Tina Lee-Cronkhite: From Graphic Design & Calligraphy Guilds to Fodder School

Host Wendy Solganik interviews longtime Fodder School participant Tina Lee-Cronkhite, an artist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, about her creative path and community. Tina grew up around her mother’s fine art (portraits, oils, landscapes) and shifted from mechanical engineering after a GM supervisor encouraged her to apply to the Center for Creative Studies, where she studied graphic design and later worked at ad agencies doing print design before the digital era. She became deeply involved in calligraphy—helping start a Kalamazoo guild, attending in-person workshops and conferences, exploring bookmaking, and valuing traditional tools—while also embracing looser, mixed-media approaches over time. Tina joined Fodder School in its first year during COVID, credits it as a lifesaver, works from a basement studio, displays art throughout her home, gives pieces away, and typically completes most monthly projects while adapting teachers’ processes to her own style. 00:00 Meet Tina Lee-Cronkhite 01:46 Show Intro Theme 03:07 Tina Background 04:46 Mom Artist Roots 08:02 Engineering to Art 11:44 Graphic Design Career 13:42 Calligraphy Discovery 15:41 Guild Workshops 23:42 Online Classes and Fodder 24:58 Studio Space Reality 28:16 Displaying Finished Work 29:40 Selling vs Making Joy 31:09 Gifting Art Without Fear 31:58 Keeping Up With Fodder School 34:16 UFOs From Loving Projects 36:34 Art Outside The Lessons 37:58 Pickleball And Productivity 39:37 Following Teachers Your Way 43:10 Master Boards And Style 46:20 Traditional Calligraphy Vs Trends 49:44 Guilds Aging And Craft Magic 53:06 Lefty Struggles And Imperfection 55:50 Calligraphy Guild Nostalgia 57:41 Postcards And Wrap Up