Local Talent, Inspired Learning: Meet the Artist Instructors at Alabama Art Supply

by Elizabeth Ragona. © 2025 Alabama Art Supply.

At Alabama Art Supply, we believe art education should be personal, hands-on, and rooted in the community. That’s why our workshops and weekly classes are led by local, working artists who bring both skill and passion to the table. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or exploring new techniques, our instructors are here to inspire, challenge, and support you.

From watercolor and printmaking to mixed media and creative journaling, our workshops are designed for artists of all experience levels. Get to know the amazing talent behind the easels—each one brings something special to our teaching studio.

Chris Cruz  •  Ronald Lewis  •  Susan Oliver  •  Lisa Opielinski  •  Cynthia Parsons  •  Susan Ripp

🎨 Susan Ripp

Teaches: Guided Watercolor Class
Class Style: In Susan’s guided classes, all students work on the same project during each session, learning specific techniques step-by-step.
Class Medium: Watercolor
Known For: Teaching watercolor techniques in a clear, accessible way for students at every level—from beginners to professionals.
Where to Follow: @susanrippstudio on Instagram
Teaching Style: Susan provides a structured learning experience that builds confidence while exploring creative possibilities.

Susan Ripp is a retired high school art teacher and lifelong artist who brings decades of experience and passion to every creative endeavor. She holds a degree in Painting and Art Education from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Ceramics from the University of Montevallo. In addition to her work in the classroom, Susan has built a vibrant career as a professional artist, muralist, ceramicist, and sculptor.

For more than ten years, she led adult Raku pottery classes, mentoring many students who have gone on to successful careers as artists. Her commitment to teaching has not only shaped others’ artistic paths but also deeply enriched her own life and practice. Susan often says her love for art and teaching are equal—and inseparable.

Now retired from full-time teaching, Susan continues to nurture creativity through oil painting classes for adults and sessions for high school students preparing for college-level art programs or simply exploring their passion for the visual arts. She views this phase of life as an exciting opportunity to reconnect with her own artistic voice—creating personal work inspired by the world around her.

Susan lives with her husband on Smith Lake in Houston, Alabama, surrounded by the natural beauty that fuels her creativity. She teaches classes in both Birmingham and Arley, and considers it a dream come true to spend her days immersed in nature, art, and community. This site serves as a journal of her evolving artistic journey and a celebration of the many students who continue to share that journey with her.

For information about Susan Ripp's weekly classes, click here.

🎨 Susan Oliver

Teaches: Open Studio Class – Acrylics & Oils
Class Style: Students bring in their own projects and receive one-on-one support as needed.
Class Mediums: Acrylic & Oil
Known For: A calm, encouraging teaching style that helps students strengthen their skills while staying true to their personal style.
Where to Follow: Susan Oliver Watercolors on Facebook
Next Class: Weekly open studio sessions (call or visit the store to inquire about openings)

Susan Oliver is a Birmingham-born artist whose creative journey spans continents and mediums. A lifelong traveler with a deep appreciation for culture and color, Oliver has studied at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, and Florida State University’s program in Florence, Italy. Her passion for art and culture has taken her across Europe, with extended residences in France, Italy, and Austria—including time living in Paris and tutoring the children of the French Consul General in Rome.

While living in Vienna, Oliver immersed herself in painting, seeking guidance from instructors of the Hundertwasser class at the Vienna Academy of Painting. Her artistic voice—bold, expressive, and full of movement—was heavily shaped by German Expressionism and painters like Kandinsky, Kokoschka, Schiele, and Matisse.

Susan Oliver’s work has been widely exhibited, both in the United States and abroad. In Vienna, she presented at The Gallery Synthese and with The Bawag Foundation for the Arts during the Festival of the Arts, with exhibitions opened by Dr. Walter Koschatzky, then director of the Albertina Museum. Her paintings are held in corporate and private collections across the U.S. and Europe, with notable commissions from John Portman and The Portman Hotel in San Francisco, BellSouth, Sumitomo Corporation of America, and Bawag Bank in Vienna.

Gango Editions of Portland, Oregon, published prints of her artwork, and she was selected to design wine labels for Austria’s renowned Kracher Wines. Her designs also graced the official City Stages posters in 1995, 1997, and 2001, reflecting her deep ties to Birmingham’s creative community.

In addition to painting, Oliver has explored other artistic expressions—including writing and illustrating the children’s book Gelbo’s World: Remembering Colors, a playful celebration of creativity and imagination. More recently, she began designing jewelry as wearable art, featuring semi-precious stones and sterling wire wrap. In 2015, her jewelry was selected for the prestigious Kessler Collection at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

To Oliver, art is not confined to canvas—it’s a full expression of the spirit. Whether through brushstroke, book, or bold jewelry design, her work invites others to explore their own creative voice.

“I have always loved fashion. To me it is as much a statement about the art of one’s spirit as it is about physical adornment. Be Bold – Be Beautiful – From my spirit to yours…”
– Susan Oliver

For information about Susan Oliver's weekly classes, click here.

🎨 Ronald Lewis

Teaches: Open Studio Class – Watercolor, Acrylic & Oil
Class Style: Students work on projects of their choice with personalized instruction throughout each class.
Class Mediums: Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil
Known For: Bold, expressive work and a relaxed, supportive teaching environment
Where to Follow: @ronlewisart on Instagram
Fun Fact: Ronald encourages students to “leave perfection at the door” and embrace freedom and experimentation in their work.

Ron Lewis is an award-winning painter whose work in oil, watercolor, and acrylic has garnered national and international acclaim. A graduate of the University of Montevallo in Alabama, Lewis has received over 95 awards for his art and is an elected signature member of the prestigious American Watercolor Society.

His work has been featured in major exhibitions across the country, including Watercolor U.S.A., the Alabama and Southern Watercolor Societies, Rocky Mountain Watercolor Society, Mainstreams, and the Birmingham Art Association. He has also been honored with a place in the Dixieland Watercolor and Drawing Show and was one of only 100 artists selected to exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution through the National Park Academy of the Arts.

In addition to his paintings, Lewis has illustrated two books: My Country Roads by Lou Brown, which quickly sold out, and Papa’s Old Trunk by Mary Butler. His illustrations and paintings have been featured in Revue Moderne in Paris, Southern Accents, Birmingham Magazine, The Artist Magazine, American Artist, and American Artist Acrylic Highlights.

Ron Lewis’s work can be found in esteemed public and private collections, including the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Columbus Museum in Georgia, and the Fine Arts Museum of the South in Mobile, Alabama. His corporate collectors include Sonat, the Bank of Japan, and the Boborfoush Collection, among others throughout the United States and internationally. He has been an Honored Artist at the Birmingham Festival of the Arts and has presented numerous solo exhibitions across the U.S. and in Tokyo, Japan.

He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, a testament to his longstanding contributions to the visual arts and his respected place in the contemporary American art scene.

For information about Ron Lewis' weekly classes, click here.

🎨 Cynthia Massey Parsons

Teaches: Open Studio Class – All Media
Class Style: Highly customizable. Cynthia helps students select materials, develop projects, and build professional-level skills in the medium of their choice.
Mediums: Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, Pencil, Travel Photography, Art Journaling
Known For: Her wide-ranging expertise and ability to meet each student exactly where they are—whether just starting or preparing for professional exhibitions.
Where to Follow: Cynthia Parsons Fine Art on Facebook
Teaching Style: Gentle, thorough, and intuitive—with a deep knowledge of materials and how to grow an artist’s confidence.

Cynthia Massey Parsons is a celebrated Southern artist known for her expressive portraiture, vibrant abstracts, and floral works. Her art has received international acclaim, including selection as the official poster artist for the 1996 Olympic Soccer Games and recognition by the Vatican for her portrait of Pope John Paul II. Her work is held in private and public collections, including that of former First Lady Laura Bush.

A graduate of Florida State University with a BA in Art, Parsons is a Silver Signature Member of the Watercolor Society of Alabama and has exhibited in juried shows, galleries, and museums across the U.S. Her creative reach spans from fine art to published books, Olympic posters, courtroom sketches, and educational contributions to causes like the American Cancer Society and United Cerebral Palsy.

Cynthia is also a passionate educator, teaching at institutions such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama Art Supply, and Burritt Museum on the Mountain. She continues to offer workshops and presentations, inspiring others through her bold artistic voice and deep commitment to the arts.

For information about Cynthia Parsons' weekly classes, click here.

🎨 Chris Cruz

Teaches: Guided Workshops – Watercolor, Acrylic, Mixed Media, and Surface Design
Class Style: All students work on a shared project that they can customize. Ideal for learning new techniques, tools, or themes in a relaxed workshop format.
Mediums & Materials: Watercolor, acrylic, ink, pencil, marker, collage, silk scarves
Surface Design: Watercolor paper, canvas board, and silk
Affiliations: Golden Artist Educator and Silver Brush Artist Ambassador
Known For: Playful, energetic classes with a focus on creative freedom, professional materials, and colorful results
Where to Follow: @chriscruzcreative on Instagram

Chris Cruz is a passionate painter and art educator with over 35 years of experience inspiring others through creativity. Her journey began as a stay-at-home mom looking for a fun outlet—one painting class was all it took to ignite a lifelong love of art. Since then, Chris has dedicated herself to exploring the transformative power of the paintbrush and sharing that gift with others.

After moving to Alabama six years ago to be near family, Chris found new energy in the beauty of the state and the warmth of its people. With more time to focus fully on her art, she quickly earned national recognition. She was selected as a GOLDEN Artist Educator, one of only 20 artists chosen across the U.S. and Canada. Her training in New Orleans with GOLDEN paints was a life-changing experience, further cementing her role as both artist and teacher. Chris was later honored again as an Artist Educator for Silver Brush Ltd., deepening her expertise and expanding her influence.

Chris is dedicated to introducing others to the healing, empowering nature of painting—especially women discovering or reclaiming their creativity. She regularly teaches workshops and classes across Alabama and beyond, leads corporate events, and collaborates on community art fundraisers. Her joyful, encouraging teaching style helps people of all skill levels tap into their artistic side.

She is an active member of the Mountain Brook Art Association, Shelby County Arts Council, Montgomery Artist Guild, Chilton County Art Association, and Middle Tennessee Decorative Artists Group. You’ll find her teaching at Alabama Art Supply, the Shelby County Arts Council, and the Chilton County Artists Guild, as well as traveling throughout Florida, Tennessee, and other regions to bring creativity to new communities.

To find out about Chris Cruz's next workshop, click here.

🎨 Lisa Opielinski

Teaches: Guided Workshops – Gel Plate Printing, Mixed Media, Acrylic, and Experimental Surfaces
Class Style: Project-based workshops where students explore materials and methods together, with room to modify and personalize results.
Mediums & Materials: Acrylic, collage, pencil, ink, cut paper
Surface Design: Ampersand panels, canvas board, watercolor paper
Affiliations: Ampersand Artist Ambassador and Princeton Brush Artist Affiliate
Known For: Encouraging creative risk-taking and experimentation with tools, layering, and surface texture
Where to Follow: @lisao.art on Instagram

Lisa Opielinski is a full-time professional artist whose career spans more than 30 years. Based in central Alabama, she began painting professionally while raising her son, and her creative journey has since taken her across the Southeast, where she’s become known for her skill, versatility, and artistic vision.

Lisa’s work includes a wide range of mediums and techniques, from decorative finishes and murals to highly detailed Trompe L’oeil. Her signature style can be found on the walls, ceilings, and cabinetry of some of Alabama’s most elegant homes. In addition to her interior work, she also accepts private commissions, creating custom pieces that include portraits, home renderings, botanicals, abstracts, and more.

Her material palette is just as varied as her subject matter, spanning oil, acrylic, watercolor, fiber, crushed stone, metal, charcoal, and graphite. Whether she’s painting on canvas, paper, or fabric, Lisa approaches each project with deep curiosity and technical knowledge. “Art isn’t just painting a picture,” she explains. “I love researching materials and understanding how to use them to achieve a specific effect. Knowing their strengths—and their limitations—is part of the art.”

With a passion for experimentation and a deep respect for craft, Lisa continues to inspire others through her work and her thoughtful approach to the creative process.

To find out about Lisa Opielinski's next workshop, click here.

✨ Ready to Join a Class or Workshop?

Visit our Workshops & Events Page to see what’s coming up next! Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned artist looking to try something new, there’s a class here for you—taught by some of Birmingham’s most inspiring local artists.

Need supplies? Our team is happy to help you find everything you need before your first session.

 

Alabama Art Supply is your one-stop shop for all things art! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, we have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life. From paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, custom framing, and more—if you’re looking for art supplies, we’ve got you covered. Don’t see what you need? Just reach out to us at 205-322-4741—we’re happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for!

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