OUR TEACHERS
Mrs. Karlie
Hi, I’m Karlie Cunha, and welcome to my happiest place on earth! Owning an art studio has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. After earning my BFA from Cumberland University in 2018 and my MBA two years later, I took a leap of faith and opened Wild Colors in 2020.
I’ve been teaching for nearly ten years and have had the joy of working with artists of all ages and abilities. At my core, I’m a creative and an encourager, and I love helping others become confident, innovative, and unafraid to think outside the box.
I’m a lifelong Lebanon local, a third-generation female business owner, and most importantly, a lover of Jesus. My hope is that Wild Colors is a place where creativity, confidence, community, and the love of Jesus can flourish. I’m so grateful to call Lebanon home and can’t wait to create with you!
Owner/Teacher
Mrs. Gina
A lifelong artist, Gina Kelley Troutt has worked in the art field for over 10 years.
She studied at Cumberland University, where she and Mrs. Karlie became friends.
After graduating with a BFA in Art Education, Gina taught art at several schools and studios in the Middle Tennessee area. In 2023, Gina took a leap of faith, leaving her job as an art teacher to pursue her passion of jewelry-making. Now, she runs her handmade jewelry shop, Jewel Hippie, which can be found at shops and craft fairs all over the Middle Tennessee area.
Gina is married to her amazing husband, Lucas, who also shares a passion for art education and creativity. They live in Westmoreland with their adopted fur baby, Greta. Gina teaches adult watercolor, homeschool classes, summer camps, and jewelry workshops at Wild Colors.
Teacher
MRS. Amanda
Amanda Phillips has lived in Wilson County almost her whole life and was homeschooled growing up. She has studied art for 10+ years and received the opportunity to study art history in Italy for a semester during sophomore year of college. Since then, she has traveled to London, Paris, and Ireland to learn more about historic pieces of art. She minored in visual arts and has taken multiple art courses since college. She is married to her husband Eric of seven years and a mom to her one year old daughter JoJo. Amanda has taught various ages for over two years now and has found her passion in helping each person succeed in their individual artistic goals.
At Wild Colors, Amanda teaches adult semi-private lessons, sip & paints/pop-up classes, and summer camps. Outside of the studio she teaches art for multiple homeschool tutorials in the area, and also runs her own business, AP Studio.
Teacher
A Graphic Designer with her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Middle Tennessee State University, Lily Benton has grown up experimenting in art her entire life. During her sophomore year of highschool, she began working at Wild Colors, being mentored by her aunt in both teaching and painting. In the summer of 2023, she established herself as an artist taking commissioned work through her Instagram page gaining the attention of some of her favorite music artists! Her goal is to continue to work on her commissions, establish herself as a successful artist & designer, all while inspiring and mentoring the students at Wild Colors.
At the studio, Miss Lily assists with summer camps, birthday parties, pop up classes, and often face painting for events.
TeacherMrs. Lily
Lulu- Studio pup
Lulu is our beloved 8-year-old Miniature Schnauzer and the happiest member of the Wild Colors team! She loves welcoming artists of all ages with a wagging tail and has never met a stranger! Whether she’s supervising projects from her favorite spot on the rug or accepting well-earned belly rubs, Lulu’s gentle, loving personality helps make the studio feel warm and inviting.
Lulu only clocks in when it’s a good fit for everyone! Out of consideration for our students and families, she stays home whenever there are allergies, fears of dogs, or other circumstances that make her visit less comfortable. Creating a welcoming environment for everyone will always be our top priority.
If Lulu is in the studio during your visit, she’ll be delighted to make a new friend!
Director of Paws & Creativity
