Meet The Team
Founding Members
Cheryl Derrick †
Connie Dillman
Tita Lyle †
Jean McGee
Margie Melby
Charlotte Nobles
Ferne Schrier †
Tita Sterling †
† Deceased
Current Members
Laura Aragon
Paul Branham
Karen Burns
Laura Caballero
Mario Caire
Jorge Calleja
Vanessa Clark
Lhaisha Contreras
Patrick Craig
R Glenn Davis
Erich DeShepper
Svetlana Dylevskaya
Terrance Flores
Erika Lopez
Veronica Luzunaris
Lisa Magnano-Craig
Paul Maxwell
Karen McAnulty
Marissa McDonald
Davinia Miraval
Kathy Mitchell
Norma Ortiz
Ruben Ortiz
John Robbins
Susan Ryde
Thomas Brent Schlinke
Pam Schuster
Susanna Visconti
Board of Directors
President
Laura Caballero
Laura graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in metalsmithing and graphic design. Her involvement with Las Artistas started as a student artist in 2010. Since then she has participated both as artist and member of Las Artistas. In 2016, she joined the board as vice-president and was also appointed Show Chair, a position that she held for seven years until she was named President in 2024.
Laura strives to bring new and contemporary aspects to the show while staying true to the Las Artistas mission and its foundations.
Treasurer
Davinia Miraval
Davinia is an artist from Mexico City and owner of Chachara Chic, a contemporary jewelry store. She has a Master of Arts from The University of Texas at El Paso in metalsmithing and painting and has been involved in Las Artistas as a student and a few years later as Secretary for a couple of years and now as a member at large for the non-profit organization.
Davinia is currently a faculty member at Doña Ana Community College, EPCC, and Olli Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, has been published in several national and private publications as well as has held several exhibitions throughout the state of Texas.
Secretary/Show Chair
Lhaisha Contreras
Lhaisha Contreras has been a part of Las Artistas since 2021, first as social media manager, later serving as secretary, and now leading as show chair. With a marketing degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, she brings a strategic and creative approach to growing our presence and supporting artists.
Her expertise in social media has helped expand Las Artistas’ reach, connecting artists with new audiences and strengthening community engagement. She continues to oversee digital outreach, ensuring that Las Artistas remains a vibrant platform for fine art and craft.
Now, as show chair, Lhaisha focuses on providing opportunities for both emerging and established artists while making El Paso a destination for artistic talent. Under her leadership, Las Artistas continues to evolve, welcoming new talent and building meaningful connections between artists and the community.