Meet Our Local Artists

Jeannie Pratt | Artist Profile

My name is Jeannie Pratt. I am a native of New Orleans—a wife, mother, grandmother, retired educator, and a lover of all things created from the earth. I moved to Shreveport several years ago, carrying with me a lifetime of stories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of handmade things. It was here that I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream by enrolling in a pottery class at LSU Shreveport. From the first time my hands touched clay, I was hooked.

The Creative Process

When I’m not taking a class at the gym, you’ll find me in my creative space—elbows deep in clay with the wheel spinning and music playing in the background. I shape planters, plates, and gifts with intention and care, each one made with love.

Pottery has become more than a pastime for me; it is a spiritual practice—a way of staying grounded and present. I often end up with clay on my clothes and in my hair—and even on my glasses—but to me, that’s part of the beauty. The mess is a reminder that something meaningful and lasting is being made.

The Story of Grace & Mercy

The journey of sharing my work publicly began with a special connection. Allyson Lawson was my barre teacher at the YMCA. When she decided to leave teaching at the gym to pursue the calling of buying and opening her store, Grace & Mercy, I wanted to give her something special.



I decided to make a ceramic gift for her shop. Honestly, I hesitated at first, fearing my work wouldn't be "good enough." To my delight, Allyson loved it. She invited me to create more pieces to display in her store, giving me the freedom to create anything I wanted. Allyson and Timothy Lawson have provided me with incredible encouragement and support. They have truly made my heart happier and lighter.

The Gift of the Handmade

Each piece I create carries a bit of my heart. I gift them to family and friends, hoping they feel the warmth and thoughtfulness that went into each one. My goal is to make a heart happier and a little lighter. That’s the true gift of creating with your hands—it connects you to others in a meaningful, lasting way.

Mary Ann Van Osdell and Amanda McCarter McGaha | Artist Profile

Co-leaders of Shared Ink are Mary Ann Van Osdell and Amanda McCarter McGaha. They worked together at LSU Health Sciences Center in Information Services in 2002-2003.

Amanda was a student worker getting her communications degree at Centenary College and Mary Ann, a former reporter at The Times, was more than happy to proof her papers since she had a journalism degree from LSU-Baton Rouge. They began a lasting friendship as they both left their jobs there and have always discussed starting a business, perhaps memoir writing or videoing life histories. Mary Ann enjoyed volunteering as a Norton Art Gallery Oral History Project transcriber.

When Mary Ann read a story about public journaling in the Wall Street Journal, it was Amanda she thought of to co-lead. Together they have worked on Mission Marketplace publicity and Friends of the Municipal Auditorium events, including the James Burton International Guitar Festival.

Mary Ann has won awards from the National Federation of Press Women and the Louisiana Press Association. She has been the society columnist for 318 Forum News and is the author of four self-published books. She retired two years ago after serving 12 years as legislative assistant to Sen. Barrow Peacock.

Amanda is a former news producer, marketing creative and full-time family logistics coordinator. She’s married to Paxton and mom to three amazing kids — Tristyn, Carter and Rowan. Most days you’ll find her shuttling to kung fu, soccer and basketball, but in her rare quiet moments she loves barre, Pilates, reading, podcasts and getting lost in great shows like The Gilded Age and Shogun.

Lena Haydel | Artist Profile

Lena is a professional self-taught artist located in North Louisiana. I am a proud member of Oil Painters of America and enjoy spending time with my family and my in-home art studio. I specialize in oil on linen canvas and paint what inspires me whether it is still life, landscapes, portrait paintings and paintings of faith. I have done reproductions of William Adolphe Bouguereau who has been my inspiration since I was a child. Paintings speak to us individually in ways of inspiration, peace or our own happy place. When I was a child, I always chose books with pictures, it brought the story to life. Art connects us to what inspires us, self-expression or peace! I love paintings that draw us in, either by inviting colors, scenery or emotion.

My artist statement is: “If I can bring joy, faith and happiness to people through my

paintings, then my life has been rewarded.”