Mary Mastren-Williams

For over 18 years, Mary has nurtured the creativity of artists of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. She has honed her teaching skills at various art organizations in the Pittsburgh area. Born and raised in Washington, PA, Mary's artistic journey began in high school, where she eagerly pursued every art elective available. College broadened her horizons, as she explored ceramics, drawing, art history, and printmaking. However, her greatest joy came from sharing her artistic knowledge and talents with others. This passion for fostering creativity led her to a fulfilling career in art education. Mary's life is a beautiful blend of artistic creation and dedicated teaching. Beyond the classroom, she finds solace and expression in her own studio, where she creates stunning watercolor landscapes and floral paintings. She also uses her artistic expertise to guide others in the therapeutic power of art. Additionally, Mary actively exhibits her work in galleries, showcasing her artistic talent to the wider community.Mary's family originates from the North Side and she lived in Shaler, PA for several years. She joined Atithi Studios because it is a creative hub that gave her all the nostalgic feels of her Pittsburgh roots.

Benjamin Bishop

Benjamin Bishop is a classically trained pastry chef with over 15-years of experience working in fine dining restaurants, country clubs and high-end bake shops before becoming a baking and pastry arts instructor. Today, Benjamin is a pastry chef entrepreneur and educator creating elaborate custom orders for any occasion and teaches pastry art classes for corporate events, private parties, and special occasions

Shirlise Reneé

I’m Shirlise Reneé. Creator of EbonyBrooklyn, a company where we make all natural skin care products and handcrafted pieces of jewelry. We are a selfcare inspired company and we are big on using nature and color for our benefit. The Colors of Healing are colors that give you energy. Colors that make you feel something! Colors bring out the inner child and the creative being that we are. As I became more creative, I fell in love with wire wrapping. For me, it’s a more affordable way to have Gold, Silver and copper pieces of jewelry! Check out EbonyBrooklyn.com for visuals! Peace.

Ummey Karim

Ummey, pronounced oom-MAY, is a yoga teacher based out of Pittsburgh, PA. She is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and wants to share the numerous benefits yoga has brought her, such as a sense of community, stress reduction, self-love, and improved wellness.During her vinyasa practice, she encourages her students to challenge themselves while simultaneously connecting their breath, body, and mind. She is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Ummey will be offering restorative yoga classes at Atithi. Subscribe to her newsletter on UMMEY.COM

Clarise Fearn

Clarise Fearn is a professional artist, certified social-emotional arts facilitator, and founder of War Streets Art Salon: An expressive arts studio with the mission to make creativity and the healing powers of art accessible to everyone. Clarise offers programs workshops and experiences that combine mindfulness and creativity at her home studio and all around Pittsburgh at different pop-up locations. Though creative events are her specialty, clarise also enjoys her side hustle as a live intuitive painter for unique events. All of her art is about exploring the universal connection we have as humans. All of her portrait work is meant to offer an expressive depiction of the human experience so that we can all relate and see ourselves in it.

Claire Barlier

Claira Barilar is a Northern Appalachian painter, illustrator, cat mom, & educator living & working in Pittsburgh, PA.. She holds an MFA in Painting from Edinboro University & a BFA in Studio Art from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has been featured on the Create Magazine podcast, in issue 13 of Create Magazine, volume 38 of Studio Visit Magazine, & various other publications. She has shown work regionally & internationally, including virtual exhibitions with PxP Contemporary & the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, the longest standing arts organization in the USA. She has completed residencies at SparkBox Studio in Picton, Ontario, Canada and the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT, USA.When she isn’t creating art or educating/inspiring Pittsburgh youth in her role as the Youth & Arts Program Coordinator for the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Claira can be found with her crystals or deep in a good book. She is a lover of animals, the magic of everyday life, nature, good music, muppets, & warm beverages. Originally from just outside of Punxsutawney, PA, Claira holds a deep love & respect for the rural, wild Pennsylvania hills, and can tell you a good ghost story or two.