OUR STORY & PHILOSOPHY
Swerve was founded in 2015 by two certified art educators with over 25 years of experience as teachers and artists.
Our mission is to provide a relaxing, stress free environment for learning and creating! We believe in the arts ability to empower each of us to create, communicate and co exist.
We offer a variety of art education opportunities for you to GET YOUR SWERVE ON!
We invite you to step off the path and try something new. Paint your own pottery, sip and paint, mosaics, classes, workshops, private lessons and summer camps are all opportunities to explore something different and FUN.
Host a private party, team building event or corporate group . Gather your club or organization for a fun filled event. Book your school, church or corporate group to enjoy a Unique experience that is Relaxing and inspiring.
​
Ready to CREATE? Swerve is here to help you step off the path for great FUN!
Holly Chaffin
Artist, Co-Owner, Instructor
I am Holly Chaffin. I have been an artist and art teacher for over 30 years.
My first drawing made at 2 and ½ years old was a chicken eating a pear. (My mother still has it) That was a long time ago, but I have never lost my love and passion for art.
I believe Swerve is a powerful avenue to promote engagement in the arts which in turn fosters each individual’s self-growth through the creative process.
Swerve provides an environment where I can share my passion for art with others in a relaxed atmosphere. I love seeing family and friends gather here to relax and create!
​
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Art Education from Berry College. I then spent a year immersed in my study of the arts in Cortona, Italy.
​
My career as an artist started with a decade as a designer for an international gift company. My passion for arts advocacy in our community led me to serve as the director of a non-profit arts education group for several years.
My love of sharing the arts then led me to teaching, where I spent 21 years as an art teacher in the public-school system.
I am thrilled to be able to devote all my energy to Swerve and share a passion for art with anyone who wants to Swerve off the Path and try something new.
Val Featherston
Artist, Co-Owner, Instructor
Those who know Val Featherston realized that she swerved off the path many years ago.
For the others, I have been an artist/teacher/cook for several decades.
I received a Fine Arts degree from Berry College, a Master's degree from Lesley University, and an Education Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University. Interwoven with all the schooling, has been the "atypical" cycles of family, friends, artwork, teaching, etc....you know the usual stuff of life.
The Swerve space is an extended iteration of all these years of experiences wrapped up in imagination and fun for you.
So, come and get your Swerve on.
Play, relax, break bread, innovate, create and laugh with us and all your people.