Alayah: The Grand Rapids native has been in the industry since the age of fourteen when she began interning at CDA. Since then she has expanded her skillset to include illustrating, graphic designing, layout, and publishing. From launching Grand Rapid’s first black-owned and female-owned online publishing company to various publishing and designing projects, Alayah has nearly a decade of creative experience. She’s been privileged to teach drawing, painting, and entrepreneurial classes/workshops statewide. 

Chris: Chris Dudley is an Award-Winning Artist born in 1976.  He began drawing before entering preschool and has never stopped.  Dudley, as his wife calls him, has a passion for drawing and illustration, but dabbles in all things art!  He’s had the privilege to draw many commission portraits for nearly the past 30 years, in addition to receiving acceptance into many juried exhibitions.  While he stays busy with commission work, he also spends much of his time illustrating children’s books and teaching art.  Chris and his wife, Tawana, have three daughters.  All three of which have learned draw. No…they didn’t inherit it, if only it were that easy!