Sand Springs is bursting at the seams with talented artists. You can find some of them while strolling along the sidewalk in downtown Sand Springs. Others work from their homes and hone their skills day by day working to better themselves. Three very passionate artists call Sand Springs their home and shared their stories with us.
Amanda Bringham took her first photography class during her last semester of college at the University of Kansas. “The photojournalism class was heavy on catching moments and anticipating moments happening,” says Amanda. “I fell in love.” After she graduated she took classes at Tulsa Community College and went full-time photographing weddings.
In August 2019, she opened her own studio 𑁋 called Picturesque Photos by Amanda 𑁋 in downtown Sand Springs. She has expanded her offerings to include headshots, boudoir, and family and newborn sessions. “We also have 16 acres west of Sand Springs, where I photograph many sessions,” says Amanda. A new way she is using her degree in Strategic Communications is by offering branding sessions to clients. To find her work, book a photography session, or learn about branding consultation, visit her website: www.picturesquetulsa.com and follow her on Instagram by visiting instagram.com/@picturesquepba.
Brandi Hines, a proud Cherokee living in Sand Springs, is a stained glass artist of over 20 years. She is a third-generation glass artist and instructor. Located in downtown Sand Springs, Brandi has a shop and studio named Agistsi (pronounced “ah-gee-chi”), which means “my mother” in Cherokee. Brandi shared a beautiful quote on her website from her mother, who is also a stained glass artist: “The greatest use of life is to invest it in something that will outlast it.”
And invest in her life she has! Brandi has spent the greater part of her life sharing in the beauty of creativity with clients and her daughter, Hailee Hines. Brandi holds many classes at her shop, which include stained glass, beading, painting, jewelry and drawing. For information about booking a class or shopping at the gallery, you can visit her website at www.agitsi.com.
David Jones is a photographer who has lived in Sand Springs since 2002. While he has worked in construction and as a professional musician, David also worked for Creek County Highway Department for 16 years. David has always had a passion for photography and began working as a photo lab tech in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s while in college. “Getting great discounts on lab work helped me to begin shooting,” says David. David likes to shoot portraits and try to capture people’s personality, when they are candidly being themselves. “I also love to shoot scenery,” says David, “especially when it speaks.” In fact, he won the We Are Sand Springs photo contest last year! He loves the events that Sand Springs does and looks forward to the days when we will all be strolling Broadway again at the upcoming festivals. If you would like to follow along with David’s photography journey, you can find him on facebook.com/JonesyPix.
We love to hear the artists of Sand Springs share their passion with the community. If you are a painter, illustrator, sculptor, photographer or have an amazing talent, we want to know your story! Follow us on Instagram (@wearesandsprings) or Facebook (@WeAreSandSprings) and fill out our Google Form to submit your story for a chance to be featured in the next issue of We Are Sand Springs magazine!
