Larry Winn, CEO

A Northwest native, Larry's childhood time was shared between his home in Eastern Washington and family ranch in Montana. After graduating from Rice University in Houston, Larry had a brief stint in New York City and then returned home to the Northwest to work as a stockbroker for a few years. Bored and disillusioned with the stock market, by chance he stumbled into a sales position with a large art publisher of the time. This entry-level position in a still fledgling industry was the springboard that led to the founding of his own business, which flourished and became one of Inc. Magazine's "Fastest Growing 500 Companies". Ultimately, it was sold to a public company and is known today as the Winn Devon Art Group. His most recent venture is Grand Image, which is an art publishing and licensing business where he has assembled an experienced management team which allows him time to focus on what he loves most –working with established artists and developing new and emerging talent.

Although his life seems to revolve around his business and sizable family (wife Susan, five children and seven grandchildren), he is an acknowledged Hoopaholic and season ticket holder for both the Seattle Sonics and the University of Washington basketball teams. If not watching or shooting hoops, he can also be found playing tennis a couple times a week.

Collecting art is Larry's other passion. His collection ranges from Contemporary Artists and Mexican masters to the canvases of younger, more emerging artists. He also has a sizeable print collection ranging from American masters such as Thomas Hart Benton or pop artists of the 60's such as Tom Wesselmann or Andy Warhol.

Larry's usual choice of the Northwest's favorite beverage is a double tall non-fat latte.

Barbara Adams, Administration Manager

Barb has worked with Larry Winn since "the early days" of Larry's publishing career. Her versatility, organizational abilities, and strategic sales and management skills have been key factors in the success of Grand Image. Barb is integral to the administrative and sales structure of Grand Image. She helps keep the company on track each day, and her dry humor adds to the camaraderie in the office.

Traditional art is her preference, especially landscapes. But her favorite seascape is the view from the family's vacation cabin on the ocean. Whether there or at home, Barb favorite past time is spending time with her family and dog Chelsea and new puppy Barney.

She enjoys starting her morning off with a fully caffeinated single tall latte.

Kelly Aust, Fulfillment Manager

Kelly began working with Larry Winn back in 1984. He held numerous jobs within the company, as the business grew, and now has a pivotal position at Grand Image. In his current role, all of our artwork travels through his hands: from receiving to inventory to shipping. Because of his 25 years experience in the art industry, he understands how to lovingly treat our product, and is a great liaison with our artists.

Kelly has degrees in Fine Art and Psychology. He enjoys joking that he utilizes more of the latter in daily interactions with co-workers.

A versatile artist, Kelly has crafted ivory scrimshaw—once renowned as the Great KA, Scrimshaw Master from Alaska (yes, there is more to that story). He presently fashions exquisite jewelry boxes created from real eggs, ranging from canary to ostrich.

Coffee Preference: Often

Madison Cook, Production Manager

Madison grew up on an apple orchard east of the Cascade Mountains in the small town of Lake Chelan, Washington. As a child, she was always drawing and painting or decorating her room. Courses in graphic design in high school along with a strong business sense led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Art Marketing at the University of Washington.

She began her career with Grand Image four years ago, as an Intern in the Creative Department, while she was still in college. Since that time, Madison's career has grown rapidly along with the company. She first held the job of Project Manager before being promoted to Production Manager. And even though she hits the ground running from the moment she walks in the door, Madison finds joys in the constant interaction with her vendors, customers and co-workers and the dynamic and challenging nature of her job.

Madison's taste in art is extreme, perhaps because she gets to see all the great art that passes through the doors of Grand Image. She likes the works of impressionists Vincent Van Gogh and Felicien Rops, surrealist Salvador Dalí and the botanical collage prints of Mary Margaret Briggs.

When she is not managing projects at work, Madison can be found tearing up the slopes from Whistler, BC to Mission Ridge. When the weather is warmer she prefers to golf, hike, or participate in water sports. Returning to Lake Chelan to spend time with friends and family also tops her list of favorite past times.

Ever changing, Madison's current caffeine preference is an extra hot, grande, non-fat, caramel macchiato.

Cindy Farruggia, Production Tech Art Lab North

Cindy moved to the great Northwest eight years ago. Born and raised in Ohio, she studied Fine Art at with a focus on photography, printmaking, and sculpture in college, and after graduating Cindy began a career as a graphic designer.

The newest member of the Grand Image team, Cindy favorite aspect of her job is being able to spend her day working on a wide variety of fantastic art. Because of her exquisite eye for color, she does an amazing job of translating the color and vibrancy of our artist’s original artwork onto canvas or paper.

Cindy credits BB King, Rolling Stones, Annie Leibovitz, Japanese prints, and her husband as her greatest inspirations. When she is not busy producing amazing artwork for our customers, Cindy enjoys cooking and attending rock shows with her husband.

Not the least bit timid in her coffee choice, Cindy loves a triple espresso over ice with a touch of milk to start her day.

Andrea Johnson, Information Manager

With an extensive background in databases, IT, and networking, Andrea maintains all of the company's internal computer and communication equipment and systems.

Andrea worked with Larry Winn for five years in the early 1990s and is no stranger to the art sales and publishing industry. She is helping Grand Image in its fast-paced technological evolution toward making gorgeous imagery available in the easiest and most efficient manner.

On the private side of life, she spends her time with family and dogs. Her avocations are computers and political activism.

What is her coffee preference? Strong.

Steven Lantz, Customer Service Manager

Steven's working relationship with Larry Winn dates back to the late 70's in Chicago, when Larry and Steven first met. For the last twenty years, they have teamed up on business ventures such as Winn Galleries, Winn Devon Art Group and, since 1998, Grand Image.

For Steven, art publishing is continually fresh and exciting, with the challenges and decisions that each day brings. His straightforward honesty is a benefit to both Grand Image and its customers, as is his desire to be the best he can possibly be.

Steven's own walls hold an eclectic mix of prints and originals, and he especially enjoys 19th century European art. At home, he relaxes in his garden, with a good book, or in his kitchen cooking dinner for friends.

His favorite fuel for the day? A decaf, double tall, non-fat latte.

Kate Maass, Art Director

Kate was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She received her BFA in printmaking and art history from the Tyler School of Art. A 16-year veteran of the art industry, Kate has worked for several large art companies servicing the hospitality and design trade in a variety of capacities including house artist and as a gallery director.

As a member of our creative team, Kate is most excited about working with our artists to help them maximize their potential in our marketplace. She also loves assisting the salespeople meet our clients' needs by effectively communicating with our artists and vendors.

The toughest part of naming her favorite artists is deciding when to stop…Kate puts Helen Frankenthaler, Jennifer Bartlett, Henri Rousseau, and Pierre Bonnard at the top of her list. As a talented artist in her own right, she is constantly inspired by her peers, by their creativity, intellect and support.

On her personal time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and their four- legged feline children. She also enjoys painting, having friends over for BBQ, attending professional football, baseball or hockey games, and of course, shopping - specifically for shoes!

Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Kate now prefers her coffee hot.

Devan Poffenberger Walker, National Sales Manager

Devan practically came into this world with a paintbrush in her hand. She loves making art and discussing it with anyone who will listen, or buy it, which explains her successful career in sales for art companies spanning the last decade.

Her favorite artists tend to combine abstract forms and ideals like John Baldessari in the Post-Structuralist movement but her favorite period in art history is the Italian Renaissance. Devan studied restoration in Florence, Italy and restored frescoes and marble sculptures around the city.  Her real achievement is that she only fell off the scaffolding once.

As East Coast natives, Devan and her husband, Chris, try to visit their big loving family as much as possible. On any given day, you can find them trying to stream a sports game (he’s a Steelers fan and she loves the Eagles.) During their free time, they enjoy life out West. Whether it's hanging out with friends, enjoying the ocean or even picking up fresh flowers at Pike Place Market, Devan always has a smile on her face. She appreciates the luxury of enjoying her job - the artwork and artists represented by Grand Image, her clients and her team. Considering the hours she puts in, it’s a good thing she loves it so much.

Devan's drink of choice is a hot tea with cream and sugar. Twice a day

Leah Sewell, Showroom Director

Leah has been in constant motion since she arrived at Grand Image and has barely stopped to smell the roses. Whether she is crossing the country to show artwork to her clients, hosting them in our showroom, or planning a fabulous event, Leah spends a good part of her day helping her customers find artwork that fits their needs. In fact, seeing a project through to its completion and realizing the results of a job well done is her favorite part of her job.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Leah had an eclectic Midwest childhood. She graduated with a degree in Communications and Art and after college she elected to pursue her dreams of working in the business side of the art world.

Artists who use color and distinctive forms or designs in ways that draw you into their work inspire Leah. She cites Louise Nevelson, Hans Hoffman, Gerhard Richter, Stuart Davis, and Betsy Johnson, the clothing designer, as a few of her favorites.

A newbie to the Pacific Northwest, when Leah isn't busy exploring Seattle, she enjoys hunting for vintage items at rummage sales and thrift stores, spending time with her friends and checking out the local music scene.

Becoming somewhat of a coffee connoisseur, Leah enjoys a dark roast French pressed with cream.

Anita Williamson, Communications Manager

Anita brings to Grand Image 18 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sales. Prior to working in the art publishing field, she was employed in the travel industry and performing arts. Her favorite part of her job at Grand Image is its diversity; she is responsible for creating marketing and sales collateral, advertising, copywriting, public relations, and web design. She feels blessed to be able to showcase the beautiful artwork and talents of all the fine Grand Image artists.

A lifelong traveler, Anita enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and exploring new destinations.

Anita recently replaced her daily coffee intake with a more soothing cup of tea, now she relaxes sipping iced or hot green tea.

Amy Parry, Account Manager

A Southern belle, Amy grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. After high school, she studied Art History in North Carolina and Europe, returning to the southeast in 1999. Amy has worn many hats in the art world – from curating exhibitions and hanging shows to managing artists and fundraising for non-profits. She began working with designers while managing a furniture and lamp showroom and realized that focusing on art within the design world would be the perfect marriage of her passion for art and design and her skills to facilitate it all.

In the late 2000's Amy worked as an art consultant to the hospitality industry. She is excited to be working with Grand Image and its amazing stable of artists. Amy loves designing spaces and finding the perfect artwork to fully realize the mood of a location. She loves a good challenge.

When she is not working, Amy loves being social and spending time with friends. Traveling is her favorite past time, in part because she likes to try new things. Her favorite artists are Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Caravaggio, Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin and Jody Fausett.

Amy admits to requiring at least 2 cups of robust coffee in the morning before she’s up and at 'em. Her favorite caffeine selection is Omar’s Organic Blend, roasted by her boyfriend Brad at Batdorf & Bronson.

Inna Shmelyova, Account Manager

Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Inna moved to the US by herself when she was 18 years old. She completed a degree in Fashion Merchandising and then pursued a BA in Communications from the University of Washington while working full-time with PONCHO (Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations). Inna spent eight years in a variety of marketing and management roles at PONCHO raising funds for arts organizations and artists in the greater Seattle area.

Inna is excited to be back in the art world, and especially at Grand Image, which feels like home to her. Her favorite part of her job is being the ultimate art resource to her clients, helping them pick the perfect artwork for their projects, and promoting beauty and creativity in the world.

Inna’s favorite art movement is surrealism. She is inspired by Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, and Man Ray. She also likes Russian Constructivism and artists like Rodchenko, Tatlin, Kandinsky, Stenberg Brothers and Mayakovsky who created art for social purpose and had an industrial and revolutionary design aesthetic, which speaks to her heritage and personal character.

An avid adventure motorcycle rider, Inna has ridden her dual sport Kawasaki KLR 650 (“The Red Star”) from Seattle, Washington to the southernmost city in the world Ushuaia, Argentina. With her fiancé, Inna traveled for 6 months, rode 25,000 miles, and visited 11 countries on two continents.

Inna loves living in the Northwest and uses any opportunity to be outdoors during summer months. She is happiest when she is camping and hiking with her friends in the Olympic Peninsula and the Cascades.

She enjoys starting her day with a soy vanilla latte.

Julie Perkins, Account Manager

Julie was born and raised in Southern California. She holds a BS in Interior Architecture and Design. Her professional experience is rooted in the high-end residential and hospitality markets in the Las Vegas area. In addition to working on private residential projects, Julie has also instructed interior design students at a private arts college in Henderson, NV.

To make the world a better place through functional and aesthetic design solutions has long been a professional goal for Julie. At Grand Image, she is able to achieve this by helping the A&D community in the Southwest select beautiful art for their projects.

What inspires Julie most is abstract or surreal art. She appreciates all art, but her favorites include Jackson Pollack, Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Picaso and Joan Miro.

Julie and her husband have two sons, the oldest is in culinary school, the youngest starts film school this summer. A close-knit family, their leisure time is spent cooking together, hanging out, biking, gardening, going to movies, shows, or games. Julie also enjoys creating - whether it is sewing, painting, re-designing, or just reading about design. She is content to fill her life with beautiful creative things and people.

Her favorite coffee beverage for the past eight years is a tall soy latte from Starbucks.

Vanessa Vaughan, Account Manager

Vanessa was born and raised in Seattle, and lived in Vancouver, British Columbia for five years. She earned her BA in Art History and Visual Theory at the University of British Columbia, where she managed a gallery showcasing student work. Vanessa has also worked for a fine art photographer where she spent up her days making fine art prints in a darkroom.

Her professional background also includes working as an event planner, where Vanessa threw fabulous parties and gained experience in project management and interior design for private events. Vanessa loves working in a creative environment and talking about art to her clients. She is also excited to collaborate with her clients in creating new artwork that many people will enjoy.

Vanessa is inspired by artwork from many time periods and styles. She is fascinated by the way images can tell stories, express emotion, challenge cultural norms, and expose truth. Some of her favorite artists are Gerhart Richter, Andy Warhol, Vanessa Beecroft, and Banksy.

Her family consists of boyfriend Alex, dog Liebe, and cat Roo. In her free time, Vanessa loves to travel, take pictures, eat delicious and adventurous food, and spend time in the outdoors with her friends.

Not just for the holidays, Vanessa’s drink of choice is a peppermint soy latte.