Ask An Artist

Curious about a career in the arts? Meet local artists, hear their success stories, and find your inspiration! 

Nicole Abuhamada is an interdisciplinary artist whose interests span across literature and visual arts. With a background in fashion modeling and acting, Nicole gained international fame as the winner of America’s Next Top Model, Covergirl spokesmodel, and appeared in a diverse range of film and tv productions. Nicole has exhibited her work, most recently in her show, Notional Ekphrasis. Nicole’s art and poetry has been published in Unbound Morpheum, Sapere Magazine, and Pen in Hand literary journal, and she is the author and illustrator of the children’s book, Lipton Loves. Nicole manages an art program for neurodiverse adults where she mentors self-employed artists. Nicole is currently in the process of developing a book for the Maryland Zoo, showcasing the artwork of the neurodiverse artists she works with. Additionally, she holds the esteemed role of art director for a large-scale sculpture installation, which is set to become a permanent feature at the Maryland Zoo.     

Ayanna Gallant, owner of Aya Cultural Arts Studio, is a musician, poet, voiceover talent, and educator with a passion for creativity. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of New Hampshire in Music Education with a focus in low brass and jazz voice (2005), and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Arts Integration (2010). Ayanna has studied mindfulness science, theory, and practice at Lesley University and is a certified sound therapist through Biofield Tuning. In her 16 years as a public school music teacher, Ayanna taught general music, band, chorus, musical theater, and world percussion ensemble.  She has performed as a freelance musician on low brass, voice, guitar, and African drums in venues all around the country. 

AJ George-Wright (they/he) is a performer based in Frederick, MD. They are a company member with Maryland Ensemble Theatre. A Hood College graduate, he previously directed for Hood Improv Troupe, and performed in several original sketch shows. He recently acted in the world-premier of “Craft Town: A Midsize Retail Noir” at Maryland Ensemble Theatre. He currently directs and performs with "Oh Crit! The DnD Improv Show," a house team with METComedyNight, Maryland Ensemble Theatre's own comedy incubator. With "Oh Crit!" AJ has performed at gaming conventions, including MAGFest and PAXUnplugged, and various venues around the greater DC/Baltimore area. When they're not making jokes onstage, AJ is also a librarian. 

Gary Gerhardt is the co-owner of Key City Tattoo, with locations in downtown Frederick and in Urbana. Gary started his tattoo journey by answering phones and working the front desk of a local tattoo shop in his hometown of Olney. He has been tattooing for close to 17 years in locations such as Baltimore and San Diego. John Rippey and Gary opened Key City Tattoo as business partners, and they take pride in giving clients great tattoos with an even better experience. They hope to make Key City Tattoo one of the premier tattoo shops in the world. 

Sonja Munoz, a seasoned hairstylist with over 30 years of experience, is passionate about hair color and people. Starting in the industry at 16, she's owned a salon for 18 years and recently opened a second location during Covid. With a focus on ongoing education, she's a master colorist known for crafting natural or luxurious results, using color to solve problems and create excitement for her clients.

Ellie Schell, a licensed hairstylist, makeup, and cosmetic tattoo artist, discovered her passion for the salon industry as a teen. Graduating high school with a cosmetology license, she excelled in competitions and now thrives in helping clients feel confident and beautiful. In 2023, she expanded her skills with cosmetic tattooing to offer clients more convenience and confidence.

Nina Liane Richards, Photographer / Videographer, Nina Liane Photography Nina is a branding photographer and videographer, specializing in creating powerful custom imagery for commercial clients. Her journey began over two decades ago with her grandfather's film camera and she never looked back. She helps organizations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and public speakers tell their unique stories and connect with their audience. Nina is based in Frederick, Maryland but does projects throughout the DMV area.