Meet the Artists: 2025 Artist in Residence
Every year the South Carolina State Parks Service hosts the Artist-In-Residence program. This program provides artists with the opportunity to gain inspiration from the natural and cultural resources of the South Carolina State Parks. In return for a week-long stay at a state park cabin, each artist produces an original piece of artwork that is presented to the park. This competitive program attracts outstanding artists from all over the state and beyond. Out of nearly 100 applicants, meet the 21 artists that were chosen for the 2025 Artist-in-Residence program.
*The Artist-in-Residence program application is released in the fall of each year. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow our Facebook, Instagram, or X accounts for updates on when the 2026 application opens.
For more information about the program, visit our Artist-in-Residence page.
Paul Atkinson - Givhans Ferry State Park
Paul Atkinson is a retired civil engineer turned full-time landscape photographer, specializing in infrared and night sky photography. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Paul’s passion for photography has led him to explore and capture the world in unique and compelling ways. Whether working digitally or in the darkroom with black and white film, he finds inspiration in the way his camera reveals scenes beyond the human eye, offering new perspectives and opportunities for discovery.
Originally from Maryland, Paul now calls Raleigh, North Carolina, home. A full-time artist, he also takes on occasional freelance projects for the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation. His work has been widely recognized, with publications in Lenswork magazine and exhibitions in juried shows across the country. Among his most cherished achievements are his Artist-In-Residence experiences at several National Parks, with his most recent residency taking place at Great Basin National Park in Nevada.
Outside of his artistic pursuits, Paul enjoys exploring new landscapes and continuing to push the boundaries of his craft. With a deep appreciation for the natural world and an eye for capturing its unseen beauty, his photography invites viewers to see their surroundings in a whole new light.
Jami Childers - Devils Fork State Park
Jami Childers is a dedicated artist with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature through acrylic and oil paintings. After more than 30 years as a successful cosmetologist and salon owner, Jami recently stepped down from her business to focus fully on her art career. Her journey as an artist has been supported by her loyal customers, and she now dedicates her time to creating vibrant pieces inspired by the natural world. Whether painting intricate portraits or exploring the rich colors of landscapes and wildlife, Jami’s work is a reflection of her deep connection to nature—both above and below the waterline.
Originally from sunny Southern California, Jami developed a love for the outdoors through camping, fishing, and hiking trips with her father. Now living in Florida, she finds inspiration in the state’s diverse wetlands and coastal beauty, while still taking every opportunity to visit the mountains she loves. Her artistic dedication led her to wake up at 4:30 AM every day to paint before work, building a body of work to showcase at art festivals. Jami’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including honors from The Jacksonville Watercolor Society, St. Augustine Art Society, and, most recently, a First Place award from The First Coast Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Beyond art, Jami enjoys paddleboarding with her husband, particularly exploring Florida’s natural springs and encountering wildlife like manatees. Her love for the outdoors has inspired family trips to national parks, with a goal to visit at least one new park each year. Through her business, Jami Childers Art, she continues to share her artistic vision, capturing the world’s natural beauty one brushstroke at a time.
KC Christmas - Colleton State Park
KC Christmas is an accomplished artist based in the foothills near Greenville, SC, where she grew up and now lives with her husband and two children. She holds a BFA in Studio Art from Bob Jones University and an MA in Art History from Lindenwood University. Specializing in acrylic paintings and paper collages, KC draws inspiration from art history, local flora, and waterscapes to create visually captivating works.
Her talent has been recognized in several exhibitions, with her most recent accolade being 3rd place in the 20th Artisphere Artists of the Upstate Juried Exhibition in Greenville, SC. While not yet an Ultimate Outsider, KC and her family are eager to explore more South Carolina state parks, with Hickory Knob State Park next on their list for a golfing getaway.
When she's not in the studio, KC enjoys discovering new coffee shops, reading, and baking. She officially launched her art studio, KC Christmas, in 2018 and continues to grow her artistic practice while balancing her love for family and adventure.
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Suzanne Dillman - Colleton State Park
Michael Gambrell - Cheraw State Park
Michael Gambrell is a native of Greenville and currently lives in the upstate. Michael has an Associate in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Greenville Tech but has found a career in photography. He began his business Shining Star Studios in 2013. Other than photography, he also enjoys programming.
Sarah Gersbach - Poinsett State Park
Sarah Gersbach is a talented studio artist whose work captures the beauty and magic of the natural world. Based in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Sarah’s life is a blend of creativity, nature, and family. She has several roles and works as a Front Desk Receptionist at Montessori Country Day School, a landscape designer and horticulturist during the summer months, and is a dedicated artist pursuing her passion for painting.
Growing up in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Sarah developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, which continues to influence her artwork today. She earned her Master of Fine Arts from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, after completing a three-year program in Studio Art.
Sarah's artwork features landscapes and intricate portraits of flora and fauna, brought to life through watercolor on paper and oil on wood panels. Her inspiration comes from her connection with the natural environment, capturing its wonder and beauty in every brushstroke. Over the years, her talent has been recognized with awards, including an Honorable Mention at the Berks Art Alliance Member Show in 2023 and a Graduate Fellowship from Moore College of Art and Design in 2010.
When Sarah isn’t painting, she enjoys exploring nature with her husband and their 7-year-old son, Carson Timber. Whether camping, hiking, or tending to her vegetable and perennial gardens, she finds joy in being outside. An avid adventurer, she eagerly looks forward to visiting new parks, with Poinsett and Table Rock State Park next on her list.
Through her business, Sarah Gersbach Studio, she has been creating and selling her art for over 15 years, sharing her vision with collectors and nature enthusiasts alike. With a heart rooted in both art and the outdoors, Sarah continues to find inspiration in the world around her, bringing it to life one painting at a time.
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Dave Gombka - Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Dave Gombka is a talented artist passionate about capturing nature's beauty through photography. Originally from New Jersey, Dave and his family moved to South Carolina in 2005 and have since been inspired by the state's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Dave's artwork often focuses on landscapes and nature, and he's particularly drawn to changing light and weather conditions. His style is focused on capturing serene and tranquil scenes, often during the golden hour of sunrise/sunset. Overall his style emphasizes relaxation, calmness, and the beauty of nature.
His photography has been recognized with several awards, including the Margerie and Joe Ross Merit Award for Fine Art Novice Photography at the 2022 South Carolina State Fair, and the national 2024 America's State Parks Photo Contest Scenic and Seasons category winner.
As a frequent visitor to South Carolina's state parks, Dave has had the opportunity to capture the beauty of these natural areas through his lens. He's also working on his Ultimate Outsider journey, with 2 parks left to visit!
Jose Green - Sesquicentennial State Park
Jose Green grew up in western North Carolina before moving to Charleston, South Carolina, where he worked for 10 years as a police officer. After a severe back injury, he had to medically retire from law enforcement.
When I had a severe back injury, I was forced to medically retire from law enforcement. The blessing came when I started painting a lot and realized how much I enjoy it. My life had to be redirected and I use reclaimed wood to paint.My business called “The Reclaimed Artist” spoke to both me as the artist and my artwork.
After their children were born, Jose and his wife moved to Greenville to be closer to his parents. Now he is a full time dad and artist! Jose attended the Art Institute of Atlanta. He does acrylic painting on reclaimed wood and wood cutouts with reclaimed wood. He is inspired most by nature, landscapes, and animals. Jose and his family enjoy visiting Hunting Island, Paris Mountain, and Table Rock state parks.
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Greg Hammond - Oconee State Park
Greg Hammond, a Greenville, South Carolina, native, is a passionate digital photographer with a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty. After retiring from a successful career in mortgage banking with United Community Bank in 2017, Greg has dedicated more time to his artistic pursuits. His love for wildlife, landscapes, and waterfalls fuels his creative work, capturing the essence of the great outdoors through his lens.
While not officially an Ultimate Outsider, he and his wife have explored around 30 state parks, with favorites including Huntington Beach for its wildlife and ocean views, Devils Fork for its boating and scenic beauty, and Jones Gap for its mountainous landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Beyond photography, Greg enjoys spending quality time with his grandchildren, traveling, hiking, camping, and playing pickleball. Though he doesn’t run a formal business, he proudly considers himself an "enthusiastic amateur," always eager to capture and share the wonders of nature.
Ailyn Hoey - Poinsett State Park
Ailyn Hoey is a talented artist and dedicated school administrator who has spent her life immersed in creativity and exploration. Growing up in rural Vermont, Ailyn’s artistic journey began in childhood, drawing and painting with a natural curiosity that led her to experiment with various mediums. Though she has taken workshops with other artists, she is largely self-taught, allowing her artistic voice to develop organically over time.
In 2002, Ailyn discovered her passion for charcoal while working on a commissioned figurative piece in black and white. Since then, she has explored the expressive potential of this medium, creating striking landscape compositions that capture the solitude and beauty of remote, rugged terrains. From the windswept shores of Cape Cod to the wild landscapes of Texas, Florida, and Vermont, her work reflects a deep connection to nature.
Throughout her career, Ailyn has been recognized with numerous awards and prestigious artist residencies, including opportunities at Everglades National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, and The Johnson Studio Center. An award-winning artist, she has received the Award of Excellence at Art & Ambiance in Vermont and Best in Show at the Beaux Arts Festival in Coral Gables, Florida, among others.
When she’s not creating art, Ailyn loves spending time outdoors with her husband and 13-year-old son, hiking, camping, and canoeing. She also enjoys cooking, especially international cuisine.
Through her business, Ailyn Hoey Charcoals, established in 2002, Ailyn continues to share her passion for charcoal landscapes with collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Though she’s not yet an Ultimate Outsider, she looks forward to exploring more of South Carolina’s parks and discovering new inspiration along the way.
Kristin Holzer - Chester State Park
Betsy Hughes - Barnwell State Park
Betsy is a self-employed artist specializing in fabric collages on canvas, a unique medium that allows her to use fabric as her paint. Born and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania, she and her husband, Dave, relocated to Aiken, SC, six years ago. Together, they share a blended family of four grown children and four cherished grandchildren.
Betsy finds inspiration in the everyday world—whether it’s nature, people, animals, or significant events. She often works from photographs of intriguing subjects, transforming them into vibrant fabric compositions. Her creative talents have been recognized with numerous ribbon awards at exhibits across the country.
Though not an official Ultimate Outsider, Betsy and her husband love camping in their travel trailer, with Edisto Beach State Park being a long-time favorite. The coastal beauty provides endless inspiration and relaxation. She also looks forward to exploring more of South Carolina's state parks.
Beyond her art, Betsy enjoys staying active through walking, yoga, and line dancing.
Lindsey Maldonado - Givhans Ferry State Park
Lindsey Maldonado is a talented visual artist and graphic designer based in Goose Creek, SC. Originally from the small town of Kinderhook, IL, she moved to the Lowcountry in 2012 and now shares her home with her husband, Patrick, and their two beloved dogs, Cira and Echo.
Lindsey’s passion for art led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Arts and study fine arts abroad in Florence, Italy. Her work spans multiple mediums, including soft pastels, watercolors, acrylics, and pottery, with a special love for the unique textures and depth soft pastels bring to her pieces.For Lindsey, art is an emotional journey. Calm moments inspire serene landscapes and soft colors, while more challenging times often lead to darker, moodier creations. She doesn’t force inspiration, allowing it to arise naturally from her experiences and feelings.
Beyond her art, Lindsey enjoys rock climbing, working in her garden, and exploring South Carolina’s state parks. As she works toward becoming an Ultimate Outsider, she cherishes hikes at Table Rock and Paris Mountain, as well as summer relaxation with friends at Givhans Ferry.
In 2020, Lindsey launched her own business, Lindsey Nicole Design Studio, where she continues to share her creativity with the world. Her art and design work are a testament to her passion, skill, and connection to her craft.
Teresa Mancuso - Table Rock State Park
Born in Columbia, SC, Teresa spent her childhood in Ohio but returned to Columbia in 1984. Currently residing in Red Bank, SC, she finds inspiration in the scenic beauty that surrounds her.
Teresa wears many creative hats, working as an artist, illustrator, and baker. Teresa's art is a rich blend of acrylic and watercolor, with a special focus on impasto techniques that create vibrant, textured masterpieces. She also delves into the world of Orthodox iconography, painting in the traditional Byzantine style. Her work, including murals, can be found adorning the interior and exterior of St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in West Columbia, SC.
The inspiration behind Teresa's art comes from her childhood memories of long drives through the countryside, appreciating the simplicity and rustic beauty of the landscapes. She seeks to capture the quiet moments of nature – the rushing water, humming insects, rustling grass, and the gentle breeze through the treetops.
Teresa's creativity extends beyond the canvas, as she wrote and illustrated the bestselling children's book, "The Sleepy Bear and the Golden Whispers".
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Teresa finds joy in gardening, raising chickens and rabbits, and singing. In 2022, she launched "Maypop's Cottage," a tiny business offering delightful "Cheese Buttons" at arts and craft fairs, along with catering private events.
Sarah Mandell - Myrtle Beach State Park
Sarah Mandell is a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur, balancing her creative pursuits as the owner of Once Again Sam with her work as a part-time interior designer. Originally from Severna Park, Maryland, Sarah has called Greenville, SC, home since 2010, where she lives with her husband, Josh.
A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA, Sarah specializes in fiber art, crafting beautifully textured landscapes from needle-felted wool fiber. Her work also incorporates mixed media techniques, blending rug hooking, embroidery, and punch needle with her signature needle felting. Each piece is a testament to her passion for texture and storytelling through fiber.
Nature serves as Sarah’s greatest inspiration. She loves exploring South Carolina’s diverse landscapes, often hiking or taking scenic drives to find new vistas to capture in her art. Her connection to the outdoors is reflected in her growing list of state park visits—while she’s not yet an Ultimate Outsider, she’s explored nearly half of South Carolina's parks. Devil’s Fork State Park holds a special place in her heart.
Outside of her artistic endeavors, Sarah enjoys reading, traveling, and making miniatures, indulging in a love for small-scale creativity. Since launching Once Again Sam in 2009, what began as a hobby has flourished into a thriving business over the past 16 years, showcasing her fiber art creations to a wide audience.
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Emily Martin - Oconee State Park
Emily Martin is an author and national park ranger whose creative talents extend beyond the written word into the world of visual art. Specializing in watercolor plein air landscapes and digital storybook illustrations, Emily’s work is deeply inspired by the natural world, with a special focus on the movement and energy of flowing water.
A native of Clemson, South Carolina, Emily now resides in Pendleton with her husband, Will, and their two daughters, Lucy and Amelia. Her love for the outdoors has led her to spend several seasons living and working in iconic national parks, including Yellowstone, Glacier, and Great Smoky Mountains. With a Bachelor’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and a Master's in Parks and Protected Area Management from Clemson University, Emily combines her passion for storytelling and conservation in both her writing and art.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Emily is a published author. Her debut novel was released in 2016, and she is eagerly anticipating the release of her seventh book—a middle-grade fantasy adventure—coming in spring 2026. When she’s not writing or painting, Emily enjoys hiking, camping, and baking, and is currently working towards becoming an Ultimate Outsider, with a particular interest in the Lowcountry and historical sites.
Anna Newell - Calhoun Falls State Park
Originally from Clemson, South Carolina, Anna currently calls Charleston home, where she is a Framing design consultant. She holds dual degrees—a Bachelor's in Studio Art and a Bachelor's in Psychology—from the College of Charleston.
Anna's artistic expression thrives on the intricacies of nature. She specializes in creating detailed, small paintings, while nature's details, textures, and colors serve as her muse. Her preferred mediums include gouache, watercolor, pen and ink, and sculpting.
Anna's talent has earned her recognition, including scholarships such as the Barbara Duval Endowed Scholarship for Studio Art and the MAYS Grant through the College of Charleston.
Outside the realm of art, Anna finds joy in cooking, playing video games, and engaging in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Ben Panter - Devils Fork State Park
Ben Panter is an accomplished landscape photographer with a passion for blending modern and historical photographic processes to capture the beauty of the natural world. Based in South Jersey, Ben balances his creative pursuits with his roles as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University and Media Director at Fellowship Community Church. He and his wife share a love for exploration with their two boys, ages 13 and 9.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Art, specializing in Photography from Rutgers University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Moore College of Art & Design, Ben’s artistic journey has taken him across the globe. His work ranges from homemade pinhole cameras to large digital negatives used for cyanotype prints and image transfers, always adapting to where his curiosity leads.
The spirit of exploration is at the core of Ben’s art, both in subject and process. Whether trekking through isolated wilderness or uncovering hidden natural beauty in suburban spaces, he captures moments that showcase the delicate balance between nature and human development. His dedication has earned him numerous artist residencies, including time at Acadia National Park and the YMCA of the Rockies.
In his spare time, Ben channels his creativity into designing board games, a hobby he shares with his family. His games are available through his website, Circle Canoe Games, where others can experience his innovative designs. As he looks ahead to new adventures, Ben is eager to explore Devil’s Fork State Park. He plans to paddle across Lake Jocassee to view scenic waterfalls and explore local trails.
Douglas Piper - Aiken State Park
Douglas Piper is a full-time artist based in Greenville, SC, where he was born and raised. A graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Packaging Science and a minor in Graphic Communications, Douglas has been creating art professionally since launching Douglas Piper Art in 2018. Specializing in printmaking, he crafts intricate woodblock and linoleum prints, drawing deep inspiration from the outdoors.
As a husband and father to a 13-month-old daughter, Douglas enjoys exploring local nature spots like Conestee Nature Preserve and Paris Mountain State Parks. When he's not in his studio, he can be found tackling home improvement projects or learning pottery.
Douglas' work captures the essence of the natural world through bold lines and textures, bringing landscapes and wildlife to life through printmaking. He looks forward to continuing his artistic journey and sharing his passion for nature through his work.
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David Schuppert - Table Rock State Park
Growing up in the town of Skippack, Pennsylvania, David Schuppert developed a love for the outdoors and art at a young age. After graduating high school in 1965, David attended a four-year commercial and fine arts program at the School of Art & Design in Philadelphia. After art school, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. As an illustrator in the Marine Corps, many of his paintings are in the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. Following his time in the Marine Corps, David opened an art studio in Pennsylvania and began a career in illustration. His favorite subject is natural science illustration and he has enjoyed producing artwork for various publications, including textbooks, children's books, displays and magazines. David has had various pieces accepted into the annual exhibitions of the Guild of National Science Illustrators in Washington and the Focus on Nature exhibition at the New York State Museum. In 2001, he accepted a staff illustrator position at a large publishing firm where he was eventually promoted to Art Department Supervisor. In 2016, he retired but he still does freelance illustration.
David now focuses on landscape and wildlife painting primarily in acrylic and pastel. His work has been accepted into both national and international exhibitions and he has won numerous awards both as an illustrator and painter. David and his wife, Patti, currently reside in West Columbia, SC and he is honored to be participating in the AIR program at Table Rock State Park.
Lindsey Spears - Dreher Island State Park
Margaret Vetter - Dreher Island State Park
After the kids went off to college, Margaret looked for a creative outlet. She took a stained-glass class and fell in love with combining colors, light, and textures. Quickly realizing that cutting, foiling, and soldering would take a long time to master, she found that cutting the pieces smaller allowed for “happy accidents” and more creativity. Self-taught, her work evolves as she continues to learn.
Margaret earned a BFA in Theatre and dabbled in acting for a while. Cooking then became her creative outlet for years. She lived in the DC area, worked with caterers, and catered on her own. After moving to SC in 2002, she continued cooking, working for a restaurant and a country store and owning her own lunch business.
Eight years ago, while living in Lexington, Margaret challenged her husband to a “year of hiking, 26 different hikes”, Table Rock was one of the highlights. Never having hiked before, this opened up a wonderful world and inspired her mosaic work. Most of her pieces are nature-related, whether “realistic” or whimsical, trees are a favorite subject. Since that time, they’ve moved to Travelers Rest, closer to more hiking.