Meet The Team
Founding Members
Cheryl Derrick †
Connie Dillman
Tita Lyle †
Jean McGee
Margie Melby
Charlotte Nobles
Ferne Schrier †
Tita Sterling †
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† Deceased
Current Members
Erich De Shepper
Cindy Dolezal
Patricia Carter
Terrance Flores
Vanessa Clark
Martha Samaniego Calderon
Michelle Stone
Laura Caballero
Lisa Magnano-Craig
Karen McAnulty
Tamara Michalina
Davinia Miraval
Tamara St Jean
Pam Schuster
Susanna Visconti
Laura Aragon
Board of Directors
President
Laura Caballero
Laura graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in metalsmithing and graphic design. Her involvement with Las Artistas started as a student artist in 2010. Since then she has participated both as artist and member of Las Artistas. In 2016, she joined the board as vice-president and was also appointed Show Chair, a position that she held for seven years until she was named President in 2024.
Laura strives to bring new and contemporary aspects to the show while staying true to the Las Artistas mission and its foundations.
Vice President
Davinia Miraval
Davinia is an artist from Mexico City and owner of Chachara Chic, a contemporary jewelry store. She has a Master of Arts from The University of Texas at El Paso in metalsmithing and painting and has been involved in Las Artistas as a student and a few years later as Secretary for a couple of years and now as a member at large for the non-profit organization.
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Davinia is currently a faculty member at UTEP, EPCC, Doña Ana Community College, and Olli Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, has been published in several national and private publications as well as has held several exhibitions throughout the state of Texas.
Treasurer
Karen McAnulty
Karen has been a member of Las Artistas for 14 years and served as treasurer of the organization since 2014. She is a retired CPA who spent her career in retail sales working at The Popular and Charlotte's Fine Furniture. She has enjoyed making her Mexican craft items for over 20 years. Travels in Mexico have inspired her wreaths and Christmas trees, and she now enjoys having more time to do the things she loves.
Secretary/Show Chair
Lhaisha Contreras
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Member at Large
Erich DeSchepper
Erich DeShepper is a self-taught silversmith and jewelry designer who specializes in historic coin crafting. With a keen eye for detail, he carefully shaped each piece using heat, light hand forging, and other techniques to preserve the intricate details of the coins. His passion for this craft has allowed him to pursue a full-time artist lifestyle, where he can focus on creating, traveling, and showcasing his work at fine art events and artist's markets.
Member at Large
Ron Hawkins
Ron is a retired Iraq war veteran who has served around the world at least twice but made El Paso, Texas, home.
Ron has always had a desire to do something that allows him to work out the designs and ideas in his head and hands. He has found a way to do just that through metal sculpture. Alongside his desire to create art, he also feels compelled to be a part of a group that not only supports the arts but also promotes it. He recently joined the Las Artistas board to help promote the arts in El Paso and the surrounding area.
While Ron hasn’t been an artist for very long, he understands the complexities that this profession can bring as he has been a longtime supporter of his wife Romy and her art. Together, they have a gallery in San Elizario, TX in the Historic San Elizario Art District.
Member at Large
Sandra Piñon
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