PICTURED are workshop artist, front row, Annie Studerbaker, Cathy Lynch, Theda Rhea, Alida Klostermann, Myrilla Sparhawk, Ruth Freeman. Back row, Sonya Tijerina, Claudia Wilson, Carolyn Kersten, Virginia Carubia, Ruth Ann Taylor, Ann Moncus and Cissie Watson. Willacy County Art League recently held a portrait workshop at the Creative Art Center in Raymondville. The instructor was nationally known artist, Theda Rhea.

Theda is a native Texan who began her painting career working with an internationally known West Coast artist during a five year sojourn on Santa Catalina Island, California.

In a five year period, she won eight first place awards in major juried California competitions, including the National Orange Show. This led to publications, museum exhibits and one-woman shows in recognized galleries throughout the Southwest.

She was established studios in Avalon California; Gallup, New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico; La Junta, Colorado; San Pedro de la Cueva, Mexico and Sonora, Mexico.

During her travels she has perfected the style that collectors recognize as uniquely Theda Rhea. She currently paints from her studio in Coleman, Tx.

W.C.A.L. wishes to thank Claudia and Mike Wilson for having Thea and her husband, Sherrell, as their houseguest, Sonya and Cruz Tijerina for providing lunch, Carolyn Kersten and Ruth Ann Taylor for additional meals and Jerry Taylor for fabulous ranch tours.