My first artistic endeavor was a mural behind our sofa in Crayola. It took my mother months to discover my masterpiece and, to my surprise, I was dismally rewarded with detention from “I Love Lucy”! In spite of this unjust punishment, I continued to practice my art throughout the rest of my life, taking both credit and non-credit classes whenever I could. However, I was more encouraged to pursue a career that would better guarantee an income - Business! So, for most of my adult life I was a marketing professional beginning at Sea World of Florida and eventually as the Southeast Regional Director of Sales, Holiday Inn, Inc. where I oversaw marketing for all corporately owned Holiday Inn hotels in the southeastern US.
I married into the US Navy in 1989 and we spent 7 years in Italy before retirement in 2002. While there, I continued to study fine art, but became fascinated with the beautiful Italian decorative arts and plasters. Upon my return, I located a school in Vero Beach, Faux Effects International; took classes, and launched my company, La Mura Bella. We have become successful beyond my dreams in only 6 years. Much of this I owe to the knowledge, friendship, and networking benefits I have gained as a past VP of Florida’s Golden Palette and President of the Stenciling Round Table.
I would be honored to share my marketing expertise, enthusiasm for the business of artistic expression, and sense of adventure to help bring SALI membership into a new and exciting future.
Annie Lemarie
The decorative arts have always fascinated me. The artists fascinate me even more. We are fortunate to be able to beautify and enhance people’s quality of life. Plus, pretty much across the board, the people in this industry have fun…every day. That’s what attracted me to SALI, many years ago…that there was an organization dedicated to furthering an industry that was just plain fun. It took a few years for some friends to convince me to join and attend convention. When I first stepped into the chaos of convention, the enthusiasm was astounding and the sheer passion for the arts was truly uplifting. In that moment, I became an ardent supporter of SALI.
Today, I am even more excited about SALI. The organization is changing, growing, and now taking on a new identity. SALI has so much potential! We are poised to go in new directions, to serve both the professional artist as well as the hobbyist. I’m excited at the possibility of serving on the board, to bring years of marketing and business knowledge to the organization, and to bring my boundless enthusiasm for SALI’s mission to both pro and hobby artists alike.
Years ago, as president of the board for Habitat for Humanity of Washington County (MD), I learned how an organization can change the course of lives. SALI also has the power to change lives…to educate, inspire and support those who love the decorative arts. I hope that you will enable me to help.
Tina Marie Rider
SALI has transformed from the sole art of stenciling to include all forms of decorative painting using a variety of mediums, new gadgets and techniques. This growth has made SALI better than ever. We all need to be reinvented from time to time, to nurture our creativity. I’m Tina Marie Rider and I’m ready to grow. I’ve spent a lot of time developing my business, but none of that matters if I’m only helping myself! “Refresh others and be refreshed”
Most of my adulthood has been spent as an interior design consultant. In 1994, I started a part time business installing wallpaper, faux and murals. My background involves working with other contractors, homeowners and creating solutions. Managing a family of 4 step daughters, 2 biological sons and twins adopted from Russia involves the same teamwork and creativity my job has always entailed.
In 2002, I got the courage to quit my full time job and begin DÉCOR & AFTER, and do what I love all the time…create with paint.
After overcoming fear, I began submitting work and was honored to find my mural featured on the 2007 winter issue of Artistic Stenciler. The same month, one of my paintings was juried into an exhibition, “Transmissions,” at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, Florida and sold.
What good would our talents be if they were guarded by fear? When our art is shared, the magnitude of what we can accomplish is unimaginable!
Arlene Mcloughlin
I began my art career 30 years ago when I painted my first mural on the walls of her Elementary school in Elmont New York. I went on to receive a B.F.A from the Fashion Institute of technology in New York City. While I enjoyed an exciting career in the New York Fashion industry, I wanted the freedom, and creativity of owning my own business. While taking art history courses at Queens College I was inspired by the old Masters I was studying and started painting commissioned art work. My canvas work grew into large scale murals and I later branched off into Faux, Plasters and wall finishes. I have a full staff and enjoys running my full time art studio.
I have been a member of SALI for 3 years, have attended two conventions and enjoy the social interaction being a SALI member brings; the meeting of friends, old and new, and the opportunity to learn each year at convention from the best in the industry. I have begun teaching in the last year at the Art League on Long Island as well as private classes in my studio. Some exciting projects I have worked on are the “Flip that house with Faux” book and TV show, and the current “World art Book” as well as my own Fun and Exciting Children’s rooms”
Julie Stonehouse
Hello, I’m Julie Stonehouse. I would like you to consider voting for me in the SALI Board of Directors. I joined SALI at the San Diego convention in 1998 and immediately found a place where I could grow as an artist, the conventions to be inspirational and affirming of my place in the decorative painting industry.
Thankfully, at that convention I met people from my local chapter, the Golden Poppies, and eventually served as their president. More recently, I joined the Atrium and enjoy both chapters for the opportunities they present to stay in touch with other artists and continually learn my craft.
In 2005 I became the Membership Chair for SALI and started teaching at the Baltimore convention. Through communication and feedback from members on the website, I feel I understand what our membership needs and expects. As a student and a teacher at convention, I have learned the value of SALI’s mission to educate and promote awareness of our art form.
I have seen this organization go through tough times and many changes. I like the direction in which we are headed and would like to continue and encourage that momentum. I have a lot of experience in working on boards and know that my strengths lie in keeping meetings on point and goal oriented, identifying problems with systems and fixing them, and the ability to follow through on my commitments.
