In Memoriam

Lora Hill-Earnhardt, 1947 - 2023

Instructor 2012 - 2019 Little Raphael’s 5 - 7 yrs.

Lora gave love and laughter to every child she taught. Her warm and loving nature gave her students so much to look forward to absorbing all she taught them. Lora will be missed by everyone who knew her. Each and every child left her class with a hug and a lollipop!

The CCSAA family has lost a friend, a mentor, a kind and loving soul. She will always be remembered for all she was, all she did, and more importantly, because she was loved.

Lora Hill-Earnhardt in Memoriam

Instructors at CCSAA

Deborah Ankrom Kepes,

Founder of CCSAA, Professional Portrait Artist

Drawing & Painting Instructor/Artist
Adults & Children 12 - 19

“I have instructed drawing and painting for over 20 years. It can excite the soul to know that you are passing on the traditions and techniques that will live on in those that we teach."

Deborah has studied with James Douglas Adams, Edward Jonas, Richard Haas, and many other acclaimed master artists. She is an award-winning portrait painter and was the 1st Georgia State Goodwill Ambassador for The Portrait Society of America an international organization with a membership of over 3,000 worldwide.

Memberships: Portrait Society of America - since 2000
Portrait Society of Atlanta - since 1999

Tracey Mitchell, Instructor

Ages 8 - 11

Georgia Southern University, 2020 graduate, BA in Animation

A graduate of Georgia Southern University, she majored in Animation and would dream of one day becoming an animator. Before college, Tracey studied under Mrs. Kepes for three years in Classical Drawing and Painting. She is a very talented artist who has brought a knowledge base to her students that is only available in some art schools. We are delighted to have her on board.

Gabriella Ferrins, Instructor

Ages 5 -7

Georgia State University, BFA 2026

“When I was a little girl, I loved mixing paint. I still love mixing paint today, but I can actually make the exact color I’m striving for! When I started learning under Mrs. Kepes, my love for art only amplified, and I appreciate the works of masters in a whole new way. This, mixed with a child's limitless imagination, is what I strive to bring to my classroom.”