ARTIST – DARLENE LEIKER
For the past 12 years, Darlene Leiker has created impressionistic paintings using only her breasts and non-toxic acrylic paint. What started out as a tease for her husband who was working abroad turned into something more. After her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Darlene herself had to have a partial mastectomy to remove a benign tumor. She decided at that time to "use my breasts for ‘good’ while I still have them.” She donates 100% of her earnings from painting to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
ARTIST – JEANNIE AVARD STARNES
A born and raised Texan, ceramicist Jeannie Avard Starnes draws on the organic beauty of nature to create functional pieces of art. Her stoneware pieces blossom from her philosophy that everyone should use something beautiful everyday. The ancient roots of her chosen art form also inspire her pottery, and she is invested in the centuries old relationship of human beings and their essential vessels of life.
ARTIST – DANA BROCK
A native Texan, Dana Brock is an intuitive abstract painter. Her painting 'A Canned Perspective' received the Longhorn Award in the 2023 Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Annual Exhibition. Her painting 'Drawing the Line' received the Lou Bono Memorial Award in the 59th Southwestern Watercolor Society Exhibition. If asked her mindset on any given day, she'd respond, 'Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire'
Chef – DEIDRE CHATMAN
A classically trained chef who recently finished culinary school, Deidre started working as a restaurant professional at age 18. From server, to bartender, to chef, Deidre has a broad view of the elements needed to create a memorable dining experience. After stints at Earls Kitchen + Bar and Tupelo Honney Restaurant, she pivoted to specializing in private catering and dinners. Next up: certification as a master pastry chef!
CHEF - GABI BLEGGI
A native Texan, Gabi starting baking when she was just 10. But a life-long passion was born. She began selling her treats and soon learned there was a business in baking too. Fast forward 14 years, and you’ll find Gabi working full-time in the kitchen. Whether it’s playful confections or serious desserts, Gabi never feels like she works a day in her life.
CHEF - MOLLIE GUERRA
As a private chef and UT Dallas featured alumna, Mollie has had the privilege of creating sumptuous dishes for a BMW Motorsports team and competing on Masterchef and Chopped. Mollie prides herself on taking traditional flavors and ingredients from various cultures and utilizing them in new and surprising ways. She is dedicated to giving back and making a difference through work with Genesis Women's Shelter and empowering young minds in school programs across the metroplex.