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Angela Iovino has been painting for 10 years, learning entirely on her own. Jurors have described her works as "abstract expresionism full of vibrant colors with rich textrues and lively brush strokes." She won several awards for watercolor paintings. Mark Leithauser, Chief of Design at the National Gallery of Art, judged her painting "Chinese Junks" Best of Show in a local competition. She completes plein air studies which undergo several stages of explorations in her studio, after she hikes up remote mountains to meditate and begin the paints.. Often the mood and time of the landscape are sustained, but the scene becomes abstracted as she relies more on the artistic process. The artist's works have been shown at the Apex Gallery, Artist's Museum, and the Capitol Hill Art League in Washington, DC; and at the Gallery West in Alexandria, VA. In NYC, Angela has shown work at NYU's Art Gallery and at the Limner Gallery. Her show Earth & Sky premiered September-December 2006. She has been a regular Spiral Flight Yoga student for years.
Carol Shireena Sakai had her series of Shireena Sculptures of yoga postures displayed in the original Spiral Flight studio in 2002. A Renaissance woman, she sculpts in bronze and other media, and teaches yoga and tai chi in the evenings. She was originally trained as a Ph.D. scientist in Medical Physiology, and in 1983 had a major breakthrough. Up until that time, she could not draw or paint. Then, she decided that for her husband's birthday party she would create 40 gifts, one for each year. During this time a major rebirthing occurred and she started to paint, draw and compose music for the first time. Subsequently, yoga and meditation played a central role in recovery of traumatic memories related to her "hysterical artistic blindness" and child abuse. Since, she works hard to heal herself and others (she is a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist). She studied human anatomy many times over, as a scientist and an artist. This knowledge of the human body helps her to create art. She received drawing & portrait painting instruction from the Corcoran School of Art among other places, and her yoga sculptures were seen in Yoga Journal . Her work  - Captures the pulse of life in fine art sculptures. See www.carolsakai.com for more.
Carole Ferreira-Cerca is a French, self-taught artist who understands the strong influence of colors in our lives. She associates them to textures, inviting the sensitive watcher to let his or her senses float. Her show "Abstract Balance" was displayed at the Center from September 5th-December 14th, 2003. For more, see: www.cfc-abstract.com.
Cat Moss had her first US solo exhibition entitled "Out of the Blue" at Spiral Flight from April 19-June 29, 2003. Using unique mixed media blended with acrylic paints, sand, glass, papier-mch, clay, and even cotton, she literally builds her works onto the canvases like sculptures, creating rich textures and sharply contrasting colors that complement one another in an inimitable fashion. She naturally captures the soothing breath of the sea and the comforting lull of the ocean breeze, creating exquisite paintings of infinite depth that mesmerize, calm, and intrigue. From 1994 to 1999, Cat exhibited at The Sodexo Center in France as well as in a number of cafes in London's fashionable Notting Hill. She was born in London, schooled in France, completed her undergraduate degree in England, and then went to Georgetown University where she graduated with honors as Master of Science in Foreign Service Program. See www.catmoss.com for more of her work.
Cristin Tighe premiered her show "Yoga Expressions" as an exploration of how yoga's expression in the world is a necessity and a gift, even though the feeling yoga gives is often indescribable. Her brightly colored, large acrylic paintings included spirals and swirls, and explored different aspects of the yoga journey, such as -- how does yoga gives access to the creative, infinite potential within and between all of us? Are we ready for a world full of love, light, peace and possibility? Are we willing to be bigger, better, elevated, conscious and aware? The show was up  from January-May 2006. Cristin was Spiral Flight's Owner until October 2007 and is a teacher of Kids, Kundalini, Pregnancy and Restorative Yoga.
Dara Friel never pursued art until she studed Graphic Design at Marymount University. She realized that art was about creating a vision which could bring answers to unasked questions. Her love of astronomy and science fiction played a major role in her art. Her work evolves as she continues challenging her ideas of science and spirituality. Her work is Surreal-Abstract, and her style projects bold images and vibrant colors to support a dramatic vision, integrating physical, mental, and emotional levels. The majority of her paintings are based on the concept of Lighe (pronounced life). Lighe is a median of light and life, which depicts the idea that energy never dies, only transforms into another form of matter. Light represents that energy which allows the existence of life. Therefore, the cross between light and life equals Lighe. Dara co-owned D& D Art Gallery in Georgetown and is a member of  a member of Gallery West in Old Town Alexandria. Her "Evolution of the Feminine" exhibit ran from April 17th-October 27th, 2004.
Diana Boros was born in Budapest, Hungary, and moved with her family to the States when she was six years old. When she is not taking pictures, or practicing yoga at home, she is a PhD student and teaching assistant in political science at the University of MD. Reflections on Home: A Journey Through Muses was her first solo exhibition of her images of Hungary. The show ran from March 15th-April 30th, 2006 and explored Home as a place where we can engage with our most inner selves, as well as with our capabilities to grow and change.
Diana Tokaji and many other artists... all took part in the Salon Performance Series. For a number of years, through 2004, Spiral Flight hosted varied (typically seasonal) salon-style performances including dance, poetry and music. They were a magical expression and experience of movement and text, and gave professional and up-and-coming artists a chance to show their newest work and have it discussed in a creative, supportive forum. Some of the work went on to be performed at the Kennedy Center! We are happy to say that the salon has outgrown our current space, but continues in larger DC venues. To receive notice of future salons email: diana@dianatokaji.com.
Dominic Ambrose creates multi-layered textured photographs of working people, going about their daily business with dignity and simple elegance. He captures the Zen aesthetic of wabi-sabi in his work, celebrating the beauty of growth, maturity and decay. His photographs reveal a love for an imperfect world at peace with the transience of life by capturing the history of people's lives through gesture, facial expression and clothing. He exhibited at the Romanian Cultural Center, Federal and Guild Halls in NYC and other places. His exhibit was from September 10th-December 22nd, 2001.  www.dominicambrose.com
Dottie Weintraub had her painting of water lilies displayed at the oirignal Spiral Flight location, before 2003. To reach her via email try: dotseville@yahoo.com
Joel Traylor, III is a DC native whose evolving style is described as vibrant and whimsical. His paintings offer glimpses into a world both inspiring and full of endless possibility. An unabashed modernist, his work is sometimes reminiscent of the modern masters, yes unmistakably and distinctly his own. He was an honored selectee of the DC Commission on the Arts chosen to paint an elephant for the "Party Animals" project, which involved 100 life-sized donkeys and elephants painted and displayed throughout the city. His show ran from November 11th, 2001-January 4th, 2002. For more information, see www.jetgallery.com.
Joy Palmer, a widely published speaker and author in the US and UK, write poems that are propelled by her love of people and her sense of place. She collaborated with Linda Young, photographer, on the exhibit "Lost in Place".  Its intention is to invite you to explore how you place the things you find and how, amidst those things, you find your sense of place. It invites you to explore how you place the things you find and how, amidst those things, you find your sense of place. What happens when we lose our place; are there ways to replace what has been lost? Their reception featured a collection of work as well as a poetry reading and ran from September 5th-17th, 2005. They continue to collaborate, even though Linda lives in New Zealand now. They plan to return in the future for another exhibit!
Kirstin Bruner was born in Stuart, FL, completed high school in CT at Choate Rosemary Hall, and earned her BA at Johns Hopkins in Humanistic Area Studies and her JD at American University. She worked as both a ghostwriter and a Professor of Communications and Law. Her work is a collection of paintings that represent an exploration of geometric abstractionism. The repetitive patterns and designs play off the contrast and exploration of color to create movement on at first a seemingly flat surface. Her titles play off the feelings she is evoking in her hidden images and her background in writing and communications. Since 2002, Kirstin has shown in both solo and group shows across the US and UK. She was presented with awards for her work, most recently by Manhattan Arts in both their annual showcase and their "Healing Arts" show, as well as at the Santa Cruz Mountain Arts Center in "Time and Transcendence: an exploration of Einstein's Theory of Relativity" as well as solo shows DC, NY, Philadelphia, FL, and VA. She shows in a number of corporate environments. Her exhibit "Accidental Symmetry" was February 11-April 14, 2004. Her work is on www.kirstin.artroof.com and in the publication New Art International.
Linda Young, a passionate New Zealand photographer and traveler, is inspired by the strong archtectural lines of the urban and the natural environment she loves. She collaborated with Joy Palmer, poet, on the exhibit "Lost in Place".  Its intention is to invite you to explore how you place the things you find and how, amidst those things, you find your sense of place. What happens when we lose our place; are there ways to replace what has been lost? Their reception featured a collection of work as well as a poetry reading and ran from September 5th-17th, 2005. They continue to collaborate, even though Linda lives in New Zealand now. They plan to return in the future for another exhibit!
Marela Zacarias was born in Mexico City and came to the US in 1996 to attend college, where she majored in "Social Movements in Art and Religion", focusing on  rural art as a tool for social change. She was commissioned to paint various murals all with a social message. Her work provides a means to understand our self-destructive nature in order to heal and be more compassionate to one another. People in her paintings simultaneously express human despair and hope in spiritual growth. Her work was at Spiral Flight from April 28th-June 17th, 2001. For details, see www.marela.org.
Michael Dumlao exhibited "Beyond Walls" from January 12-March 23rd, 2003. His portfolio includes over 100 models from 36 nations photographed over five years and three continents. His approach builds on his own eclecticism as a Phillipine-born Australian living in DC after a decade in CA. Every portrait is a glimpse into the walls the person had to scale when facing stereotypes and prejudices;  walls they triumphed through support of loved ones. The work reveals how overcoming adversity with dignity is true beauty. He's been published in Latina Style Magazine, The Advocate, DC's Metro Weekly and online and exhibited in Sydney and Los Angeles. Visit his online portfolio at www.michaeldumlao.com.
Michelle Ava, founder and artistic director of SpiritDance & Drum offers seasonal community gatherings at the Center around the Solstice and Equinox times. (She is currently on sabbatical.) These are cross-generational community gatherings for spiritual healing and expressive dancing-for the young-at heart! Connect deeply with our selves and community through Movement, Music, Meditation and More... evening begins with an introductory group movement meditation. Improvisation, free-form and personal expression encouraged, along with segments of creative facilitation. Gatherings integrate transformational healing modalities to enhance our experience and allow us to live life more expressively, joyfully and in relatedness. Live, improvised music adds to the experience. Smoke-free, drug-free and barefoot! Bring percussive instruments! Information and questions to Ava at spiritava@aol.com.
Nicole Hanzas Chalf is a purse designer and founder of "Nikki Rose", chic and unique, one-of-a-kind handbags. Her purses are made from beautiful interior-design fabrics, and the concept for their creation emerged our of her experience and background as an Interior Designer. She studied interior design in Boston and is now completing her  Masters from Marymount University. Her purses and bags were displayed at Spiral Flight from June 2003-June 2004. Please reach her directly at 571.213.9614 or nhanzas@hotmail.com for info/orders.
Pat Lovenhart made her debut as jewelry designer with her Loven.ART jewelry creations on display at Spiral Flight from August 2003-June 2004. Loven.ART features earrings, necklaces and bracelets, many blending sterling silver, glass beads and semi-precious gems. In addition to the works on display, if you like what you see, but prefer a variation, such as a similar piece in gold rather than silver, commissioned pieces can be designed. Pat began designing jewelry a few years ago as a hobby and way to apply her creativity beyond her career as a marketing researcher. She is now expanding her horizons beyond making jewelry for friends, family and herself. Pat received her MBA in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is currently freelancing and is the principal of Lovenhart Research & Consulting. As a senior analyst at Hart Research, she managed research studies focusing on a wide range of public policy, advocacy, and crisis management issues for diverse clients. Pat currently serves on the DC chapter boards of the American Marketing Association and the Association for Women in Communications and has conducted pro bono member research for both organizations. Her favorite "sport" is yoga, and she has been practicing yoga for over ten years. Learn more at www.loven-art.com, or reach Pat at 301.320.7310 or patlovenhart@verizon.net.
Shoshana Rosenbaum, Spiral Flight's photographer, has taken hundreds of black and white portraits of our yoga teachers and yoga students. Her show "Yoga Portraits" premiered in early 2006, and some photos are still up at the center. It was the result of two-year collaboration with Spiral Flight. Shoshana has been a black-and-white film photographer since 1993. Her work concentrates on portraits made with available light and on documentary photography. She has practiced yoga since her mother introduced her to it as a child. She discovered Spiral Flight through the Kundalini Yoga prenatal class, which she credits with helping her have such a positive natural childbirth experience. Shoshana teaches Spanish at City Collegiate Public Charter School, and lives in DC with her husband and daughter.
Tom Shea is a DC native, who has enjoyed taking photographs since his parents gave him an old brownie box camera, which he still has. 35mm work took him to photographing local bands in the 80s; many classes and workshops, working with a modeling agency in the 90s; and traveling to the great treasure of our national parks from the mid 90s to the present. He has come to the conclusion that if you don’t see it in front of you, just turn around. He loves looking at light and color and how it effects the environment he is in. He currently uses a Nikon D200 digital camera and a Hasselblad medium format camera. He enjoys seeing square. "Examples of Grandeur", his show, was featured in fall 2007. It is inspired by a trip to the Yukon gold rush trail, and includes beautiful color and black and white photographs of nature, national parks and other interesting objects.  For more see, http://abandonreality.biz
Tribal Trance Fusion weaves together a collection of sounds that mesmerize the mind as well as the body. The primal beat of drums; the earthy drone of didgeridoo; the ethereal sound of crystal bowls; the heavenly ring of bells and chimes: all of these are just part of the tapestry of sounds that create Tribal Trance Fusion. The combination of free form music with movement and meditation foster creativity and healing. They encourage playful and mindful connection to self and community as we strive to create a container where sound and expression meet; musician and listener dance; performer and audience en-trance. The goal of the music is to help you, the listener, explore your deepest self. They play with the intention that we may accompany you on this trance-formational journey. By traveling together, music emerges from the co-creative collaborative experience. The music flows with vibrational improvisation to the magical place where there is no leader, yet all are guided. The resulting eclectic sounds fill the spectrum from silly to serious as they fuse the inner world experience with outer self-expression. And this is just the beginning. Their music playing is versatile and influenced by a wide variety of styles and cultures, from African and Middle Eastern rhythms to blues, jazz, ambient and trance. They ocassionally offer nights of trance music and dance at Spiral Flight that will invigorate as well as relax your body, mind and soul. For more information, visit www.musicheals.us.
Zuleikha is a international performer and storydancer, who uplifts theater audiences of all ages with her solo performances and collaborations with world musicians and poets. Through movement, rhythm and melody, Zuleikha works with thousands of children, teenage girls and women worldwide to develop an awareness of health and body and a positive sense of themselves. To learn about her international artistic health resource program, The Storydancer Project, see www.storydancer.com.