The Team
Who We Are
Catrina Sparkman
Artistic Director
Catrina J. Sparkman is the Artistic Director of the Creator’s Cottage and founder of The Ironer’s Press Ministries, a nonprofit serving women, children, and families of color through the arts. With over 25 years of experience, she’s a seasoned theater artist and authorpreneur. Catrina has worked as an instructor, speaker, publisher, and creative consultant for global organizations. Her work blends social action with storytelling to empower communities. She holds degrees in English, Creative Writing, and African American Studies from UW–Madison.
Bianca Williams
Project Management Director
Bianca Williams is an accomplished educator, passionate author, and seasoned project manager with over 15 years of leadership experience. With more than two decades in public education, she brings a deep commitment to empowering learners and driving meaningful change. A certified professional, Bianca also nurtures creativity by coaching aspiring writers and guiding them toward their publishing goals. She holds degrees in English, Curriculum and Instruction, and Education Leadership. Whether in the classroom or the creative space, Bianca is dedicated to inspiring excellence and amplifying diverse voices.
Alicia Rheal
Artist in Residence
Alicia Rheal is a seasoned visual artist with over 40 years of experience in mural-making, painting, and scenic design for theater, opera, ballet, and television. Her work spans public spaces and private collections, and she has collaborated with artists worldwide. A dedicated "Walldog," Alicia has led the creation of large-scale, historic murals across the country.
From 2014 to 2022, she served as Director of Production for Dane Arts Mural Arts in Madison, WI, guiding community-centered mural projects that emphasized youth engagement and inclusion. Through her business, Rheal Imagination, Alicia has created art for clients including EPIC Systems, American Girl, Mueller Sports Medicine, and the Bayview Foundation.
In 2022, she expanded her practice to include portraiture and collaborative quilting—using art to foster connection, promote healthy aging, and celebrate shared stories.
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