Pink Magazine is excited to bring first-time cover artist, Kandy Myny’s whimsical artwork to our readers to kick off 2026. A self-taught, mixed media artist from Michigan, Kandy loves to bring her visions to life through vibrant colors and playful designs invoking a joyful feeling to those who view it.

As a child, Kandy enjoyed art as a hobby and took many classes along her art journey. When she became a stay-at-home mom to her two beautiful children, she started painting murals in children’s rooms, enabling her to raise her kids while working a flexible schedule. From there, her art world bloomed as she began to research mixed-media art focusing on creating paintings and collages, incorporating scraps and recycled materials which made each piece unique. In 2008, her business “Bit O’ Whimsey”—named for its playful nature and whimsical style—was born and she began exhibiting at shows with her husband’s help, selling giftable art that is now collected in homes across the country and world-wide.

“Lighthearted, joyful even, with a bit of the spiritual element...a very good place to be!”

This is how Deborah Gregg views her art, and it is an all-encompassing description of her magical folk art that graces Pink Magazine’s cover this month.

Deborah grew up in Illinois as a middle child with four siblings. She has lived in many places, but the Midwest, with its beautifully changing seasons, captured her heart. She resides in an old farmhouse (complete with flowers and picket fence) in small town Minnesota. She has two adult daughters, Rigel and Brigitte, four beautiful grandchildren, and you can always find a kitty on her lap.

“Each day is filled with the possibility of joy. All you have to do is open your eyes to the beauty in each moment and allow joy in.” – Beverly Ash Gilbert

Washington state artist Beverly Ash Gilbert lives in a vibrant world of color, walking a path full of twists, turns, twirls, and unexpected joy! Her color-drenched world is invigorating, and she encourages others to join in her inspiring journey of seeking joy and guidance through dancing with color and creating what’s in your heart.

“Each day is filled with the possibility of joy. All you have to do is open your eyes to the beauty in each moment and allow joy in.” – Beverly Ash Gilbert

Washington state artist Beverly Ash Gilbert lives in a vibrant world of color, walking a path full of twists, turns, twirls, and unexpected joy! Her color-drenched world is invigorating, and she encourages others to join in her inspiring journey of seeking joy and guidance through dancing with color and creating what’s in your heart.

As an artist, John Crum strives to develop paintings that speak about the world and the moments that affect our lives and environment—personal moments that have made a fond memory or lasting imprint. He believes a painting should evoke thought, awaken a memory, or spark an idea.

“My subjects begin as an observation or in a passing moment. Capturing that image and putting the message onto canvas is my most gratifying accomplishment. I consider a painting successful when the viewer stops, takes a closer look, and smiles,” said John.

Pink Magazine is excited to feature local mixed-media artist Lennie Ciliento. His dynamic artwork is bursting with intricate details and fun vibes—a colorful salute to summer featuring layers of intriguing elements.

Raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, Lennie headed south to Hilton Head as soon as he graduated high school—more than 30 years ago. His interest in art began at home with a basket of broken, wrapper-less, Crayola crayons and drawing on whatever he could find, even the occasional piece of furniture. (Horrors!) “I remember being about eight-years-old when we were given a coloring sheet in school. I watched a boy in my class carefully outline each shape and color it lightly. He mocked my heavy-handed coloring, telling me it wasn’t the ‘right’ way to do it. Sadly, I believed him. Worse, I was jealous. His page looked neat and ‘proper,’ while mine was a thick, waxy mess of color, drawn hastily and well outside the lines. Last I heard, his artwork wasn’t put on the cover of Pink Magazine, so it just goes to show how far persistence and individuality will get you!” laughed Lennie.

Pink Magazine is ecstatic to dive into July with the dynamic design work of local Bluffton artist Lisa Henderling.

Born in Queens, NY, Lisa has known she wanted to be an illustrator since she was 7-years-old. She came from a creative family—her parents were professional dancers. Her mother was especially supportive, nourishing her creative spirit through dance and art lessons starting at age 8. “My desire was always to be an illustrator, not a fine artist. As a kid, I had favorite fashion illustrators whose work I would save from magazines or newspaper ads, and I would try to copy them. My favorite thing in the world was to draw, and usually, I was drawing women, often with pink hair!” exclaimed Lisa.

With a lifelong creative spirit and inner self-drive, artist Sheri Line took her early artistic queues from her mother and grandmother, both artists themselves. They lovingly encouraged her toward her own artistic journey. Post four children and an international executive career, Sheri now enjoys being a full-time artist. Whether in her home studio on Hilton Head Island or painting plein air, Sheri is living her best art-filled life by the sea.

Cassandra M. Gillens is a celebrated artist known for her vibrant depictions of Gullah culture and life in the Lowcountry, particularly in the coastal regions of South Carolina. Her work is deeply rooted in the traditions, history, and community of the Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans who lived along the southeastern coast of the United States.

Ladies, raise your wine glasses in salute to Jill Haney Neal, this month’s Cover Artist who’s whimsical, bodacious babes have graced a variety of artworks, including paintings, wine labels, coffee mugs and Pink Magazine’s October 2016, June 2020, and August 2023 magazine covers: Welcome back, Jill!

Jill believes women were created in God’s image with a universal spirit and are equally loved regardless of size, ethnicity, or background. “There is an edginess to my art, and from what I’ve been told, I’m still breaking barriers. When you get women together, they are funny and sexy, it’s just part of our essence.”

It’s not every day you can befriend a giraffe, enjoy a bubble bath with five dogs, or birdwatch with feathered friends. This month’s cover artist, Canadian Lisa Finch, loves to create scenes like these. Inspired by fond memories of childhood summers at a family cottage, along with her passion for animals, old films, and favorite books, her oeuvre is a happy mélange of vintage couture, charming animal portraits, beach scenes, and cozy interiors. Today Lisa paints in a small studio in her home, which she shares with her husband and two dogs, nestled close to Lake Ontario near a large conservation area, where she spends many afternoons feeding the birds and talking to the deer.

Aziz Kadmiri, a contemporary impressionist artist, is renowned for his vibrant cityscapes and compelling figurative works. Utilizing oil and acrylic, he skillfully blends mixed media on canvas, often enriching his pieces with gold and silver leaf. His art vividly reflects his Parisian influences, capturing the energy of urban life and the allure of fashion.

Exhibited and collected worldwide, Aziz’s work invites viewers to reimagine their perceptions of the world.

When it comes to art, Lori Portka has two mantras: 1. Happiness Through Art; 2. Art and Love from Me to You! Both are unmistakable the minute you see her vibrant, colorful, playful works. Her work literally radiates with happiness and exuberance, which she credits to her daily practice of gratitude. We’re excited to bring Lori’s joyful artwork to Pink Magazine’s cover for the second time.

As a child, Lori loved drawing so much she did it nearly every day. “You could find me huddled over a sketchbook with colored pencils, pencil shavings, and crayons spread all around the table. I loved to pretend I worked for Hallmark and made cards for my family, complete with a logo on the back,” Lori said. However, after she lost her father at the tender age of 15, she decided to set aside her art as she pursued a more traditional and solid career. She worked as a teacher and counselor for many years.

The image on our cover this month is by prolific artist Kathy Womack. It is titled “Women and Wine: The Grove Edition” and is part of a series of more than 90 paintings. Kathy began her artistic career as a fashion illustrator, working at the Austin American-Statesman in the mid-90s. She explains her move from print to canvas: “After working in advertising for a decade as a fashion illustrator, I craved freedom from the nine-to-five and looked to a different outlet. I picked up my brushes and never looked back.”

The image on our cover this month is by prolific artist Kathy Womack. It is titled “Women and Wine: The Grove Edition” and is part of a series of more than 90 paintings. Kathy began her artistic career as a fashion illustrator, working at the Austin American-Statesman in the mid-90s. She explains her move from print to canvas: “After working in advertising for a decade as a fashion illustrator, I craved freedom from the nine-to-five and looked to a different outlet. I picked up my brushes and never looked back.”