"A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists."
- L. Ron Hubbard
Message from the Director
At this time of year, I always look to the words of L. Ron Hubbard, where he states: “The spirit of Christmas lives with us. We are the protectors of the real tradition of Christmas - peace on Earth and Goodwill to all.”
The holiday season is a time of joy and creation. It’s a time to reflect on the year behind us and to enjoy time with family and friends. As artists, it is also a time to look towards the coming year and plan out all the wonderful art we will create and the powerful actions we will carry out so that others can benefit from our art and talent. On behalf of EMA Artists USA, we hope you had a joyful Christmas and here’s to a bright and creative New Year!
– Leisa Collins
Featured Artist of the Month: Leigh Ann Edrich
Leigh Ann Edrich, who paints under the name of Ilia, is an internationally recognized artist with a string of awards. A multi-talented artist who creates in every part of her life, Ilia learned at a young age that ‘life is a canvas’ upon which we create. This month Illia became a Model of Admin Know-How winner, a coveted WISE award for those members who have shown they are competently using Mr. Hubbard’s administration technology to grow their business."
Please tell us a little bit about your art business.
I specialize in art that takes people to places they haven't been before. I create fantasy forms and shapes then fuse them together into digital art using colors that simulate nature and space.
I'm also an artist mentor, writer and put on art events.
In general, how has the use of Mr. Hubbard's administrative technology impacted your business?
Before I joined EMA Artists USA, I only had parts of Mr. Hubbard's administrative technology in. I struggled along, doing other jobs, not being a full-time artist.Since joining EMA Artists USA, I've been with a group that works as a team to push each other forward on a weekly basis. Using Mr. Hubbard's administrative technology my art business has gone from a struggling artist with a fairly good following to being an internationally known, published and exhibited artist in a year.
Also, the number of artists that I mentor increased. It's such a joy to help an artist to be on their own purpose attaining their targets!
What piece of Mr. Hubbard's administrative wisdom have you found particularly helpful in making your business successful?
I lined up my Administrative Scale with my yearly Strategic Plan. It worked like pure magic.I also used Mr. Hubbard's ethics technology in order to find ethical art businesses to work with. I researched and found companies who allow artists to keep their rights, get paid directly, supply the contact information of the buyer and also allow the artist to include these contacts in his own mailing list. Additionally, I wanted companies that would help me to promote internationally, as an added benefit.
As a successful art business owner, is there one really valuable tip that you would like our readers to take away with them?
Keep a record of your actions: what worked and what didn't. Be sure to align that information with your weekly and daily activities.
Artist Members in Action
Tim Sabatino
Tim Sabatino has been a professional photographer for thirty years specializing in people, portraits, celebrities, fashion and advertising.
His photography career launched over twenty years ago when singer Olivia Newton-John asked him to photograph her album covers, tour book and magazine covers.
Tim has photographed dozens of magazine covers and spreads over the years and this is his most recent, on the cover of Magic Image Hollywood Magazine featuring Fahim Fazli, Afgan-American actor in the new Superman movie set to release this July 2025. This issue includes a 5-page spread also photographed by Tim Sabatino.
Tim Sabatino is bi-coastal, dividing his time between LA and Atlanta, and works all over the world. You can see more of his work on his website at www.timsabatino.com and follow his Instagram at @timsabatinophoto.
Katie Dean
As the owner and founder of Katie Dean Jewelry, Katie goes beyond just making jewelry. She inspires people to live and create a beautiful life. Here’s her story regarding a December holiday market in Clearwater, FL:
"I’m thrilled to share the success of the Locals Only Holiday Market, an event I recently organized and participated in. Not only did I showcase and sell my handmade jewelry, but I also took on the role of producer—bringing together an incredible group of local artists, bakers, florists, and creators to share their work with our community.
"The heart of this event was about more than just shopping; it was about connection. I first launched my handmade jewelry line, Katie Dean Jewelry, in Los Angeles back in 2012. I was discovered at local markets in LA, and those experiences shaped my journey. Now, I’m so excited to bring that same spirit of creativity and community to Clearwater.
"The market was a beautiful gathering, featuring everything from unique art pieces and delicious baked goods to fresh flowers, food, and an espresso bar that kept everyone buzzing with energy. The turnout and enthusiasm were incredible, and I can’t wait to start planning the next one!
"Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event unforgettable! If you weren’t able to make it, you can shop my jewelry line at www.katiedeanjewelry.com."
You can also follow Katie on Instagram @katiedeanjewelry.
Curt Strickland
Curt Strickland, a prize-winning playwright, essayist and photographer, recently added published author to his list of accomplishments! His book of essays, Democracy Under Siege, was published in December and is currently #1 New Release in General Sociology of Race Relations.
Curt says, "I believe in the power of art. I believe a society and a culture is as healthy as its artists can flourish. I believe in the power of words, its power to ignite change, to inspire, to connect, to heal, and as a tool to 'fight the power.'"
You can find Curt's book on Amazon, and find out more about Curt on his website, at New Play Exchange, see his photography and find him on Facebook.
J.K. Stephens
J.K. Stephens's fantasy science fiction short story “Prints” has been purchased by DreamForge Magazine for publication in one of its 2025 issues. DreamForge Magazine is a scifi/fantasy publication that receives and reviews hundreds of stories annually to make its choices for online and print publication.
Like other stories by this author, “Prints” takes place during the early days of space exploration, at a time when pioneering technologies and brave people face frontiers that are also frontiers of their own courage and imagination.
Purchase of this story means that the magazine has bought first publication rights to the story; after publication, all rights return to the author. Subscriptions to DreamForge Magazine are available through its website, and issues of the magazine can be purchased on Amazon as well.
You can find J.K. Stephens, Author at at her website and on Instagram @jkstephensauthor.
On the Lighter Side
This cartoon was created by EMA Artists USA member, Steve Gill, who spent 40 years traveling to shows all over the United States, selling his humorous artwork and making people laugh. Steve is our resident Cartoonist for EMA Artists.
Or email us at: emaartistsusa@gmail.com
This month's quote from L. Ron Hubbard can be found on page 14 of the Art Book.
Definitions:
Fodder: food in general. Used figuratively.
Initiate: a person who has been admitted into some society, office or position; one who is instructed in some secret knowledge.
©2024 Effective Management Association Artists. All Rights Reserved. Grateful acknowledgment is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce a selection from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard. HUBBARD is a trademark and is used pursuant to a license agreement. MODEL OF ADMIN KNOW-HOW and MAKH are trademarks owned by WISE International EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION is a registered trademark. IA# 123024EUS
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