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. 

City Hospital Training School nurse's pin, gold and enamel, 1945

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.

Wynn House's El Dorado wallpaper, designed and hand painted by Zuber et Cie

Sally Bradley's Website

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.

RC Cola thermometer, c. 1940s

Melanie Carr's Website

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.

George W. Dudley, Jr., Yellow House, chromogenic print, 1982

Hannah Israel's Website

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.

Jacob Armstead Lawrence, Lawyers and Clients, color screenprint on Rising Two-Ply Rag paper, 1994

Jamie Simes-Bonner's Website

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. 

Columbus Home Coming dance trophy, Silver plate, 1916

Paige Swift is the director of Nature Now, an environmental nonprofit, established in 2021,  to inspire appreciation and understanding of the natural world through the power of film. Over the past 6 years, she’s arranged a documentary film festival that  includes strong visual arts exhibitions, panels discussions and other components as well.   A native of St. Simons Island, GA, and a graduate of the UGA Grady College of Journalism degree: Radio / Film / Television Production, she has worked in film/TV production for over 20 years, as an area rep for Portraits, Inc. since 2005, and for environmental nonprofits for almost a decade. 

Orange Blossom wedding headdress, wax, wire, and cloth, 1911

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.

Harry E. Wolff, Louise Huff on the cover of Moving Picture Stories, print production, 1920

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. 

Walter Inglis Anderson, Cinderella at Twelve, hand-colored linocut on brown paper, c. 1980

Bob Vardaman's Website

Brianne Womack and her family have a beautiful flower farm in Shiloh, Georgia. In 2021 she co-founded Fields of Grace Flower Farm with her husband Marc to share their passion for flowers, nature, and the community. Their mission is to provide a safe retreat for women who have experienced trauma, and Caring for the Caregivers, including, social workers, medical caregivers, and group home employees. Their public offerings include, field trips, farm tours, flower arranging classes, “you pick” your own flowers, and Date Night and Girls Night activities.

C.R. Parker, Ann Elizabeth Lewis Wynn, oil on canvas, 1838

Brianne Womack's Website