Guest Artists
Lancaster Art Vault represents a number of Guest and Gallery Wall Artists. These are artists who market and sell their work through Lancaster Art Vault but do not need studio space. Our Gallery Wall Artists rotate every 2 months so there is always something new to see at Lancaster Art Vault.
The imagined perception of a pattern or meaning where it does not actually exist such as “the man in the moon”. Merriam Webster.
It was after a number of juried art exhibits along with finishing a book The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, that I would even consider admitting to myself that possibly I could be artist. I made the mental shift one summer morning. I told my wife I was headed to work as I loaded my kayak and camera in the van and headed to the Susquehanna River in search of reflections. I found what I was looking for in amazingly short time. A large outcropping of stone that I had paddled by many times but this day my pareidolia moment was a life shift. I found the image of The Wizard. Calm water levels, time of day, plants, wood debris, mud and silt had hidden him before, but this day he was clear and shining. I sat there laughing at the amazing gift that had been given to me at that moment. I have never seen this image on the river again. I find the same stone has morphed into other images. Since that time I have photographed other lakes, such as in the Adirondacks, Georgian Bay, Canada, and lakes of western states. I have discovered that we all see the same images of rocks, reflections, symmetry, but we find different meanings within the images we behold.
Stephen Pidcock
Dane Tilghman
"Using paint and pencil I create full color narratives calibrating the common moments of humanity chronicled thru nostalgic black and white photography"
A full time artist for 41 years now, Dane has taken his artwork towards new dimensions going from realism to a stylish combination developing his own interpretations of surrealism and primitive elongation. He has established himself as one of the premier painters of African American Art. He has a creative approach to artistic images of the common man, woman and child. Dane’s images are inspired of African Americans in and out of daily life, popular entertainment, and the world of sports. He has exhibited his works throughout the United States at art festivals, galleries, trade shows, convention centers and sports arenas where he has received numerous awards.
His work has been exhibited at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and also in one-man shows at Howard University, Widener University, West Chester University, University of Pennsylvania, Penn State and the Butler Institute of Fine Art in Youngstown, Ohio. He was recently commissioned to create artwork for the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey that is displayed throughout the arena’s public spaces, private suites and corporate offices. Fifteen paintings for MBNA private collection. … Two murals in major league Ball parks .Also the 2nd black artist to have painting in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Also on display at Negro League museum.
Collectors of Dane’s artwork include notables such as Dave Winfield, Nelson Mandela, Bill Cosby, the estate of Ossie Davis, Nabisco Corporation and Astra-Zeneca. In 2004 Kutztown University commissioned him for a commemorative poster for the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. Dane has participated many art festivals and has had many one man shows in the past 40 plus years.
Dane’s creative philosophy is to bring to the audience his interpretative views of life on canvas. This is reflected in his diverse presentations as he shares his artistic gift with his audience. His unique style clearly defines his mastery of the craft. Using black and white photos as a starting place I attempt to connect to the souls of those who have gone on to glory before me .Immortalizing the everyday man on canvas.
Joshua F. Beltre, born in the Bronx, New York City, grew up in a Dominican household where Spanish music—merengue, bachata, and salsa—shaped his early love for rhythm and melody. The Bronx's rich cultural diversity and its role in the birth of hip hop further fueled his passion for the arts. Joshua’s career naturally progressed into photography, creative direction, and hip hop, blending his Dominican heritage with contemporary influences.
As a photographer, he developed a unique eye for capturing essence through portraiture and urban landscapes. His creative direction work reflected his ability to merge tradition with innovation. To expand his artistic vision, Joshua founded The Jazz White Collective, a platform for collaborative, genre-defying work that brings together musicians, visual artists, and creatives.
In recent years, Joshua moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he has become an integral part of the local arts scene. There, he continues to evolve as an artist while balancing his role as a father to two children. Joshua places great importance on legacy, striving to leave a lasting impact through his art and contributions to the cultural community.
Joshua’s journey—from the Bronx to Lancaster—represents resilience and creativity. His work in photography, creative direction, and as a hip hop artist showcases his dedication to artistic excellence and cultural preservation, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
JOSHUA F. BELTRE
DIANA SHANNON YOUNG
“I aspire to create a space of imagination through color, shapes and texture thus evoking an emotional relationship between my artistic expression and the viewer. I hold a steadfast belief that only through art can stories be captured without words. ”The Art of Life is The Life in Art”
Diana Shannon Young is a renowned multicultural, multi-dimensional artist based in Riverside, CA, specializing in acrylic, pastel, and mixed media. A working artist since the early 1980s, she has dedicated her life to the pursuit of art. As a former gallery owner and curator in California, she nurtured the careers of other artists while developing her own. Her passion for art began by watching her younger brother sketch and draw, sparking her own creative journey. While she has had some formal training, Diana’s artistic path has primarily been self-directed, honing her skills through workshops with master artists and experimenting with various materials and methods.
Her current work features stylized figurative art that celebrates female empowerment, sisterhood, and the beauty of the female form. Her vibrant florals and abstract pieces aim to connect emotionally with viewers through color, shape, and form, offering a unique, unbound expression of life.
Diana's art has been published in numerous magazines, coffee table books, and featured in exhibitions including Art Basel. Her work has been commissioned by national organizations, corporations, celebrities, and academic institutions like Morehouse School of Medicine. Diana is grateful for the collectors who connect with her work, finding peace and harmony in her creations.
Gerri McCritty is a multidisciplinary artist born in Liberia, West Africa, who moved to the U.S. through the Student Exchange Program. Unable to return home due to Liberia’s civil war, she built a new life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, working various jobs until earning her Green Card and U.S. citizenship. For over twenty years, she has been an active member of the Lancaster community.
Driven by a deep inner desire to fulfill her calling as an artist, Gerri pursued her dream of owning a gallery that reflects her African roots, culture, and traditions. She earned an Art degree from Millersville University as a non-traditional student and is now the proud co-owner of PAVAA Gallery, a space that merges African and Western influences in art and music.
In addition to painting, Gerri creates sculptures from wood, bronze, clay, plaster, and found objects. She is also a professional DJ and Afro-percussionist, playing the DunDun African tribal drums. Gerri’s work is rooted in her West African heritage and the rhythms of life in Lancaster, exploring themes like racial injustice, environmental awareness, and emotional experiences.
Gerri’s artistic practice connects with materials such as metal, wood, and cardboard, reflecting everyday life. She has also led cross-cultural exchanges between Liberia and Lancaster, including her "Doors of Return" project, where she takes participants on artistic retreats to Liberia.
GERRI MCCRITTY
REINA 76 ARTIST
Born in Harrisburg PA in 1976, Reina E. Wooden, known as “Reina 76 Artist|R76” is an Abstract Expressionist and Graduate of Howard University, Hospitality Management in Washington DC.
|R76| is an “Outsider” Artist who wants her art to heal those suffering from domestic violence and depression. The connection to childhood and its effects on the inner artist within is the Artist’s intention.
“Conceptual Art leads me towards imagination. It empowers me to explore art with bold drastic colors, thick layers and jagged strokes on canvas, cardboard and fabric. This is a modern approach towards historical and traumatic events and the individuals who influence it.”
|R76| artwork has been exhibited in the Atrium of WITF Broadcasting and Media Company, the Art Association of Harrisburg PA, BLAQK House of Pittsburgh PA and in private collections in New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, France and the US Embassy of Moldova.
In honor of those Pennsylvania Heroes of Color, I created a series of significant art pieces that brings a contemporary perspective to African American history.
Osmyn J. Oree is a deeply passionate and highly driven photographer based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He became interested in fine art photography at the age of 17, and has been a diehard devotee to the genre, ever since. Osmyn’s work focuses primarily on conceptual portraiture and connections. It is of the utmost importance to Osmyn as a photographer to always represent the people in front of his camera, in a tasteful, yet thought provoking way, while still striving to meet his own high standards of excellence in regards to the composition and quality of each individual photograph.
Osmyn oftentimes approaches photography as a means by which to express emotional responses to his own personal experiences. The lack of representation in photography in Lancaster spurred his desire to explore the Black diaspora and portraiture himself – and in doing so, he has not only carved out his own, unique niche, but he has also filled a void in the Lancaster arts scene. A dedicated analog photographer, Osmyn stands out in a largely digital photography era, by shooting with a medium format Hasselblad camera, and a large 4x5 film camera.
OSMYN J. OREE
OPHELIA M. CHAMBLISS
Ophelia M. Chambliss is a fine artist known for her signature style of "realistic cubism," which she uses to create vibrant, narrative-driven works. Her subjects range widely, but her acrylic paintings consistently feature bold, energetic color palettes. Ophelia has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, juried shows, and has completed several large-scale public art installations in schools, municipalities, hospitals, and history centers.
Holding a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and Sciences and a Master's in Communications from Penn State University, Ophelia integrates her background in visual communication with her artwork to tell deeper stories. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary PhD from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Many of her pieces are dualistic in nature, offering viewers multiple perspectives or images depending on how the work is displayed.
Originally from Chicago, Ophelia now resides in York, PA, where she is active in public art and murals, enjoying the challenges of scale and community collaboration. Before transitioning to full-time fine art, she had a successful career in publishing, specializing in graphic design and business development.
In 2023, Ophelia founded Ophelia’s Making Agency (OMA), a non-profit that provides professional development and support for small, minority-owned creative businesses. OMA operates studio spaces in downtown York, fostering community engagement and contributing to the local arts scene.
“My name is Blake Showers and I’m a visual artist from Birmingham, AL. I wear many hats as an illustrator, creative director, producer, and art educator. Each of these roles allows me to explore and express my creativity in unique ways. My personal artwork often explores themes such as anime, cartooning, the Black Experience, and Rap/Hip-Hop. These themes not only reflect my identity but also serve as a platform for dialogue and connection within these communities.
Through my creations, I aim to share my passion for cartoons and manga while also addressing mental health in a way that resonates with others and fosters connection with a playful art style. I think that being able to make art within a fun style not only serves as a means of self-expression but also as a catalyst for dialogue. It creates a space where important conversations can unfold, allowing both myself and my audience to explore complex ideas and emotions together. This dual purpose enriches the artistic experience, transforming it into a shared journey of discovery and connection.”
BLAKE SHOWERS
BASHAE JOSEPHS
Bashae Josephs was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In 2019, she went on to receive her A.A in Fine Art from Northampton Community College, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Though she was interested in many diverse forms of art from a young age, it was during this time that she discovered her passion for painting. In 2023, she furthered her education by receiving her BS. Ed in Art Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She now works as an Art Teacher, shaping the minds and skills of Elementary School students, through artmaking.
Working in Acrylic paint as a medium, Josephs’ personal artwork employs the Black female figure to display and honor the beauty, sexuality and stories of this group. Floral, and other subjects within nature, also constitutes the artwork, utilizing bold colors and an expressionistic style. Concepts of Spirituality are explored in her artwork, while delving, subtly, into numerous struggles and adversities in life. For Bashae, creating and teaching art is a means to discover who you are and what you are capable of.
