Artist Biographies
Each artist featured in the Santee Arts Banner Program has their work proudly displayed along Mission Gorge Road and Town Center Parkway. Along with their artwork, each artist submitted a brief personal biography.
These biographies provide insight into each artist’s background, inspiration, and creative journey, helping our community connect with the individuals whose art enhances our city streets.
Nicole Yeagy
Gyspy Strings
At a young age, Nicole spent hours drawing and painting, always looking for new ways to express her creativity. In high school, she interned in the art department of an advertising agency. As a young adult, she opened an art studio in downtown Reno, where she worked with casino owners, private business owners, and collectors.
She created fine art pieces for private clients, designed characters for a business start-up, and collaborated with a local contractor to produce large copper-tooled pieces for Harrah’s Hotel and Casino.
Nicole has exhibited in several Artown shows, an annual month-long summer arts festival, and has served as the lead artist in multiple shows in northern Nevada. In 2016, she earned certifications in Adobe Videography and Graphic Design from the University of Nevada, Reno.
After moving to San Diego, Nicole joined the Contemporary Arts Committee, a support group of the San Diego Museum of Art. She designed a logo for the Scripps Industry Bridge Program and created a new identity for Honey Donuts in Santee, which later led to designing and painting a large installation for the shop.
Nicole volunteered as an art teacher at her child’s elementary school from 2008 to 2020. She also served as the first-chair lead for the Reflections Art Program, a national art competition, from 2013 to 2020.
She has illustrated a CD cover for a songwriter and is currently collaborating with an author to illustrate a book. Since 2009, she has taught art fundamentals to students from 4th grade through high school and has led painting workshops for adults.
She continues to develop her skills by studying with active professionals in the art and animation industry and enjoys inspiring others through creative projects.
Chrysanne Lowe
Edgemoor Barn
Chrysanne’s watercolors have been shown in juried exhibitions, including the San Diego Watercolor Society, Foothills Art Association, the Mandell Weiss Gallery in Liberty Station, and the Inamori Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
In addition to fine art, she creates handcrafted cards and jewelry, available at the San Diego Museum of Art and Oceanside Museum of Art gift shops, as well as at local craft fairs.
Chuck McPherson
Luncheon On The Grass, Santee Lakes
Chuck McPherson is a listed artist who has exhibited at the Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Art, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, as well as galleries including the San Diego Watercolor Society, Fallbrook Art Center, and the NCAG COAL Gallery in Carlsbad.
His work emphasizes narrative storytelling. In addition to leading live workshops and demonstrations, he mentors artists and offers classes.
Chuck works in a variety of styles and holds three Art Association signatures, including SDWS-MA (Master Artist) status with the San Diego Watercolor Society.
Sarah Sullivan
Nearly Bedtime
Sarah Sullivan is a local plein air (outdoor) artist and retired educator. She specializes in gouache, a water-based paint, and often paints people enjoying nature together.
She is a signature member of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies and a member of the San Diego Watercolor Society.
Linda Baltodano
Walker Preserve Hike
Linda began studying art in San Diego, California, where she attended Southwest High School. She later received a scholarship to study commercial advertising art.
Her professional career began in commercial design, creating logos and advertising concepts for companies such as No Fear, 8 Ball Snowboard, Church’s Chicken, and Shorebreak.
Over the years, her work has earned multiple honors, including the United States Achievement Academy Award in Art and the Bank of America Achievement Award. Although commercial design brought success, her deeper inspiration has always come from the ocean.
A former surfer, she developed a strong connection to the water, which deepened as she learned more about environmental threats facing marine life.
Today, her artwork reflects the resilience of ocean species and her commitment to ocean conservation. She also serves as president of the East County Art Association and supports her community through the arts.
Linda has partnered with organizations such as Go Surf and the Surfrider Foundation on murals, festivals, and fundraising events focused on beach cleanup and environmental awareness.