Tonya Graham was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Va. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design on a full presidential scholarship where she obtained her B.F.A. in graphic design. She loves sports (grew up with brothers!), chess and croquet, but her true passion is art and creating! In the mid-1800s, chalkware was an inexpensive substitute for ornaments made of marble, wax, earthenware, porcelain, glass or wood. The origin of American chalkware is generally attributed to the Pennsylvania Dutch. There was no formal training but the creation of this folk art did require skill. By the early 1900s chalkware had been replaced by less expensive materials.rnFor a number of years Graham has been creating her chalkware pieces. It has been a long process and sometimes she hates to see them go, but she loves the historical connection and the chance to bring back a lost art.rnrnOf particular excitement for her, is her current line of old world Santas, which she casts using century-old chocolate molds. Each one is individually handpainted, signed and dated. They make a wonderful display piece and are a treasure for years to come.