Core Staff
Vonda and Jim Drees, Directors
Vonda and Jim joined the Guild community in July 2016 as the Guild’s directors. Vonda is a creative contemplative. Jim has 28 years of professional experience in engineering and management within the energy and transportation sectors. [Read more...]
Vonda and Jim joined the Guild community in July 2016 as the Guild’s directors. Vonda is a creative contemplative. Jim has 28 years of professional experience in engineering and management within the energy and transportation sectors. [Read more...]
Anne Mullenniex, Office Manager
Anne has a varied background in science, academia, technology, computers, bookkeeping and art, among a few other odds and ends. [Read more...]
Anne has a varied background in science, academia, technology, computers, bookkeeping and art, among a few other odds and ends. [Read more...]
Maris Winters, Guest Care Coordinator
Maris loves exploring all sorts of media, but particularly enjoys metalworking and weaving. [Read more...]
Maris loves exploring all sorts of media, but particularly enjoys metalworking and weaving. [Read more...]
Ron Cole, Maintenance Supervisor
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Kentucky, Ron first came to the Guild as an intern in 2013. [Read more...]
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Kentucky, Ron first came to the Guild as an intern in 2013. [Read more...]
Sarah Jane, Arts Program Manager
Sarah Jane, MFA, is a studio artist whose creative work encompasses drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mosaic, and installation projects in various media. [Read more...]
Sarah Jane, MFA, is a studio artist whose creative work encompasses drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mosaic, and installation projects in various media. [Read more...]
Scott Sinclair, Kitchen Manager
Scott's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. [Read more...]
Scott's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. [Read more...]
Grünewald Guild Founders
Richard Caemmerer, Jr., Director Emeritus (In Memoriam)
Richard co-founded the Guild with his wife Liz in 1980, after having chaired the Art Department at Valparaiso University and designed hundreds of worship spaces around the world. Richard left this life peacefully on February 16, 2016 with his family at his side. His vision for the church, the Guild, and his prolific artwork continue to inspire people all over the world.
Liz Caemmerer, Director Emeritus
Liz graduated from the Shalem Institute’s program in Spiritual Direction in 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland – a two-year study in contemplative spirituality with an interfaith faculty and community. Liz is a member of Spiritual Directors International. Family life and studies have given her a strong background in biblical studies and prayer and interfaith communities. As co-founder of the Grunewald Guild she has had the privilege of growing with this community of creativity and faith for 36 years, enriched by the environment of seekers in creativity and spirituality and surrounded by the presence of Love in all creation.
Board of Trustees
President – Michael Caemmerer
Vice-President – Mark Bach
Secretary – Carla Orlando
Treasurer – Nate Drescher
Erik Hanberg
Gloria Winters
Laura Norton
Laurie Rudel
Liv Larson Andrews
Mary McLeod
Expectations for Board Members
Guild Masters
Early in the life of the Guild, founders Richard and Liz Caemmerer became aware of the international significance of the art of Sadao Watanabe. Rich and Liz had received calendars and prints with his woodblock art from friends living in Tokyo.
We saw the work of an artist who, largely on his own,
was connecting the Gospel to his culture. ~Rich
The creative-edge spirit of Watanabe’s work resonated with the Guild’s mission. To honor this connection, Watanabe was named an Honorary Guild Artist. Rich and Liz presented a small stained glass piece to him in Japan. It was a life-changing experience for them to see his humble studio and meet his wife who packed and mailed his work all over the world.
The title of “Guild Master” continues to honor the artists who, through their life, faith and work, exemplify what the Grünewald Guild seeks to embody in the world.
Jean Tudor, Guild Master
A top-notch craftswoman in the art of enameling, Jean is able to help people of all levels of experience to create wondrous works of color in glass. [Read more...]
A top-notch craftswoman in the art of enameling, Jean is able to help people of all levels of experience to create wondrous works of color in glass. [Read more...]
Ruth Sinclair, Guild Master
An expert with the rare medium of clay paper sculpture, Ruthie has taught at the Guild every summer since its inception. Ruthie demonstrates the grace, skill and humble spirit of the Guild mission wherever she goes. [Read more...]
An expert with the rare medium of clay paper sculpture, Ruthie has taught at the Guild every summer since its inception. Ruthie demonstrates the grace, skill and humble spirit of the Guild mission wherever she goes. [Read more...]
Sandy Richardson, Guild Master (in Memoriam)
Sandy exemplified a level of excellence in liturgical art that helps bridge the gap between the Church and the arts, with a rare quality that is uniquely her own. [Read more...]
Sandy exemplified a level of excellence in liturgical art that helps bridge the gap between the Church and the arts, with a rare quality that is uniquely her own. [Read more...]
Mickey McGrath, Guild Master
A truly unique painter and illustrator, particularly of the rich history of saints, Brother Mickey brings beauty and mirth to everything he touches. [Read more...]
A truly unique painter and illustrator, particularly of the rich history of saints, Brother Mickey brings beauty and mirth to everything he touches. [Read more...]
Alan Blackman, Guild Master
A rare spirit, both in the art of calligraphy and in his life, Alan has demonstrated the wonderful balance of being a master of his craft and a warm, nutty and accessible spirit that we hope to maintain forever at the Guild. [Read more...]
A rare spirit, both in the art of calligraphy and in his life, Alan has demonstrated the wonderful balance of being a master of his craft and a warm, nutty and accessible spirit that we hope to maintain forever at the Guild. [Read more...]
Sadao Watanabe, Honorary Guild Master (in Memoriam)
Watanabe was famous for his biblical prints rendered in the mingei (folk art) tradition of Japan. He lived a life of humble excellence, bringing together fine craftsmanship and a unique expression of story that serves as an inspiration to what we hope the Guild to be. [Read more...]
Watanabe was famous for his biblical prints rendered in the mingei (folk art) tradition of Japan. He lived a life of humble excellence, bringing together fine craftsmanship and a unique expression of story that serves as an inspiration to what we hope the Guild to be. [Read more...]
Richard Caemmerer, Jr., Guild Master, Director Emeritus (in Memoriam)
Rich and Liz founded the Guild, and infused it with their vision, warmth, mirth and love for history and culture that continues to pervade the Guild as we move into the future. [Read more...]
Rich and Liz founded the Guild, and infused it with their vision, warmth, mirth and love for history and culture that continues to pervade the Guild as we move into the future. [Read more...]
Liz Caemmerer, Guild Master, Director Emeritus
As co-founder of the Grunewald Guild, Liz has had the privilege of growing with this community of creativity and faith for 32 years, enriched by the environment of seekers in creativity and spirituality and surrounded by the presence of Love in all creation. [Read more...]
As co-founder of the Grunewald Guild, Liz has had the privilege of growing with this community of creativity and faith for 32 years, enriched by the environment of seekers in creativity and spirituality and surrounded by the presence of Love in all creation. [Read more...]
Scott Sinclair, Guild Master
Scottie's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. His other passions include bread-making, beer brewing, and traditional Asian teas. Scottie currently serves as the Guild's chef and is a maestro with flavors, colors and combinations that make the palette sing! [Read more...]
Scottie's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. His other passions include bread-making, beer brewing, and traditional Asian teas. Scottie currently serves as the Guild's chef and is a maestro with flavors, colors and combinations that make the palette sing! [Read more...]
Faculty
The Grünewald Guild is indebted to the generous faculty members who come and give their time, passion and expertise year after year.
Adele Little Caemmerer, Faculty
Adele incorporates her passion for art and spiritual practice in her visual explorations of the rhythms of daily life. [Read more...]
Adele incorporates her passion for art and spiritual practice in her visual explorations of the rhythms of daily life. [Read more...]
Bethany Wray, Faculty
Bethany is an artist who works in a variety of mediums, but feels most at home with drawing and painting. [Read more...]
Bethany is an artist who works in a variety of mediums, but feels most at home with drawing and painting. [Read more...]
Anne Mullenniex, Guild Office Manager, Faculty
Besides her office responsibilities, Anne teaches stained glass mosaic and jewelry making techniques. [Read more...]
Besides her office responsibilities, Anne teaches stained glass mosaic and jewelry making techniques. [Read more...]
Bonnie Klatt, Faculty
Bonnie Klatt has the ‘heart of a weaver’. Her pursuit of connecting art and spirituality, her passion for color, texture and strong aptitude for mathematics and sacred geometry inspires and informs her work. [Read more...]
Bonnie Klatt has the ‘heart of a weaver’. Her pursuit of connecting art and spirituality, her passion for color, texture and strong aptitude for mathematics and sacred geometry inspires and informs her work. [Read more...]
Brian Rush, Faculty
Brian lives and works near Portland, Oregon as a designer, facilitator, and refiner of experiences. [Read more...]
Brian lives and works near Portland, Oregon as a designer, facilitator, and refiner of experiences. [Read more...]
Carla McConnell, Faculty
As an instructor with the guild for over a dozen years, Carla continues to enjoy the experience of combining solid teaching with exploration. For 25 years, Carla has pursued her love of the mandala form. [Read more...]
As an instructor with the guild for over a dozen years, Carla continues to enjoy the experience of combining solid teaching with exploration. For 25 years, Carla has pursued her love of the mandala form. [Read more...]
Brittany Deininger, Faculty
Brittany Deininger is a poet who is committed to helping individuals use language, art, and story as meaning-making tools in the human task of becoming. [Read more...]
Brittany Deininger is a poet who is committed to helping individuals use language, art, and story as meaning-making tools in the human task of becoming. [Read more...]
Carla Erickson Orlando, Faculty
Carla Erickson Orlando draws from her background in education, retreat and spiritual direction in her teaching at the Grunewald Guild. [Read more...]
Carla Erickson Orlando draws from her background in education, retreat and spiritual direction in her teaching at the Grunewald Guild. [Read more...]
Eloiese Krabbenhoft, Faculty
Eloiese teaches art education at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She has taught summer workshops in clay and drawing at the Guild for about nine years. [Read more...]
Eloiese teaches art education at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She has taught summer workshops in clay and drawing at the Guild for about nine years. [Read more...]
Gail Kelly, Faculty
Gail says these are the constants in her life: Change. Travel. Family. Learning. Teaching. Helping. Nature. Searching for truth. She received her masters in ceramic sculpture in 2004 from Adams State College. [Read more...]
Gail says these are the constants in her life: Change. Travel. Family. Learning. Teaching. Helping. Nature. Searching for truth. She received her masters in ceramic sculpture in 2004 from Adams State College. [Read more...]
Gilly Sakakini, Faculty
Gilly Sakakini is a mixed media artist and teacher who regularly leads study days, workshops and retreats. She holds an MA in Christianity and the Arts from King’s College, London, and a Diploma in Christian Studies from Regent College, Vancouver. [Read more...]
Gilly Sakakini is a mixed media artist and teacher who regularly leads study days, workshops and retreats. She holds an MA in Christianity and the Arts from King’s College, London, and a Diploma in Christian Studies from Regent College, Vancouver. [Read more...]
Glenn Doering, Faculty
Although trained and educated in the sciences with a BS and MS in Biology, jewelry designer Glenn Doering always had a creative side. [Read more...]
Although trained and educated in the sciences with a BS and MS in Biology, jewelry designer Glenn Doering always had a creative side. [Read more...]
Jan Krist, Faculty
With 13 nominations and 4 Detroit Metro Music Awards under her belt, Jan has proven herself to be a Detroit area favorite. [Read more...]
With 13 nominations and 4 Detroit Metro Music Awards under her belt, Jan has proven herself to be a Detroit area favorite. [Read more...]
Jan Richardson, Faculty
Jan Richardson is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC. [Read more...]
Jan Richardson is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC. [Read more...]
Jean Tudor, Guild Master, Faculty
Jean has been enameling for eons and has studied at the University of Puget Sound and Wayne State University. Jean is a favorite instructor at the Guild for many years. [Read more...]
Jean has been enameling for eons and has studied at the University of Puget Sound and Wayne State University. Jean is a favorite instructor at the Guild for many years. [Read more...]
Jeanne Whitney, Faculty
Jeanne Whitney is an artist and musician who can't help but build layers of color and thought into her realistic paintings and songs. [Read more...]
Jeanne Whitney is an artist and musician who can't help but build layers of color and thought into her realistic paintings and songs. [Read more...]
Jillian Blackwell, Faculty
Jillian Blackwell is ceramic artist based in Loch Lomond, California who originally hails from Fort Worth, Texas. She is currently an Artist-in-Residence at Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project. [Read more...]
Jillian Blackwell is ceramic artist based in Loch Lomond, California who originally hails from Fort Worth, Texas. She is currently an Artist-in-Residence at Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project. [Read more...]
John Thompson, Faculty
John obtained his fine arts degree at the University of North Dakota "about 100 years ago". He concentrated in ceramics, drawing and printmaking. Mostly etching. [Read more...]
John obtained his fine arts degree at the University of North Dakota "about 100 years ago". He concentrated in ceramics, drawing and printmaking. Mostly etching. [Read more...]
Kristen Gilje, Faculty
Silk painting has become a wonderful way to express my love of color and design. Lifting up the everyday miracle of the natural world and understanding its wisdom for our lives is what I strive for. [Read more...]
Silk painting has become a wonderful way to express my love of color and design. Lifting up the everyday miracle of the natural world and understanding its wisdom for our lives is what I strive for. [Read more...]
Larkin Van Horn, Faculty
Larkin Van Horn is a mixed-media textile artist working in the areas of art quilts, beadwork, wearable art, and liturgical art. [Read more...]
Larkin Van Horn is a mixed-media textile artist working in the areas of art quilts, beadwork, wearable art, and liturgical art. [Read more...]
Laura Norton, Faculty
Calligraphy has been Laura Norton’s passion and joy for almost 30 years, even as she started her career in public accounting and as an instructor with Seattle Central College. [Read more...]
Calligraphy has been Laura Norton’s passion and joy for almost 30 years, even as she started her career in public accounting and as an instructor with Seattle Central College. [Read more...]
Laurie Rudel, Faculty
Laurie Rudel is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as the pastor of Queen Anne Christian Church in Seattle for nearly 26 years before retiring at the end of February 2017. She is trained as a leader and teacher of InterPlay and as a Soul Collage facilitator. [Read more...]
Laurie Rudel is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served as the pastor of Queen Anne Christian Church in Seattle for nearly 26 years before retiring at the end of February 2017. She is trained as a leader and teacher of InterPlay and as a Soul Collage facilitator. [Read more...]
Liz Caemmerer, Guild Master, Director Emeritus, Faculty
As co-founder of the Grunewald Guild, Liz has had the privilege of growing with this community of creativity and faith for 37 years, enriched by the environment of seekers in creativity and spirituality and surrounded by the presence of Love in all creation. [Read more...]
As co-founder of the Grunewald Guild, Liz has had the privilege of growing with this community of creativity and faith for 37 years, enriched by the environment of seekers in creativity and spirituality and surrounded by the presence of Love in all creation. [Read more...]
Mark Deleon, Faculty
Mark Deleon is a self taught artist. His artwork ranges from traditional to mixed media and graffiti. Born into humble beginnings & raised in Houston, Mark uses his talent to change and inspire thought. [Read more...]
Mark Deleon is a self taught artist. His artwork ranges from traditional to mixed media and graffiti. Born into humble beginnings & raised in Houston, Mark uses his talent to change and inspire thought. [Read more...]
Mary McLeod, Faculty
Mary McLeod studied Italic and Roman letter forms with Lloyd Reynolds, Foundational with Sheila Waters, Gothic Black Letter with Ward Dunham, and Ruling Pen with Julian Waters. [Read more...]
Mary McLeod studied Italic and Roman letter forms with Lloyd Reynolds, Foundational with Sheila Waters, Gothic Black Letter with Ward Dunham, and Ruling Pen with Julian Waters. [Read more...]
Mickey McGrath, Guild Master, Faculty
Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an artist, writer, and speaker who loves to explore the relationship between art and faith. [Read more...]
Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an artist, writer, and speaker who loves to explore the relationship between art and faith. [Read more...]
Rhayne Thomas, Faculty
Blues vocalist, author, humorist, Prune activist, philanthropist, survivor and socially conscious. [Read more...]
Blues vocalist, author, humorist, Prune activist, philanthropist, survivor and socially conscious. [Read more...]
Ron Cole, Guild Maintenance Supervisor, Faculty
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Kentucky, Ron first came to the Guild as an intern in 2013. He returned in 2016 to join the Guild staff. Ron was trained in painting but now considers sculptural ceramics to be his primary medium. [Read more...]
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Kentucky, Ron first came to the Guild as an intern in 2013. He returned in 2016 to join the Guild staff. Ron was trained in painting but now considers sculptural ceramics to be his primary medium. [Read more...]
Rondall Reynoso, Faculty
Rondall studied art and art history at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he received his M.F.A. and a Masters in art history. He is in the PhD program in Art & Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. [Read more...]
Rondall studied art and art history at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he received his M.F.A. and a Masters in art history. He is in the PhD program in Art & Religion at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. [Read more...]
Ruth Sinclair, Guild Master, Faculty
Ruth has been an artist and educator for many years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University and continued her education through Notre Dame, and traveled extensively thru Study/Travel Programs. [Read more...]
Ruth has been an artist and educator for many years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University and continued her education through Notre Dame, and traveled extensively thru Study/Travel Programs. [Read more...]
Sally Freed, Faculty
Sally Freed is an independent retreat facilitator and workshop leader, specializing in working with small groups. [Read more...]
Sally Freed is an independent retreat facilitator and workshop leader, specializing in working with small groups. [Read more...]
Sarah Fagan, Faculty
Sarah received a BA from Stonehill College in North Easton, MA in 2007, relocating to Portland, Oregon shortly thereafter. She became imbued in the Northwest art scene as an artist and teacher. [Read more...]
Sarah received a BA from Stonehill College in North Easton, MA in 2007, relocating to Portland, Oregon shortly thereafter. She became imbued in the Northwest art scene as an artist and teacher. [Read more...]
Sarah Jane, Guild Arts Program Manager, Faculty
Sarah Jane, MFA, is a studio artist whose creative work encompasses drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mosaic, and installation projects. Sarah Jane has lived and worked at the Guild since 2012. [Read more...]
Sarah Jane, MFA, is a studio artist whose creative work encompasses drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mosaic, and installation projects. Sarah Jane has lived and worked at the Guild since 2012. [Read more...]
Scott Burnett, Faculty
Scott Burnett was born and raised in New York's Ulster County, between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. Painting gradually returned as a form of personal soul-care in 2004. [Read more...]
Scott Burnett was born and raised in New York's Ulster County, between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. Painting gradually returned as a form of personal soul-care in 2004. [Read more...]
Scott Sinclair, Guild Kitchen Manager, Faculty
Scott's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. He other passions include bread-making, beer brewing, and traditional Asian teas. [Read more...]
Scott's first love is ceramics, and he has taught ceramics and exhibited his artwork internationally. He other passions include bread-making, beer brewing, and traditional Asian teas. [Read more...]
Suzanne Halvorson, Faculty
The common thread of Suzanne's career in the arts has always been as a designer, maker, and instructor of woven fabrics. She is a charter member/owner of By Hand Gallery in Bloomington. [Read more...]
The common thread of Suzanne's career in the arts has always been as a designer, maker, and instructor of woven fabrics. She is a charter member/owner of By Hand Gallery in Bloomington. [Read more...]
Tamisha Tyler, Faculty
From a very early age, art (specifically writing) has played a very influential role in Tamisha Tyler's life, so it would come to no surprise that art would also play an important role in her faith. [Read more...]
From a very early age, art (specifically writing) has played a very influential role in Tamisha Tyler's life, so it would come to no surprise that art would also play an important role in her faith. [Read more...]
Terry Valdez, Faculty
Terry is an award winning art instructor with over thirty years of experience teaching both youth and adult students. He has a Masters degree in the Creative Arts from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass. [Read more...]
Terry is an award winning art instructor with over thirty years of experience teaching both youth and adult students. He has a Masters degree in the Creative Arts from Lesley College in Cambridge, Mass. [Read more...]
Vonda Drees, Guild Co-Director, Faculty
Vonda is a creative contemplative. She has used her artistic gifts and passion to share images from her spiritual journaling practice, deliver arts programs, and develop immersions and resources. [Read more...]
Vonda is a creative contemplative. She has used her artistic gifts and passion to share images from her spiritual journaling practice, deliver arts programs, and develop immersions and resources. [Read more...]
Yonnah Ben Levy, Faculty
Jennifer Ballard (aka Yonnah Ben Levy) has been a working artist as well as a teacher for 47 years. [Read more...]
Jennifer Ballard (aka Yonnah Ben Levy) has been a working artist as well as a teacher for 47 years. [Read more...]
