Meet The Hosts
Adventure Artists International is guided by artists who believe creativity can be a catalyst for connection, conservation, and meaningful change. Our hosts bring decades of real-world creative experience, deep respect for place and community, and a shared commitment to responsible travel.
Susan Richey
Co-Founder | Photographer | Visual Storyteller
Susan Richey is a photographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur whose work centers on storytelling that builds empathy and awareness for the natural world, wildlife, and the communities connected to it.
With a career spanning decades, Susan has photographed across diverse landscapes and cultures, always with a focus on authenticity, respect, and narrative depth. Her photography experience informs how Adventure Artists International trips are designed — from understanding light and location, to approaching people and environments with care, patience, and intention.
Susan is the founder of Good Focused, a creative studio dedicated to intentional visual storytelling through photography, art, and education. Her background includes extensive work supporting conservation, animal welfare, and community-focused initiatives through donated imagery, fundraising collaborations, and ethical storytelling practices.
As a host, Susan brings a calm, grounded presence to each journey. She supports artists in slowing down, seeing more deeply, and creating work that goes beyond surface-level documentation. Whether guiding photographers in the field or helping artists think through how their work can be used responsibly after returning home, Susan’s approach is rooted in mentorship, curiosity, and care.
Susan believes that powerful images don’t come from chasing moments — they come from being present for them.
April Howland
Co-Founder | Artist | Community Builder
April Howland is an established fine artist whose career is built on the belief that art can bring people together and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Through her studio practice at Howland Studios, April has created large-scale installations, community-based art projects, and fundraising initiatives that use creativity as a bridge — connecting people, amplifying stories, and supporting causes rooted in compassion and social good. Her work has been widely exhibited and recognized for its ability to blend artistic excellence with community engagement.
April’s passion for impact extends beyond the studio. She has led successful fundraising efforts supporting education and infrastructure projects in underserved communities, including initiatives that helped build kitchens for rural schools in Africa — enabling students to receive daily meals and communities to strengthen their educational foundations.
In addition to her artistic practice, April brings valuable experience in travel planning and coordination. As a travel professional, she supports artists in creating thoughtful, customized journeys aligned with their values — whether traveling independently or as part of an Adventure Artists International experience.
As a host, April is deeply attuned to the human side of travel. She encourages artists to listen, learn, and engage with humility, while helping them see how their creative voices can contribute positively to the places they visit. Her approach is inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in long-term relationship-building.
April believes that art is most powerful when it is created with people, not just about them.
Hosting With Intention
Together, Susan and April bring complementary strengths — photography and fine art, mentorship and community-building, creative vision and logistical care. Their shared history, values, and lived experience shape every Adventure Artists International journey.
Trips are intentionally small, thoughtfully prepared, and guided by respect for local cultures, ecosystems, and people. Artists are supported not only during the journey, but afterward as they consider how their work can raise awareness, tell responsible stories, and continue to make an impact.
Ready to Travel With Us?
Whether you’re a photographer, painter, or creative storyteller, Adventure Artists International offers opportunities to learn, create, and connect in ways that honor both art and place.