Hello!  

We are Adam and Allison Gent, new owners of Big Picture.  We have 3 children- Jace, Stella, and Camden. We have lived in North Liberty for several years, and keep busy with our pets (2 cockatiels-Dusty and Pearl, 2 guinea pigs- Oreo and S'more, and our dog Bader), traveling (preferably to a beach), various sports, and music lessons (Bass, violin, guitars, and piano).  Our kids have attended the studio since it opened 7 years ago.  We love the opportunities art provides for our kids.  Adam has a passion for business and Allison for art- so we made the decision to buy Big Picture and keep this valuable space in our community.

There are many valuable lessons our children learn through art- such as working through mistakes, problem solving, celebrating the differences of others, and building a natural confidence in themselves.  Art is healing for those struggling.  Art brings feelings of joy, accomplishment, and appreciation. Art is a way to bring out the best versions of ourselves.

Our mission of Big Picture is to continue what Becky (founder of Big Picture) started-  offering a fun and uplifting place in our community for people to gather, learn, and be creative.  We plan to give back to our community through donations, volunteering, and by offering new opportunities.

Leah Stitt,
Instructor

Art has always been a passion of mine as well as early childhood development, working with children of all ages for many years in childcare. I am in awe of all the different ways you can express yourself through art and I thoroughly enjoy helping young artists find their own unique style! I have been working at Big Picture since August of 2023 and couldn’t imagine a better place to spend my time doing the things I love, creating art, teaching and inspiring young minds!

My favorite art mediums include; fiber arts, ceramics, collage and abstract ink art. I also love expressing myself through switching up my hair color, being a former hair stylist! 

During my free time I enjoy hanging out with my 2 cats Timmy and Maevis, practicing yoga, creating functional art with clay and crocheting by my fireplace -:)

Lexi Moon,
Instructor

Since moving to North Liberty in 2022 with my associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, I have been continuing my education at the University of Iowa. Currently pursuing a BA in Studio Art and Art Education, I anticipate graduating in fall 2025 with licensure to teach K–12, along with a Teacher Leader Certificate in Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health. With over 5 years of diverse childcare and teaching roles, from nanny and summer camp counselor to painting instructor and lead teacher for a before-and-after school program, I am deeply committed to merging my passion for art with the joy of education. My overarching goal is to inspire individuals not only to appreciate and create art but also to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the creative process. Whether in the classroom or in my personal artistic endeavors, I am dedicated to fostering a community where individuals can explore, learn, and thrive together. From painting and ceramics to printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and beyond, I encourage students to experiment and discover their unique artistic voice.

Bree Neyland,
Instructor

Bree is a public artist who loves working with people, doing murals, drawing birds and reptiles, reading science fiction, growing weird plants, and looking after her menagerie. She is passionate about teaching and has taught literature for many years. She recently obtained an art and art education degree to further pursue her passion for teaching and art.

Allison Fischer,
Instructor

Hello! I started college in Fall of 2021. I always had a huge appreciation for art and began my degree in Ceramics. I use both the ceramics wheel and hand building techniques in my practice. While in college, I was inspired by past teachers and decided to double major in Art Education my junior year. I love teaching children art. My favorite part about being a teacher is learning alongside my students and improving everyday alongside them. It is my goal to create a space where students can feel free to create and explore the wide range of mediums Art has to offer. 

When I am not teaching I am playing board games, reading, spending time in nature, or doing a puzzle!