Team Category: Instructors

Yshia Condezo began exploring the themes of culture and family through photography from a young age. This led her to pursue filmmaking and photography as mediums for storytelling. She
went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Film Production at Miami Dade College in 2022, where she produced and directed a documentary film, while showcasing her photography. With nearly a
decade of experience in photography, Yshia is a full-time photographer managing her own business and eager to teach others on how to find their own unique perspective behind the
camera.

Jeff Ocasio works collaboratively with his wife, Dale, to create sculpted art expressing an imaginative, storybook spirit. Sculpting with masking tape over wire or reclaimed objects is where their artwork begins. Over a decade ago, Jeff began exploring the artistic uses of masking tape while creating a unique texture over some wood shelving he was building.
Soon realizing he could manipulate the tape and use it like clay to create shapes, he applied his 3-dimensional designs over found objects, and eventually began creating his own armatures with wire to create the freestanding characters and creatures that make up a large portion of their art portfolio today. He found the unusual medium to be liberating and has been teaching his sculpting techniques to help spread the joy of it. Ever since refining their whimsical style of sculpting with masking tape, they’ve been honored to have their art awarded in juried shows and have exhibited their art throughout SW Florida, St. Pete, and Chicago.

ocasiocasa.com

William Askew is a multifaceted creative professional with a dynamic skill set spanning traditional and digital design, multimedia production, and cutting-edge technologies. With expertise in illustration, graphic design, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and UX/UI design, William combines artistic vision with technical precision to deliver compelling visual solutions.

Over the years, William has contributed to industries ranging from fashion and education to gaming and entertainment, excelling in roles that demanded leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative creativity. As the Executive Producer and Director at Artist Emor LLC, he spearheaded innovative projects, managed client relationships, and executed impactful designs that bridged art and technology. His portfolio also includes 3D modeling for virtual fashion, NFT asset design for major brands like Nike, and animations for blockchain projects such as DOGE DARK for Verge CryptoCurrency.

William’s work has been featured in various publications, including Gamba Zine and Hang Time Magazine, showcasing his ability to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. A versatile leader, he thrives in cross-disciplinary environments, whether managing high-volume digital assets for White House Black Market or developing marketing strategies and video game designs at Bronze Legion Studio.

Passionate about innovation and collaboration, William’s technical mastery extends to industry-leading tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3ds Max, Unity, and Cinema 4D, ensuring the seamless execution of projects from concept to completion.

Praised for his adaptability, time management, and creative ingenuity, William is a sought-after designer and mentor who brings vision and precision to every endeavor.

Connect with William
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.artistemor.com

Kara Vereen is grateful to have lived in sunny SWFL since 1988.  She taught first grade for 7 years, then switched and has been teaching middle school for the last 19 years.  She has been a lover and creator of art since she can remember,  beginning  with helping her Dad make stained glass creations at a very young age.  She discovered the beautiful, relaxing Zentangle art form at the Alliance, and after a couple of years of practice, she decided to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher.  “There is an artist living inside of each of us.   If we can release perfection, expectations, comparisons, and judgment, our minds can truly be free,” she says.  She has taught Zentangle to adults and children, and she is excited to share her passion for this meditative art form with you!

Kandace is a self-taught baker in SWFL specializing in custom decorated sweet treats and teaching cookie classes! She loves bringing creativity and knowledge to others that want to
know more about baking, decorating, and technical skills….or those that just want to satisfy their sweet tooth!

How the Curated Sugar Co. started:  “In 2020 I was motivated to make something special for my son’s 20th birthday while he was away in the Navy. Every year I make him cakes, but this year it had to be something shipped. I saw decorated cookies on Pinterest, so I took the leap. I made my first batch and shipped them. He reported back that they all broke, but they tasted great! This was the motivation I needed to try again! I did and took on my first official order a month later!

Since 2020 I’ve served over 2,175 dozen cookies to over 340 customers either through custom orders or my cookie decorating classes! This doesn’t include the numerous cakes, cupcakes, and dipped treats I introduced in 2022. Each year is more exciting than the last, and I hope to keep it that way!”