The Green Monkey takes tremendous pride in supporting our local artists by giving them a venue to express themselves freely and to showcase their art. We appreciate each of their individual visions and styles, and greatly respect all of their hard work, their professional demeanor, and great quality they put forth into their product. We proudly introduce to you a handful of artists who have helped The Green Monkey create a unique and original inventory of quality pieces that are sure to impress!

Diana is a Family Nurse Practitioner by day and a jewelry designer by night and weekends.

She was introduced into the art of jewelry making in 2005 when she needed to match jewelry for a bridesmaid dress that she was to wear in her sister’s wedding. Not only did Diana custom design jewelry for herself, she also created a piece for her cousin - also a bridesmaid and her sister - the bride!

Diana then started making jewelry for bridal parties using Swarovski crystals, pearls and sterling silver. She also made other casual and colorful jewelry using a variety of colorful beads and stones. You will see that many of her jewelry designs are inspired by the natural beauty in nature. She uses flowers, insects and animals in many of her designs.

Part of the proceeds of the sale of her jewelry goes towards buying books and toys for the children she sees at her practice as a Nurse Practitioner

Visit her personal website at: www.handmadebydiana.artfire.com

Kitty’s interest and passion began collecting Bedouin silver in the 1980’s. While there, she studied with a gemologist and a designer learning assembly, balance, and design. For the next twenty years Kitty continued collecting and teaching bead stringing. Today, her designs reflect not only uniqueness but also a world of color influence and discovery. Each piece contains her trademark “cat”. She uses sterling silver clasps and 22k gold or sterling findings for the earrings she designs. Many of her new pieces contain German Silver because of the beauty and designs, older pieces may be 22k gold over ceramic or sterling over ceramic that comes from Greece. She uses one of the strongest and most durable wire. Kitty’s love and passion for beads is reflected in each piece, reflecting an understanding of color and balance but also affordability.

The art of Leslie Schultz captures moments in time with fluidity and color. Her experiences living in Florida, California and Arizona have led her to appreciate nature as both an emotional and intellectual journey. Her painting merges a varied range of styles from Realism and Impressionism to the Abstract. Leslie’s work has an ethereal quality.

Leslie received her bachelors in fine arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design from San Diego State University in 1987. Leslie owned and operated her own clothing store in Laguna Beach, California in the early 1990’s where she featured custom-to-order hand-painted shirts, which she herself designed and produced. She has taught Painting privately from her home off and on since graduating. Leslie worked at a world renowned Health Spa in Tucson, Arizona for 7 years where she taught guests Watercolor and Ceramics. “It was a wonderful experience helping people find their creative spirit,” she says of her time there. Leslie helped preschoolers find an outlet for creativity and spontaneity through exploration of clay at a local preschool for 4 years. Currently her business, Designs By Leslie, sells notecards printed from her own original paintings.

Tammy Lofgreen is the owner and designer of Tammy’s Treasures Handmade Jewelry & More.

Tammy’s Treasures was brought to life in 2006, after exploring many crafts Tammy decided to try jewelry making and fell in love. The business was named by her father who taught her the in’s and out’s of running a business.

Since 2006, the business has grown, and Tammy’s designs have made appearances on Davis Monthan AFB, Southern Arizona VA Hospital, TMC Hospital, various artisan fairs and now, The Green Monkey.

Tammy brings her own style and talents to the creative process which mesh into unique pieces using semi-precious stones such as agates, garnets, onyx and natural materials such as wood, freshwater pearls and coral. Every piece of jewelry is handcrafted by Tammy herself and no two are exactly alike.

Tammy’s Treasures has a reputation for fair pricing and commitment to satisfactory custom design. For more information on this artist visit www.tammystreasuresjewelry.net

Tori Armour, is our youngest artist that sells her wears not only in our store, but through her own line called “Nevermind”. Tori chose the name for her business to reflect the nature of her art. Nevermind means to not worry, to forget about it. She believes this is what what you should do about something that makes you sad. She also believes that you should do what you believe in; and follows this herself.

She enjoys drawing and is very grateful that for the support from friends, family, and The Green Monkey.

She first started her company about a year ago, when she made a bag for her own personal use. “In eighth grade, I got so many compliments on the bag that I decided to make another. A man that was very supportive of my aspirations told me that I should sell the bags, and so I did. Each design I make will never be reused. Each of my items are completely unique and usable, and made with much love. I hope you like my designs, and a special thanks to The Green Monkey for having Nevermind in their store.”