LEADERS

 PAULA ACKERMAN - Has taught art and humanities at many levels, is experienced in many art forms, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the sessions.  Her educational and practical know-how of the art forms is invaluable to beginning and experienced artists. Paula began teaching in visual arts at Central Vo-Tech in Drumright, Oklahoma. Later, she joined Oklahoma City Community College as an adjunct professor with the Arts and Humanities Department. During her teaching career at the Olive Public Schools, Paula taught visual arts and started a special after school art's program for students challenged with varying levels of Autism.

For two years, Paula taught Art at Roger's Middle School in Spencer, Oklahoma. After leaving Spencer, Paula furthered her career as the Facility Coordinator for the Maranatha Outreach Center for Expectant Mothers by helping unwed mothers secure an education appropriate to provide for mother and child. Before returing from public schools Paula taught Alternative Education in the Stroud Public School System and remains an educator as a substitute teacher. 

As a professional artist, Paula's career included membership in a special team organized by Dr. Bob Palmer, Art Chairman at the University of Central Oklahoma, to complete the renovation project of the State Legislature House of Representatives Chamber (located in the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma).

Paula is privileged to have worked as a team member under the direction of Dr. Bob Palmer, renowned international mural artist, in the completing of 13 mural projects in Oklahoma. Included in this project was the popular "Coca-Cola Mural" in Stroud, Oklahoma on historic Route 66. One of the most influential benefactors shaping her artistic career was the masterful hand of her late husband, American Artist Jeffrey Wayne Fuller. 

Paula's work includes a piece in Mustang, Oklahoma, featured in Ford Moter Company advertisements promoting tourism in the United States. Other commissions included the Oklahoma Department of Human Resources Children's Room located in Chandler, Oklahoma. Community participation include t-shirt designs for local churches, affiliations, and private business ventures.

Currently, Paula is collaborating with Steve Brandt, Curator of The Route 66 Spirit of American Museum, located in Stroud, Oklahoma, on a project involving a mural. Also, she is in affiliation with Marilyn A. Hudson, American Master Recanteuse and promoter of the arts, concentrating on promoting all forms of arts with The Arts Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma.

MARILYN A. HUDSON - A retired library professional, she holds a B.A. in History and a Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.) from the University of Oklahoma, with additional post-graduate studies in several fields. and has taught Pre-K through 12th grades as well as on the collegiate level in the areas of Developmental English, History, and the Humanities.  She has been a library professional in children, teen and families outreach in public libraries, a library media specialist in public schools, and a library director at the collegiate level. 

She has a long history with many forms of art: she designed t-shirts, promotional materials, and used camera, and paints to create a variety of pieces over the years.  

She was part of the planning and project development/implementation team for "Paint and Prayer" a community art outreach in Oklahoma City, funded by a New People, New Places Grant (UMC) and directed by Susan Howard. She taught beginning art classes in that program as well as did demonstrations. She has entered her work - and placed - in various art competitions and shows. Not restricted to the visual arts she has also been involved with the performing arts for many years. As a storyteller she has traveled the state during summer bringing storytelling and author-talk presentation to the annual library reading emphasis. She has also presented in community theaters, civic events, and festivals across the state.  She is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the state storytelling organization, The Territory Tellers (a 501c3 Nonprofit), and as a published author has seen over ten books in print. She does author talks, classroom, library and community presentations using storytelling and/or her other areas of interest.