business owner. She has crocheted since she was 9 and taught herself to knit in her early twenties and has knit sweaters for a New York designer, as well as models for several national yarn companies, with her own designs for sale on Ravelry.

Ms. Shehan-Sturgis served as President for many years with the Bedford Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and organized the juried craft show inside St. Thomas School during Bedford Fall Foliage for 23 years and currently volunteers with the CAC for its annual Holly Bazaar.

Ms. Shehan-Sturgis enjoys teaching others to knit and crochet and helping individuals with their projects to completion. She enjoys volunteering and organizing cold weather apparel (hats, scarves and mittens) collections for the homeless and child and youth organizations.

Shane Riggs is an award winning journalist, photographer, author, and teacher. He is a published and produced playwright, with his works including the Lightbearer, Confessions from the Ladies Room and the Marie Defense. His Song of the Red Sparrow novel trilogy is available in bookstores and online. Shane has worked in television, radio, public relations and print. He has worked for and with celebrities like Rebeca Arthur, Garth Brooks, Florence Henderson, William H. Macy, Del McCoury, Michael Phelps, and both Donny and Marie Osmond. Shane is the founding and current managing editor of Allegany Magazine in Cumberland, Md and in 2022, was named editor of Johnstown Magazine in Johnstown, Pa.