A Gathering of Voices & Visions

Sharon J. Burton is a Maryland-based artist, author, curator, poet, teacher artist and certified creative coach. As the Founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching, she empowers midlife creatives through coaching, workshops, and her podcast. A collage and mixed media artist, Sharon has exhibited nationally and curated exhibitions since 2006. In 2024, Sharon published her first book, Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration for Creativity at Midlife to encourage people over 50 to pursue their creative dreams She integrates wellness into her practice as a SoulCollage® Facilitator, Yoga Nidra Guide, and meditation teacher. Sharon’s passion is helping others overcome creative blocks and live more inspired, mindful lives. Learn more about her coaching practice, visit http://sparkyourcreative.com and her art/poetry at http://sjbcreativeart.com.

"I created this poetry book to honor my mother, Virginia D. Cooper — not only as a loving mother and wife, but as the woman she was in her own right. She was thoughtful, creative, and full of quiet strength. She passed away in 2024, but her words remain — a reflection of her heart, her faith, and her view of the world. This book is a way to celebrate her voice, her spirit, and the person she wanted to be remembered as — whole, wise, and uniquely herself."
- Sandra Davis

Jennifer Packard is a multimedia specialist/photographer for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Capitol Hill, and a freelance photographer specializing in portraiture, stage performance, and nature and wildlife conservation. In 2020 she published "Enraptured by Raptors, the Story of a Red-shouldered Hawk Family that Captured the Heart of a Community"(IngramSpark, 2020). The conservation photo story raised funds for the Owl Moon Raptor Center in Boyds, MD, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center specializing in birds of prey. Her work has been seen in USA Today, Washington Post, CBS Sunday Morning TV, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, ABC Newspapers, The (Louisiana) Advocate, Washingtonian Magazine, Navy Times, Washington Gardener, Arlington Magazine, and others. She currently lives in Washington, DC.

Sherry Steine is a Certified Therapeutic Yoga Teacher, Author, and Certified Aromatherapist with a passion for guiding women—particularly in midlife—toward emotional and physical renewal through intentional wellness practices. With deep roots in trauma-informed yoga, Yin Yoga, and subtle body awareness, Sherry’s work weaves together the healing powers of movement, breath, and scent to support mental and emotional well-being. Her holistic approach extends beyond the mat and into the home. As a Certified Feng Shui Expert and current student of Vastu Design, Sherry believes that wellness is not only within us but also around us. Holistic wellness also encompasses the environment in which you live. Drawing from the wisdom of Feng Shui—an ancient Chinese practice—and Vastu—an ancient Indian science of architecture—Sherry helps clients create nurturing living spaces that enhance energy flow, reduce emotional stress, and foster harmony, health, and prosperity. Her unique blend of energetic design, yoga therapy, and aromatherapy empowers clients to revitalize both their inner selves and their homes—cultivating balance, beauty, and lasting well-being.
- Sherry Steine

Marcie shares her love of drawing, painting, and collage/mixed media, much of which is inspired by nature. She provides guidance and encouragement to participants in her art sessions. Marcie is a proud winner of the 2022 Nancy Frankel Artist Award. This annual prize recognizes one of America's greatest artists and is presented in an effort to continue her legacy in the culture. Marcie has received numerous grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Grants include Artist Residencies, Artist & Scholars Grants, and Professional Development grants. Artist Residencies have also supported her work in the community. Marcie teaches students of all ages, including individuals with special needs and seniors with dementia. Her paintings and sculpture in encaustic (wax) and mixed media have been exhibited widely on the East Coast. Marcie has illustrated for magazines and books, as well as worked as a courtroom illustrator. Marcie is an instructor at Glen Echo Park, Yellow Barn Studios, and the Smithsonian. She received her B.A. from the University of Maryland in Studio art and studied Fine art & Illustration at the Maryland Institute, College of Art. Marcie is the Education/Social team leader in Ch/Art, a community arts organization in Northwest Washington, DC, and Maryland. She is an active member of Teaching Artists of the Mid-Atlantic (TAMA.) Washington Sculptors Group, Member.