plano metropolitan ballet
Plano Metropolitan Ballet is dedicated to delivering exceptional performances that celebrate technical excellence and artistic expression. It engages the community through outreach and inclusive opportunities, bringing the exquisite and transformative power of ballet and dance to all. Under the direction of Cindi Lawrence Hanson, PMB is led by an all female artistic staff including choreographers Gabrielle Collins, Audrey Phillips, Sydney Blalock Ritchie, and Miriam Fease.
plano portrait artists
The beautiful paintings of the Metropolitan Ballet ballerinas were produced by figurative artists who meet weekly to paint and draw from live subjects. The sessions are sponsored by the Plano Art Association. The ballerinas posed over several weeks in a themed event titled, “Degas Revisited.”. The resulting paintings beautifully depict both portraiture expertise and figurative painting skills. The collaboration of the two member organizations of The Collaborative Arts of Plano is a wonderful example of the vibrancy of the arts community in Plano.
chef - salvatore gisellu
A native of Italy, Salvatore is a classically trained chef who moved to the U.S. in 1991 and served as Executive Chef at Arcodoro/Pomodoro and Daddy Jack’s Wood Grill before opening Urban Crust in Plano in 2009 with his wife and partners Bonnie and Nathan Shae. Its success led to two more restaurants — Urban Rio Cantina & Grill (2012) and Urban Seafood (2021). His food has received numerous accolades from culinary journals throughout the metroplex.
student artist - phoebe toressi
Phoebe enjoys using art as a way to express her thoughts, feelings, and dreams, and recently discovered her own unique maximalist style this summer through a journey of self-discovery. She is a member of the Plano Art Association. In addition to drawing and painting, she enjoys cooking, listening to music, dancing, thrifting, sewing and fashion. She hopes to attend art school in the future.
student Chef - alaydra leo jackson
Leo is an ambitious aspiring chef currently attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Their cooking style is deeply inspired by their grandmother, who raised them, and the vibrant, diverse food traditions of San Antonio. Leo's goal after graduation is to become a successful personal chef, specializing in a sophisticated, contemporary cuisine with a distinct and authentic South Texas influence.