Amanda Baker is a Columbus native with three children and has been a longtime supporter of The Columbus Museum as a Master Circle table designer for over six years. Amanda supports the arts in Columbus because she appreciates that they create the opportunity to view a large variety of mediums and she appreciates the historical value that The Columbus Museum preserves.

Sally Bradley is a Columbus native who specializes in translating experiences into images through paint. A lifelong learner, Bradley holds three different degrees from various universities across the southeast. She received a Bachelor of Arts in painting from Wake Forest University, and a Masters of Art Education in Secondary Art Education from the University of Georgia. She then moved to Savannah to study painting again, where she received a Master's of Fine Art in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Bradley’s love for education has led her to teach others as well. She teaches at Columbus State University where she serves as an adjunct Professor of Art and previously, was the High School Art Teacher at Brookstone School from 2006 to 2015. Bradley’s work is celebrated locally as a unique standout among Columbus’ vast collection of fine artists.

Melanie Carr is the owner and lead Floral Designer for ‘For Ella After Florals’ (FEA). The company provides creative and unique designs and coordination services for all types of celebrations and events. FEA’s floral designs and arrangements have been displayed throughout the United States. Melanie’s interpretation of artful effects with floral design is resplendent. Melanie’s weddings exude grace and elegance. Brides may say their “I do’s” under a graceful blooming arch or experience a glorious tinted floral environment, all while carrying a one-of-a-kind exquisite bridal bouquet. Melanie is a floral design enthusiast and a devotee of the lush, lovely, and romantic blooms of roses, calla lilies, peonies, and hydrangea. Her company’s designs are fierce, and it is amazing to watch their creations take flight. In business since 2017, the company is grounded and named after Melanie’s late grandmother, Ella Mae McCollum.

Hannah Israel lives and works in Columbus. She is a Professor of Art and the Gallery Director at Columbus State University. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Israel has exhibited her work at the Poem88 Gallery, Whitespace, Kentler International Drawing Space NYC, The Columbus Museum, High Museum of Art, Zuckerman Museum of Art, The Vargas Museum of Art in the Philippines, Museum of Contemporary Art in Honolulu, I-Space in Chicago, and the Krannert Art Museum, among others. Hannah has received the Daedalus Art Grant (NYC), the Columbus State University Faculty Grant, the Creative and Performance Art Fellowship at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, IL and the Artist Fellowship at Cornell University, NY among others.

Dori Jones has lived in Columbus for almost 19 years and has volunteered for the Museum for 19 years as well. She has served on the Museum Board for 9 years. She enjoys running, baking pound cakes, and spending time with her family and friends. She believes that abstract art allows you the freedom to explore and assign your own meaning to the piece. Abstract art usually appeals to her because there is truly no right or wrong end result.

Fort Benning brought Deani Pahl and her husband, Doug, to Columbus in 2003. She has served on the Board of The Columbus Museum for three years and has been involved with the Master’s Circle dinners for over 10 years, volunteering with many of the Museum’s other fundraisers. She enjoys traveling to collegiate football games to see both of their children, spending time with friends and family on the lake, and working as an Interior Designer. There is so much joy to be found in art and as an untrained artist, she aspires to actually learn how to paint! “

Jamie Simes-Bonner is a woman who can manage it all. As a wife, mother, published children’s book author (Cotton Rainbows) and entrepreneur (Simply Simes Event Planning & Pooka Bean and Co.) she is unstoppable! Jamie’s passion lies with weddings and events as it brings her delight helping others create lifelong joyful memories. She believes that everyone can have a fairytale wedding or event without breaking the bank.

Kathy Smith and her husband retired in 2015 and relocated to Columbus where their children and grandchildren reside. Although they have healthcare backgrounds, she and her husband have always supported the arts and have dabbled in various artistic pursuits for fun. Kathy’s father was a well-known West Texas commercial artist who fostered a passion for art and music within his household. His talent has been expressed through her own creative and talented children.

Eleanore lives in Columbus with her husband, Tyler Townsend. They have raised two sons together and will soon be empty nesters. Eleanore is a longtime supporter of The Columbus Museum by volunteering as a table(aux) artist for two years and by handmaking the Master Circle Invitations for many years - making them very popular with our Circle members and something to look forward to each year. Eleanore enjoys being creative and spending time with her family.

Bob Vardaman, the owner of Bob Vardaman Events Management, has a full-service event planning company coordinating events around the country for the last 27 years and focusing on fundraisers, weddings, and corporate launches. Bob has been a volunteer for many of the Museum's fundraisers and galas throughout the years, including co-chairing the Master's Circle dinner for 2 years.