Artist of the Month
Patrick Noyes, Sarah Bennett, Dru Bradford, Dave McElroy, and Linsday McElroy - April 2026
STUDIO 395 Foundation was nominated for Best Non-Profit of the Year by the Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce for 2025 and attended the Chamber of Commerce banquet on March 14, 2026. Dru Bradford, STUDIO 395 Special Events Coordinator, acknowledged the nomination stating "At our cultural celebrations, when we look out at our guests' smiling faces, we know we've done our job bringing art to life! We have an outstanding crew of dedicated artists in every media. We invite our local artists to come together at our Creative Revival Art Walk - the third Saturday of the Month at The Outlets at Lake Elsinore 4-8pm in the Garden Courtyard in front of our H185 storefront, The Gap and the Lake Elsinore Interim Library.
Patrick Noyes - March 2026
Patrick Noyes is an interdisciplinary artist devoted to the exploration of love and the interconnectedness of life on this planet — what it means to be human, not just to survive, but to truly live. His work emerges from a simple but profound impulse: to dive into the depths of the present moment and invite others to play there, too.
At the heart of Patrick’s creative life is storytelling — not merely as craft, but as a way of remembering who we are. Whether through fiction, autobiography, performance, or physical space, his art is guided by a reverence for the ever-alive child within and a belief that wonder is not something we outgrow, but something waiting to be embraced.
Patrick began his artistic path as a writer in college, working across genres from magical realism to deeply personal nonfiction. A fantasy epic — rooted in myth, meaning, and transformation — is currently in development.
His journey expanded into collaborative performance with the Ophelia Theatre Group in Lake Elsinore, where he discovered the alchemy of ensemble storytelling. It was through the act of play that he met his future wife, Sarah Bennett, founder and executive director of the company. He later performed in numerous dramatic and musical productions throughout the region before moving with Ophelia to New York City in 2011 to continue developing his craft.
After returning to Lake Elsinore in 2020, Patrick turned toward woodworking, set-building, and fine carpentry — discovering in the physical act of building another form of storytelling. Through his work with STUDIO 395 at the Outlets, he now helps shape immersive environments designed to transport, awaken, and inspire. For Patrick, art is not separate from life; it is the act of inhabiting it fully. His purpose remains simple: to create spaces — written, performed, or built — where presence becomes palpable and beauty shines like a beacon to our shared humanity.
Miss B - February 2026
Miss B is an artist and art educator based in Lake Elsinore, California. Born in Long Beach and raised in Virginia Beach, she returned to the West Coast 17 years ago, where she continues to build a body of work rooted in experimentation, materials, and hands-on process.
She has worked in art her entire life and focuses primarily on acrylic painting, mixed media, watercolor, colored pencil, and ink. Her practice spans murals, canvas work, resin, polymer clay and handmade jewelry, sewing and costumes, baking cakes and treats, wood burning, wood yard art, spray paint space-scapes, drawing, functional and seasonal art. She moves fluidly between fine art and process-driven creation.
Her public work includes the window impressionistic poppy murals at The Outlets and an exterior mural on Collier Avenue in front of the Outlets at Lake Elsinore, as well as private murals in children’s rooms and a hookah lounge in Corona.
Miss B is the founder and instructor of Mommy & Me Art Academy, where she teaches children and caregivers to engage with art through exploration rather than perfection. Her work is influenced by nature and a particular fascination with birds. She lives and works proudly in Lake Elsinore alongside STUDIO 395. Stay up to date and view more of her work @ThePaintedCoyote on instagram
David Ross - January 2026
David Ross is a seasoned voice actor whose passion for performance began at an early age and has continued to evolve throughout his career. Known for his versatility, David developed a strong ear for character voices, dialects, and text interpretation while working in theater from a young age—an aptitude first nurtured while assisting his father with memorizing lines for local productions.
His formal training began with the Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music’s Muse Machine Program, followed by appearances in local and regional productions, including tours with the Sorg Opera Company. While in college, he earned an Irene Ryan nomination for his work in The Laramie Project, directed by Chuck Derry.
Driven by a deep love of language and storytelling, David continued his training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts on the Hollywood campus, where he studied with leading instructors and expanded his approach to character and vocal technique.
Today, David remains committed to growth as both an artist and educator, continuing to study, teach, and participate in workshops—embracing the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
Lisa Baglia - October 2025
Lisa Baglia has dedicated her life to helping people discover balance, resilience, and positivity. With over 35 years of experience as a Reiki practitioner and more than 20 years teaching Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), she has guided countless individuals toward greater well-being and personal growth.
She is also the author of more than 15 children’s books that share uplifting messages of kindness, confidence, and hope. Her creative work reflects her lifelong passion for encouraging others to see the best in themselves and the world around them.
In addition to her writing and healing practice, Lisa gives back to the community by offering a free EFT Tapping class every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Lakeland Village Community Center—open to all ages.
Through her teaching, writing, and community work, Lisa Baglia continues to spread encouragement and positivity wherever she goes.
CEO Rebecca Esquibel - September 2025
We honor Rebecca Esquibel for her passion, dedication, and cultural wisdom, which she has generously shared with STUDIO 395 and the Lake Elsinore community. From the very beginning, Rebecca has made it her mission to educate others about the true meaning of Día de los Muertos and to dispel common misconceptions—reminding us all that it is not “Mexican Halloween,” but a sacred tradition of remembrance and celebration of life.
In 2021, she introduced us to this tradition with a heartfelt ofrenda she created in honor of her father, complete with his favorite canned peaches and cigar. That act of love perfectly captured the soul of Día de los Muertos—honoring those who have passed with offerings that reflect their lives and joys.
Last year, Rebecca took her vision even further. With courage and creativity, she gathered family, friends, and business associates to participate in the Lake Elsinore Procession. She designed traditional dresses, headpieces, suits, and high hats, commissioned original guitar music, and wrote a moving commentary to guide audiences through the symbolism and importance of this glorious Hispanic tradition.
Her inspiration has sparked a wave of creativity across our community. She has motivated artists like Lisa & Elizabeth Baglia, authors of Alebrije Dreams, encouraged Jesse Schenck to paint Bonehead Bob—the centerpiece of the Cultural Center Ofrenda—and inspired Cesar Castaneda to lead artists with developmental disabilities in crafting vibrant alebrijes. Paper-mâché artist Janene Vlach brought 16-foot Catrinas to life, while Drew Lagoa and Ryan Nguyen painted stunning 8-foot murals of Catrinas and Catrins. Even the local Low Rider car clubs joined in, creating mobile ofrendas that added a unique and heartfelt touch to the celebration.
Rebecca often insists, “I am not an artist.” Yet many of us disagree. Her vision, dedication, and commitment to keeping traditions alive through the arts prove otherwise. She is a driving force behind our STUDIO 395 crew—reminding us that art takes many forms, and that true artistry lies in the ability to inspire others.
For all she has given—her time, her creativity, her leadership, and most of all her heart—we celebrate and honor Rebecca Esquibel, CEO of STUDIO 395.
Sarah Bennett - August 2025
Sarah Victoria Bennett is an actor, playwright, director, and theatre producer. Since 2003, she has owned and operated her own company, The Ophelia Theatre Group, which she founded in her hometown of Lake Elsinore, California. In 2011, the company—along with 15 members—relocated to the neighborhood of Astoria in New York City, where they produced plays, musicals, and original works for nearly a decade. Now settled back in Lake Elsinore, Sarah and her company are enjoying an exciting new chapter as they continue to originate and produce theatrical experiences for their local community.
In keeping with her love of music and entertainment, Sarah has also run her own karaoke hosting business for the past 14 years and has coordinated countless fundraisers and themed events. Outside of show business, she enjoys interior design, home organizing, and making her own jewelry. Above all, she values quality time with family and friends and is passionate about making meaningful contributions to society through compassion, connection, and creativity.
Travis Johnson - June 2025
Travis Johnson: A Rising Star on the Stage and Beyond
Born in Virginia and a Californian since the tender age of two and a half, Travis Johnson is a dynamic young performer with a passion for musical theater. Family is a cornerstone of Travis's life, and he cherishes spending time with his two siblings, his friends and his two beloved dogs.
Travis's passion for performance extends beyond formal stages, he's an avid karaoke singer. It was during one such karaoke night that his talent shone brightly, leading to a pivotal discovery, which resulted in an invitation to be the headlining performer at Lake Elsinore's Dia De Los Muertos Festival in November 2024.
Travis is eagerly preparing to delight audiences as he takes on the comedic and endearing role of Donkey in the Norris Performing Arts Center's upcoming production of Shrek Jr The Musical. This marks another exciting chapter in his burgeoning stage career.
Audiences may recognize Travis from his impressive array of past roles, where he has consistently showcased his versatility and talent. He has previously charmed as the energetic Perch Perkins in The Spongebob Musical, brought the studious Nigel to life in Matilda Jr. The Musical, embodied the joyful Michael in Elf Jr, and illuminated the stage as the suave Lumiere in Beauty and The Beast Jr.
Beyond his captivating performances, Travis is a dedicated student of the craft. He has honed his skills through training in Tap, Broadway dance, and Jazz, adding precision and flair to his stage presence. His commitment to excellence extends to competing in Triple Threat competitions, where he showcases his well-rounded abilities in acting, singing, and dancing. Keep an eye on this talented young performer as he continues to shine!
Jesse Schenck - May 2025
Jesse is an aspiring artist local to Lake Elsinore. While growing up he drew inspiration from the most influential and imaginative innovators known throughout history of time and space. As the years passed by, he perfected a style that is distinguishable from the infinite talents of other developing artists. With a devotion to the mystique, he continues to create a peculiar collection of paintings and productions that captivate the perplexity of this questionable reality.
“Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth”
— Pablo Picasso
Current varieties of work include concepts, visions, and dreams of a unified community of people connected by hope, love, and imagination.
Janene Vlach - April 2025
STUDIO 395 is proud to present an extraordinary multi-media artist, Janene Vlach, whose latest artistic endeavors excite the eyes of their beholders and inspire their imaginations.
Janene’s unique style began in high school where she combined skills learned in leather shop with life drawing, bronze, and ceramic sculpture. Her exploration of dimensional art spanned jewelry fabrication and glass blowing in college. In 2016, after retiring from her self-owned preschool in Lake Elsinore, Janene started to explore her artistic passion with renewed vigor. She joined the ranks of STUDIO 395 artists and volunteered her passion for decorating for holidays to innumerable events: Dia De Los Muertos at Lakeland Village Community Center and on Main Street with The City of Lake Elsinore; Christmas at the Outlets of Lake Elsinore: “Elf U”; and many interactive art maze events.
A public art advocate, Janene is always an inspiration to collaborative group projects. Paper mache captured her interest recently and she led the STUDIO 395 construction of two 18’ tall Catrinas for the Lake Elsinore 2022 Dia De Los Muertos.
Janene has explored a new found passion in acrylic pours which she explains to have a “therapeutic value that has changed me. Although I have a lot to learn, this has been another fulfilling experience. I can’t wait to see what opens up for me next.” She is no longer offering acrylic pour classes on a regular basis, but interested students can contact STUDIO 395 to set up an appointment.
Janene’s latest adventure involves creating a paper mache replica of the beloved Lake Elsinore Sea Serpent which will curl around the pillars of the Cultural Center for the Lake Elsinore Bunny Trunk Hop and the preview of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society History Days.
Elizabeth Baglia - March 2025
Elizabeth Baglia, the creator of Art of Ascension, is an artist with seven years of experience blending digital art and photography to craft otherworldly creations. Her work brings the fantastical to life, inspiring her audience to reconnect with the magic and wonder they dreamt of as children.
Elizabeth’s artistic journey began with angel portraits, deeply personal pieces that reflected a blend of spiritual connection and creative expression. These early works were not just art—they were gateways to something greater, a way for people to see themselves in a new, more radiant light. These portraits set the foundation for her passion: creating art that resonates on an emotional and imaginative level.
For Elizabeth, art is about storytelling and transformation. By merging digital art techniques with photography, she creates rich, layered compositions that feel both familiar and otherworldly. This approach allows her to capture details that blur the line between the real and the fantastical, offering her clients a chance to see themselves in magical, empowering ways.
"My goal is to breathe life into the worlds we used to imagine as children," Elizabeth explains. "Art should inspire and transport us—it should be a reminder that we carry magic within us, even in the midst of our everyday lives."
Elizabeth’s work often centers on themes of transformation, wonder, and the connection between the human spirit and the unseen realms of possibility. Through Art of Ascension, she invites her audience to embrace their inner child and step into realms of imagination that feel tangible and alive.
Whether she’s designing art for individuals, book covers, or personal collections, Elizabeth’s work speaks to a universal longing for beauty, meaning, and the extraordinary.
As she continues to grow her craft, Elizabeth is steadfast in her mission: to create art that uplifts, inspires, and reminds us all of the power of dreaming. Through Art of Ascension, she offers more than just artwork—she offers an invitation to rediscover wonder.