About Us
Cindy Rafkind - Artist & Director
Cindy Rafkind is an artist as well as the Director and Founder of the Huntley Art Hub Gallery. She is a creative entrepreneur and passionate supporter of local artists. With a background that blends healthcare, the arts, and public service, she brings vision, drive and a deep sense of purpose to the Huntley Art Hub Gallery. Cindy's artwork includes oil paintings and handmade jewelry. Her oil paintings range from expressive landscapes to whimsical pet portraits and reflect her love for color, character and storytelling through art. She sources materials for her jewelry from regional gem shows, selecting high-quality semi-precious stones like amethyst, lapis, jade, labradorite, garnet and jasper to craft elegant, meaningful bracelets and necklaces. With the Huntley Art Hub Gallery, Cindy has created a vibrant space that celebrates creativity and connects people.
Featured Local Artists
Kathie Jagman
Kathie Jagman is a passionate and accomplished oil painter with over 15 years of experience behind the easel. For the past eight years, she has shared her expertise by teaching adult oil painting classes at Creative Arts locations in both Crystal Lake and Woodstock, inspiring students of all levels to develop their artistic voice. Kathie’s work spans a rich variety of subjects, including delicate florals, vintage automobiles, and vibrant cityscapes—each piece reflecting her keen eye for color, detail, and mood. Her paintings have been privately commissioned by collectors throughout the United States and are currently on public display at the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, and several of her paintings have been purchased and are displayed by McHenry County College. Kathie has sold prints throughout the United States and her art has also reached an international audience, with prints of her paintings sent to collectors in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Kathie’s original oil painting entitled “Grandma’s Hands” won first place in a Northern Illinois University Art and Design Competition. Dedicated to both her craft and her students, Kathie brings warmth, skill, and enthusiasm to every canvas and classroom she touches.
Tamara Ferguson
Tamara Ferguson, a proud resident of Huntley, brings a lifelong passion for creativity and craftsmanship to everything she does. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Tamara built a dynamic career in the entertainment industry as a professional special effects makeup artist and hair stylist for television. She later launched and managed successful hair styling businesses in both Toronto and Woodstock, combining artistic skill with entrepreneurial spirit. Now rooted in Huntley, Tamara continues to channel her creativity through multiple ventures. Alongside her husband, she co-founded Big E BBQ, a popular local food truck and catering company known for its bold flavors and community presence. In addition to her culinary and styling work, Tamara is a talented oil painter whose original artwork spans an eclectic mix of subjects—from delicate flowers and serene beach scenes to whimsical depictions of Scottish highland bulls. Her work reflects both her playful imagination and her deep appreciation for the beauty in everyday life. Tamara’s diverse talents and vibrant energy make her a beloved contributor to Huntley’s creative and entrepreneurial communities.
Brian Marr
Brian Marr is a watercolor artist whose work invites quiet reflection and personal storytelling. Each piece begins with a moment—often fleeting, often oblique—that he seeks to distill into a single image. Through the fluidity of watercolor and the interplay of light and shadow, seen and unseen, Brian crafts visual narratives that resonate emotionally with the viewer, allowing them to find their own meaning within the frame.
Not only does Brian paint, he also handcrafts each of his wooden frames, ensuring that every artwork is presented with the same care and intention as the brushstrokes themselves. His dual practice reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and detail.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Brian brings his artistic sensibility to his work as a professional landscape architect, where his eye for composition and natural beauty continues to shape the spaces around him. His paintings are inspired by the subtle moments that often go unnoticed—quiet intersections of time, place, and feeling.
Blake Pawlikowski
Blake Pawlikowski began oil painting at the age of six and continued honing his craft through private instruction throughout his youth, ultimately earning an Art minor from the University of Minnesota. Today, he primarily works in graphite and pen, developing a style that blends realism with expressive nuance—capturing the distinct personality and presence of each subject. His portfolio includes finely rendered portraits, dynamic figure studies, and evocative animal illustrations, with a particular fascination for the snow leopard.
Outside the studio, Blake has called Huntley home for the past 16 years, where he lives with his wife and two sons. He is the Owner and Founder of Pawski Consulting, LLC, and an active member of the Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce. His deep ties to the community are reflected in over a decade of volunteer coaching across youth sports programs, including SBA Raiders baseball, Huntley Park District leagues, and HHS Feeder Basketball.
Janet Balboa
Janet Balboa is an artist, teacher, and facilitator whose work weaves creativity with inner transformation. Through The Journey: Art for Healing, she helps others connect to their authentic self-expression, whether through drawing, tarot, or the rhythm of the moon. Her classes and gatherings are designed to be joyful, grounding, and deeply human. Janet’s artwork will also be on display in the gallery during this event. everyone can appreciate and enjoy art.
Janet is offering free introductory classes "Welcome to the Lunar Lounge", a playful and illuminating hour exploring the wisdom of the moon. Together, we’ll learn the simple rhythm of the lunar phases, plant personal and collective “seeds” for the new moon - and take home a coloring sheet and worksheet to deepen your practice. This free event is both a gentle introduction to lunar cycle work and a creative doorway into Janet’s upcoming 4-week class. Come curious, leave inspired. See 'Events' page for details.
Kay Tudor
Kay Tudor is a lifelong creative spirit whose passion for painting spans more than five decades. A retired Registered Nurse, Kay brings the same compassion and attentiveness from her medical career into her artwork, creating pieces that radiate warmth, serenity, and joy.
Her subjects often reflect the simple pleasures of life—scenes that evoke peace, faith, and connection.
Beyond the canvas, Kay finds fulfillment in Bible study, spending time with her beloved dogs, and cherishing her role as a grandmother to six. Married for 46 years, she draws inspiration from the love and stability of family life. Each brushstroke is a reflection of her journey, her values, and the joy she finds in everyday moments.
Kay’s work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience the beauty of a life well-lived.
Donna Wozniak
Donna Wozniak paints with the heart of a storyteller and the soul of an adventurer. Family, creativity, and resilience have shaped Donna’s journey. After years in nursing, mentoring women in business, and running a family dog-breeding business with her husband, she is now joyfully retired and embracing her love of painting. Donna now embraces retirement with paintbrush in hand and laughter in the studio. Her art reflects a life rich in experience—full of family, faith, and a fearless curiosity for the world around her.
As a mother and grandmother, she pours heart and life experience into every piece, creating artwork that celebrates beauty, warmth, and new beginnings. Her paintings often capture moments of quiet beauty and emotional depth, infused with a touch of whimsy and a wink of humor. Whether she's exploring new techniques or revisiting beloved subjects, Donna’s creative journey is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the joy of making something meaningful.
Michelle Clesceri
Licensed Attorney in California and Illinois | Fine Artist
Balancing the structure of law with the fluidity of art, Michelle Clesceri paints from a place where intellect meets intuition. For over a decade, she has explored the interplay between discipline and creativity, transforming emotion, movement, and reflection into visual form.
Her work has been featured in galleries, magazines, the county courthouse, local restaurants, and private collections — each piece inviting viewers to pause, feel, and see the world anew. Known for her expressive use of color and thoughtful balance of realism and abstraction, Michelle’s art speaks to the quiet courage of authenticity. Michelle believes that creativity is an unfolding journey, not a quest for flawlessness.
As expressed by Audrey Hepburn:
“Art is not about perfection or praise, it's about discovering who you are, letting your soul breathe, and growing through every mistake and honest attempt.”
Chuck Harding
After a successful career as a heating and air conditioning contractor, Chuck Harding has embraced retirement as a time for creative exploration. What began as a casual hobby has blossomed into a passionate pursuit of stained glass artistry. Drawn to the interplay of light and color, Chuck creates handcrafted sun catchers that transform everyday windows into vibrant displays of beauty.
His work reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a joyful curiosity about design. Each piece is thoughtfully composed, celebrating the natural brilliance of glass and the simple pleasure of bringing color into a space. Chuck’s sun catchers are more than decorative—they’re small moments of wonder, made to brighten the day.
Sonya Rygielski
Born and raised in Chicago, Sonya Rygielski discovered her love for art as a child, though her focus shifted toward the sciences during high school and college. After completing her education in Ohio, she returned to the Chicago suburbs, where she now works full time in healthcare. About two years ago, Sonya rekindled her passion for painting as a creative outlet and source of relaxation beyond her professional life.
Sonya is a contemporary artist whose painterly style evokes the expressive brushwork and tonal richness of Paul Cézanne. With a keen eye for form and a whimsical spirit, she transforms everyday subjects—cats basking in sunlight, ripe avocados, or even the iconic Super Mushroom from Super Mario—into vibrant, emotionally resonant compositions.
Her work bridges classical technique with pop culture charm, inviting viewers to see the familiar through a fresh, artful lens. Whether capturing the quiet dignity of a feline gaze or the nostalgic joy of a pixelated power-up, Sonya’s paintings celebrate color, texture, and the unexpected beauty of the ordinary. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, fitness, and baking, pursuits that further enrich her creative perspective.
Alessandra Kocol
Alessandra Kocol is a painter drawn to the mysterious and the sublime. Her oil paintings are known for their dark, moody allure—where shadow and light converge around subjects like solitary crows, spectral jellyfish, and otherworldly landscapes. Each piece evokes a quiet intensity, inviting viewers into a world that feels both intimate and untethered from reality.
Alessandra’s creative process is deeply intuitive. She thrives in the meditative flow of painting, where time dissolves and emotion guides the brush. Her work balances technical precision with raw atmosphere, resulting in compositions that linger in the mind like half-remembered dreams.
Kelly Burgo
From the moment she asked Santa for a Polaroid camera as a child, Kelly Burgo has been captivated by the magic of photography. Her work is rooted in a deep love for nature and animals, drawing inspiration from the quiet elegance of the natural world and the soulful presence of its creatures. Whether it’s the curve of a petal, the gaze of a wild animal, or the play of light through leaves, Kelly seeks to capture the beauty in all things—both seen and felt.
Her photography invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the wonder that surrounds us. Through each image, Kelly shares not just what she sees, but what she feels: a sense of reverence, curiosity, and joy.
Jurgita Mekyte
Originally from Lithuania, Jurgita Mekyte is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends Impressionist and Expressionist influences with a distinctly personal style. Her portfolio spans watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and mixed media, often featuring florals, landscapes, and architectural subjects. Known for her expressive brushwork and intricate detail, Jurgita’s art evokes emotion and storytelling through texture, color, and light. She has exhibited widely across the Chicago area and was honored by the McHenry County Historical Society and the Raue Center for the Arts.
Laura Ortoleva
Laura Ortoleva is an award-winning political cartoonist, editorial illustrator and fine artist. Her work has been featured at special exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign, Illinois. It has also been displayed at public libraries, regional galleries and international corporations and publishers. Nearly 100% of Laura’s artwork benefits non-profit institutions and charitable auctions.
Ginger Rafkind
Ginger Rafkind is a young artist whose work blends fantasy, emotion, and unexpected detail. From an early age, Ginger has been captivated by drawing, beginning with original manga characters and expanding into painting and jewelry design. Her art reflects a deep sensitivity to the world around her, often capturing subtle nuances that others might overlook.
Whether through surreal flourishes, strange beauty, or delicate symbolism, Ginger’s pieces invite viewers into a space of wonder and introspection. Though still in high school, her creative voice is distinct and evolving, marked by originality, technical skill, and a fearless sense of exploration.
Jennifer McLean
Jennifer McLean’s artistic journey began in childhood, rooted in a love for drawing and painting that laid the foundation for her creative development. She first explored oil painting in fourth grade at a local frame shop, sparking a lifelong commitment to refining her technique and expanding her appreciation for diverse artistic mediums.
Inspired by elements of nature, Jennifer’s work blends realistic detail with modern nuance. Each piece is a reflection of her unique perspective—often combining multiple sources with proper permissions to ensure originality. Her process is deeply intentional, with a strong emphasis on texture and layering; many works evolve over the course of a year or more.
Jennifer has been recognized as “Artist of the Year” in both middle and high school and has pursued formal studies in Art at the collegiate level. For her, the opportunity to create meaningful art is both a privilege and a profound source of gratitude.
Linda Humbert
Originally from Michigan, Linda Humbert studied at the Kendall School of Design before earning her degree in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University. A lifelong entrepreneur, she founded an advertising agency in 1983, a florist shop in 1989, and a marketing company in 1994.
Her journey has taken her from Chicago, where she lived for 20 years, to western Kentucky for a decade, back to Michigan in 2012, and now to Illinois. While in Kentucky, Linda served on the board of directors for the Janice Mason Art Museum for seven years, including two as Treasurer. The museum earned the Kentucky Governor’s Award for Best Small-Town Arts Center in 2009, a testament to the impact of her leadership and dedication to the arts. Drawing on her extensive nonprofit experience and decades of marketing expertise, Linda has served as Executive Director of the West Michigan Arts Council for the past eleven years.
Linda has been painting for over 50 years, working primarily in acrylics and watercolors. Her love of landscaping and hosting gatherings reflects the same warmth and creativity found in her art—celebrating nature, community, and the joy of everyday beauty.
Nick Deans
Nick Deans is a skilled tradesman whose artistry lies in the seamless fusion of craftsmanship and imagination. With a deep foundation in carpentry, Nick transforms raw materials into sculptural furniture—tables and benches that are as functional as they are breathtaking. His signature style incorporates raw edge wood and luminous epoxy, creating pieces that feel both organic and otherworldly.
Each work is a celebration of natural form and human ingenuity, designed to elevate the spaces they inhabit. Nick’s creations don’t just furnish a room—they enchant it, turning everyday environments into places of warmth, wonder, and beauty.
Joan Shimabukuro / Shima DesignUSA
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Joan Shimabukuro’s artistic journey has spanned continents and disciplines. She attended high school at the American School in Japan and spent eight formative years living and working abroad before earning a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She later pursued a BFA in Packaging Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she built a successful career as a packaging designer for over 25 years.
After retiring to Huntley, Illinois to care for her parents, Joan entered a new chapter—rediscovering life through creative exploration. Her work now spans abstract painting, multimedia digital art, collage, and hand-built pottery, reflecting a deep curiosity and emotional resonance. Her pieces often blend texture, symbolism, and vibrant color, inviting viewers into layered narratives of memory, movement, and transformation.
Joan’s evocative mixed media and digital works have been exhibited in New York City and continue to evolve as she embraces the freedom of artistic reinvention.
Laurel Sroka
Laurel Sroka is a self‑taught artist whose work has been featured in art shows, galleries, and private collections. She draws inspiration from YouTube tutorials, books, and workshops, continually exploring new ideas and techniques.
Painting offers Laurel a magical space where creativity rises above the everyday. Much of her artistic practice centers on learning to release control—an ongoing personal and creative pursuit. She is especially drawn to intuitive painting, embracing the challenge of expression, experimentation, and discovery.
For Laurel, a day spent painting is a day well lived.
Jerry Pond
Jerry Pond is an award‑winning plein air painter known for capturing the fleeting beauty of natural light. Trained at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and a former etching instructor at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, he has spent more than 40 years painting evocative landscapes on location.
As a plein air artist, Pond paints outdoors directly in front of his subject, responding to the shifting light, color, and atmosphere in real time. This approach gives his work its immediacy and sense of place—each painting reflects a specific moment that cannot be repeated. He often returns to the same scene throughout the year to explore how changing seasons transform the landscape.
Now based in the Del Webb community in Huntley, Illinois, Pond continues to create daily. He works in water‑based oils, produces original etchings and watercolor pieces, and hand‑builds many of his own frames, bringing craftsmanship to every stage of his art.
"Happy Jason" Hall
“Happy” Jason studied at the School of Art and Design at Northern Illinois University, where he explored drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, and art history. A natural talent from the very beginning, Jason was considered a child prodigy—his drawings were published in Sesame Street Magazine at age two, and he won his first national art contest through Sears & Roebuck Co. by the age of four.
After years devoted to career and family, Jason has returned to his artistic practice as a form of spiritual meditation. His recent works reflect this renewed sense of purpose and have been collected by private buyers both in the United States and abroad.
When he’s not in the studio, you’ll find him enjoying life’s moments with family and friends.In addition to his creative pursuits, Jason has built a successful 20‑year career as a software engineer. He finds software development and system design to be deeply rewarding, blending logic with creativity. The constant evolution of technology keeps his work fresh, challenging, and inspiring.
Jason and his wife have lived in McHenry County for nearly two decades and have called Crystal Lake, Illinois home since 2021. They share one son, a student at Prairie Ridge High School.
Christine Doyle
Christine Doyle is a Johnsburg, Illinois–based artist who has been painting for more than 25 years. Primarily a landscape artist, she draws enduring inspiration from the American West, a passion reflected in nearly every painting. Mountains, deserts, and oceans—along with the romance and spirit of western figures and animals—are central themes in her work.
When she is not in the studio, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, golfing, antiquing, and reading. Thank you for visiting and sharing in her art.
William Kucera
William “Bill” Kucera has been drawn to the visual arts since childhood. Encouraged early through weekend classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, he developed a strong foundation in composition, color, and form, and began exploring photography with his first camera at the age of nine. Over the years, he has continued to refine his craft through courses, workshops, and seminars, engaging deeply with both the technical and expressive dimensions of the medium.
A thoughtful and accomplished competitor, Bill has earned awards in competitions sponsored by Kodak, the City of Chicago, OshKosh B’gosh, St. Paul Federal, Brookfield Zoo, the Village of Oak Park, and the Chicago Area Camera Club Association. A former structural engineer, he is now retired and serves as Director of the Sun City Photographers. Together with his spouse, Linda, he travels frequently in pursuit of striking landscapes, compelling light, and distinctive photographic opportunities.
Abigail Stebbins
Company: Abigail Joy Studios
Abigail Stebbins earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Design from Iowa State University, where she developed a strong foundation in creative problem-solving and a deep appreciation for thoughtfully designed spaces. From an early age, she has been drawn to interior environments and the ways in which color, texture, and composition can transform how a space feels and functions. For Abigail, art has always been more than a creative outlet—it is a source of joy, connection, and personal expression that continues to shape both her work and her everyday life.
In 2020, Abigail founded Abigail Joy Studios, a mixed media art studio rooted in intentional design and a refined eye for detail. Through her work, she blends artistic intuition with her background in design, creating pieces that are both visually compelling and emotionally resonant. Her style reflects a love of layering, organic movement, and rich textures, resulting in artwork that invites viewers to slow down and engage more deeply.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Abigail enjoys exploring a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, and textured mixed media. She often experiments with layering techniques to build depth and dimension, allowing each piece to evolve naturally throughout the creative process. Her work is inspired by interiors, nature, and the subtle beauty found in everyday moments, bringing warmth and character into the spaces her art inhabits.
Through Abigail Joy Studios, she continues to create with intention—designing pieces that not only enhance a space, but also evoke a sense of joy, comfort, and inspiration for those who experience them.
Tammy Haman
Tammy Haman is an encaustic mixed media artist based in Huntley,
Illinois. Inspired by the natural world, her work explores organic forms
through an abstract visual language that suggests recognizable elements
while inviting interpretation.
Working with layered wax, pigment and a torch, she creates textured
surfaces that convey depth, movement, and transformation. Her intuitive
approach embraces both control and unpredictability, allowing each piece
to evolve through exploration and response to the materials used.
A self-taught artist, Tammy recently relocated to Huntley after more than
30 years in Elk Grove Village. Her work has been exhibited with the Artists’
Association of Elk Grove Village, the Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists
(CAVA), Starline (Harvard), and Fused Chicago.
Carolyn Gordon
Carolyn Gordon is a Midwest‑born watercolor artist whose lifelong love of art began with childhood classes and later studies at the Art Institute of Chicago and Drake University School of Fine Arts. After retiring from the business world in 1998, she dedicated herself fully to painting, exhibiting her work throughout Florida and the Midwest. Her paintings are held in private collections nationwide.
A member of the American Society of Artists, the Midwest Watercolor Society, and the Florida Watercolor Society, Carolyn has also taught watercolor for more than 15 years and is certified in the Terry Madden method.
Her work is inspired by the beauty of the natural world, inviting viewers to pause, look closely, and appreciate color, form, and quiet wonder.
In her own words, “We are all lucky enough to live in a world of such profound natural beauty, and art is my way of paying reverence to it."
Kathy Stallone
Kathy Stallone is a potter and sculptor based in Huntley, Illinois. Creativity has been a constant throughout her life — from watercolor painting and pastel work to clothing construction — but in retirement, her casual interest in clay quickly grew into a true passion.
Working primarily with stoneware, Kathy creates both hand‑built and wheel‑thrown pieces. Each work is one of a kind, shaped by distinctive textures, sculptural details, and a wide range of glazing techniques that embrace the wonderfully unpredictable nature of the medium.
Her pieces span the spectrum from functional to sculptural, often drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the quiet stories found in everyday life. Kathy’s goal is to create work that resonates with viewers, inviting individual interpretation and a personal connection with each piece.
Karen Cluchey
Karen Cluchey is a Huntley‑based potter whose work carries the imprint of a lifelong creative spirit. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, she first fell in love with drawing at her grandparents’ kitchen table, sketching on scraps of office paper and discovering the joy of making something from nothing. Her early talent grew through school, earning awards that eventually led her to the Northern Illinois University School of Art.
She spent fifteen years as a graphic designer while raising her family and serving her community, until a life‑altering medical diagnosis reshaped her path. That turning point offered both clarity and a second chance—guiding her toward a quieter, more intentional life centered on family, books, and a gradual return to art.
Clay became the place where that return took root. Now retired and fully immersed in her studio practice, Karen works with stoneware clays, blending wheel‑thrown forms with hand‑built and sculptural techniques. Her pieces explore shape, texture, and earthy palettes, honoring the meditative rhythm of working by hand.
Her evolving body of work reflects both where she began and the journey that brought her back—one grounded, tactile piece at a time.
Joel Bambas
From the time he was a young boy studying his father’s hands at work, wood has been his language. Tools — hand tools, power tools, anything that could shape or refine — sparked a curiosity that never left. Model airplanes, engines, and early mechanical work sharpened his skills, but it was the beauty of walnut and figured maple, introduced through his father’s gunsmithing, that rooted his love for fine hardwoods.
After college and military service, he returned to woodworking with quiet determination, learning through books, practice, and the patience to turn mistakes into mastery. Over the years he has built cabinets, furniture, sculpted chairs, rocking chairs, and now, for the past two decades, turned bowls, platters, and ornaments that celebrate the character of each piece of wood — even those shaped by time and natural decay.
Every work is crafted from solid hardwoods and finished by hand, revealing the grain’s depth and story. And even after all these years, that first sweep of finish across raw wood still feels like magic — the moment the tree’s history comes alive.