Featured Artist
Suzanne MIKULKA, CDA

Art has always inspired and moved Suzanne from early on. Her college years in West Chester State University were spent studying education, but with a minor in Art. She was an exceptional student graduating Magna Cum Laude and is an exceptional teacher today. She is a wonderful artist but an even better teacher who has been enriching the lives of others for more than 45 years. Earning a CDA from the Society of Decorative Painters (Certified Decorative Artist) is the most rigorous process. Suzanne is very proud to have received her certification in 1994.

Other career highlights include being awarded Teacher of the Year in the Darby-Colwyn School System, being selected multiple times to teach at National Conventions, and having a 6-foot tall Seahorse she painted with friend Lynne Reinas displayed at the Sanibel Mariott Hotel. Suzanne has owned her own retail folk art, gifts, and furniture store and has her painted ornament in the Smithsonian Christmas tree collection. Suzanne is most inspired by a multitalented New England artist, Deanne Fortnam, MDA. Deanne’s gardens are award winning, her bird photographs brilliant, and her art exquisite. Like Suzanne, Deanne works in oils and acrylics.

Retiring from life in Connecticut, Suzanne relocated to Florida to be hit with a breast cancer diagnosis. After a grueling year of surgery, chemo, and radiation, Suzanne was back following her heart… teaching is in her blood. Suzanne teaches painting but not drawing. She says not everyone can draw – but we can all paint! Decorative Painting is a very structured way of approaching art. Suzanne teaches in acrylics that better suit the classroom atmosphere. She can teach oils and incorporates many oil techniques in her classes. Suzanne has been married for over 50 years. Growing up in Philly she loves pretzels, but hold the mustard!!

Suzanne teaches via zoom classes on Thursdays, teaching at 9:30 am and 6:30pm.  Fee is $25 for the month of classes.
She also teaches at these locations:

• Dedicated Artists of Southwest Florida Inc Club
• Naples Decorative Artists chapter
• Pelican Preserve on Tuesdays
• Stoneybrook clubhouse on Wednesdays (9:30am)
• Zoom Classes on Thursdays (9:30am / 6:30pm)
• The Brooks, during season, on Saturdays
• Travel teacher: The fees vary depending on project, surface and the materials provided.

Suzanne welcomes opportunities to teach to clubs and other communities in a casual setting.
All levels of painters are welcome.

Smikulka@comcast.net

12484 Green Stone Court, Fort Myers
239-292-2901