Meet Artist Helena Faitelson

Helena Faitelson

O-059 Blooming-flowers by Helena Faitelson acrylic 18x24 $300

Helena Faitelson is a self-taught decorative painting artist, teaching assistant, and mother for five children. She discovered her passion for art and painting at a very young age. With the years, she developed her skills and learned different painting styles. At the age of thirty, Helena discovered decorative painting style and decided to pursue this direction. Over the years Helena exposed herself to different decorative painting techniques and developed her own painting style.

Helena was born in Ukraine and lived many years Israel. She now lives with her family in San Diego, California since 2014 and works as a teaching assistant for children with special needs where she uses her art and painting skills in order to expose students to the wonderful world of art and craft. During the summers Helena works as a teaching assistant of afterschool program where she teaches art and craft and manages painting club for kids. Recently Helena established her own business of mural painting for residential and commercial spaces.

Media Helena likes to work with: Acrylic, Mixed Media, other media.

Surfaces Helena likes to use for her projects: Canvases, rocks, wood, ceramic, glass, metal, walls and fences.

Contact information:

E-mail: helena.faitelson@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenafaitelson/

Awards:

·         Special Recognition Award in 2019 9^th Annual SeaScape Online exhibition -  LightSpaceTime Online Gallery

·         5^th place in 2019 All Planet Earth Theme Online Art Competition – Contemporary Art Gallery Online

·         Special Merit Award in 2019 9^th Nature Art Exhibition - LightSpaceTime Online Gallery

O-058 Flowers_composition by Helena Faitelson acrylic 12x28 $300

·         Special Recognition Award in  2019 9th Annual “All Women” Online Art Competition -  LightSpaceTime Online Gallery

Exhibitions, Projects and Shows:

Past:

·         2019 – Carlsbad Art Walk as part of “Art Divas” team, Carlsbad, CA

·         2019 - Public Mural Painting project “Mint House Project”, San Diego, CA

https://www.facebook.com/minthouseproject

Project dates: 11/03/2019-11/17/2019

·         5th Annual Leaves & Petals Online Juried Art Exhibition, Fusion Art Gallery, Palm Springs, CA, November 2019

·          US Show 2019 exibition, Blue Line Arts Gallery, Roseville, CA, November 16 – December 29, 2019

·          Small Work 2019 exibition, Limner Gallery, Hudson, NY, December 5-28, 2019

·         18^th Annual Gift Gallery 2019, Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg, CA November 23 - December 30, 2019

·         2019 Stunning exhibition, Las Laguna Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, December 2019

·         Alchemic Body: Fire, Air, Water, Earth 2019 exhibition, The Line Conteporary Art Space, London, England, December 20, 2010-January 31, 2020

Current:

·         Vend Arts exhibition "Material Zones" by 1805 Gallery, San Diego, CA

Upcomming:

·         Accepted to participate in Mission Federal Little Italy Art Walk as part of “Art Divas” team, April 2020, San Diego, CA

·         Accepted to participate in Art San Diego 2020 show, San Diego, CA, October 2020

Meet Artist Connie Romano

       

T-011 Color outside the lines by Connie Romano  oil 14x18 $245

 Spring Obsession 2020

        Expressing myself in the various forms of art has always been a part of my life.  My mother was a crafter.  My father created one painting when he was in Jr High that was just amazing in form, color, and depth.  He never pursued his talent with a brush but focused on science as his expression of creation. While neither of my parents was as obsessed with art as I am, they both had talent in creating and engaged in varied avenues of expression.

T-012  Just a touch  by Connie Romano  oil 8x10 $175

         

          I began drawing at a young age and always enjoyed it. I find it relaxing; a form of meditation, if you will.

        I did not, however, share that expression with anyone outside of my family until my husband, who was my greatest fan, encouraged me to submit several of my works to Ironstone.  Entry into the Spring Obsession is now an annual event for me.   The theme division is always a challenge as I find new ways to express the glory of a blooming daffodil.  And the open division allows me to present the diversity of what I create.

O-079 A Rose by Connie Romano oil 16x20 $575

         The competition is exciting but by no means the reason I submit every year.  I love coming up to this beautiful venue to wander among all the amazing art works that have been submitted by other artists and the glorious plantings maintained by Ironstone. I feel honored to have my works hang on the walls with such an array of expressions of the beauty that surrounds us.

Connie Carson-Romano

O-080 Calaveras Morning by Connie Romano acrylic 18x14 $325

O-081 Grandmas Bouquet by Connie Romano oil 10x13 $345

O-082 North Coast Break by Connie Romano acrylic 18x24 $435

Meet Artist Bradford L. Stone

Bradford L Stone Self taught Artist Valley Springs. CA Art is not a reality but a personal perspective of what you see.

O-100 Nature_by Brad Stone oil 18x24 $430 Delta College Ceramic and painting Classes Sacramento State College, Minored in Art (Art Education & figured drawing) School of Light and Color (Susan Sarback, seeing and painting approaches based on light) Experiences: Award winner of Bank of America (Pop Art) Calaveras County Fair (Best of Show and first in fine art category) California State Fair Cal-Expo Plein-Air painting participate and exhibit. Ironstone Winery Fine Annual Spring Obsession Arts Competition and Plein-Air Painting with Concourse De’Elegance Car Show. Ironstone Vineyard 21st. Annual Spring Obsession Art Show Family Merit Award. Calaveras County Arts Council Member O-102 Runaways by Brad Stone oil 20x48 $1014 O-101 Harvest_by Brad Stone acrylic 18x24 $430

Meet Artist Cindy Walker

Cindy Walker

Artist’s Statement

O-016  Granpa's Grapes  by Cindy Walker  cp 25x29 $849.

Grandpa’s Grapes…a few suspended moments buying time enough to ask, ‘Had this view been acknowledged for its warmth and grace, for its portrayal of life, before the inevitable fade?’ My only response to that query was to bring this impression to you.  After collaring my internal questions, I squeezed the warm seconds from the scene, apprehending and resting in the consequences of peace and refreshment.  I hope you will take away at least a portion of the rewards.

In this colored pencil presentation, I wished to pay homage to the simple sites often taken for granted. A spot of an all too familiar entanglement in nature. The levels of color employed is intended to show the warmth of the day while owning its balance of shade. Applied in layers, I encouraged the shapes and shadows to reach out as promised, yet now can stay intact.

 

My art background is diverse.  My Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art represents my vast interests and capabilities.  I’ve always felt driven to learn the rules which, in turn, gives me the freedom to break those rules.  Along with extensive experience is drawing and painting (employing watercolor or acrylic paints), I have completed studies in ceramics, sculpture and fiber arts involving handmade paper, fabric manipulations, dying techniques, weaving, and basketry.  I continually enjoy doing mixed medium pieces and eagerly return to those challenges when I am not illustrating. 

My related employment also reflects my artistic composition. From a substantial and rewarding career as an Interior Designer, I transitioned to illustrating children’s books for the Tempe School District.  My move back to California launched a venture into the wonderfully creative environment of the Electronic Game Industry, where I benefited greatly from the use of cutting edge technology in creating two and three dimensional art for the final game production—Each of the opportunities in my career as an artist continues to rekindle my creativity in ways that could not otherwise be gained.   

Meet Artist Jenny Briggs

Jenny Briggs

O-006 Poppy by Jenny Briggs  oil  36x48 $1400

 An oil painter for 25 years, Jenny is known for creating a story with her work.  Her unique style uses color, composition, and techniques that invite you to step into the story and linger a while to discover or imagine the little stories within.

O-007 Orange-Pansy- by Jenny Briggs  oil  36x36 $1200

 Jenny has participated in many shows and events, including “Big Names, Small Art” at the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento CA, Western Art Week in Great Falls, Montana, and most recently won Best in Show and Peoples Choice awards in the Folsom Arts Association Members Show in Folsom CA with her “Curious Grizzly” painting.

Believing that every painting she creates is a special gift for someone, Jenny says “I imagine that person as I paint, and I’m so excited that I have the honor of creating a treasure for them.  God gave me this gift to share, and I feel so honored to be the one to make this art.”

A collector recently stated, “…so rich in wonderful colors…her creative use of color in an unexpected way brilliantly enhances the subject.”

O-008 Spring-Bulbs  by Jenny Briggs  oil  30x24  $850

 To the question “What is your mission as an artist?”, Jenny answers, “It might seem too simplistic to some, but I love watching someone smile when they look at one of my paintings.  It means to me that it made them feel good, and that for a moment they are distracted from the hurts, worries, or stresses in their life.  I like that very much!”

Daffodil Season is Here!

Daffodil blooming season is here!

As you wander around our countryside, you can see daffodils growing - and many blooming already! Daffodil season is here! Different daffodils respond to our Spring climate in different ways. Each bulb has a natural trigger that causes it to begin to grow after a receiving a set amount of sun and rain. That means different types of daffodils can start to grow from early January to mid April in Northern California. The bulbs that get their required sun and rain each year become ‘naturalized’ – growing and blooming each year without external care.

This has a beneficial aspect for us who are gardeners! We can select bulbs of cultivars which will give us pleasing blooms and plant them in our garden – as well as in other areas where they will be seen but likely not be disturbed. All we need is knowledge of when they will bloom naturally. We are somewhat restricted; our sea level climate encourages early bloom starting in January, but it grows too warm to allow daffodils to bloom after the early days of April. Still, that is over three months of possible daffodil blooms! In the foothills and at elevations higher, daffodils bloom later – the higher the later!

Where can you learn about the blooms from a particular daffodil bulb before purchasing it? The American Daffodil Society has a no cost “encyclopedia” of daffodils at https://daffodilusa.org. Each bulb name has a description and its blooms shown in photographs! The normal time of bloom for the bulb is also listed. You need to jostle these dates somewhat. They are written from and for where the bulb is popularly grown – commonly the eastern USA states or Europe which are nearly two months later than our climate. For us “Early Season” here implies late February; “Mid-Season” means late March, and “Late Season” implies April. (In my home in Oakley, Late Season bulbs live only for the year planted – they are “cooked” by a splash of heat in early April!)

How can I select daffodils that will continue to grow in the future years?

In the past, garden centers and plant nurseries provided a decent number of different daffodil cultivars to select from. Even so, there was severe problem. The bulbs, grown in Holland, were selected for the entire USA – not for Northern California. They were for Mid-Season or Late Season growth – ignoring our need for Early Season growth.

Knowledgeable gardeners know there are catalogs of several specialist daffodil breeders from which to survey and purchase bulbs. The American Daffodil Society maintains a list of breeders from USA (7) and from England (9), Northern Ireland (2), Australia (6), and New Zealand (13). Many of the original USA classic breeders (eg, Mitsch, Evans, Pannill) have passed away. The ADS List does not guarantee satisfactory growth of bulbs purchased!

It’s to your advantage to use the ADS List to become familiar with daffodils in a catalog. The ADS List (DaffSeek) is on its website: https://daffodilusa.org. Once on the website, click on ‘Growing Daffodils’, then on ‘Bulb Sources’, and finally on ‘Specialty Bulb Growers’. Each grower is listed. The cultivars they sell are in their catalog; open the catalog, choose any bulb name, click on it and you’ll see the DaffSeek data for it. Photos of its blooms are there.

As of 10 February 2020, Oakwood Daffodils is the only breeder yet listing its varieties for sale in 2020. Some are Oakwood registrations; other varieties have been imported and naturalized in Niles (a final listing under Oakwood Daffodils [p.18] shows the ten cultivars I’m offering for sale in 2020). Other USA growers will also soon be placing their 2020 catalogs. Overseas growers will also place their lists. Many overseas sellers will have listings of cultivars they have registered. Part of the fun is reading all the catalogs – and perhaps even choosing to buy a few! Overseas purchases do require the addition of shipping fees.

Reprinted with permission by creator Bob Spotts, Northern California Daffodil Society

Meet Artist Linda R. Abbott

Linda R. Abbott

www.lindaabbottart.com

O-042 No Trespassing by Linda Abbott oil 18x22 $895

I have been painting for nearly 30 years---in watercolor, pastel, and oil---and consider myself primarily an oil painter at this stage.  I am a devoted plein air painter, preferring to paint out in the landscape above all else. To experience the surroundings in natural light, to observe, and to respond on canvas brings me great satisfaction. 

O-041 From-Fire-and-Ice by Linda Abbott oil 28x22x$1300

I have been a member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and the California Art Club.  Over the years, I have been juried into their regional and national exhibits.  I have also exhibited work in California in the Madera County “Celebrating Agriculture With Art” show, the Stockton Art League exhibit at the Haggin Museum, Yosemite Renaissance, Cal Expo Art Exhibit, and shows at the Carnegie Art Center in Turlock, CA.  I have also participated numerous times in juried paintouts in Carmel, Mendocino, and Sacramento.  All of these events/exhibits are juried, and I have received awards at most of them.

O-043 West-of-Pohono 2  by Linda Abbott oil 18x18 $1100

My husband and I lived and worked in Yosemite National Park for thirty years before moving to work in Yellowstone National Park for five years.  I currently split my time between Arnold, CA, and Merced in California's central valley. 



My work is currently shown at the Ridgeline Gallery in Mariposa and the Gallatin River Gallery in Big Sky, Montana, as well as on my website.

Meet Artist Patricia Gould

ANGEL   FIRE   DESIGNS

Patricia Gould

12620 Towner Ave NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87112    505-670-6364 patriciacgould@gmail.com    www.angelfiredesigns.com

O-035 A-Question-of-Balance_ by Patricia Gould MM 35x24 $2500

Patricia grew up in Bellport, NY and never wanted to be anything other than an artist. She was writing stories and illustrating them at 6 years old so it was natural that she majored in fine art and art history in college. 
 In 2005, Patricia was chosen to be an Artist-in-Residence for a month in Balatonfured, Hungary. In 2009, she was invited to exhibit her fiber art at the Florence Biennale. Included among the dozens of awards that Patricia has won for her fiber art, she won a Niche Award in 2008 and again in 2013. The State of New Mexico has purchased and installed 10 of Patricia’s landscapes as part of the Art in Public Places Program at various sites around New Mexico.

O-037 Moonrise-Shiprock by Patricia Gould MM 35x25 $2500

“My inspiration comes from travel in Asia, East Africa, Russia, Antarctica, and extensive travel throughout North America and Europe. I’m drawn to a few subjects in nature that I find perpetually intriguing and my voice is whispering a tribute to the incredible beauty in both the subtle and violent forces of nature, only touched by the hand of humans on rare occasions. I’m obsessively drawn to trees, rocks, all forms of water, and animals; I portray these subjects as if they were asking to me to reveal their messages to the world. 
 Although my first passion as an artist was photography, I spent over 20 years creating my visions in mixed media fiber art before deciding to concentrate my creative energy on paintings and photography. My paintings, photographs, and fiber art are dramatic portraits of Earth and I hope to draw the viewers into these scenes to share the exhilaration I feel and to cherish the wonders of the place we call home.”

Meet Artist Claudia Clow

Hi There, 

T-025 Leave her wild by Claudia Chow wc 11x15 $300

I’ve always been moved by art. For years I have been playing with Watercolor and enjoy & struggle with it’s surprises.

Strictly a novice, I’ve taken lessons from a variety of artists and

love to draw.


For many years my work was tight and controlled which has been my happy place. However when I retired three years ago I began

spending my Friday’s with a wonderful group of ladies that have

been a great support as I attempt to loosen up. It has not been

easy.

O-060 Louis by Claudia Clow wc 15x11 $1200

This is my very first competition and it was a thrill to be accepted.



Cheers,

Claudia Clow

Meet Artist Angela Harmon

                   Angela Harmon 

T-023  Spring by Angela Harmon mm 8x10 $155

T-024 Daffodils in the Chapel by Angela Harmon wc 10x14 $265

Angela Harmon is a 1999 transplant from the Bay Area.  She and her husband have transformed their property on historic Main Street in Douglas Flat, including her art studio with origins from an 1850’s cabin.  Angela’s art studio was the original home on the property. 

O-075 Friends by Angela Harmon wc 9x12 $235

Flowers and the bones of a garden is art to Angela.  Vibrant color plus structure detail portrays the language of Angela’s watercolor, collage and mixed media paintings. She draws upon her experience and design concepts of competitive flower show arranging and floral creations for weddings.  Her abundant flower gardens are an everchanging source of inspiration for creating painting designs of color, values and detail.  

O-074 Dogwoods in the Forest by Angela Harmon wc 9x12 $235

Although primarily self-taught and continually learning, Angela has been fortunate to study fundamental design and value techniques under local fine artist Judie Cain.  She also studied with fine artist Elizabeth St. Hilaire, a signature member of the National Collage Society, and an award-winning collage artist.  Ms. St. Hilaire teaches worldwide her collage design concepts and mono printing techniques for creating unique papers for collage paintings.  Angela is currently studying with watercolor artist Angela Fehr.

Angela has exhibited her paintings at the Ironstone Spring Obsession art show and the gallery shows of the Calaveras County Arts Council.  She is a member of the Arts Council and has also participated in their open studio tours. 



In the Fall of 2019, Angela began participating as a gallery artist at the Manzanita Arts Emporium in Angels Camp.  Her watercolor, collage and mixed media paintings are on display at the gallery. 

Meet Artist Marilyn Wear

Marilyn Wear

NWS WW TWSA CWA ASMA

Signature member of National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, California Watercolor Association, American Society of Marine Artists Artist member of The California Art Club Associate Member of Society of Animal Artists   

O-054 Horsetail_Falls_at_Sunset_ by  Marilyn Wear wc 11x16  $700

O-053 Yosemite Splendor  by  Marilyn Wear wc  16x20 $1850

From the time Marilyn could hold a crayon, she loved drawing and coloring. Her favorite subjects were horses and characters from her favorite cartoon shows and comic strips. She received her first professional oil paint set when she was ten years old and taught herself how to use it by reading several "How to Paint with Oils" books. She knew then that she wanted to become a professional artist when she grew up. She was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where art was always her favorite subject.  She graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, and worked as an advertising artist/illustrator until 2003, when she  left her last job in commercial art to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time fine artist. She went back to her oils, but then soon discovered the wonderful works being done with transparent watercolors, and took a few workshops from some of her favorite watercolor artists. She started entering national shows with her watercolors and her work won immediate recognition, winning awards in juried shows around the country.  In 2005 she was selected as a signature member of the highly respected National Watercolor Society. She has since been selected for signature membership in Watercolor West, California Watercolor Association, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and the American Society of Marine Artists.

 Although she still also paints with oil and acrylics, her favorite medium for studio work is transparent watercolor, where she uses a technique of layering many glazes of watercolor to create richness and depth, while retaining a glowing vibrancy. She finds some of her best subject matter close to home in her garden and in the Sierra Nevada mountains, particularly the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite National Park. She has a special interest in painting birds and wildlife, especially the sea turtles of Hawaii,  and is honored to have been selected as a juried member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists in 2016, and Artist member of the California Art Club.  Her style is realistic with an emphasis on capturing the light, color and mood of her chosen subject. 

To view more of her work, visit www.marilynwear.com

Ironstone's 23rd Annual Spring Obsession Art Show & Sale

Ironstone's 23rd annual Spring Obsession Art Show & Sale is in high gear for Opening March 7th & 8th.  

Entries are in, jury panels have completed their votes and Accepted Artists have been notified.  Once the original paintings have arrived, labeled and hung, the show will be ready!

Here on our blog we will be posting biographies of the artists as they come in along with images of their accepted pieces.

Your positive and encouraging comments are most welcome by both the artists and viewers. They work very hard on these pieces of art and deserve your kudos!  So don't hesitate to share.

Do note that all paintings are available for sale. We recommend you come to the opening on March 7th or 8th, meet the artists and see the paintings you are interested in in person.  They are so much more vibrant and exciting up close.

When you browse the Gallerias, you will notice this show is quite different than many gallery shows. Spring Obsession features art work from both beginning artists as well as artists well known throughout the United States and Canada. We hope you are able to come to visit the participating artists March 7 & 8.

Mark your calendar.  There is also that Saturday a grand "Food & Wine Pairing" event that ties in with the Artist Reception and unveiling of the 2020 Ironstone Obsession poster along with the Northern California Daffodil Society Spring Flower Show. With over 1500 varieties of cut daffodils, you will find plenty to discover at Ironstone.

Today's June Vaughn Arrival!

Today was special delivery day!  

We received our newest Vaughn Pottery piece.  June calls this piece "Supremes".   

It was thrown with Brooklyn red clay which is known for its heavy texture and wonderful red color, evident through the underglazes.  June carved and distorted the clay to achieve their bodies and designs.  She then used underglazes and a bright color palette to duplicate the color used in the fabrics. 

The design flows effortlessly onto the reverse side with two additional ladies carried out in similar color palatte.

Sping Obsession Art Show

Ironstone Vineyard's 23rd Annual Spring Obsession Art Show is off to a great start.  Theme Division entries are in with letters going out to accepted artists later this week. Accepted artists will be delivering their original paintings to Ironstone within the next several weeks, giving the Kautz Family and Marketing Department time to view the originals and decide which will become the Winner and promotional poster for the Obsession Brand for 2020.  The winner will be unveiled at the Food & Wine Pairing event on Opening Saturday, March 7th.  Best to make your reservations early as this event always sells out.

If you are an artist or know an artist, panic not!  You still have plenty of time to get those Open Division entries in.  Due date for these is Saturday, February 1, 2020.  You most certainly can get them in earlier.  Already, many beautiful submission have come in ready to be reviewed by the two review panels. Once accepted into the show, Open Division art works stand a chance to win one of three prizes. First place, $1000.  Second place, $500.  Third place $250.

You may download your entry form from the OPEN Division page above, email cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com for a pdf of the entry or go online to Ironstone's website, www.ironstonevineyards.com and enter there.

Opening weekend, March 7 & 8, accepted artists have a unique opportunity to set up their own booth space inside Ironstone's Alhambra Music Room to display and sell more of their originals, prints or other handmade art projects.  Visitors will have the opportunity to see a broader range of each of the artists works and styles. Artists are on hand to answer questions, demonstrate their techniques and provide a one on one experience for guests. A rare opportunity for all to share and explore art.

If you have any questions about the entry or event, please don't hesitate to email cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com

Mark you calendars now!

Entry Deadline Open Division, February 1.  Event Opening, March 7 & 8.  Food & Wine Pairing event, March 7.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from all of us to all of you!  

Rachael says Merry New Years too!

She is ready to party!

Merry Christmas

The Kautz Family and staff of Ironstone Vineyards wish you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!

Museum Maggie is Santa's helper this year 

and wants you all to have a Woof'n Holiday!

Ironstone will be closed Christmas day so we can all enjoy the Holiday with our families. See you Thursday!

New Vaughn Pottery piece arrives

Just in!  Here at Ironstone's Heritage Museum we are celebrating the newest arrival from Artist June Vaughn.  

This beautiful piece is thrown on the potters wheel with Brooklyn red which is a heavily iron saturated clay. Carved with spaces for the four beautiful cabochon stones the wet clay lends itself easily to June's careful and artist touch.  

This piece is graced with 4 valuable polished stones which include an ocean jasper, poppy jasper, crazylace agate and a dendrite agate. 

After the bisque and glaze firings the pot is painted and the stones are set in place.. the artwork carving, painting and design is done by June Vaughn . The throwing is done by Rob Sorrin.   

This piece is available for purchase at Ironstone Heritage Museum, listed at $585.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday, Dec. 22nd.  Ironstone Vineyards will be hosting the Suzuki School of Northern California Music School's rendetition of "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" with 2 performances. One at 4 pm, the other at 7 pm.  

These performances are open to the public at no charge. Expect standing room only as this is an annual event drawing "seats full" spectators. 

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols tells the Christmas story through lively readings and music that epitomizes hope, goodwill and joy.  This performance will include adult & children's Violin and Choral.

Ironstone Vineyards and Ironstone's Heritage Museum will both be open Sunday evening till 8:00 pm, featuring exclusive discounts on jewelry & gift items.

A special "Intermission Menu" will be available as well.

Do stop by, enjoy the show and get a bit of last minute shopping done.

If you would like more information on the Suzuki School, please click on the link below.

https://www.suzukicalifornia.com/more-about-us