FY18-19 PEER REVIEW PANELS
Panel Applicants (November deadline)
This list contains potential panelists to be added to the pool for peer review panels.
Approved panelists may be called upon to serve on grant panels in FY2018-2019 or
FY2019-2020.
Click a letter below to view biographies from applicants with corresponding last name.
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Panelist Response Data........................................................................................................................................
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Joseph Abbati, San Francisco
I am a San Francisco based artist and curator. I have shown my work in solo and group
exhibits throughout the city. My work is multi-disciplinary including painting,
photography, sculpture and video. I have been curating art exhibits for the office of
Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco in the California State Building for the past year
and a half. I have curated five group exhibits with a diverse group of artists from the San
Francisco Bay Area. The areas of curatorial work developed have included topics of
housing, LGBTQ Pride, nightlife, advanced (55 years +) artwork, and an exhibit during
the Global Climate Action Summit. I am an avid art follower and document my
experiences through photography on the local and international art scene.
Che'Rae Adams, Tarzana
CHE'RAE ADAMS has been the Producing Artistic Director of the LA Writers Center
since 2006. She is also the Director of Programming for the Moss Theater in Santa
Monica and has been a Development Executive for Playhouse Pictures Studios, Co-
Artistic Director of the Road Theatre Company, and Managing Producer for the LA
Womens Theatre Festival.
She began her career as the Assistant to the Staff Producer at The Mark Taper Forum
where she worked on the writing workshop of the Pulitzer Prize winning Angels in
America, Part II: Perestroika. Also for the Taper, she coordinated the Taper Lab Series
and Mentor Playwright's Series working with writers such as Luis Alfaro, Anthony
Clarvoe, Marlane Meyer, David Lee Lindsey, Oliver Mayer, Ellen McLaughlin, Alice
Tuan, and Mac Wellman.
She has a Masters Degree in directing from the University of Cincinnati, College
Conservatory of Music (CCM) where her thesis production of Amadeus was nominated
for Best Production of the year by the Cincinnati Enquirer. She also has a Bachelor of
Arts Degree from California State University, Northridge.
Che'Rae has directed/dramaturged the West Coast premiere productions of several
new plays including pieces by Lee Blessing, Ken Hanes, Patricia Cardosa, John
DiFusco, Jon Bastian, and Abi Morgan. She has also directed/dramaturged for
Cincinnati Opera Outreach, Disney/ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, Highways
Performance Space, and Troupe Vertigo at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. She
has worked with prominent performers such as Tonya Pinkins, Lynn Redgrave, Patti
Cohenour, Kim Fields, and Carlos Alazraqui. She has worked with award winning
directors and choreographers such as Vincent Paterson, Tom Hulce, Bonnie Story, Kitty
McNamee, and Tina Kronis.
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Che'Rae has taught acting and writing workshops at various institutions around the
country such as The Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Catholic
University, Miami Dade University, California State University, Fullerton, UCLA
Extension, and Azusa Pacific University. She has also served on panels for Hollins
University, The New Playwrights Festival at the College of the Desert, and the Kennedy
Center American College Theatre Festival. CheRae has had 22 articles published at
NOHOARTSDISTRICT.COM, and written a workbook for writers called Writing is Hard.
She has also had articles published with Theatre Communications Group, The Perry
Library Journal, and The Texas Theatre Review.
Her writing students are Academy Award winners, New Century Writer Award Finalists,
SCR California New Plays Prize Winners, PEN West Literary Award Drama Nominees,
New York Drama Desk Award winners, Los Angeles Drama CriticsCircle Award
Winners, Heideman Award Recipients, Mercer Great American Songwriting Program (at
Northwestern University) Residents, and PlaywrightsCenter Jerome Fellows. They
have been produced at The Public Theater, South Coast Repertory Theater, The
Pasadena Playhouse, The Alleyway Theatre in New York, San Jose Repertory
Company, The Road Theatre Company, the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater
(REDCAT), Downtown Urban Theater Festival, LATC, Sacred Fools, The NYC
International Fringe Festival, Currican Theatre, Celebration Theatre, and The National
Black Theatre Festival, among others.
She is the recipient of a SDC Foundation Observership award, has been on the
Steering Committee of the Directors Lab, West for fifteen years and is an award
nominated and critically acclaimed theater director.
Janet Inez Adams, Art Instructor CSUF and Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa
Taught visual arts for 28 years at university, college, and elementary schools/ arts
centers to variety of cultures and ages. Provided unique workshops for DIA DE LOS
NINOS to many ages and diverse populations. Exhibiting artist nationally.
Polly Adema, Univ of the Pacific (& Independent), San Francisco
Polly Adema, PhD, is a culinary anthropologist and folklorist. Currently she is an
associate professor & director of the MA in Food Studies program at University of the
Pacific, San Francisco. Prior to assuming this role, Polly was director of the Folk Arts
Program at Arts Mid-Hudson, a regional nonprofit arts organization in New York's Mid-
Hudson region. Polly has decades of experience conducting ethnographic research,
facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, administering cultural educational programs and
events, and working with local, regional and national arts and culture nonprofit
organizations. As a culinary anthropologist, Polly does research, writing, and
presentations for food industry trade and professional organizations on food and culture
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topics. Recent panel service includes reviewing grants for ACTA (CA), NYSCA (NY),
and ArtPlace (US).
Samantha Alberts, San Diego History Center, San Diego
I have a background in History, Women & Gender Studies, and Museum Studies, and
spend much of my time researching primary sources to creating interpretive programs
and products that are as engaging and accessible as possible, particularly for youth and
family audiences.
In my current position, I research, create, and implement onsite and offsite programs
and interpretation for students, youth groups, families, and adult audiences of all kinds
from throughout San Diego. Most recently, I have overseen exhibition interactives and
LGBTQ+ youth engagement outreach efforts, and co-led our docent training program to
prepare volunteers to lead tours in our LGBTQ+ San Diego exhibition.
My goal is for people of all ages to make a connection and see their own experiences in
the events of the pastto understand that everyones history is important, that it is
being made daily, and that it includes them.
Kenshaka Ali, Empowered Vision, Inc., Los Angeles
Kenshaka Ali is an interdisciplinary performer, director, and educator with more than 20
years of service as a theatre professor and director in colleges, universities and
conservatories across the country. Born and raised in New York City, where he spent
his childhood engaged in theater during the Black Arts Movement, he has served as
producing artistic director for youth theater companies in New York, Pennsylvania and
California, bringing traditional as well as devised theater to underserved audiences and
alternative venues while heralding the arts as a spiritual and healing process integral to
a free and humane society. In addition to professional memberships in SAG/AFTRA and
Actors Equity Association, Mr. Ali holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Goddard
College, a MA in Theatre from Stony Brook University, and a BA in Transformative
Theatre from CUNYs Special Baccalaureate Program for Unique and Interdisciplinary
Studies.
Allyson Allen, Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds, Sun City
I am a multiple California Arts Council grant award recipient, twice nominated for NEA
National Heritage consideration, and have been recognized for over two decades as an
award-winning Master African American Quilt and Doll Artist. Im an instructor and
lecturer with the Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds, and instructor, lecturer, and
Special Exhibitor with Mancuso National Quilt Shows. My work has been featured in
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numerous articles, catalogues, videos, and publications, and is currently, and regularly
exhibited in galleries, museums, and embassies around the world.
Andy Allen, Coastal Music Studios/Coastal Music & Arts Foundation, Oceanside
I was a full-time touring independent musician for 20 years. Many of those years I also
spent coaching/training/mentoring younger musicians. I also co-created and ran a
nationwide conference for indie musicians. Six years ago my wife and I started a music
education studio where we currently employ 13 teachers and teach over 250 students
per week in our studio. We have also founded a non-profit, the Coastal Music & Arts
Foundation and I serve on the board of directors.
Noor Al-Samarrai, Fulbright, Torranc
Noor Al-Samarrai is an Iraqi-American poet and performer. She studied at UC Berkeley
and was a Fulbright Creative Arts Grantee in Amman where she studied oud with Omar
Abbad, taught creative writing at the University of Jordan, and collected oral histories
about life and love in mid-20th-century Baghdad for a book on the city’s
psychogeography. Her poetry collection El Cerrito was published by Inside the Castle
Press in 2018.
Ernesto Altamirano, Art Essential, Salinas
After working for 10 years in Spanish media as a Research Marketing Analyst, I
ventured into the arts to use my background to help underrepresented communities
gain more visibility and also inform them of available art programs by creating a website
dedicated to the arts and culture called "PasionArte." This project was sponsored by the
Arts Council for Monterey County. I presented this project to the Americans for the Arts
organization last year and was awarded a full scholarship with paid expenses to their
annual conference in San Francisco. If you also attended the conference, I was the first
one (and ended up being the only one) who got up during the Q&A portion of Saturday
morning's keynote to ask the panel on advice on how I could further apply my
background in favor of the arts. The panelists were extremely generous of their time and
advice. After the panel was over there was a break, and I was graciously approached by
a large number of people to give me their cards to also help me in my art endeavors. I'm
a go-getter and would very much like to be a California Arts Council panelist this coming
year.
Caroline Altman, San Francisco Opera Guild, San Francisco
Caroline Altman has been active in arts education in the Bay Area for over 25 years.
Joining the staff of San Francisco Opera Guild in 2006, she has served as Education
Director, Summer Conservatory Director, composer, and Creative Director. During this
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time she developed and implemented the award winning programs Book to Bravo!,
Voices for Social Justice, Summer Conservatory, and the popular Opera Scouts, as well
as producing her anti-bullying touring show, How Andy Found His Voice. Prior to joining
the Guild, Caroline served as Education Director at 42nd Street Moon Musical Theater
for 5 years, and worked as a teaching artist and director/choreographer at A.C.T., New
Conservatory Theater, El Paso Opera Company, TADA! musical theater in New York
City, Stagedoor Manor in upstate New York, and Pineapple Studios in London. A proud
member of ActorsEquity and the Dramatist Guild, Caroline is an award winning actress
and singer, and has written six musicals and one opera for young audiences.
Emilie Amrein, University of San Diego, San Marcos
Emilie Amrein, DMA is Assistant Professor of Choral Studies at the University of San
Diego where she serves as the conductor of the USD Choral Scholars and teaches
courses on the intersection of music and social justice movements. Amrein has recently
appeared as invited guest conductor with the University of Cologne Collegium Musicum,
the Ball State University Women's Chorus, California Music Educators Association
South Border Section SATB Honor Choir, the Bakersfield Real Women Sing Middle
School Honor Choir, and SACRA/PROFANA Summer Choral Intensive. Amrein is the
founding artistic director of Peregrine Music, an arts and education nonprofit
organization committed to engaging communities in meaningful dialogue about the most
pressing social issues facing the world with creative, youth-driven performance projects.
As the co-leader of the Justice Choir San Diego, Amrein facilitates justice themed,
community singing opportunities throughout San Diego County. As a singer, Dr. Amrein
has performed with many of the finest choral ensembles around the country. A
passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the arts and academia, Emilie is
currently researching the application of conflict transformation, restorative justice, and
other healing practices within the ensemble setting.
Daina Anderson, Huntington Beach Union High School District, Huntington Beach
As an educator for the past 21 years, I have held a variety of roles and have gained
valuable experience and insight regarding art instruction and leadership within my
organization. I am an accessible, visible, and collaborative instructor and leader who
works well with all stakeholders. I believe in utilizing transparency to develop meaningful
relationships and creating opportunities for continuous improvement in all facets of my
positions.
For over the past 14 years, I have been a teacher, department coordinator, and Arts
facilitator within in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. I have developed
strong relationships, supported school culture, and strengthen curriculum throughout the
district. I have supported seven high schools in curriculum development and have
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served as the districts art show coordinator for more than six years. I also provide
support to new teachers through BTSA and as a master teacher for CSULB for more
than 20 years. I have truly enjoyed working closely with my colleagues to help facilitate
implementation of the new Visual and Performing Arts Standards and the incorporation
of technology as it relates to the Arts. I am an instructional leader who has utilized and
has provided professional development on standards-based curriculum and have been
proven to increase Arts collaboration across the district.
Gloria Arjona, California Institute of Technology, Long Beach
I was born in El Paso and grew up in Mexico City, living as well in the Mexican southern
states of Chiapas, Campeche, and Yucatán, and in the US, El Paso, Austin, New York,
and Los Angeles. Living in different parts of Mexico and the United States since an early
age, made me aware of the various cultures in both countries, of their differences, as
well as their similarities. Thus, my research interests are centered in race and gender. I
hold a PhD in Spanish literature and teach Spanish language and literature at Caltech. I
am also a singer with two projects: as a soloist, accompanying myself with a guitar, I
deliver in public libraries and schools, interdisciplinary thematic lectures related to
Latinos in the US, particularly Mexican descendants. In my lectures, I include live music,
media, traditional attire, and "Tableaux Vivants" (living pictures). With this project, I have
traveled throughout California, to the east coast, Mexico, and more recently, to China,
where I also delivered a 5-week program to empower young women through the arts.
The other music project I have is a Brazilian jazz band, in which I sing. Additionally, for
the last 13 years, my husband and I have been doing house concert in which we invite
various prominent local jazz musicians. I also co-host an Spanish radio show targeted
for the Spanish speaking communities of LA area (KPFK), and recently I was invited to
be part of the Arts Council of Long Beach board.
Fran Atkins, SpectorDance, Marina
Fran Spector Atkins, am the Artistic Director of SpectorDance, School, Company,
Community Outreach, Creative Projects and Choreographers Showcase. Her credits
include a BS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, an MFA from Mills
College in Dance and Choreography and Certification in Laban Movement Analysis
from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (NYC). She has directed
schools in NYC, Cleveland, and Monterey and has choreographed throughout the
United States and abroad. She is certified in ABT National Teaching Curriculum. Some
of her outstanding experiences include being a guest artist at Oberlin College and
Brown University and in Denmark, Egypt, England, Israel, Italy, Guam, and Taiwan.
Spector Atkins has received numerous awards including the prestigious Dewars Young
Artist Recognition Award for the State of California. She was featured in Carmel
Magazine as one of 10 individuals making altruistic contributions to the communityand
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in the film Luminaries of Monterey County.SpectorDance was selected by The Arts
Council for Monterey County as the Outstanding Arts Organization in Monterey
County,and as a national finalist for the Ovation TV award for Excellence in the
Performing Arts.Fran has twice been a presenter at TEDx Monterey.
Donna Avanzino, San Carlos Children's Theatre, San Carlos
I have been in charge of San Carlos Childrens Theaters day to day operations since
January 2001. My job is to ensure the theater runs smoothly year round as I manage
budgets, productions, personnel, grants, educational programs, school enrichment and
electives, volunteers, and much more. I am a credentialed teacher and teach parent
education classes as well. My love of the arts had me involved as a volunteer in
ChickensBall, Belmont Community Players and Kiwanis shows for many years. I was a
professional muralist for about 15 years. In 2013 I was honored by the City of San
Carlos with the San Carlos Arts and Culture Achievement Award!
Glenna Avila, California Institute of the Arts, Santa Clarita
Glenna Avila is an artist, educator, and arts administrator, dedicated to the arts, young
people, and communities. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she received her BA in Art
from UCLA and her MA in Art from the University of New Mexico. She is currently the
Wallis Annenberg Artistic Director of the California Institute of the Arts Community Arts
Partnership (CAP) program and has been with CAP since 1991. Before CalArts, she
directed community art centers for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural
Affairs for 14 years. She has painted over 75 community murals throughout Los
Angeles, the majority of which are collaborations with youth and their communities. As a
teaching artist, she has taught in public schools, in museums, in after-school mental
health programs, and with incarcerated youth in juvenile detention centers and
probation camps since 1985. She was commissioned by the Olympic Organizing
Committee to paint a mural on the freeway in downtown Los Angeles for the 1984
Olympic Arts Festival. Avila has exhibited her work at the Los Angeles County Museum
of Art, the Laguna Art Museum, Self Help Graphics and Art, Anchorage Museum of Art
and History, among other venues.
Cheri Awalt, Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Sacramento
I am a current BA student at UC Davis, and will be graduating in March 2019. I have
pursued a holistic education that has spanned the usual foundational art and art history
courses along with several emphasizing traditionally underrepresented groups,
including Women in Art; the Arts of Japan; Hindu and Buddhist Art Histories; Art,
Architecture, and Human Rights; and the Cultural History of Museums. I have also
participated in two exhibitions in the last year- I was Co-curator of the student-led show
"(Un)Safe Havens: Searching for Sanctuary" at the Manetti-Shrem Museum in Davis,
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and was Show Chair of the "In the Style of the Old Masters" exhibition at the
Sacramento Fine Arts Center. I am in the process of applying to grad schools, and
intend to pursue an MA in Museum Studies in preparation for a career in exhibitions and
public engagement. It would be my great pleasure to expand my experience by serving
as a panelist for the Arts Council this spring.
Lorenzo Baca, Zia Works, Sonora
I am a visual, literary and performing artist of Native American descent with an M A in
American Indian Studies with a concentration in Expressive Arts from UCLA. AA in
commercial art, BA in Art from CSULB, where I taught a crafts class in the American
Indian Studies Program. Performed in many N A events as musician, dancer, comic
actor (SAG) and emcee. Former president of Native American Fine Arts Society, LA.
Exhibited and performed at N A museums and judged visual art and dance
competitions. Taught drawing and creative writing in CDCR, WJA.
Recipient of several grants and fellowships including CAC and NEA.
Jayanthi Balachandran, Rasatmika Arts, Pleasanton
Dance Educator, Teaching and Choreographing in the Bharathanatyam (South Indian
Classical Dance) style.
EDUCATION: Studied Bharathanatyam in-depth in India for roughly ten years under
Padmashri Mrs. Chitra Visweswaran (one of Indias leading exponents of
Bharathanatyam) at Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA), Chennai,
India.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Dance Educator, Pleasanton, CA 2013- Present Teaching and training
students of various ages and backgrounds in the Bay Area, CA - Choreography
and presentations by dance ensemble for local organizations in the Bay Area
Compering/Public Speaking, Pleasanton, CA 2013 Present ¢ Master of
Ceremonies (MC) for various arts-related programs
Documentarian, North Carolina Arts Council, Raleigh, NC 2010-2012 ¢
Folklife Documentary Award, North Carolina Arts Council Conceptualized,
directed, narrated and produced an hour-long educational and cultural video
documentary: Bharathanatyam (South Indian Classical Dance) in the North
Carolina Diaspora ¢ Taught Bharathanatyam in schools and universities
throughout the state of North Carolina to crosscultural audiences of various ages
and promoted my message - “Dance Transcends Barriers
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Choreographed, taught and staged solo, group and full-length dance ballets and
programs, including training ten to fifteen young dancers and a live orchestra of
five to seven musicians (see website below for review)
http://www.narthaki.com/info/reviews/review69.html
Served as Panelist for Community Programming for the United Arts Council of
Raleigh and Wake County (North Carolina)
Past member of the North Carolina Dance Alliance (NCDA) a non-profit
service organization established to support the development of dance in North
Carolina (please see website http://ncdancealliance.org) ¢ Narrator / Compere /
Presenter / Host for many arts related programs
Writer of articles and reviews on Indian dance; Was part of the team for CVNC
(Classical Voice of North Carolina) an online arts journal in North Carolina;
worked with John Lambert (please see my website bio below)
(http://cvnc.org/author.cfm?authorId=4)
Directed, taught and choreographed a dance ensemble Rasa Dance
Creations (see website below) https://sites.google.com/site/rasadancecreations/
Taught Bharathanatyam as a semester long course for World Dance at the
Dance Department at Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina ¢ Directed and
created an hour long educational video documentary on Bharathanatyam in the
North Carolina Diasporaa grant awarded to me by the North Carolina Arts
Council
HONORS AND AWARDS:
Recipient of the Regional Artist Grant from United Arts Council of Raleigh and
Wake County
Recipient of the Folk Life Documentary Grant from North Carolina Arts Council;
Worked with Sally Peterson
Jenny E. Balisle, Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, Public Art Advisory
Committee, Richmond
Jenny E. Balisle earned a B.A. in Art and Communication from the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a M.F.A. from the Academy of Art College in San
Francisco. Exhibits include the de Young Museum Artist-in-Residence, Orange County
Center for Contemporary Art, Chicago Cultural Center, Korean Cultural Center, Harvard
University, Farmington Museum, Museu Brasileiro Sao Paulo, and Shanghai Oil
Painting & Sculpture Institute Art Museum.
Her work has been featured in such publications as The Huffington Post,
WOMENCINEMAKERS, A5 Magazine, ZYZZYVA, The Drum Literary Magazine, and
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Sculptural Pursuits Magazine. Public art includes The Cube Art Project, Hearts in San
Francisco, and South San Francisco Utility Box Mural Project.
Balisle currently works as an artist, curator, advocate, writer, lecturer, and instructor at
the Academy of Art University and UC Berkeley Extension. Locally, she serves as a
Richmond Arts & Culture Commissioner and Public Art Advisory Committee member.
www.jennyebalisle.com
Teri Ball, Center Stage Theater, Santa Barbara
I have been working in the arts for more than 30 years. I have an undergraduate degree
in theater from Cal State Northridge, which I spent most of my time stage managing. I
started my professional career as an equity stage manager and after getting a Masters
of Arts Management at Carnegie Mellon moved into management. In my management
role after time as a development director and marketing director for two theater
companies I moved on to being an Executive Director. I have run a literacy program for
incarcerated youth, and run a dance service organization, a spoken word performance
group and am now the Executive Director for a black box rental venue in Santa Barbara
where I mentor many young artists and producers in dance, theater, film, and even the
occasional visual arts group. I have worked a great deal in the new plays genre, which
is a particular passion of mine. My wife is a lighting designer and theater professor so I
spend my work time and most of my non-work time in various artistic endeavors. I have
worked in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and now Santa Barbara in both large and small
arts organizations.
Jeni Barrett, World Stage Press, Long Beach
I am a published author and spoken word artist. I have also been writing for over 19
years. I believe my participation in various events, and my direct experience fits within
the requirement guidelines.
Rachele Barton, Encore Jr/Sr High School for the Arts, Riverside
I am currently a certificated teacher at a public charter school which serves the
underserved communities of the greater inland empire. We are a full inclusion school. I
teach Musical Theatre 1-3, Drama I, and Art Appreciation. Additionally, I am the Team
Advisor for our Jr High Theatre Competition Team and will serve as Director of four
school productions this year. In addition to being an arts educator, I am an artist. I have
been a musical theatre performer, a session vocalist and an independent singer-
songwriter for over 20 years. I have contributed to over dozens of albums and live
performances.
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Rebecca Basford, Artful Living, San Diego
In 1997 Artful Living was founded. I work towards a delicate balance where my
philanthropic life and my business intersect. The focus of my advisory has been
collaboration with public and private institutions in creating site-specific public projects
along with overall art concept installations. My recent work includes public art
commissions, corporate installations, and pieces created for education, military,
corporate clients, hospitality and health care facilities. I conceptualize with architects,
interior designers and art commissioners, then collaborate with fabricators, city planners
and the community at large to develop art and a space that addresses the needs of the
site. My work has been well-received locally and nationally, while I continue to seek new
evolving methods and concepts, the pallet is never ending with our global human
experience.
Through my philanthropy I have had the pleasure to sit on several boards in San Diego
County. I find the more I relate to the challenges of those around us whether it be food
insecurity, homelessness, supporting veterans, mental disabilities, children fighting life
threatening illness or pet shelters the more I am able to conceptual the needs of a
project in a variety of environments.
Phyllis Battle, Ja-Phyl Productions, Inglewood
My passion for the arts allowed me to travel the world for more than 30 years, singing,
recording and touring with Frank Sinatra, George Duke, Rita Coolidge, Donna
Summers, the Gap Band and as a member of the 5th Dimension for 16 years, which led
to a Super Bowl Half-Time performance and my first theatrical cast opportunity in a
production of Aint Misbehavin.Legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins produced my
first CD, Night Flightwhich features a song that I co-wrote with Nadine McKenna,
composer of This Christmas.
I established and managed a nonprofit arts agency for 10 years in Leimert Park,
opening “Ja-Phyls Place,a performance studio located next door to the World Stage. I
offered an 8-week Youth Summer Performing Arts Series for low-income families,
produced and co-produced jazz events, theatrical and spoken word projects with a wide
range of artists and community groups. After closing Ja-Phyls, I was hired by the City of
LA to manage the 1,200-seat Vision Theatre. Ive served as artistic director for
numerous jazz theatre projects, composed and produced the music track to accompany
a childrens book, and played the lead role in an independent short premiered at the
Pan African Film Festival.
Kelly Baumann, State of California, Riverside
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I am a teacher and grant writer who recently completed an AmeriCorps term of service
with Inland Empire United Way. During this time, I had the opportunity to review grants
as part of a team and gain experience with that process.
In addition, I have organized several events when I lived in Iceland including Open Mic
Poetry and a performance art piece for the Women's Day celebration. I continue to work
on my own writing and am part of the arts community where I live.
Keysha Baynes, Art Active, Inc, Los Angeles
I entered the non-profit world in the late 90s in Atlanta, GA. My California career started
when I returned from a decade overseas to work as a non-profit management
consultant. Four years ago I started building Art Active from a small $5000 grant and 1
programming site to a $90k programming budget and multiple sites throughout Los
Angeles. I've implemented theater, dance, music, ceramics, painting, spoken word and
creative writing classes into all of our sites and we serve more than 800 children
annually. I hire local, professional artists that encourage each student to consider the
arts as therapy, a social justice resource and a profession.
Nancy Bednar, Yosemite Western Artists, Oakhurst
I was raised in the Central Valley appreciating the rich cultures all around me. As a little
girl, I was fascinated by the languages and family experiences of the children I was
growing up with. After college I lived in Europe for several years, and the cultural
adventure of my childhood continued. I made some rather feeble attempts to speak
languages other than English and was able to spend some time traveling. The culture,
art, and architecture I had studied was all around me and I was again fascinated.
Museums, galleries and churches were like an extended classroom for me. Outdoor
markets, festivals, and even shopping helped me to make some wonderful friends and
develop an appreciation of the people who used art to leave a mark behind on their
world. It was then that I discovered photography, which has been my primary means of
self-expression for the last 40 years.
Kerri Beeker, Nimbus Arts, St. Helena
Through her nonprofit consulting firm, MissionFirst Associates, Kerri spearheads
fundraising and external communications for several local and regional art and
education organizations. Her experience with nonprofit organization is deep and diverse
and spans over 18 years. Prior her move to California, Kerri worked in Washington DC
where she led the development arm of United Cerebral Palsy, one of the largest
international health charities. Earlier, she served as a division head of Orr Group, a
Washington DC-based international nonprofit consultancy. In California, shes worked
with arts, education, and cultural organizations- strengthening their support programs
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and systemizing their communication and administrative function. Kerri is a graduate of
the School of Journalism at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and continued
post-graduate work at the Université catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France. Kerri
served as a board director on the St. Helena Public Schools Foundation and
Endowment Trust for the past six years and is highly involved in helping advance and
improve public education throughout the Napa Valley. She also currently serves on The
Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts as Corporate Trustee and earlier as board
director of Women in Film & Video and the American Newswomens Club in Washington
DC.
Sheila Bergman, UCR ARTS (formerly UCR ARTSblock), Riverside
Sheila Bergman has 25+ years of experience in the arts and is currently the Executive
Director of UCR ARTS (California Museum of Photography/Culver Center of the Arts).
Prior to UCR ARTS, she was Assistant Dean for external affairs for UCLA School of the
Arts and Architecture. Prior to UCLA she was the Director of the Emeryville Center for
the Arts, a nascent arts center in the East Bay. Bergman was Executive Director at P.S.
Arts in Santa Monica, dedicated to restoring the arts to public education. Prior to P.S.
Arts, she spent nearly a decade directing the start-up of Zeum in Yerba Buena Gardens
in San Francisco. Before Zeum, she founded The Education Project in NYC, an youth
arts program exploring photography and media arts. She began her career as the
associate director at the Strand Theater in Boston, and co-director of Anthology Film
Archives in NYC. Bergman received a Ph.D. and M.A. in Human and Organizational
Studies from Fielding Graduate Univ., researching curatorial practices in contemporary
art museums. She earned a certificate in arts leadership from the Stanford Graduate
School of Business, and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts, SFSU., and B.A. in Fine
Arts/Theater Arts, Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles.
Sheryl Bize-Boutte, Author, Berkeley
Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte is a homegrown Bay Area local who knows how to write as well as
tell a story. Her works artfully succeed in getting across deeper meanings about life and
love and the politics of race and economics without breaking out of the narrative. Not
surprisingly, her first book, A Dollar Five-Stories From A Baby Boomer's Ongoing
Journey often has Oakland and San Francisco as backdrops for her touching and often
hilarious true tales. This work has been described as rich in vivid imagery,” and
incredible.Published in 2016, her second book, All That and Mores Wedding, a
collection of fictional mystery/crime short stories, is being praised as imaginative with
colorful and likeable characters that leave you wanting more.Her latest book, Running
for the 2:10, delves deeper into her coming of age in the Bay Area and the imbedded
issues of race and color with one reviewer calling it a great contribution to literature.
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An expressive and exciting reader, Sheryl often brings down the housewith
presentations of her stories and poetry. She has participated in readings for Bay Area
Generations, the California Writers Club, Authors Large and Small, Haywards B Street
Writers Collective and is the ongoing MC for the annual Montclair Library (Oakland)
celebration of National Poetry Month. She was recently named to the Board of Directors
of the Womens National Book Association-San Francisco Chapter.
Todd Blakesley, San Diego
A native San Diegan, Todd has worked in every strata of theater from administrative to
creative: Managing Director of Bowery/Blackfriars Theatre and Womens Repertory
Theatre (which he co-founded). Dramaturge for Playwrights Project and ATHE. Artistic
Director for the Actors Alliance Festival. Co-Creator with Write Out Loud of Twainfest, a
free literary festival now in its 10th year. Her served as Festival Coordinator for the San
Diego International Fringe Festival from its founding (2013-17). His work as an actor,
producer, director or playwright has been seen in California, Washington, Florida,
Minnesota, New York and throughout the Canadian Fringe. Co-founder of Theatre
Research & Development, Inc. and Artistic Director of its Crystal Palace Theatre (1971-
76) dedicated to developing new works. Todd is a recipient of a 2015 Creative Catalyst
Grant to develop his ninth immersive play.
He has been nominated by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for Best New Play
(Cigars & StripesT:R&D - 1984); Outstanding Featured Performance (EurydiceMoxie
Theatre - 2010); Outstanding Solo Performance as Truman Capote (Tru” Diversionary
Theatre - 2014).
Debbie Bless, Art Masterpiece Program, Carlsbad
I am a self taught artist and love bringing art opportunities to people of all ages. I feel
being self taught that I have a connection with beginners and novice artist. I enjoy
finding avenues to bring art to children and teens who don't have opportunities in their
schools, and to seniors citizens that haven't dabbled in art for years. I am interested in
being a panelist to help promote opportunities to all people, young and old, from
educated artist to simple beginners with a passion. My experience in art ranges from
creating 3D cakes, to painting murals, portraits and landscape, to visual merchandising,
stage design and large scale art installations. I have been lucky enough to be a
recipient of an art grant for the Art Masterpiece program I coordinated. It was an
amazing experience to receive such a gift. I would love to have the opportunity to be a
part of the selection process for gifting grants to other worthy groups because I
understand the life changing impact it can have.
Anne Bluethenthal, ABD Productions, San Francisco
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Founder and Artistic Director of ABD Productions, ANNE BLUETHENTHAL believes
that relationships are the first site of social change. Bridging the worlds of dance and
community-engaged art for over 3 decades, she eloquently explores issues of justice
and equity through bold, nuanced works, tackling complex and challenging subjects.
Through her choreography and community collaborations, Bluethenthal has presented
work on subjects such as Israel & Palestine, globalization, the environment, genocide,
the gift economy, and gender. Her ongoing program, Skywatchers, brings artists in to
durational, collaborative relationships with residents of San Franciscos Tenderloin
neighborhood, interrogating the poverty industrial complex and positioning community
voices into the civic discourse through the arts. She has received awards and
recognition from Curve Magazine, the SF Chronicles Best of the Year, SF Weekly’s
Black Box, the SF Bay Guardians Goldie Award for Achievement in Dance, and the
Rhinette Award for Best Choreography. Bluethenthal co-founded and co-directs the
Center for Art and Social Justice and founded and produced the San Francisco Lesbian
and Gay Dance Festival as well as the Dancing the Mystery series, a festival of dance,
music and poetry celebrating womens spiritual traditions.
Charles Brack, Living Jazz Organization, Oakland
Charleswell-roundedness, knowledge, and experience has steered the careers of a
number working artists [musicians, photographers, filmmakers] since the 1990’s.
Charles has nearly 2 decades of experience working with musicians through time as a
member of the marketing staff at The SFJAZZ Organization, A&R at Isotope Records,
and current Board Member of the Living Jazz Organization. He currently specializes in
interactive media, Strategic Planning, and Business Development, and works with some
of the world’s most powerful brands as Head of Partnerships at Uncrate.com - a leading
Mens Lifestyle publication (online and print magazine).
Carl Bradford, Fairfield/Suisun Visual Arts Association, Vacaville
Carl H. Bradford 3, a onetime jazz musician and longtime graphic artist, embraces both
sides in his latest works. He paints musical experiences. With the elements of design-
color, form and composition, Carl captures the essence of jazz artists and their smokin
sounds, from bebop to fusion. His aim: to record the history of jazz for a new generation
of traditionalists. During his thirty years in the graphic arts industry, Carl has built a solid
reputation as both a designer and illustrator. His expertise varies widely, from brand
identity development, editorial illustration advertising, promotional, and even broadcast
design. His clients are also diverse-among them he counts such publications as The
Washington Post, and American Politics Magazine; such corporations as IBM, AT&T,
and AFC; a restaurant-Louisiana Cafe; a government agency, the United States
Commission on Minority Business Development; A concert called SOUL MOUNTAIN
MUSIC Festival and many private collections nationwide..Carl studied design and fine
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arts at Baltimores Maryland Institute College of Fine Arts, concentrating on design,
illustration, and New Media and Web Development at Art Institute of Atlanta.
Qathryn Brehm, Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk, Los Angeles
As a professional artist I worked for many years with interior designers and architects
creating and executing murals, graphics and faux finishes throughout Southern
California. In the 1990's I retrained in computer graphics and entered the field of
marketing and community relations, working with several non-profits.
In 2011 I was hired as Director of Development as part of the first paid staff of the
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk a 501c3. In 2013 the board asked me to step into the
executive director position and I have been in that role ever since. The Downtown Art
Walk has a monthly attendance of 10,000 visitors every 2nd Thursday of the every
month. Rain or shine. It is said to be the largest monthly art walk in the United States.
Through these years I have also worked as a professional artist working mainly in the
digital media, but also as a photographer and mixed media painter.
I have served on discussion and jury panels with the City of Los Angeles,
Congressional District 34, Art Share LA, Loyola University and others.
My work has always been a passion and would love to be a panelist. Thank you!
Patrick Brien, Riverside Arts Council, Riverside
Patrick Brien has been the Executive Director of the Riverside Arts Council for the past
13 years. In addition to teaching workshops and providing private consultations
throughout Riverside County, he has developed programs that include art as therapy for
dementia patients and arts in corrections within the state penitentiary system. Sporting a
long list of acting, directing and producing credits that span from Hawaii to Germany,
Patrick ran theatre companies in various parts of the world before entering the local arts
agency field. He is a board member of Californians for the Arts and California Arts
Advocates, and serves as a voice on behalf of public funding for the arts on both the
state and national levels.
Bernard Brown, Bernard Brown/bbmoves, CSU Sacramento, Elk Grove
Bernard Brown is a choreographer, performer, educator, scholar and activist. His work
focuses on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Brown's choreography has
been presented at Royce Hall, REDCAT, the Fowler Museum, ODC Theater, Highways
Performance Space, University of Chicago, Southern Methodist University, American
College Dance Association, and Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Â He has
choreographed Scott Joplin's opera, "Treemonisha" for Skylark Opera. Bernard has
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worked with Lula Washington Dance Theatre, David Rousseve/REALITY, Kamasi
Washington, Jazz Antiqua, TU Dance, Shapiro & Smith Dance, Doug Elkins Dance
Company, Donald McKayle, Rennie Harris, Vincent Patterson, Rudy Perez, among
others. His work Championwas presented at the launch of the Institute on Inequality
and Democracy at UCLA Luskin. Brown was published in the inaugural edition of
Dancer-Citizen, peer-reviewed dance journal. His activism has been documented by the
New York and Los Angeles Times. He is also recipient of the Westfield Emerging Artist
Award, and the Lester Horton Award. Brown is the recently appointed Assistant
Professor of Dance at California State University, Sacramento. He is Artistic Director of
Sacramento/Black Art of Dance and Executive Artistic Director of bbmoves. The LA
Times has called him "...the incomparable Bernard Brown..."
Marika Brussel, San Francisco
Marika Brussel is a contemporary ballet choreographer based in san Francisco. Her
work strives to show equity in people and community, generations, races, and cultures.
She has been the recipient of Fleishhacker Grant, and many residencies.
Patrick Burns, Broadway Sacramento, Sacramento
I’m an actor, playwright, composer and activist.
I’ve performed off-Broadway, regionally and in national tours. My plays have been
produced off-Broadway and regionally and my writing has been featured online in The
Atlantic, The Chronicle for Social Change, and Stage Agent.
I’m passionate about prison reform, diversity & representation, foster care and socially-
conscious, entertaining storytelling. I was recently awarded a Lincoln City Fellowship
from the Speranza foundation to develop my new musical Life Sentence.
Michael Burton-Tillson, Menlo-Atherton High School, Redwood City
I have an BA in Studio Arts (1996) and have been teaching a variety of Arts in a diverse
public high school since 1999. Over the past two years I have taken more time for my
own work and am continuously growing as an artist and educator.
Amy Caillouette, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside, Oceanside
As an independent artist, contributor to youth arts education programming, arts patron,
human resources administrator in a youth development non-profit (Boys & Girls Clubs of
Oceanside), and an Arts Commissioner in the City of Oceanside; I have an unique
perspective on arts and culture in my own community and am influenced daily by
personal and professional interactions in the multi-faceted universe that is San Diego
County. I have a passion to inspire creative thinking and artistic expression in the
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coming generations of potential artists that have little to no exposure to fine arts or are
no longer being taught the ideas of creative risk taking in their school day. And, as our
Arts Commission has worked since 2017 on a Master Plan for the Arts in Oceanside, I
have been both a voice for our youth and an innovative contributor to the vibrant artistic
direction for our City.
Paddy Calistro, Angel City Press, Inc., Santa Monica
I have been president of Angel City Press for the entirety of its 26 year history. I was
instrumental in the pro bono publication of "My California: Journeys by Great Writers", a
2004 book that raised many thousands of dollars for CAC when its funds were cut
significantly by former Governor Schwarzenegger--this was a citizen-generated project,
with no request from CAC. I served on the fine arts committed of Cathedral of Our Lady
of the Angels in Los Angeles, and have served as a literary grant reviewer for the Los
Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Books I oversee are highly visual, celebrating
the social and cultural history of California, and are sold throughout the world. I am
active in the L. A. cultural community, and the company I own and oversee is an
important part of this area's cultural record. I live in Santa Monica, am a 2nd generation
native Californian, and have raised my children in the public schools. I hold a master’s
in education from USC; under-grad in history, UCSB.
Kerry Campbell, Artist, Member of LAAA.org, Encinitas
I'm a practicing artist who works in both the visual arts and literary arts. Im a published
poet and a working visual artist. My works focus on abstract modernist and minimalist
expressions. I am also an adjunct college professor teaching Writing, English, and
Business Communications to ethnically and economically diverse group of students. I
have facilitated outdoor plein air workshops for under-privileged children focusing on
connecting with nature and art as a way to foster and strengthen emotional well-being. I
am a Senior Manager for Learning & Development initiatives working for high tech
companies, such as Microsoft and others. In my corporate career I have run global
learning programs working with people from all over the world, managing project scope,
timeline, and deliverables on high intensity initiatives. I am a certified project
management professional and organizational development consultant and frequently
design, execute, and deliver mission critical projects and programs. I have traveled the
world and worked with many people from different cultures as a corporate trainer.
Currently, I am the art curator for FICO's emerging corporate art collection. As a
practicing artist, Im a member of the Los Angeles Artist Association and my works are
exhibited throughout the United States.
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Doug Carey, California State University, Fresno, Fresno
As a research administrator at Fresno State University, I assist faculty in preparing grant
applications for private, state and federal agencies. I have a particular interest in the
arts due to my educational background, which includes BA and MA degrees in Mass
Communication and Journalism. I volunteered as an art docent for several years and
frequently visit the Fresno Art Museum. There is a growing art scene in Fresno, but the
city could definitely be doing more. It's a pleasure to work with faculty to bring more
activities/events to the area, and I would welcome the opportunity to serve as a reviewer
to gain more insights about the grant making process. While I don't have an active,
direct role in the local arts community, I believe my educational background and
professional expertise as a research administrator would allow me to serve as capable
reviewer.
Matt Carney, San Diego Ballet, San Diego
Mr. Carney was drawn into the arts as another way to convey his interests in equality,
social activism, and living a healthy lifestyle. Including 20 years of performing and
teaching with professional dance companies and 15 years experience serving at the
Manager and Director level of non-profits, Matt has a broad systemic perspective of the
arts as an artist and administrator. He is passionate about providing opportunities for
working artists and breaking down barriers that inhibit access to the training in and the
experiencing of the arts.
He has a BFA in Dance from UMKCs Conservatory of Music and Dance and his Master
in Public Administration from SDSUs School of Public Affairs. Currently, Matt serves as
Producing Director of the San Diego Ballet, Governance Chair for San Diego Regional
Arts and Culture Coalition, and is on the Port of San Diegos Art, Culture, and Design
Committee.
Stevens Carter, Stevens Productions, Oakland
Stevens Jay Carter has been a working artist for over 20 years. Born in Plainfield, New
Jersey, he earned a B.A. in Studio Arts from the University of Pittsburgh.
Throughout his interesting career, Carter has always tried to be artistically diverse,
commanding several skills while maintaining a multitude of visions. I look forward to the
day when contemporary artists develop their skills to match their visions.
Carters artistic credits include commissioned murals in such places as New York City,
(the Pathfinder Publishing Co. and the Carlton Arms Hotel), the City of Altoona, Altoona,
PA, the Williamsport Arts Council, Williamsport, PA, the Blue Mountain School District,
Pottsville, PA, the PA State Correctional System, Harrisburg, PA, the Smithsonian Folk
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Life Festival, Washington, DC. He also created a backdrop New World Dance Co. in
Washington, DC which has been used by the likes of Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly and
entertainer Stevie Wonder; the Millennium Image for The Capital Jazz Fest in
Annapolis, MD, a public commission for Montgomery County in Silver Spring, MD and a
mural for Independent Living Skills Project in collaboration with Blair Underwood in
Oakland, CA.
In addition, Carter has exhibited nationally including the Blair Museum, Hollidaysburg,
PA, the Southern Alleghenies Museum, Johnstown, PA, the Afro-American Historical
and Cultural Museum, Philadelphia, PA, Artspace Gallery, Sacramento, CA, Ariel
Gallery, New York, NY, the Palm Beach Gallery, Houston, TX, the Ira Pinto Gallery,
Washington, DC, Gallery 10, Washington, DC, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington,
DC, the Anacostia Museum, Washington, DC, The Smithsonian, Washington, DC, The
Sumner Museum, Washington, DC, Harmony Hall, Ft. Washington, MD, Galerie
Intemporel, Paris, France, American Painting, New York & Washington, DC, the Ratner
Museum, Bethesda, MD and the Pfizer Gallery in New York City.
Carter has won several awards such as the DC Commission on the Arts Technical
Assistance Award, a visiting Smithsonian Institution of Fellowship, several Artist-in-
Residence grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, he won the ArTrends
Gallery Choice Awards 2000 for Best Contemporary Artist and received a Pollock-
Krasner Foundation Award in 2006. Additionally, he has held faculty positions at
Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Slippery Rock
University.
Included in his career are lectures at the Smithsonian Institute, Pennsylvania State
University, and the University of Pittsburgh. Carter has led the non-profit alternative arts
organization Project Brasas since 1991 and is co-founder of the International Peace and
Art Center in Oakland, CA. His bibliography list includes Evening Magazine Channel 2,
the 2-Day Show, Black Chronicle, Pittsburgh Magazine, the Shooting Star Review, The
Washington City Paper, DC Arts, Art Trends Magazine, The Washington Times, The Pitt
Magazine and The Washington Post.
Carters list of collectors is diverse, including the Evans Tibbs Collection, The
International Multicultural Arts Foundation, Carnegie Library, the Mosby Lifeline
Publishing Co. and the District of Columbia.
Jennifer Carter, CA Journal of Women Writers, San Diego
Editor in Chief and Contributing Writer of The CA Journal of Women Writers, an online
literary journal devoted to fostering and enhancing the visibility of North American
female authors, and narrowing the wide gender gap found in discussions in the literary
world. Im also a college professor in rhetoric, writing, and rhetorical analysis of gender
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and race relations, as well as an aspiring novelist and poet. Ive been published in
several journals and presented literary research at conferences. I currently serve as a
Board Member at a local charter school, where I facilitate the Teacher/Staff Grant
Program and oversee all grant processes, applications, and award distributions. I also
serve on the Cultural Committee of that same Board, assisting in the implementation
and organization of cultural events and exchanges throughout the year.
Isabel Castro Melendez, Artist, Los Angeles
Isabel M. Castro is a visual artist, educator and curator and has received most of her
educational train at USC. For the past 25 years she has curated numerous fine art
Chicano and Latino Art music/sound exhibitions and award winning educational
websites. Ms. Castro developed and co-curated two historical exhibitions on the
corridos, one for UCLA Fowler Museum, and the second for Smithsonian. She worked
at the Chicano Studies Research Center and served as curator of special collections
and development. She served as founder, executive board member and executive
director of Plaza de la Raza Center for Arts, Education and Culture. Ms. Castro teaches
and lectures on numerous Art related topics at colleges and universities. Ms. Castro is a
graduate of the USC Roski School of Fine Arts, hold teaching credentials from the USC
Rossier School of Education and is a M.A. candidate at the USC Annenberg School of
Journalism, Specialized Arts Program, 2015.
Brenda Cauchon, Rancho Cordova
I have been teaching children ages 5-14 for the past 12 years. I developed my own
curriculum covering the main themes of: Art History, Art Around the Globe and Mediums
and Techniques in Art. I presented a workshop on my curriculum at a teacher
conference, giving teachers ideas on how they could easily integrate arts into their other
academic subjects. I have worked in non-profits, served on non-profit boards and
written and managed grants. I have an understanding and appreciation for the grant
process from the RFP to closing of grant cycles. In addition, I am an artist and have
been represented by galleries and juried shows throughout the Sacramento and Bay
Areas.
Valerie Caveglia, Hayward Arts Council, Hayward
Executive Director, Sun Gallery, Hayward Area Forum of the Arts, a community art
gallery and teaching facility, 2008-2013.
Alameda County Arts Commission (2009-2011)
Sun Gallery, Hayward Area Forum for the Arts, Board of Directors (1998-2008,
2013)
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Professional Expert: CA After School Resource Center: assisted in the writing
and revision of an OLT module for ELD; reviewed and evaluated academic
materials, 2010-12
Curriculum Reviewer, Language Arts, California After School Resource Center,
Alameda County, Office of Education, 2007-2015
Peer Assistance and Review Consulting Teacher, F.U.S.D., 2001-2005
I worked primarily with teachers, upper elementary through high school who
volunteered for the program. My job was to assist Participating Teachers by
demonstrating, observing, coaching, referring, conferring and /or other activities.
Curriculum writer for Upper Elementary Reading Series Fremont U.S.D.
Adoptions, Gifted and Talented Supplements, 1995-2004
Program Quality Review Consultant for Hayward U.S.D., 1994-2000
Thirty-two years classroom teaching experience, Fremont Unified School District,
Fremont, California, grades 4-6, retired June, 2005
Jessica Ceballos y Campbell, Avenue 50 Studio, Los Angeles
Jessica Ceballos y Campbell is a Los Angeles born writer, multidisciplinary artist,
publisher, designer, teaching artist, community activist, daughter of immigrants, and
granddaughter of an Indigenous Californian, with over 20 years experiencing working in
the arts. She regularly curates multidisciplinary and literary programming (and
publications) at Avenue 50 Studio in her hometown of Highland Park, where she
connects emerging poets with their literary community, and inspires the literary
community to engage with Los Angeles. Previously she was publishing partner at Writ
Large Press, was co-chair of the Arts & Culture Committee of the local Neighborhood
Council, and for 10 years she led the Children's Outreach program at Edgemar Center
for the Arts in Santa Monica. In 2015 Jessica was awarded a WESTAF Emerging
Leader of Color fellowship, and in 2016 was selected as an Arts for LA ACTIVATE
Cultural Policy Fellow.
Her written work has been published in various journals and anthologies, and she's
published three chapbooks; Gent/Re De Place Ing (Writ Large Press, 2016), End of the
Road (2017), and Facilitating Spaces 101 (2018). She is currently working on Happiest
Place on Earth, a collection of poetry centered around a 1984 visit to Disneyland while
living under foster care.
Sylvia Chavez, Look What She Did, Lawndale
Sylvia Hathaway Chavez joined Look What SHE Did! as their first Managing Director in
2018. She has ten years of experience working in theatres in the San Francisco Bay
Area as an education program director, actor, and teaching artist with companies
including Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Children's Fairyland, New Conservatory Theatre,
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TheatreWorks, and others. Most recently, she managed arts education programs and
provided arts integration training in elementary schools from Compton to Santa Monica
through her work with P.S. ARTS and Inside Out Community Arts. Sylvia has also been
teaching social-emotional skills through dramatic play to girls and parents with Girls
Leadership since 2011. She holds a M.A. in Nonprofit Management from Antioch
University Los Angeles and a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Indiana University of
Pennsylvania.
Barbara Clark, Lake County Arts Council, Lakeport
I have a Master's degree in business administration, as well as other minor degrees in
business administration and management. I have over 15 years experience in non-
profits including writing for grant's, monitoring, and preparing reports. I have done
independent contracting work as a grant writer with successful outcomes. I am currently
the Executive Director of the Lake County Arts Council, overseeing both an art gallery
and a performing arts theater venue.
I have been a part of the arts since I was a child. I have played instruments in bands
and orchestras. I have sang in choirs and am currently part of an a capella women's
group. I perform on stage through our local theatre company, of which I am also a
director of the board of directors. I believe art is an essential part of life and needs to be
shared and enjoyed with everyone.
Joyce Clarke, Grant writer, Riverside
Since 2002, I have been a freelance grant writer for education and the arts serving at-
risk and foster youth. Agenciesmissions include tutorial, reading, skills training, college
prep and academic enrichment. Arts agencies include music, dance, film, and individual
artists. Was grants administrator for Bethune Theatre Dance for disabled people.
Taught grant writing at UCLA; artistsgrantsmanship workshops in film at Emerson
College and twice in multidisciplinary arts for Lawyers for the Arts. For 4 years taught
poetry to 3rd graders under Artists in Schools grant. Two semesters taught poetry to
Continuation High youth for Cal Arts.
Reviewer: CAC FY16-17; CA Dept of Education, Sacramento; Institute for Youth
Development Compassion Capital Fund. Also judge for several year for Hollywood
NAACPs ACT-SO talent and Academic Olympics for the Literary categories.
Education: BA in Communications, Emerson College, Boston; Fundraising Certificate
UCLA; Certificate in Teacher Development CA State Board of Education VAPA Content
Standards 2004 and 2017 refresher.
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Calvin Clayton, San Diego Young Artists Music Academy, Lemon Grove
I have acquired over 25 years of professional experiences in grant writing,
management, organizational development, employee and client training. I possess
highly professional skills and the ability to adapt to special needs populations I possess
the diverse talents and skills needed to serve these special populations. I have acquired
a Masters Degree in Business Management and a Bachelors Degree in Human
Services. I have managed, supervised and consulted with many different types of
nonprofit organizations and worked with many diverse arts and culture programs. My
background consists of professional, educational and knowledge from experience. I
possess strong communication, public speaking, Grant writing, computer and people
skills along with excellent problem solving and crisis management techniques.
Catherine Coan, Manhattan Beach
I am a professor, working artist (assemblage/hybrid taxidermy), and writer. My work has
shown in fine-art galleries across L.A. and nationally. I was a judge on the AMC TV
program "Immortalized." I've taught art and writing at the college level for twenty years.
I'm also an experienced curator (owned a gallery in dtLA and just finished curating for
The Wrap's 2018 Power Women Summit). Currently writer in residence at the
Annenberg Community Beach House.
Martha Cognac, Adventures In Art, Torrance
For 10 years I worked as a docent for the Adventures in Art program for the Torrance
Unified School District. Adventures in Art is ran by parent volunteers. Volunteers attend
5 workshops a year given by a local artist to learn art projects to then teach to
elementary school students. For the last 2 years I was the Project Selection Chair
where I supervised the selection committee. Members of the selection committee
interview local artists and submit their work to the other selection committee panel
members. At total of 5 projects are chosen for the school year that meet the criteria of
diversity, mixed media and budget constraints. The selected artists are then invited to
the workshops to instruct the docents, so they can teach. The position required year
round work, since they selection committee members had to be chose, artists
contacted, and projects submitted. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to bring art
to young minds!
Fred Cohen, San Jose State University, San Jose
Fred Cohens compositions have been hailed for their originality, intensity, and sonic
beauty. He began his musical career as a chorister with the San Francisco Boys
Chorus, performing with such organizations as the San Francisco Opera and San
Francisco Symphony. Following undergraduate studies at the University California,
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Santa Cruz, Cohen worked as a conductor with the Fundacion del Estado para la
Orquesta National Juvenil (Venezuela), after which he earned his doctoral degree in
composition at Cornell University, where his teachers included Karel Husa and Steven
Stucky. He has been a member of the full-time music faculty at the University of
Richmond (Virginia), Montclair State University (New Jersey), and the Schwob School
of Music at Columbus State University.
Fred Cohen is the Director of the School of Music and Dance at San José© State
University in the heart of Silicon Valley (CA), an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and
AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution)
designated university. A composer and conductor, following undergraduate studies at
the University California, Santa Cruz, Cohen worked as a conductor with the Fundacion
del Estado para la Orquesta National Juvenil [el Sistema] (Venezuela), after which he
earned his doctoral degree in composition at Cornell University, where his teachers
included Karel Husa and Steven Stucky. He has been a member of the music faculty at
the University of Richmond (Virginia), Montclair State University (New Jersey), and the
Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. Cohen founded and served as
music director of the Cornell Contemporary Ensemble, CURRENTS (a professional
new-music ensemble performing over 80 premieres), and has directed and appeared
with numerous university and professional orchestras.
Ciarlene Coleman, MaArte Theatre Collective, Chula Vista
I am a young theatre artist in San Diego who has been working professionally for three
years (primarily following my graduation from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Music
Humanities). I have used my time as a professional not only to establish a personal
career as an performer, but also to contribute to the evolution and growth of the San
Diego independent theatre community. I am a Founding Co-Artistic Director of MaArte
Theatre Collective, an organization dedicated to creating space for the Pilipinx-
American theatre community in San Diego. In our brief 8 months, we have produced
several FilAm-centric shows (including several new plays by FilAm playwrights),
attended CAATA's CONfest (a national conference of Asian American theatre artists),
and established our position as a voice for the theatre community of color in our city.
With MaArte, I have given presentations about the importance of equity, diversity, and
inclusion to colleagues and continue to represent these values as a community leader.
Jacquil Constant, Haiti International Film Fesival, Hollywood
Jacquil Constant is a Haitian American independent filmmaker with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Film Production and a Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an
emphasis in Pan African Studies and Cinema Television and Arts from California State
University Northridge (CSUN). In 2006, Jacquil established his own production
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company, Constant Production, which has various music videos, short films, and
commercial productions to its credit. He is also the founder of the first ever Haiti
International Film Festival in Southern California.
Jacquil’s career spans over twelve years in the independent filmmaking industry and
includes networks such as MTV, BET, and VHI where he worked in various capacities
including production, post-production and casting of reality television shows. He has
directed and produced three independent short documentaries. CSUN 6 is as short
documentary about student protests against tuition hikes for the California university
system. Dream Realized tells the history of the CSUN Africana Studies Department.
Haiti Is A Nation Of Artists is a short documentary film depicting Haitian artists creating
transformational art to uplift the nation of Haiti after the devastating earthquake in
January 2010.
Karen Constine, Karen Constine Consulting, Los Angeles
Karen Constine provides strategic counsel, public affairs and management consulting to
arts & culture, entertainment and economic development nonprofits, government
agencies and corporate clients. Dedicated to the advancement of the arts and civic
engagement, Karens leadership credentials include serving as Interim General
Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; Senior Policy Analyst of
Arts and Culture to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; a statewide gubernatorial
appointment by California Governor Gray Davis as the Director of the California Film
Commission; Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember Laura Chick; as well as
a Public Affairs Manager-Corporate Contributions position for a major California utility
holding company.
Karen frequently works with organizations where arts and culture are intrinsically linked
and tied to economic and community development programs and strategies. Karen has
consulted for such clients as the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation,
City of Pasadena/Cultural Affairs Division, City of Los Angeles/Department of Cultural
Affairs, City of West Hollywood/Art & Cultural Affairs Commission, The Colburn School,
The J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles Festival, Los Angeles County Arts Commission,
Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, Meta Housing, Self-Help Graphics,
Vincent Price Art Museum Foundation, Warner Bros., and Zimmer Childrens Museum.
A native of Los Angeles, Karen earned a BA in Communication Studies from UC Santa
Barbara.
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Katherine Cooksey, City of Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita
Born and raised in the Antelope Valley, Katherine J Cooksey completed her Bachelors
of Fine Arts from California State University, Bakersfield and received her Masters of
Fine Art from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.
Currently, Katherine works as the Arts Coordinator for the City of Santa Clarita
specializing in public and civic art projects. Her previous position was the Gallery
Director for Studio Channel Islands Art Center, a non-profit in Camarillo. While in New
York Katherine completed a paid internship for Gagosian and worked as the Fine Arts
Program Coordinator at Pratt Institute for the Career Center. Katherine has jury several
art exhibits and has been asked to speak for organizations throughout California.
Recently, Katherine served as a Council Member for the Emerging Art Leaders of Los
Angeles. She was awarded the Arts StarsYoung Artist Award by the Ventura County
Arts Council.
Youth arts education has been a priority for Katherine. While working for the art center
she developed a mentoring program for high school students to be matched with
professional artists. She also mentored students in art gallery administration and
management. For the program, Katherine received the Business Champion Award from
the Oxnard Union High School District.
Joseph Copley, ODC, San Francisco
Joseph Copley comes from a performing arts background, having danced professionally
with Oakland Ballet, Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, Amy Seiwerts Imagery, Dance
Through Time, Robert MosesKIN, San Francisco Opera Ballet, and on and on. After a
career ending injury, Joseph received a Next Generation Arts Leadership Grant to
attend business school at City College of San Francisco. Hired as Company Manager at
ODC/Dance in 2013, he is now the Associate Director of Artistic Planning, and oversees
programming ODCs 52 weeks of activities per year. Outside of ODC, Joseph is the
President of the Board of Directors for the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards, sits on the
Entertainment Committee of the BatterySF, is in the current cohort of Leadership SF,
volunteers for political causes, and produces events at San Francisco street fairs, night
clubs, and festivals.
Cassandra Coppola, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), Los Angeles
Cassandra Coppola is the Grant Writer (Administrative Assistant) and Educational
Coordinator at NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA). She received her Bachelor's
Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Purchase College where she also minored in
Theatre and Jazz Vocals. Cassandra continued her education at Syracuse University
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where she received a Master's Degree in Film, Television and Radio. Likewise,
Cassandra has also taught multiple film courses at Syracuse.
Cassandra's background is deeply seeded in the arts with having studied
communications, theatre (plays and musicals), music (vocals and instrumentals), dance
(various forms) and film before and during college. Cassandra was a competitive dancer
(ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acrobatics, baton, etc.) for 16 years on the national circuit.
Although she did not continue to pursue dance in college she was asked to take a few
dance conservatory courses at Purchase where she also participated in multiple
musical productions. Additionally, Cassandra performed as a vocalist (mezzo-
soprano/alto) for 18 years, a violinist for 6 years, and also as a percussionist for 11
years (with a specialty in snare, bells/xylophone/marimba/chimes and timpani).
Therefore, Cassandra is able to properly analyze proposals from organizations with film
backgrounds as well from many other arts related disciplines.
Sara Cortes, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, SF
With formal training in museum studies, education, and visual arts, I've spent my ten
year career in higher education and cultural heritage. I've worked on a broad range of
topics, from high-level donor relations and successfully closing six-figure grant projects,
to interdisciplinary workshops on the arts in medical education. Inclusivity, diversity and
more democratic access to the arts are personal priorities for my work in this field.
Seumas Coutts PHD, Sacramento
Seumas Raibéart Coutts Ph.D. is a curator, artist, educator, theorist, and writer whose
work moves between the poetic and the thought.
Largely operating in the form of an act or a proposition.
Coutts received his Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute, his other
academic pursuits include degrees in preservation and archive studies at the Getty, Los
Angeles, Art History and Knowledge Transmission from the European Graduate School
(EGS) and completed his PhDs at the European Graduate School / Humboldt University
Berlin. Coutts has operated as a critic, curator, dramaturge, performer, producer and
professor of art and media studies, photography and art history.
Holly M. Crawford, ESMoA, Los Angeles
Holly M. Crawford holds an MA in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College
of Art and has over 10+ years of designing and delivering arts-based programs in
museums and community centers. Holly designs and facilitates a variety of programs for
School, Family, Teen, and Adult audiences at ESMoA including the Mychal's/ESMoA
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Internship Program, a seven-month-long paid internship for adults with developmental
disabilities. Holly also coordinates with international artists participating in ESMoA's
Artist-in-Residence program on a variety of projects, including workshops, installations,
lectures, and open studios. From 2016 - 2017, Holly was a Cultural Policy Fellow as
part of Arts for LA's ACTIVATE Arts Advocacy Leadership Program.
Melanie Cruz, SAG-AFTRA | AEA, Los Angeles
Melanie is a SAG-AFTRA/Equity actor with over 40 plays, three features and numerous
short films, commercials and voiceovers under her belt. In the spring of 2017 she
starred in the two-person play Dr. Du Bois and Miss Ovington with veteran actor Ben
Guillory at the esteemed Robey Theatre Company. Melanie has been on American
Horror Story, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., House M.D. and Big Love and started off 2018 with
an inspiring national Ford commercial called We the People and as Colonel Molly
Fleisher in the last season of Scandal.
Melanie is of Scots-Irish, Spanish-Mexican, Czechoslovakian and German descent and
is originally from Aurora, Colorado where she went to Gateway High School. She spent
her junior year of high school as a foreign exchange student in Dinan, France, where
she became an avid Francophile and learned fluent French. Melanie went on to earn
her BA in English and Theatre from Barnard College Columbia University in NYC,
and has trained in London with BADA, in improv with an iO alum, in voiceover with Paul
Pape and in acting with Krater and BGB Studios.
Sarah Cunningham, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara
Sarah Cunningham is director of the Atkinson Gallery in the Art Department at Santa
Barbara City College where she also teaches Visual Literacy and Exhibition Practices
courses.
During her career, she has curated over 50 contemporary art exhibitions including Rafa
Esparza: for you and the sky, Devon Tsuno: Los Angeles River Urban Reclamation,
Inherited Traits: Nina Katchadourian & Heidi Kumao, and a solo exhibition by Willie
Cole. She previously served as the director of the College of New Jersey Art Gallery,
the curator of exhibitions and public programs at the Alice Austen House Museum (NY),
the executive director of the Albany Center Galleries (NY).
To complement and extend her curatorial practice, Cunningham is an experienced
gallery educator trained in the Visual Thinking Strategies. Additionally, she teaches
artmaking workshops including puppet construction, bookmaking, mosaics, and
photography for organizations including the International Charter School (RI), the
Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MN), the East Side Arts Council (MN). Committed to social
change through the arts, Cunningham also served as the neighborhood artist-in-
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residence at the Woonsocket Neighborhood Development Corporation (RI) for three
years.
Cunningham received her BA in American Studies from Tufts University and her MFA in
Art Photography from Syracuse University.
Christina Curiel, MiraCosta College, Fallbrook Library, Backfence Society,
Fallbrook
Graduating Valedictorian of my class in 2006, I was awarded a scholarship to UC
Berkeley. As soon as I finished my first degree program, I came down with a genetic
illness that crippled me and made me homeless. With no family or friends to help with
the debilitating condition, I was forced to travel to Mexico for treatment and live closer to
the border and extended family. Homeless and destitute, living with a physically
disabling condition was a horrific experience. Victim of violent crimes and other
misfortunes, I met a family of brothers that introduced me to art as a healing process.
Since then, I have slowly become a career artist; working with the libraries installing art
shows, assisting in teaching at the community college (oil painting), painting murals for
the local cities, and running events involved in community arts projects, as well as many
other art career. I live in a predominantly Latinx community, so many of our events and
shows and much of my artworks are centered around our community culture. Art has
kept me away from the drug and criminal culture and allowed me to rebuild a new life
despite my condition.
Alison D'Amato, Kaufman School of Dance, University of Southern California, Los
Angeles
Alison D'Amato is a researcher, choreographer, and performer based in Los Angeles.
She is Assistant Professor of Practice at USC's Kaufman School of Dance, and has also
taught dance history, theory and practice at UCLA and CalArts. She holds a PhD in
Culture and Performance from UCLA, an MA in Dance Theater Practice from Trinity
Laban, and a BA in Philosophy from Haverford College. As a practitioner, her work is
deeply entwined with her academic research. In 2015, she completed a dissertation on
contemporary choreographic scores (Mobilizing the Score: Generative Choreographic
Structures, 1960-Present). Recent publications include a review of Andréa Lepecki’s
Singularities: Dance in the Age of Performance (Dance Research Journal 49.3,
December 2017), and Historical Realness and the Choreographic Fragment: Trajal
Harrells Judson Church Is Ringing in Harlem (Made- to-Measure) / Twenty Looks or
Paris Is Burning at the Judson Church” (X-TRA Contemporary Art Quarterly 20.1, Fall
2017) Her dances and scores have been presented in Los Angeles (PAM Residencies,
Pieter, The Hammer Museum, HomeLA, and Anatomy Riot), New York, San Francisco,
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Philadelphia, the UK, and Poland. She has performed with choreographers such as
Rebecca Bruno, Jmy James Kidd, Maria Hassabi, and Simone Forti.
Emili Danz, E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts (CLARA), Sacramento
A graduate of theatre and dance from the University of Southern California, Emili
worked as a professional dancer and choreographer for film, television, and stage from
2002-2010. In 2010 she founded CITYstage, a non-profit arts organization in Los
Angeles that provides low-income youth with performing arts education programming in
and out of school. Emili served as the Executive Director of CITYstage for 7 years until
relocating to Sacramento to live closer to her family.
Applying her experience and expertise in building her own non-profit, Emili designed the
strategic plan for arts education at the newly established E. Claire Raley Studios for the
Performing Arts (CLARA). CLARA represents an innovative partnership between seven
performing arts and cultural organizations, the City of Sacramento, and the Sacramento
City Unified School District. In her role as the Education Outreach Director, Emili leads
the arts education programs for CLARAs seven arts organizations (including
Sacramento Ballet and Capital Stage) from creation and design to implementation,
management, evaluation and ongoing fund development to further grow the programs.
Additionally, through CLARA, Emili provides consulting services for schools, artists and
arts non-profits looking to deepen their programmatic impact. Consulting services
include strategic planning, curriculum building, program design, non-profit management,
fund development (including grant writing and pipeline management), and professional
development for artists and teachers.
Kim Davalos, Rock the School Bells/Skyline College, San Francisco
I consider my artistic career as a spoken word poet and my professional career as a
counselor to have created a multi-faceted resume of art and community/civic
engagement for myself.
My poetry/performance endeavors include: Cast of SFSU Vagina Monologues (2011),
First SFSU Grand Slam Champion to qualify for College Unions Poetry Slams
Invitational (CUPSI) (2011), San Francisco Lit Slam - Second place (2013), SFSU
Production on Masculinity: Cocktales Assistant Director (2015) and Director (2016),
Katipunan Grand Slam Champion (2015), Published poetry book delilahs daughter
featured in college curriculum (Asian American and Media Studies, Filipino-American
Literature)
My professional and community work/qualifications include: Masters in Counseling,
Distinguished Graduate (2012), Rock the School Bells - Advisory Board and
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Coordinator (2013-Present) and Lead Regional Coordinator/RTSB Associate Director
(2017-Present), Skyline College CIPHER Hip Hop Educational Learning Community -
Counseling Faculty, created Civic Engagement and Leadership course and New York
Cultural Exposure trip (granted awarded from Skyline College President Innovation
Fund), Pinay Aspirations - Filipina-American Scholarship (2012-2107), Multiple
keynotes including Asian and Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) and
SFSU Counseling Student Association (CSA), San Fransico State University Masters in
Counseling Graduate Program Lecturer - Critical Thinking/College Success, Group
Counseling, Organization & Administration of Student Services in Higher Education
Tiffany Davis, Gallo Center for the Arts, Oakdale
Tiffany is currently the Arts Education Manager at the Gallo Center for the Arts. She
oversees the Gallo Center Youth Academy after school program, as well as directing
the YES Company. Tiffany is a YES Company alumnus and is thrilled to be a part of the
continuing legacy of such a wonderful program. She is excited to be a part of a team
that focuses on serving local youth through creativity and learning in the arts. Tiffany
holds an MFA in Dance and Creative Practice from Saint Marys College, along with a
certification in production management. Shes an award-winning choreographer, with
professional performances credits that include nominations for Bay Areas leading
Actress and New Actor to Watch. Tiffany has previously worked sharing the performing
arts as a teaching artist and choreographer for students from Stanislaus, Merced, and
Contra Costa counties.
Dianne Debicella, Community Partners, Los Angeles
As a Program Director at Community Partners, Dianne Debicella oversees a portfolio of
fiscally sponsored projects; manages re-granting programs for government clients; and
assists on providing intermediary services to funder collaboratives, foundations, and
government clients. Prior to joining Community Partners, Dianne spent 10 years as the
Senior Program Director of Fiscal Sponsorship at Fractured Atlas. In that role, she
helped over 10,000 sponsored artists and emerging organizations, representing all
artistic disciplines, find funding and other resources to support their work. She led the
program to become one of the largest, most renowned art fiscal sponsorship programs
in the country and oversaw the fundraising and distribution of over $110 million. Dianne
is a co-founder of Brooklyn Community Supported Art + Design (CSA+D) and has
served on the steering committee of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors. She
received her B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art and her M.P.A. from Pratt
Institute's Arts and Cultural Management program. Dianne previously worked as a
Project Coordinator for a restoration painting studio and as a Manager of Site
Development for Planet Aid.
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Shirah Dedman, Liberated l, Oakland
I’m Shirah Dedmanan attorney, journalist and progressive. After dropping out of high
school at 15, I became a licensed attorney by the age of 23 yet found myself un- and
under-employed. But through perseverance, I managed to build a film career that
included positions at William Morris Agency, DirecTV, and Paramount Pictures.
So, after my last layoff, I decided to relentlessly pursue my true passion: creating
content reflecting the intersection between economics, race and the environment. YOU
A NOMAD, my short film on gentrification and the displacement of Black Oakland,
screened at Netroots Nation 2018 and was licensed by Free Speech TV. Im a 2018-
2019 Associate of the Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley, and an
Associate of the Equal Justice Initiative.
Denise Dee, San Francisco
I am a self taught working class writer. I published zines and have a book Sowkins. I
now teach people how to put more emotion into their writing. I have led writing
workshops for homeless people.
Lauren Deutsch, Pacific Rim Arts, Los Angeles
A long-time nonprofit senior staff and consultant (development / public relations) in the
arts, environment, public media, youth and culture, Lauren has also served on board of
a community foundation and grant review committees for LA City Dept. Cultural Affairs
and LA County Arts Commission. She also has produced festivals and public media
programming. Currently, she is an Active
Docent (school tours) @ LACMA and VP of KCET's Community Advisory Board. I am a
contributing editor and board member of Kyoto Journal.
Moya Devine, Vista Unified School District, Vista
I have been involved in the art world for several decades. I received a BA from the
University of Hawaii in Drama with an emphasis in Dance. I ran a small pick up dance
company in San Francisco for several years before injuring my hip and then switched to
visual art. I studied drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking and began to exhibit.
My work has been exhibited throughout the United States at colleges, libraries,
universities, galleries and museums. Over the years I have also worked as an arts
administrator for Franklin Furnace in NY as their business manager, the Art Regrup in
San Francisco as their Development Director, The Women's Caucus for Art San Diego
as their nonprofit legal liaison and currently on the membership committee of Fig. I am
also teaching Studio Art at Major Gen Murray continuation high school in Vista, Ca. This
school serves students needing to recover credit due to diverse circumstances.
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Maria Di Grande, MDG Art Advisory LLC, Orinda
Maria Di Grande is the founder and principal of MDG Art Advisory in San Francisco. Her
firm specializes in helping clients find timeless artworks for their interior projects. Clients
include architects, interior designers, real estate developers and private residential
collectors and clients. Prior to founding MDG Art Advisory LLC, Ms. Di Grande worked
for 20 years in New York's fashion industry, having worked with renowned designers
such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Giorgio Armani. While at Giorgio Armani, Ms.
Di Grande created the branding and marketing plans for Armani Exchange, Giorgio
Armani's foray into the American denim and jean market.
Ms. Di Grande received her BA in Marketing from St. Johns University and has studied
fine art during her time at St. John's, both as a sculptor and painter. She later took art
history and design classes thru Sotheby's International, Mills College and UC Berkeley,
respectively. She is a former student at the Art Students League NYC, having studied
sculpture while at the League.
Most recently, Maria Di Grande completed curating the art collection at The Pacific in
San Francisco and Ten50 South Grand in Los Angeles. Other local projects include 340
Fremont, NEMA, Jasper SF and WestBrook Terrace in Los Angeles as well as private
residential projects in Pacific Heights and in Glenn Ellen Ca.
Ms. Di Grande lives in Orinda and her office is located at 735 Market Street in San
Francisco.
Julia Diamond, The Music Center, Pasadena
As Interim Director of Grand Park at The Music Center, Julia Diamond sets the strategic
direction and oversees all aspects of programming, operations and engagement for
L.A.s central gathering space. Grand Park is a 12-acre urban green space and public
commons that presents free year-round public arts and culture programming that unites
Los Angeles County and showcases the very best of Los Angelescreative and cultural
communities. She manages a 6 million dollar budget, spearheading revenue strategies
both earned and contributed and working to build stakeholder support at all levels of
government and community in order to support the parks continued growth and service.
Julia has more than 15 years of experience in the performing arts across multiple
disciplines including positions with Los Angeles Opera, LA Dance Project and the
Komische Opera Berlin. She holds a masters in Arts Administration from Columbia
University and a BA from Georgetown University. Julia is currently on the Board of
Directors of California Presenters, the LA County Arts Commission Advisory Committee
for the Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative and the Ford Theatres Connectors
Council. She is a past board member of the previously the Board of the Dance
Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles.
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Jacqueline Diaz, Noxtin Nomecayotzin Education, Sacramento
Jacqueline Diaz, M.A., has thrived in the Sacramento area for the past 17 years.
Originally from the bay area peninsula, she has since made South Sacramento her
home with her three daughters and husband. She facilitates indigenous-centered
educational arts and cultural programming through her organization Noxtin
Nomecayotzin Education. She is also an editor and poet who has participated with
California Poets in the Schools and the aided in the launch of the California Arts
Council's Poetry Out Loud competition. She has led workshops at UC Davis and
American River College, among other local schools and community groups.
Steven Dilley, Veterans Art Project, Encinitas
Steve Dilley M.F.A. has been working as an artist and Art Instructor since graduating
from CSU Fullerton in 2000. Since 2009 I have been the Director of The Veterans Art
Project. I founded and funded this program to help our Nations Veterans through a
process heavy discipline (bronze Casting). We have performed and completed
numerous outreach events Nationwide since this time. We have also completed many
classes for our Veterans through our collaborations with the La Jolla VA and the Aspire
center here in San Diego. VETART now operates 2 facilities in San Diego with a
combined total 10,000 sq ft of both Bronze foundry in Fallbrook and Ceramics in Vista
Ca. This program has offered art making space and teaches Veterans job skills to better
help them as they transition to a productive civilian lives.
John Dingler, The 28ers, Riverside
Exhibiting artist, teacher, non-violent political activist. I have had solo and group art
exhibits mostly in the US; I make mixed media paintings and videos for YouTube;
Taught fine art, art history, and technology courses at universities. Among the courses
were virtual reality, survey of art monuments, digital imaging, drawing & painting; My
participation in Occupy Riverside included public art activities and promotional videos
then the creation of The 28ers dedicated to removing big private money from legislative
campaigns and from lobbying, replacing it with taxpayer funds by means of the passage
of the 28th Amendment to the US Constitution.
Sammay Dizon, URBAN x INDIGENOUS, San Francisco
SAMMAY is a choreographer/producer and interdisciplinary performance artist of
Kapampangan, Ilokano, and Bikol descent who envisions a future where our indigenous
traditions co-exist with(in) our urban landscapes. Born and raised in LA County/Tongva
Territory and now a settler in San Francisco/Yelamu, she is the Founding Artistic
Director of URBAN x INDIGENOUS and Core Member of The Embodiment Project. She
has been featured through Dance Mission Theater, Red Poppy Art House, Bindlestiff
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Studio and has worked with The Medea Project, Kularts, Dancing Earth, and Epiphany
Dance Theater among others. She is a three-time recipient of the "Presented by
APICC" Artist Award; Featured Artist for APAture 2016: Here; Performing Diaspora
2016 Artist-in-Residence at CounterPulse; YBCA Public Imagination Fellow 2017-2018;
and was the first ever Featured Artist for APICCs United States of Asian America
Festival in 2018 where she produced URBAN x INDIGENOUS IV: Unite the Tribes and
premiered her latest multimedia dance theatre work taking an intimate look into violence
against People of Color in San Francisco and how we cultivate sanctuary- H.O.LY.
CITY (Hate Often Loves You). SAMMAY holds a B.A. in Media Studies and Sociology
with minors in Dance & Performance Studies and Global Poverty & Practice from UC
Berkeley.
Rachelle Doorley, TinkerLab, Palo Alto
Rachelle Doorley is an arts educator, founder of the popular creative expression
website, TinkerLab, and lecturer at Stanford's d.School. She has an Ed.M. in Arts in
Education from Harvard University and a B.A. in theater design from the University of
California, Los Angeles. This unique combination of design and education is the basis of
her passion for creating learning experiences that are rooted in art and design. Rachelle
is the author of the bestselling book, TinkerLab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors
(Roost Books, 2014), and her writing on creativity has appeared in School Arts, Real
Simple, and FamilyFun magazines. Prior to founding TinkerLab, Rachelle was a
museum educators, art teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and worked
as a costume designer on movies for Warner Brothers and Universal Studios. Rachelle
believes in finding fun and meaningful ways to make every day creative, and can often
be found playing in her art studio, taking her kids on adventures, and doodling in her
sketchbook.
Charles Douglass, The Performing Arts For Life And Education Foundation, Los
Angeles
Mr. Douglass Has had an extremely active career, spanning over a forty year period.
Hailing from Philadelphia (the city of ˜Brotherly Love), he is a Producer, Director, Actor
and award winning writer. Mr. Douglass has appeared in over eight Broadway shows
including the title role in The Wiz,” “Eubie,” and other credits too numerous to list here.
Among them he lists: Co-starring in the London production of an award winning musical
opposite the late, Ms. Lena Horne; the International tour of her one woman show, "Lena
Horne...The Lady and Her Music". He also toured with the late Lauren Bacall in "Sweet
Bird of Youth.
Mr. Douglass is the proud recipient of two coveted NAACP Theatre Awards for
excellence in Musical Theatre writing and producing, in Los Angeles. As a writer Mr.
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Douglass has been commissioned to create a trilogy of Shakespearean comedies as
contemporary American Musical Theatre.
Kellori Dower, Crafton Hills College, Mira Loma
I am the dean of arts at a California community college, after having served as faculty
and administer at both the K12 and post secondary levels. I offer more than 20 years of
arts education experience and have traveled with my ensembles throughout the
country. My expertise as a music educator lead my area to name me Music Educator of
the Year in 2016 (CMEA). I also served the state as a writer for the current CSET test in
music.
Janet Driggs, Cypress College, Los Angeles
Hello, I am an LA-based, writer, and curator. I teach as Professor of Art History (tenure
track) at Cypress Community College in Orange County, where I also direct the College
art gallery. Since arriving in LA from London 22-years ago, I have written extensively for
museums, foundations, and journals; participated in over 75 national and international
exhibitions; produced over 200 cultural events, including as Executive Director of AIM,
USCs international festival of time-based media, Co-director of Raid Projects, and
Writer and Curator at the Annenberg Foundations Metabolic Studio; and I have been
privileged to serve on grant program panels for the LA County Arts Commission, LA
Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and the City of Inglewood.
Barbara Drucker, UCLA, Santa Monica
MFA, UCLA 1976; Professor, Dept of Art 1983-2006; Associate Dean, School of Arts &
Architecture, Academic Affairs 2008-14; Community Engagement & Arts Education
20014-2018. Independent Studio Arts practice from 1976 to current, ranging from
painting, photography, installation, mixed media and video. current studio in Joshua
Tree, CA, member of JTAG, Artists Collective. Founding Director of The Living Room,
Special Projects in Contemporary Art, Santa Monica, CA 1994-1999 (Exhibition space
presenting a range of artists including experienced, emerging and disabled, & media
including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, artistsbooks. Co-founder of
FIG, First Independent Gallery, Santa Monica, CA. Founding Director of UCLAs first
interdepartmental and multidisciplinary Arts Education program for undergraduates,
including a Minor, in-school Arts programs; after school and summer programs, all for
underrepresented K-12 students and their families. My website www.barbaradrucker.net
includes my full biography and exhibition record.
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Lee Duffus, Santa Cruz Symphony, Santa Cruz
Retired university administrator (31 years) and small business owner/manager
(10 years). Management portfolio at UC Santa Cruz included Arts and Lecture
program unit.
Former commissioner and chair of the Santa Cruz City Arts Commission (6
years)
Board member, Santa Cruz Symphony (11+ years); chair of the education
committee; docent for the music in the schools program
Member of the education committee, Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Member of the Santa Cruz County Alliance for Arts Education (sponsored by the
Arts Council of Santa Cruz County)
As chair of the SC Symphony's education committee, oversaw a plan to reset the
organization's education programs to take advantage of technology and
contemporary management practices; initiated open rehearsal program that now
attracts several hundred people; developed a collaborative relationship with the
County Office of Education to enable a partnership with Carnegie Hall's Link Up
Program, which transformed a long-standing passive "field trip" into a
participative learning experience for 4000+ students; introduced a daily music
listening program that is now reaching nearly 2000 elementary students.
Dorsay Dujon, Make Music Los Angeles, West Hollywood
Dorsay Dujon is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Make Music LA a nonprofit
(501) c 3 organization dedicated to creating educational, cultural, and family inclusive
events for all of Los Angeles County annually on June 21st and throughout the year.
Ms. Dujon is an Arts advocate dedicated to engaging, and transforming communities
through shared cultural experiences of the visual and performing arts. To ensure all
children and their families have an opportunity to participate in ongoing music and arts
programs to stimulate lifelong learning and creative invention.
Throughout her career as a trade show producer and exposition manager, Ms. Dujon
was active on several Advisory Boards: St. Basils in Chicago, Hands Across Watts and
the International Association for Exposition Management, Silver Lake Improvement
Association, Arts and Culture Committee for the Empowerment Congress and the
Program Advisory Committee for Arts for LA.
Patricia Dunn Cookson-Eisner, Photographer/artist/writer, Burbank
I was a professional ballet dancer but studied fine arts and art history as well as
marketing and photography. All these studies (along with a career on stage) helped
inform my commercial and fine art photography - a career in which I have been
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extensively exhibited, written about in trades as well as appearances on TV magazine
shows and I have won many awards. I specialize in portraiture but will photograph
anything and everything that moves me and happily embrace any and all 'tools' - from
Box Brownie cameras, to cell phone cameras, Polaroids and all traditional film as well
as digital cameras. I paint and draw as well as spend time creating sculptures from
papier mache. I have also worked for a brief period of time within a corporate structure
and enjoyed my time there since creativity exists everywhere if one is willing to find it.
Taryn Edwards, Mechanics' Institute, San Francisco
I have worked as a Librarian and Strategic Partnerships Manager for the Mechanics
Institute of San Francisco for eleven years. In addition to providing reference and
research service to the Institute's clientele, I manage the writers' activities for the
Institute which involves coordinating thirteen writing critique groups, and hosting
approximately twenty fee based writing classes per year. I also plan over thirty speaker
events per year related to writing and local history. Many of these activities are in
collaboration with cultural and writing related non-profits such as the California Historical
Society, the San Francisco Writers Conference, Victorian Alliance, the Treasure Island
Museum, Shaping San Francisco, Chinese Whispers, the California Writers Club, and
scores of neighborhood groups and societies with the aim of achieving mutual goals
and creating events that tell, celebrate, and interpret local stories and our shared
cultural heritage. I have served on the steering committee that coordinates San
Francisco History Days (formerly SF History Expo) on the 1st weekend in March for five
years. I am the former Secretary of the Institute for Historical Study and Treasurer and
Secretary of the Gold Rush Trail Foundation (now defunct).
Hardy Keith Edwards, American Aesthetics Academy, Los Angeles
As an educator, a person of significant ancestry (descendant of Sojourner Truth), a
college graduate with a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling with
a Concentration in Career Counseling, a Baccalaureate Degree in African American
Humanities, and a Minor in English with Three Credentials (English / Social Studies /
PPS ~ School Counseling), many years of Performance Arts experience in theater, film,
and other media, and a published author and poet ~ I have many qualifications relevant
to the mission of the CAC. Because I am eager to serve and best utilize my skills set
with your organization, I believe I soundly fulfill and exceedingly represent these shared
goals. I am looking forward to the work.
Patricia Egan, Gugulethu Ballet Project, Inc., Chico
A native Californian, I've spent 30+ years in nonprofit service. I hold a BA, Dramatic Art-
Dance, UC Berkeley, and an MBA, Mills College, with fellowships in arts management,
National Endowment for the Arts, and as a Capital Fellow, Center for California Studies,
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CSU Sacramento, including travel throughout our state. I have worked for large cultural
organizations such as The Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American
Art and smaller organizations such as the Montclair Art Museum and Zohar Dance
Company. From 1994-1998, I was a site reviewer for the New Jersey State Council on
the Arts. Early in my career, I served on adjudication panels for the Dance Films
Festival, San Francisco Bay Area Dance Coalition Independent Choreographers Series,
and San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. My board service has included the Dance
Films Association, Dance Perspectives Foundation, San Francisco Early Music Society,
Shakespeare for Kids, and Arts-in-Religion, Riverside Church. I'm now a volunteer at
The Museum of Northern California Art, Chico.
Roland Avery Ellisman, Julian Family Fiddle Camp, Encinitas
My work history includes reviewing applications for funding from, and directing overseas
allocations on behalf of, the General Motors Foundation, directing the activity of the
fundraising arm of a college abroad, and founding/directing an acoustic music camp for
people of all ages and abilities. I've extensive fundraising experience, as well as
experience reviewing applications for funding both in the arts and sciences.
Cornelia Emerson, Arts/Cultural Heritage/Education, Los Angeles
I have spent my career in arts, cultural heritage and higher education institutions in
Southern California, with seventeen years as Development Officer at the UCLA Film &
Television Archive. There I developed scores of successful grant proposals to federal
agencies such as NEA, NEH, IMLS, the National Park Service (Save America’s
Treasures) and the U.S. Department of Education, as well as the California Arts Council
and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. I researched and wrote
numerous proposals to private donors and foundations including the Academy (of
Motion Picture Arts & Sciences) Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the National Film
Preservation Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, among others.
I was the part-time, contracted development director for the Musical Theatre Guild from
2010-15, and concurrently the Founding Chair of the Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department at the New York Film Academy (Universal City) from 2011-12. Other clients
have included the innovative middle-school theatre curriculum (Out)laws and Justice,
the Ocular Research Symposium Foundation, the Los Angeles Center of Photography
and the City of West Hollywood's Department of Cultural Affairs, providing technical
assistance to its grantee Saturday Night Bath Concerts.
Earlier in my career, I was the Associate Dean at Otis College of Art and Design and
Director of Publications at Art Center College of Design. I hold B.A., M.A. and Ph.D.
degrees in English literature from Yale University. I also studied organizational
development at UCLAs Anderson School of Management.
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Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti, The Old Globe, San Diego
I started my journey in the performing arts in 2012 with my consulting firm that entailed
public relations geared toward the Tijuana-San Diego border region. Taking artists from
Tijuana to San Diego and San Diego to Tijuana to know more about what was
happening on stage in the region. I helped develop the 'Binational Audience School'
which is a yearlong scholarship in which people (18 and older) can see theatre for free
on both sides of the border. Experience the creative process with artists and know more
in depth what the craft entails. The program had been happening in Tijuana for a couple
of years. I saw the potential an helped boost its binational status. I worked with
Broadway San Diego, translating press releases from English to Spanish in order for
people to come and experience Broadway shows. in 2014 I organized the Tijuana leg of
the TCG national conference hosted in San Diego. The conference was set for two days
and we added a third day in Tijuana with over 200 people, taking them around the city
so people from all over the United States could see what a culturally diverse (and not
ugly as portrayed) the city of Tijuana is. I extended the invitation to 5 local theatre
companies to the conference. The platform helped to see these artists work and take
them to other places like Costa Mesa, San Diego and Seattle to do performances.
Kristen Erickson, CSArts-SGV, Community Arts Group, Sierra Madre, Betsey
Lueke Creative Arts Center - Burbank, Pomona
Kristen Erickson is a ceramic artist and educator based out of Pomona, California.
Working in both high fire & midrange clays, Erickson produces functional vessels, wall
pieces, sculptural works, and wearable art. She also creates interactive gallery and
museum projects that focus on public engagement, education, and collaboration. With
18 years of experience in clay, a BFA in Environmental Art from Otis College Of Art +
Design, an extensive background in architecture, and 9 years of volunteer work with the
Bicycle Kitchen, (a 501c3 non-profit DIY bicycle education organization,) Ericksons skill
set is a diverse one that continues to drive her work in new directions. Currently,
Erickson creates her work out of her Pomona based studio and teaches ceramics at
various community art spaces throughout the Los Angeles area.
Amy Eriksen, Angels Gate Cultural Center, San Pedro
Amy Eriksen holds a BA in Music Education from the University of Redlands. In
addition, she holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Amy has had a 25
year career in arts education and has found a passion for bringing the arts to all ages
and groups. Her arts career has taken her to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC,
National Symphony Orchestra League and for many years at Idyllwild Arts. Currently
she is the Executive Director at Angels Gate Cultural Center where she has more than
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tripled the arts education program on campus and in the LAUSD south. In addition, she
is the proprietor of a Long Beach based artisanal sauce company.
Carol Es, esart, Monterey Park
I work in oil painting, drawing, watercolor, installation, bookmaking, textiles, video, and
in the literary arts. In sharing personal narrative within these forms, Ive been able to
create a dialogue with my viewers across cultural, economic, and socio-psychological
divisions, accessing commonalities among human interests.
I’ve addressed issues such as trauma and abuse, disability, identity, family dysfunction,
and mental illness. Taking the risk in being vulnerable in my work, I feel, brings
something universal to the table. I try to examine the collaborative experience between
artist and viewer, and use these interpretations in applicable ways. This helps me to
reach more people, and hopefully, bring about purpose for making art a part of my
community.
I served on the program committee at LA Art Association for several years, and have
worked closely with the National Arts and Disability Center. I participate in artist’s
groups that advocate for diverse causes in the community and lend my expertise
(computer-savvy, knowledge, bookmaking) and experience in the healing arts. I have
donated my time to create websites, ephemera, design, promotion, or anything that is
needed for local artists, and have curated exhibitions in liaison with mental health
programs for artists with disabilities.
Carolann Espino, Self employed, Teacher Assistant San Jose City College,
Ceramics Department, San Jose
Carolann Espino is a native Californian who grew up in Santa Clara County. She is one
of 6 children, the first to graduate from a university with an advanced degree. Carolann
has one son, Adam also an artist, who she raised on her own. She has been active in
San Jose art scene and has promoted artists in the community. Carolann is passionate
about protecting the environment. Her work highlights ecology.
EDUCATION: San Jose State University, BFA - Spatial Art, 2017
EXPERIENCE : Artist, collaborative and solo art exhibits. Tutored and volunteered at
San Jose City College and San Jose State University. Have taught individual art
classes. Experience in painting, ceramic sculpture, glazing, metal work, mixed media,
plaster and wax casting, Photography.
NOTABLE ART EXHIBITS:
San Jose State University, -"Disturbed," Individual Shows from 2014-2018.
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"La Lucha " - Davis, CA 2015-2017 Annual Ceramic Convention
International Art Exhibition Collaborating with Chinese Artists of Beijing, Trianon
Theatre, San Jose, 2015, 2016.
"Colors in the Hue of Mexico", San Jose City Hall, 2014, Sponsor- SJ Mayor's
Office.
Cultural Events, San Jose Mayor's Office and the Mexican Consulate, 2015.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AND AWARDS:
Works of San Jose - A non-profit Gallery - Board Member, 2014-2015.
American University Women's Association - Donor
Officer -San Jose State Ceramic Guild and SJSU Sculpture Guild.
Awarded by Mexican Consulate in 2015 for outstanding artistic
collaboration and contribution to Mexican culture of San Jose.
Artist/fund raiser for organization "Friends Assisting Mesa-America"
(FAMA)2013-2014.
Amber Espinosa-Jones, Sundance Institute, Los Angeles
Amber Espinosa-Jones is the outreach & inclusion coordinator at Sundance Institute
where she facilitates the department's support of artists from underrepresented
backgrounds through dynamic programs, grants, and community outreach. She is also
an independent producer and has worked with a number of arts organizations looking to
change the narrative of mainstream entertainment including the National Association of
Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and Blackout for Human Rights. She is very
pleased Kendrick Lamar is now a Pulitzer-Prize winner.
Mirah & Rodrigo Esteva, Dane Monks, Berkeley
Mirah Moriarty and Rodrigo Esteva (http://www.dancemonks.com) are the co-founding
directors of DANCE MONKS, an internationally traveled company based in the East Bay
of California and the Yucatan, Mexico. They have taught and performed throughout the
United States, Mexico, Peru, Canada and Europe in major festivals, theaters,
universities and programs including: The Joyce Theater (NY), UC Berkeley, Kennedy
Center (DC), FAEL (Peru), EDDC (Amsterdam), Universidad IberoAmericana (Mexico),
among many others. DANCE MONKS' original interdisciplinary performance work has
been made possible thanks to the support of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
(2016), Kenneth Rainin Foundation (2016), Zellerbach Family Foundation (2007 &
2016), East Bay Foundation for the Arts (2008-09), NOH Space (2008) and The Open
Circle Foundation (2007, 2009, 2010, 2013).
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Dan Faltz, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, West Hollywood
Dan Faltz is a queer filmmaker and Bay Area native, living in Los Angeles for past 12
years. In his early life, Dan worked at the San Francisco Symphony and was involved
with HIV advocacy pioneers ACT UP, lobbying for safe sex materials for youth in San
Francisco public schools. He studied film at UC Berkeley, where he was selected for the
Haas Scholars Program, and at USC Cinematic Arts, where he received the Don
Thompson Scholarship. Dans short films won several awards and enjoyed cult status at
film festivals. At the Academy Film Archive, Dan coordinates weekly screenings,
educational tours and programs for members and the public. This year, Dan was
selected as a fellow for Arts for LAs ACTIVATE program in arts education. Last year,
Dan was a mentor for SPARK LA, and he has participated as a grants review panelist
for Weho Arts for the past three years. He finds art inspiring, impactful and
transformational and essential to the health and vibrancy of any community.
Diana Farrell, Lyric Opera of Orange County, Rancho Santa Margarita
Diana Farrell, is the Founder & Artistic Director of Lyric Opera of Orange County.
Known for her golden voice,and soaring soprano,she recently appeared as Tosca in
Pacific Lyric Association˜s Escondido, CA production. She has performed with
Nightingale Opera Theatre as Magda Sorel in The Consul, Miriam in The Scarf, and
Anna Maurrant in Street Scene. Other recent roles include Berta in Il barbiere di Siviglia
at Opera Western Reserve, Contessa Almaviva with Crested Butte Music Festivals Le
nozze di Figaro, and Rosalinda in Simsbury Light Opera Companys production of Die
Fledermaus.
Diana has won numerous performance awards and performed in concert orchestras
across the country. A former student of the celebrated soprano, Ms. Jane Eaglen, Diana
holds an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music, earned her M.M. in Vocal
Performance from Youngstown State University, and served as the Graduate Assistant
for the Musicology and Opera Departments. Ms. Farrell began her studies at Westfield
State University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Music concentrating in Vocal
Performance and received the Department Performance Award. Currently, Diana enjoys
singing with the choir at St. Johns Episcopal Church, and the Orange County Festival
Singers in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Tyra Fennell, Imprint City, San Francisco
Tyra Fennell is CEO of Imprint City, an organization seeking to activate underutilized
spaces with arts and culture events as well as community development projects,
encouraging increased foot traffic and economic vitality.
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Since 2015, Imprint City has attracted over 5,000 eventgoers, 30 participating
neighborhood retail and food merchants, 30 youth employees 10 community based
organization partnerships and 50 performing and visual artists to the Bayview
neighborhood through a myriad of our festivals and special projects. Imprint City is also
building the arts aesthetic on Egbert Avenue, an industrial, blighted space, through the
Sprayviewmural art project, growing it into an outdoor museum and another San
Francisco “go tofor mural arts lovers. Though Imprint City projects can be seen around
San Francisco, the organization under Tyra's leadership is hyper-focused in the
Bayview neighborhood, working with community and City administration to develop this
historically African American community into a designated cultural district.
Tyra currently serves on the board of the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban
Research Association (SPUR) and Open Door Legal. She is also the Vice President of
Membership and co-founder of the San Francisco Eastern Neighborhoods Democratic
Club (SFENDC). Tyra is a Bayview Hunters Point resident and Howard University
graduate.
Monica Fernandez, Able ARTS Work, Long Beach
Monica Fernandez is an artist and arts administrator. With a background in the visual
arts, she has worked with authors, artists, musicians and makers in package design and
illustration. Her commitment to realizing the creative vision of her work and that of arts
organizations making significant contributions to society, led her to pursue arts
administration as a viable if not critical aspect of the arts profession. With over 15 years
experience in the non-profit arts sector, Monica has extensive experience leading
organizations in program development, cross sector collaboration and partnerships,
marketing and communications, grant writing, teaching, curating exhibitions and has a
strong passion for supporting emerging arts professionals as a mentor. Monica’s
experience working at the intersection of arts and disability has enabled her to develop
and implement programs and services to meet the unique needs of diverse
communities within disability culture.
Monica earned a BA in Studio Arts from California State University, Long Beach and an
MA in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University. Monica has served as
former adjunct professor of Art at Long Beach City College, worked with The Centers for
Research and Creativity and most recently led the effort in establishing a board
approved Cultural Equity Statement for Able ARTS Work.
Gaidi Finnie, 1955, Imperial Beach
20 years nonprofit management experience.
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Deborah Fischbach, Institute for Traditional Studies Inc., Ukiah
I've been involved with the Institute for Traditional Studies since its inception in 1989.
I've been on CAC panel many years ago. In 2007-09 My band went on CAC grant tour
as resident artists with "American Masterpieces - California" and I created a booklet and
CD for 4th grade early California Music and Dance studies. I am an Arts educator, who
has dedicated her life to bringing music, art and dance to schools and communities
wherever I am. My husband and I also present world music; we play and display
instruments from different cultures while students listen and draw. They can try
instruments at the end of the presentation and discuss cultures, dances, costumes, etc.
Consuelo Flores, Fierce Backbone Theater Company, Los Angeles
A multidisciplinary artist from East Los Angeles, Consuelo received the 2017, Self Help
Graphics Legacy Artist Award as well as an Honorable Mention from the Irvine Fine Arts
Center for the altar she created for the 2018 All Media Exhibition. She has an MFA in
Creative Nonfiction from Antioch University and is a member of Fierce Backbone
Theater Company in Hollywood. She has written and directed four one-act plays, which
were produced and presented at the Frida Kahlo Theater 10-Minute Play Festival from
2014 - 2017. Her play, "Angela" was in the Short & Sweet Festival in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates. She's performed her "prosetry" throughout the US and Mexico in venues such
as the JPaul Getty Museum, The Autry Museum, UCLA, USC, Otis College of Art &
Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, Cornell University, La
Universidad Autonima de Mexico and El Zocalo in Oaxaca, Mexico. Shes known for her
Day of the Dead work, which includes literary altars, cultural tours, lectures on the
traditional and contemporary history as well as mixed media installations, and Day of
the Dead fashions. Both her literary and visual work focus on themes found within the
rich tapestry of her community.
Eduardo Flores, Entertainment Arts Foundation of Modesto, Modesto
A 15 year veteran in Special Education, past musical performer and lead singer, 10
years experience in back drop designer and painter for Johansson High special ed
talent show, founder and chair of the Entertainment Arts Foundation of Modesto a
nonprofit focused on performing stage arts and culinary nutrition. Besides starting up
the nonprofit I have produced, booked and promoted a few concerts ranging from
reggae to indie rock to blue grass country to punk and metal. I travel to venture into
other cities and states arts and cultural centers and can say I have an extraordinary
thirst for performance art as well as visual design. This year Ive attended three live
performances a week on average. Arts enthusiast and supporter, community involved
and activist.
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Joan Ford, Free Arts, Los Angeles
Having worked at Free Arts as CEO for three years, I have seen firsthand how art can
change a child's perspective and life. Free Arts uses art to restore hope and self esteem
in abused, homeless and impoverished children. Prior to working at Free Arts I worked
at numerous agencies that worked to empower children from underrepresented
communities, including bringing new take on music therapy to UCLA and Miller
Children's Hospitals. I am also a musician who plays music regularly throughout LA, and
fervently believe music is what helped me survive my own traumatic, abusive and
impoverished background.
Theresa "T" Ford, Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc., Chula Vista
Newly retired--thirty years as an educator for community colleges in the San Diego
area. Served as a board member for several San Diego arts organizations: Common
Ground Theatre, Blackfriars and transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project. Former Artistic
Director for the two-time Emmy award winning Teen Connection (San Diego). Grant
writer for Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc. Successful grants included: San Diego
Commission for Arts and Culture (2006); National Endowment for the Arts--Big Read
(2007, 2009, 2011 and 2016); Alliance for California Traditional Arts (2009). NEA--
Access to Artistic Excellence (2011). NEH--Created Equal Civil Rights Film Grant
(2013) National Endowment for the Humanities--Fellow/Summer Scholars Program
(African American History and the Gullah-Geechee Culture) 2012 and current Member
of the American Literature Association/The Toni Morrison Society.
Ron Fredman, Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento
Ron has enjoyed many years of fundraising success, including record-breaking seasons
as chief fundraiser for the Kansas City Symphony, Houston Symphony, Kansas City
Ballet and Phoenix Symphony. He joined Sacramento Ballet as Director of Development
in 2018.
He spent more than a decade as a national fundraising consultant with Hartsook
Companies, where he rose to Executive VP. He has guided cultural organizations,
social services, youth groups, schools, religious institutions, healthcare, associations,
foundations and more. He also has worked in advertising/PR, management consulting
and, for eight years, as a reporter with The Kansas City Star.
Ron chaired Dance/USAs Development Directors & Staff Affinity Group for more than
two years and remains a member. He served as Board President of GlobalTies KC and
the Kansas City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. He was a member
of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Missouri State Affairs Committee and the
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ArtsKC Advisory Council. He also is a former Board member of the Michigan State
Board of Counseling, East Lansing Public Library and other organizations.
Ron is a frequent speaker at business conferences. He has designed and taught
business courses at the corporate and community-college level, and has written for
many publications.
Jennifer Frias, UCR ARTS, Riverside
I have worked as a museum professional in various disciplines for over 18 years. I am
currently Director of Education and Academic Programs at UCR ARTS. Prior, I have
served as Associate Curator at UC Riversides Sweeney Art Gallery and Culver Center
of the Arts. Early experiences include collections management and registration at the
Huntington Library, Botanical Gardens and Art Collections and the California Museum of
Photography. I am a contributing writer for KCET Artbound, and co-founder of the
artists/curators collaborative (Sixpack Projects) where my team and I organize
exhibitions and community engagements throughout southern California. I have served
in non-profit committees such as the Society for the Activation of Social Space Through
Art and Sound (SASSAS), and volunteer at other art museums and organizations like
the Ontario Museum of Art, and others. I received my MFA at California State
University, Fullerton in Art and Design (Museum Studies emphasis), and dual BA
degrees at University of California, Riverside in Art History and Creative Writing. I have
also served a adjunct instructor in the art department at CSU Fullerton teaching
exhibition design. In addition, I also volunteer at multiple southern California universities
and college leading studio critiques and developing programs.
Claire Frost, ArtSpan, San Francisco
Claire joined Artspan in fall 2017 when she returned to San Francisco after a two-year
hiatus in Chicago where she received her Master’s in Modern and Contemporary Art
History, Theory and Criticism from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her studies
focused on the intersection of identity and historiography and the way in which artists
communities are documented. This research allowed her to blend her interest in
archival materials with theories of information distribution and artistic practice/process.
She also applied this work to COLLABO, the apartment gallery she co-founded in
Chicago, and which continues in both physical and web-based form in San Francisco
and New York. At Artspan, she oversees the Art in Neighborhoods program, which
allows her to work closely with the large, talented, and diverse body of Artspans artist
members. When shes not thinking about or seeing art Claire is probably at a farmer’s
market, cooking, or riding her bike somewhere around the Bay Area.
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Andrew Miguel Fuller, Mercury 20 Gallery, Strawman Arts Collective (founding
member), Haybale Gallery, Pacific Rim Sculptors (member), New American Public
Art (member), Emeryville
Born in Quito, Ecuador, Andrew Miguel Fuller currently lives and works in Oakland, CA,
where he has called home since 2005. Raised over both North and South America, his
work reflects the dreamlike experience of the outsider in his own country. Holding a
degree in the study of Society and Environment, his artwork often poses questions of
the psychological distance between the human animal and the larger planet on which
we live. He is a member gallerist and artist at Mercury 20 Gallery and Haybale Gallery.
He is a founding member of the Oakland-based Strawman Collective, an organization
dedicated to producing free public art events in underserved communities, such as an
Awesome Foundation grant-winning Performance Art Ice Capade in January 2019. He
has fabricated and installed over a dozen monumental-scale public art sculptures
internationally on behalf of the studios of other artists. During his 6-year tenure as
Sculptural Lead for Spin Art LLC, he was responsible for running an open-to-the-public
sculpture studio where he taught and directed teams reaching 200+ people over varying
skill levels to complete monumental, interactive, kinetic, public artworks which were
installed internationally.
Simone Gad, JAI, SAG/AFTRA, AEA, Los Angeles
I am a Getty Museum Sponsored PST artist, included in Lyn Kienholz's Encyclopedia
L.A. Rising/So CAL Artists Before 1980, MoMA/PS1 Archives-Simone Gad 1980
Monique Knowlton Gallery New Talent Show NYC and Club 57 Catalog 2017, One
National LGBTQ Artists Archives Library-USC, Smithsonian Archives Library-LAICA
Journals 1970s and Stanford University, National Portrait Gallery Library Archives-
Washington DC, National Women Museum Of Art Library Archives-Washington, DC,
Fluxus Museum-Santa Fe, New Mexico, etc.
Maria Galloway, Viridian Art Academy, Tarzana
My background is in child development and studio art and have been teaching and
creating art curriculum's for 14 years. From private art schools, to camps and
elementary/middle schools. I am a business owner and currently have our art programs
in 6 local schools.
Berenice Galvez, Eighteen Eighty Eight (1888 Center), Anaheim
I currently serve as the Grant Manager for the 1888 Center in Orange, CA. As Grant
Manager, I reach out and build relationships with communities around us in an effort to
bring together different communities, near and far. As a center, organization, and
member of this community, my goal is to always provide every community with an
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opportunity to share their story. Before joining the 1888 Center and their team, I was the
editor for several literary journals including DASH and LiveWire. These journals are
designed to support art and culture in Southern California. To further my education in
the field of culture and rhetoric, I am completing a Masters Degree in English with an
emphasis on rhetoric from California State University, Fullerton. As a student, I am also
the secretary for two campus clubs, Sigma Tau Delta- The International English Honor
Society and The Acacia Group-The English Graduate Club which focuses on
professional development for English graduate students.
Sarah Rafael Garcia, LibroMobile, Santa Ana
Sarah Rafael Garcia is a writer, community educator and traveler. Since publishing Las
Niñas (Floricanto Press 2008), she founded Barrio Writers, LibroMobile and Crear
Studio. She has over 12 years of experience in the Literary Arts, 10 years of work as an
Arts Leader and received over 30K in grants for her literary arts projects. She is also an
editor for the Barrio Writers and pariahs writing from outside the margins anthology. In
2016, Sarah Rafael was awarded for SanTanas Fairy Tales (Raspa Magazine 2017),
which was supported in part by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts,
through a grant supporting the Artist-in-Residence initiative at CSUF Grand Central Art
Center. In 2018, she participated in a collaborative artist residency at The Guesthouse,
Cork, Ireland and was honored as an Emerging Artist at the 19th Annual Orange County
Arts Awards. Currently, she spends her days stacking books at LibroMobile, providing
interdisciplinary literary arts workshops and juggling time to write in Santa Ana,
California.
Marie Kellier Garcia, SOCAHCC, Los Angeles
My involvement with Southern California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has made me
aware of all the different cultures and how rich each tradition is. There are 22 Spanish
speaking countries, and each is unique. It's also amazing how each person expresses
his or her roots and individuality through sound, written word or visual art. My own
daughter Marissa (13) is now developing her own technique because she wants to
become a designer. Growing up, I found solace and joy in the traditional music of my
parents. Valses, Yaravães, Huaynos, Marineras - all Peruvian music makes me happy,
but I was born in California. I'm a Cali Girl because I'm Latina with a taste for Classic
Rock & Rock en Español. As a little girl, I learned Mexican Folklore. El Zapateo was
close to my heart because it was fun to dance. Mariachis are awesome. My favorite
song is La Malagueña because my mother dedicated it to me on my 9th birthday at La
Fonda. I enjoy Rancheras, Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa. I love poetry and a good
novel too. Today, my appreciation for the arts is immense. Not one facet is enough to
satisfy the soul, I love it all.
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Emmanuel Garcia, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz
Emmanuel Garcia is a Two-Spirited Native Xicanx artist, lyricist, teacher, and organizer.
They are passionate about community transformation through the arts and embody the
intersectionality of artist and activist. They studied Developmental Psychology at UCSC,
have over 8 years of experience working in student-centered educational settings, and
are certified in both creative facilitation as well as curriculum development for a wide
range of learning styles. When they are not managing the Mariposa Arts after-school
programs and events, or teaching themselves, you will likely find them engaged in
collaborative community arts projects focusing on youth empowerment and social
justice issues.
Raul Garcia, Modesto
I have great passion for the arts. I have been involved in arts related programs for 35
years. I have participated in approximately 30 plays as a performer. I introduced an
event that celebrated diversity through a variety of arts programs. I managed the event
for 10 years. It was called the International Heritage Festival, under the auspices of the
city of Modesto and Stanislaus County. It included music, dance, food and Arts & crafts.
It also offered a Global Village Area with cultural arts programs for children with 50
cultural groups participating. I worked with the Stanislaus Arts Council managing arts
programs for two years. I recently retired from the Gallo Center for the Performing Arts. I
worked there for 10 years. I managed a theatre prevention program that toured to
schools in the Central Valley to prevent bullying. I managed a Ballet Folklorico and
Mexican singing competition. I also managed Christmas Choral concerts that featured
Choral groups from churches and schools. I have served on various boards and
committees that represented the arts.
Ray Gargano, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Sacramento
Ray Gargano currently manages grants and cultural programs at the Sacramento
Metropolitan Arts Council (SMAC) in Sacramento, CA. With the approval of
Sacramentos new Cultural Plan in September 2018, Gargano is working with the
SMAC team to implement the citywide goals of improving arts education, building
cultural diversity and a creative economy through innovative arts and cultural programs.
He began his career as a high school and college instructor in English and theatre,
technology integration and arts management and has served as a director of
programming and education at performing arts centers in Madison, WI, Santa Rosa, CA
and Cleveland, OH and as director of the Orange County Arts Education Center with
Orange County Cultural Arts & Cultural Affairs in Orlando, Florida. He currently serves
on the Board of Directors for the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY), just
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completing his term as President. Throughout his work, his goal has been to elevate
education and the arts to create better communities in which everyone can thrive.
Gerald Garth, Pride Media, Inglewood
Gerald Garth currently serves as Manager of Program Operations with the AMAAD
Institute (Arming Minorities Against Addiction and Disease) to provide programs and
services in South Los Angeles with a focus in HIV prevention, reentry, and recovery
support. He previously served as Manager of Prevention and Care with the Black AIDS
Institute. Garth leads a new initiative that works with young Black gay and bisexual men
to use their own personal experiences to hone compelling writing and storytelling
abilities, called Your Story, Your Words.Garth is also Board Treasurer with
Christopher Street West/ LA Pride. Garth was also a Fellow of the California HIV/AIDS
Policy Research Centers Fellowship Program and Equality California Leadership
Initiative. He currently also serves as Editorial Director of Chill Magazine, a print, digital,
and social brand designed for the millennial man of color.
Nicole Garzino, The Battery Foundation, Petaluma
With over 15 years in cultural nonprofit management, Nicole Garzino has held positions
as Executive Director or Director of Development at organizations such as The Center
for Photographic Art, Monterey Museum of Art, Barrington Stage Company, and the
Dorchester County Arts Council and Center for the Arts. She served as Chair, Board of
Governors for Millennium Charter High School, a high school for the arts and digital
technology in Salinas, as a Board Member for several arts organizations and as a past
appointed member of The City of Pittsfield (MA) Cultural Development Board. Building
on experience in grant making at the County Arts Council, she now serves as a Director
in philanthropy at the Battery Foundation in San Francisco, a collaborative giving circle
which awards over $4 million in grants annually. Nicole also manages Audiate Creative,
an audience engagement and nonprofit management consultancy for nonprofit arts and
philanthropic clients. Recent clients include Music in the Schools Today (arts
education), ArTogether (arts program for refugee communities) and Open Hearts
Foundation, for which she helped to redesign grant making. She holds a MA in Arts
Administration from Goucher College and is currently a Political Power Fellow at Yerba
Buena Center for the Arts.
Adrienne Geffen, Long Beach City College, Fullerton
Adrienne Geffen performs on woodwind instruments throughout Southern California.
She is a substitute member of the world-famous Disneyland Band, and played
woodwinds in the international debut of Erin Kamlers Land of Smiles at the Edinburgh
Fringe Festival in Scotland. She is currently the adjunct faculty for clarinet at Long
Beach City College. Previously, Adrienne was the woodwind teaching artist for Youth
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Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. She
also spent five years as coordinator of the Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program at
the Orange County School of the Arts, where she founded and conducted the award-
winning student Pit Orchestra. Before working in Los Angeles, Adrienne performed on
cruise ships for Royal Caribbean International, and was a member of the national tour of
Meredith Willsons The Music Man. Education/Training: BM, Clarinet Performance
Northwestern University; MM, Woodwinds PerformanceCal State Fullerton.
Paula Gibson, The Los Angeles Beat, Los Angeles
I have been a photographer since a child. Have worked in many capacities as a
photographer and am also a lawyer doing government antitrust law enforcement. I also
am a collector of photographs and have many family photos in my collection going back
to the late 1800s. Was the photo editor of NOMMO the black student newspaper when
in college. Currently I am the photo editor of thelosangelesbeat.com.
Megan Gilby, City of Carlsbad, Carlsbad
I have worked as a performing artist, on performing arts production teams and as an
arts manager in both nonprofit and municipal capacities. I have always been connected
to the arts: drawing as a child, studying music in undergrad, learning arts management
in graduate school, and working in the field after graduation. My current experience
continues to provide learning opportunities managing and evaluating programs, as well
as overseeing a grant program for arts in our city, and being part of a new Arts &
Culture Master Plan.
I believe that as both an artist and administrator, as well as my experience managing an
arts grant program in my current role, gives me well-rounded experience to draw on to
serve as an arts panelist. I strongly believe in the incredible impact the arts can have on
communities, but also understand that other factors are imperative for success,
including clear program goals and realistic evaluation, strong financial oversight and
understanding, and relationships to the community that will benefit from the
programming.
Samantha Giles, Small Press Traffic Literary Arts Center, Oakland
Samantha Giles grew up in an industrial section of Santa Monica, California and
currently lives in the flatlands of Oakland, California. She holds a BSW from San
Francisco State University and an MFA from Mills College.
Giles is the author of hurdis addo (Displaced Press, 2011) and deadfalls and snares
(Futurepoem, 2014), both of which won CA Conrad's Sexiest Poem in the years they
were published. She was also a Headlands Center for the Arts Resident in 2017.
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An arts administrator, editor and curator, Giles has been the Director of Small Press
Traffic since 2009.
Ola Gilkey, ArtConfetti, North Hollywood
I am a watercolor Artist with an eclectic background of dance, gymnastics, photography
and sculpting. A student of classes, inspiration, movement and dialogue, I create art
from a sense of influence. I am a past instructor for the City of Burbank (Parks and
Recreation) as a gymnastics coach and camp counselor for their Arts Camp. I am an
artist for ArtConfetti, which serves to add art to life and aid the community.
I participate in diverse artistic events, i.e., a praise dancer instructor for underserved
youth in San Fernando, for an after-school program. A float artist/designer Summer
Solstice Parade, Santa Barbara. Float construction/decorator volunteer for Burbank
(Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade). Headdress designer for Los Floristas,
Rancho Los Amigos. Set builder and dancer, Church on the Way, Van Nuys, Music of
Christmas production. Past Judge for Special Olympics, Rhythmic Gymnastics,
Valencia.
It is a privilege to indulge in both art with purpose and art for presentation; giving
perspective and voice to art every day. I see beauty in all its form and art pronounced in
all languages. I recognize, appreciate and highlight all art genres and artists beyond
definition.
Mara Gladstone, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs
Mara Gladstone is Associate Curator at Palm Springs Art Museum, and has organized
exhibitions and installations in a range of media and subjects, with particular emphasis
on those that cross disciplines, cultures, and time periods. Upcoming exhibitions include
Todd Gray: Pluralities of Being (2018) and Cosmologies (2019). She curated the first
survey of the work of feminist sculptor Pat Lasch, titled Pat Lasch: Journeys of the Heart
(2017). She was the organizing curator for major exhibitions featuring the work of Andy
Warhol, Michael Childers, and Hung Liu, among others. Mara received her Ph.D. and
M.A. from the Program in Visual and Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester,
and B.A. from Brown. Her publications and curatorial projects have examined
photography; new media; installation and performance art; and museum histories. Mara
is a member of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, Association of Art Museum
Curators, and College Art Association. Though a New Yorker at heart, Mara has called
Southern California her home for the last decade. She is also trained as an oil painter.
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Terri Glass, California Poets in the Schools, Novato
Marin Area Coordinator for California Poets in the Schools, 1996- present. Overseeing
the development of poetry residencies in Marin County schools. Training new poets,
organizing readings for students and teachers, gathering statistics, grant writing, writing
annual reports to central office and overseeing the compilation of an annual countywide
anthology for students .
California Poets in the Schools- 1989- present. Poetry Teacher. Currently teaching
creative writing for students K-12 in Marin County schools. Developing innovative
lesson plans, fostering public performances for students at bookstores and festivals.
Former Program Director for California Poets in the Schools, 2008-2011. Oversaw the
development of artist in residence poetry programs throughout the state of California.
This involved developing workshops for teacher trainings and for the annual Poets in
the Schools symposium, reviewing new poet teacher applicants, grant writing,
overseeing the timeline for the statewide anthology, collecting statewide statistics,
writing monthly e-newsletter and dispensing information to local area coordinators.
Former Administrative Director for Ursa Minor Arts & Media, 2005-2008. Published
Poet. MFA in Creative Writing from USM. See www.terriglass.com
Greacian Goeke, Freelance/Independent, Oakland
As an interdisciplinary teaching artist I have been nurturing the creativity of
intergenerational groups since 1990, working extensively with Bay Area public
elementary schools, Center for Elders Independence, Institute on Aging, Stagebridge,
and multiple arts providers. I have been an artist in residence at Recology and
Headlands Center for the Arts, among others.
I am a certified Orff Schulwerk music and movement educator and Tai Chi practitioner.
I received a Level III Orff Certificate through Mills College in 1999 and have trained in
modern dance, percussion, improvisation and choral singing; B.A., Cornell University;
M.F.A., Performance/Film/Video, California College of the Arts. I received additional
training in Dalcroze Eurythmics at Carnegie Mellon University. I am a core company
member of the University of San Francisco Dance Generators, an outreach program of
the Department of Performing Arts and Social Justice.
I received the Community-Engaged Practice Award from California College of the Arts
in Oakland in 2016. I also participated in the Dance Education Leadership Institute at
Luna Dance, Berkeley.
At Stagebridge Senior Theatre Company, Oakland, I directed two federally funded
storytelling programs (USDOE and NEA) in Title 1 schools that integrated language,
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movement and music for developing literacy and life skills (2009 12).
https://www.stagebridge.org/storybridge/
Laili Gohartaj, Oakland Symphony, Oakland
Laili is passionate about equity in, and access to, the arts in Oakland which has inspired
her work with nonprofits and local government throughout her career. She is most proud
of supporting free arts opportunities for youth and families, including founding a world
music and dance festival in 2016. Laili was selected as a Western States Arts
Federation Emerging Leader of color in 2018 and she was also a San Francisco
Emerging Arts Professionals Fellow in 2017. Laili holds degrees in clarinet performance
and creative writing and has also studied pottery, encaustic painting, and glass fusing.
When she isnt creating or supporting the arts she is often found on Lake Merritt where
she is a competitive rower.
Kate Goldstein, SFJAZZ, San Francisco
Kate Goldstein is a San Francisco-based grant writer, arts administrator, and musician.
Currently the Grants Manager for SFJAZZ, Kate has also held positions with American
Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), Brava! for Women in the Arts, and Creede Repertory
Theatre in Colorado. She has served as a grant writer and consultant for a variety of
arts organizations of all sizes, as well as individual artists working in theater, music,
dance, and performance art.
Kate received the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of Americas Residency Grant,
participated in the Emerging Arts Professionals/San Francisco Bay Area Fellowship,
and served as a panelist for the San Francisco Arts Commissions Creative Space
grants. She is also an active musician and plays violin, percussion, and sings with Bay
Area folk and world music groups. Kate holds a BFA in Dramaturgy from Carnegie
Mellon University.
Beto Gonzalez, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
Beto González has been involved in the performing arts in Los Angeles for almost 20
years. A first-generation American, Beto is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and
ethnomusicologist specializing in the traditional music of Brazil and the African Diaspora
in Latin America. He holds Masters degrees in both Latin American Studies and
Ethnomusicology from UCLA and is a Fulbright scholar. He is fluent in both Portuguese
and Spanish. Beto
is also the founder and artistic director of Samba Society, a collective of musicians from
the Brazilian community of Southern California.
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Victoria Goring, SAG, Burbank
An award winning playwright, with 20 produced plays, and twice shortlisted for Juilliard.
Victorias provocative scripts challenge the audience with multiple perspectives and
complex issues of gender, history, and social conventions.
Before reality TV, Victoria was placing audiences in site specific venues creating
hypothetical worlds: From a possible future where the Y chromosome is decaying, to an
environment of allergens humans could no longer live in.
Victoria has received productions, from many prestigious theaters in Canada and the
USA, including Nightwood, Alberta Theater Projects, City Theater, Lorainne Kisma
Theater for Young People, Edgemar, and Factory Theater. Victoria created Urban
Spine, a CAEA theater in 1999, and was contacted by CAEA who provided her Equity
membership on the merit of her original work.
Marta Gorski, Public Glass, Oakland
Marta Gorski has used the human figure as a staple of her work from the early stages.
Inspired by landscapes in both nature and the body, Marta uses various processes to
create concept driven installations. Her work has always been motivated by the
tumultuous balance of social sexuality and aims to explore the consequence of intimacy
through the figure, landscape and alternative perspectives. Gorski is a Canadian-born
installation artist, currently living in Oakland, California. She has completed a Bachelor
of Fine Art with a Focus in Glass, and a Master of Business Administration. Marta
continues to create concept driven installations that explore themes of empathy. She
works frequently with glass as a medium but is not tied to one method of processing the
material, currently she is exploring hot glass sculpting, large format casting and neon.
Gregory Grano, artworxLA, LA County High School for the Arts, Venice Arts, Los
Angeles
Greg Grano is a film director, editor, and educator based in Los Angeles. Gregs work
explores experiences with unfamiliar people and places, interrogating our relationship
with the other.Greg's feature documentary American Bear: An Adventure in the
Kindness of Strangers interrogates trust across the US and was released on a national
educational screening tour and digital platforms. In 2016, Greg spent ten months
traveling in Asia, Africa, and Europe, developing a multimedia project on global
connections and colonial legacies. Greg is currently working on the first film in an
experimental series about our relationships with nature, developed during his stay at the
Catskills Creative Residency in Summer 2018.
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As an educator, Greg teaches media arts with several institutions in Los Angeles,
sharing storytelling tools with students who may not experience creative validation in
their schools or in their community. These workshops range from documentary to stop-
motion animation to narrative filmmaking, with artworxLA, Venice Arts, LA County High
School for the Arts, LACMA, and Young Storytellers Foundation. Greg has a BFA in
Film and Television from New York University and an MS in Cultural Foundations of
Education from Syracuse University, focused on the importance of the arts in social
justice education.
Susan Greer, Susan Greer Fine Art, Sebastopol
Fine artist who worked collectively to transform a depressed industrial urban area into a
vibrant arts community over the course of 11 years. Served on Sonoma Co Museum
Board, arts councils, school site councils. Wrote grants for Mills College. Senior Editor,
Addison Wesley Publishing Co. Software Designer, Broderbund. Elementary Teacher.
Curriculum Developer, Ca State Department of Education/UCB Lawrence Hall of
Science. BA Biology. MA Education. CA Teaching Credential.
Linda Grimes, San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, San Pedro
Lindas first exposure to planned urban environments was in Philadelphia, where she
was a design and merchandising major at Drexel University. After a 20-year career as
an AT&T marketing and communications professional, Ms. Grimes now shares the
wealth of arts and audience development experiences she gained as the former
Executive Director of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, to inform her leadership of the
San Pedro Waterfront Arts & Cultural District. As a founding member of the CRA
initiated ACE Committee, she has been instrumental in the direction and sustainability
of the Arts & Cultural District for the past 15 years.
She is fascinated by the core principals of creative place-making and weaves them
throughout the Arts & Cultural Districts strategies and initiatives. In addition, Linda
completed a nine-month Arts for LA Cultural Policy Fellowship Program, culminating in
the successful 2017 California Cultural District designation.
Laura Guerrero Nieto, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles
My work in the arts and culture field began in the community of my family and so it has
been inextricably tied to every aspect of my becoming. Beginning in my undergraduate
studies in schools of Political Science and Gender/Sexuality studies and continuing in
my work in the nonprofit social justice sector. I've supported victims of violent crimes to
develop applications for legal permanent residence status and supported the
transformation of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to implement energy
efficiency strategies free-of-charge for renters and homeowners in collaboration with
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labor leaders, neighborhood councils, city officials and residents. In all of this work and
especially in my current position at the Arts Commission, arts and culture invigorate
space in a way that acknowledges our intrinsic value as living beings. In my four years
at the Arts Commission I have supported our flagship grant program and for the past
two years have overseen the first explicitly cross sector initiative of the Arts
Commission, the Community Impact Arts Grant which highlights the exemplary ways
arts and culture manifest outside of traditional arts spaces, just as they did in my family
and community. In this tradition, I have served as Director of Altar Programs for the
largest Day of the Dead event in the country, Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Cemetery for the past three years and learned so much in the process about how
communities thrive because they are not built. They already and will always exist
especially within systems and times where existence alone can feel like acts of rebellion
and defiance.
Sally Guttridge, Elk Grove Arts Commission, Elk Grove
I am a lifelong supporter of the arts, starting with my first tap dancing lesion at age 3 (I
am now 70). I served on the board and was an original patron of the Strauss Festival of
Elk Grove now known locally and internationally for its wonderful performances, I am
now on the Elk Grove Arts Commission and have been since its inception. I graduated
with a minor in art history from the University of Texas and have avidly attended and
supported ballet, dance, visual and performance art, here and in Texas and England
where I lived for 4 years. I presently design and build houses, and understand
completely the cost issued associated with construction and architectural elements. I
live in a very diverse community known for not only the Western Festival, but also the
Multicultural Festival, the Giant Pumpkin Festival, Greek Food Festival, and Old Town
Parade of Light to name a few, all of which have elements of art. It’s a great place to live
and work because of the art available to the average person.
Cecilia Haigh, Stage 3 Theatre Company/KAAD- LP Community Radio, Sonora
I have been in many fields generally in an administrator capacity. I am currently on the
board of a local community theatre and local community radio station; both non-profits. I
am well versed in contracts having been an insurance agent for over 10 years. I am
devoted to the art programs in our community and interested in becoming more involved
with the CA Arts Council.
Kimberly Hall, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, New Castle
I'm a educator to children with special need a mother of 2 and a wife, I. Very active in
the gym and I just started a non-profit organization. I love the elderly and helping other.
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Miles Hamada, Nikkei for Civil Rights and Redress, Los Angeles
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Southern California Institute of
Architecture, in 1975. After several years practicing in architecture I turned my
commitment to working in the nonprofit sector, which included over 30 years at the
JACCC, JANM and Descanso Gardens in arts administration and visitor experience. At
the same time I developed my skills as a silkscreen artist and taught classes to youth
and adults. I am also a folk dancer trained in Awa Odori, a traditional folk dance from
Japan. My training in Japanese culture also includes nihon buyo, minyo odori, bonsai
and taiko. For the past 15 years, I have been the Chair of the Nisei Week Japanese
Festival Ondo and Closing Ceremony, the culmination of two weeks of cultural events. I
have produced cultural programs and have coordinated international exchanges. I was
recognized by the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California for my
commitment of years of community involvement in the promotion, participation and
preservation of Japanese American culture. I continue to be involved with the Nikkei for
Civil Rights and Redress to fight for equality and justice for all.
Rome Hamner, San Jose Taiko, San Jose
A taiko performer and teaching artist with nearly 20 years experience, I believe in the
power of art to change lives. There are no degrees available in North American taiko,
but Ive studied with some of the most recognized artists in the world, including
members of KODO and Seiichi Tanaka, the man recognized as the Father of North
American taiko. Current projects include Taiko SOBA and my ensemble KINaesthetic. I
spent 14 years as the co-director of a taiko nonprofit I launched in Arizona before
relocating to San Jose in 2016.
As a teaching artist I worked with the Tucson Unified School Districts arts integration
program for 3 years. Before that, I provided taiko for taikos sakeresidencies for 5
years. Ive created 30+ curricula for grades TK-12, including programs that integrate
with Common Core. Ive guided 5,000+ K-8 students in developing music skills and
improving academic success, collaborated with classroom teachers, and led PD
sessions on arts integration. I currently provide residencies through Starting Arts and
Montalvo.
I hold an MPA and followed a dual career path for years, building skills in project
management and fundraising. Ive worked as General Manager for San Jose Taiko
since Sept 2017.
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Jonathon Hampton, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, San Francisco
Youth Chorus, Oakland
Jonathon Hampton is a unique and versatile choral conductor of 15 years, specializing
in early classical music, spirituals, and contemporary popular repertoire. He is a chorus
director for the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, San Francisco Youth Chorus,
Piedmont East Bay Children's Chorus, and San Francisco Early Music Society. He also
teaches individual voice lessons and is a teaching artist for the West Contra Costa
Unified School District. Additionally, Hampton sings professionally as an alto, tenor, and
baritone throughout Bay Area, as a soloist and chorus member with San Francisco
Symphony Chorus, American Bach Soloists, and Cappella SF among others. His work
in the arts extends to marketing and publicity consulting as well.
Jacob Hanna, Save Art, Sherman Oaks
Jacob Hanna is a mission-and-values-driven digital marketing professional highly
regarded for his development of strategic online marketing plans and the
implementation of successful campaigns. He is experienced in leading cross- functional
teams to plan, launch, and manage global marketing initiatives and delivering unique
online concepts and strategies. While working for beverage organizations such as Coca
Cola, Red Bull, and Mixwell he utilized his skills in competitive analysis, market
research, and statistical surveys to assess business strategy and provide solutions that
fostered growth. With organizations like the Louisiana State Jazz Museum, American
Cancer Society, and San Francisco Unified School District he crafted engaging,
experiential projects that emphasized community engagement and interactive learning.
Jenna Hans, YoloArts, Sacramento
I have a BA in Art History from Sonoma State University (2010) and an MA in Curatorial
Practice from California College of the Arts (2013). My professional goal is to break
down stigmas around access to arts & cultural programming through exhibitions and
public programs. Currently, I work for YoloArts as the Education Manager where I co-
ordinate and oversee Artist Residency programs for underserved K-12 youth, Veterans,
and the homeless community in Yolo County. In my spare time, I am training to be a
docent at the Crocker Art Museum.
Andrea Hansen, Kern Dance Alliance, Bakersfield
Andrea Hansen is from Bakersfield, California, where she began training with the Royal
Academy of Dance at age seven. Andrea received her B.A. in Dance from Mercyhurst
University and M.F.A. at the University of Arizona in Choreography. She has trained at
the American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Royal Academy of
Dance Summer Intensives and has danced professionally with ballet and contemporary
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dance companies in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Arizona. Andrea has had the pleasure of
presenting nationally and internationally renowned dance companies, including Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater, Diavolo, Ballet Hispanico, Martha Graham Dance
Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the Miami City Ballet during her time as
the Performing Arts Coordinator at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. She
has taught in higher education for over a decade and most recently held the position of
Dance Program Director at Glendale Community College. Andrea has served on the
board of the Arizona Dance Education Organization and as a Grant Reviewer for the
Arizona Commission on the Arts. She has lobbied on behalf of the arts in Washington
DC with the Americans for the Arts, and is an active member with the National Dance
Education Organization and California Dance Education Association. Andrea currently
serves on the boards of the Bakersfield Fox Theater Foundation and the Arts &
Humanities Executive Advisory Council at California State University, Bakersfield. She
is the co-founder and current President of Kern Dance Alliance, a mother of two, and a
proud wife.
Ramya Harishankar, Arpana Dance Company, Irvine
A protégé of legendary gurus, Ramya Harishankar has performed all over the world as
a soloist. As a teacher, she has trained several hundred youngsters at her school,
Arpana in Irvine for over 3 decades and thru the education program at the Segestrom
Center for the Arts since 1990. As a choreographer, she has over 17 full length
productions to her credit, many of which have raised over $100,000 for charities
worldwide. Under her guidance, Arpana has toured the US, Europe, Asia and India and
also received several grants from the Alliance for Traditional Arts, California Arts
Council, Fund for Folk Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. She has also
served on panels for CAC, NEA and World Arts West. As a producer, she co-convened
3 seminars on Indian dance in California and then has presented over 50 Indian dance
soloists/companies to S California audiences. Besides receiving several awards,
citations and grants from state and national agencies, Harishankar is the recipient of
Kala Seva Bharathi (2012) from Bharat Kalachar, Chennai, India, the Helene Modjeska
Cultural Legacy award (2007) from Arts OC and a 2 time National Endowment of the
Arts Choreography fellow (1994-97).
Jennifer Harris, San Diego
I am an artist with work experience in several different cultural communities. As an
instructor in public speaking, I have taught in several universities, including technical
schools and for-profit colleges offering unique opportunities for returning military and
low-income students. As an elementary school volunteer and childcare provider, I have
worked with children of all ages.
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Kenneth Hartman, Jail Guitar Doors/The Catalyst Foundation, Santa Monica
Kenneth E. Hartman is a writer and prison reform activist. Convicted of murder at the
age of 19, he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. After serving more
than 37 years, on April 15, 2017, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., commuted
his sentence to life with parole. He was paroled on December 20, 2017, and remains
free, working as a grant proposal writer and prison program consultant for two Los
Angeles-area nonprofits involved in prison rehabilitation programs. Ken wrote about his
experiences in prison and the Honor Program in his essay "A Prisoners' Purpose,
which won one of the John Templeton Foundation's 2004 Power of Purpose awards. In
a 2009 New York Times editorial, he described the effects of the recession on the
prison system. In a December 2014 feature for Harper's magazine, he described three
decades of prison Christmases. His 2009 memoir "Mother California: A Story of
Redemption Behind Bars" won the 2010 Eric Hoffer Award for memoir. In 2014 he
edited and contributed to "Too Cruel, Not Unusual Enough," an anthology of writings by
prisoners serving life without the possibility of parole that won Best Anthology for 2015
from the Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Sarah Heady, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco
Sarah Heady is a practicing poet and fundraising professional at the intersection of
mental health, social justice, and spirituality. In community arts, she has worked as a
Development Intern under SFACs Director of Public & Private Partnerships; as an
administrator and tour guide for the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program; and as a
volunteer coordinator at BuildaBridge, an arts education nonprofit serving homeless
children and families.
Sarah is the librettist of Unfinished: An Opera, a new work about the death and life of a
womens college, currently in development with composer Joshua Groffman and
producer Vital Opera. She is the author of Niagara Transnational (Fourteen Hills),
winner of the 2013 Michael Rubin Book Award, and Tatted Insertion, with artist Leah
Virsik. Sarahs manuscript Comfort” was a finalist for the 2017 National Poetry Series,
the 2017 Colorado Prize for Poetry, the 2016 Omnidawn Open, and the 2016 CSU
Poetry Center Open Book Competition.
Sarah holds a BA in Art History and Creative Writing from Oberlin College, as well as an
MFA in Creative Writing and a Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing from
San Francisco State University. She is a co-editor of Drop Leaf Press, a small women-
run poetry outfit.
Dee Hemingway, Sacramento
www. Reverbnation.com/deehemingway
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Keith Hennessy, Circo Zero, San Francisco
Keith Hennessy dances in and around performance. Born in Sudbury Canada, he lives
in San Francisco since 1982 and tours internationally. His performances engage
improvisation, ritual, collaboration, and protest as tools for investigating political
realities. Practices inspired by anarchism, critical whiteness, post/Modern dance, activist
art, the Bay Area, wicca, punk, contact improvisation, indigeneity, and queer-feminist
performance motivate and mobilize Hennessys work. Keiths 2016-17 collaborators
include Peaches, Meg Stuart, Scott Wells, Jassem Hindi, J Jha, Annie Danger, Gerald
Casel, and the collaboratives Blank Map and Turbulence. 2017 awards include the
Guggenheim Fellowship and the Sui Generis award. Keith's writings have been
published in Contact Quarterly, Movement Research Journal, Performance Research
(UK), Society of Dance History Scholars Journal, and Dance Theatre Journal (UK).
Hennessy directs Circo Zero and was a member of Contraband with Sara Shelton
Mann. Hennessy is a co-founder of CounterPULSE (formerly 848 Community Space) a
thriving performance space in San Francisco. He earned an MFA and PhD from UC
Davis.
Mark Hernandez, Stanford Jazz Workshop, San Francisco
Development Director, Stanford Jazz Workshop, since 2016. Since 2005, makes arts
funding recommendations for the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation. From 1999 to 2014,
evaluated nearly 200 performances for the Performing Arts Program of the William &
Flora Hewlett Foundation. Opera singer for 25 years. Teaching artist for 22 years. Board
member (Vice Chair) of Success Centers, which provides employment, education, and
arts services to transition-aged youth, including foster and incarcerated youth, in the
San Francisco Bay Area. Board member of Pacific Singers and Actors Workshop, which
provides after school arts programming for San Francisco middle and high school
students. Previously volunteered for San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates,
assisting young people in the family courts. Complete info at blazingstage.com
Olivia Hernandez, Cross Cultural Center, Sacramento
I am committed to providing critical community engagement through artivism, collective
homie efforts and holistic support that aims to empower and uplift various narratives
within the many underserved communities I continue to work with. I understand and
believe that through the power of community we can work to build a future beyond our
wildest dreams. I was born and raised in Watsonville, CA and received my B.A. from UC
Davis in Art Studio and Chicana/o Studies. I identify as a second generation Mexican
American, Fat , Femme, Queer, Xicana, educator and artivist. I have been an artist of
various mediums all my life and have been an artivist for community thru screen
printing, murals and digital media for almost 10 years.
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Anastasia Herold, San Francisco Symphony, Oakland
Anastasia Herold holds an MA in dance ethnology from the University of California, Los
Angeles. She has managed amateur to professional dance companies and symphony
orchestra education programs for more than 30 years. Anastasia is a teacher, active in
the local dance community of the East Bay, and volunteers in classrooms in San
Francisco public schools.
Audrey Herrera, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Moreno Valley
Audrey Herrera is an enthusiastic, energetic, and driven professional currently working
at El Pueblo Historical Monument. As a recipient of the 2017 Getty Multicultural
Undergraduate Internship program, she values genuine diversity and the accurate
sharing of peoples stories. Her work has focused on administrative tasks, education,
community based programming, art history, and community engagement. In her free
time, she volunteers at several art institutions throughout Southern California.
Lisa Herrick, LitHop, Fresno
Lisa Herrick is a second generation Hmong American writer, illustrator, and literary arts
organizer based in Fresno, CA, where she served as the executive Vice President of
Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) and currently advises the What’s
Cooking Fresno?food entrepreneurship initiative for the Better Blackstone
Association—targeting underserved and underrepresented communities in the Fresno
metro areaas well as overseeing all marketing communications for Fresnos annual
LitHop literary festival, which she co-founded with her husband. She is a former
journalist and television executive, and she helped produce the annual Asian Heritage
Street Celebration in San Francisco with the AsianWeek Foundation planning
committee. In 2017, she collaborated on the film The Hmong and The Secret War
(now available streaming on PBS.org); and a new film is in development. She is also a
writer and illustrator, and her work can be found online at The Rumpus literary
magazine.
John Highkin, Fern Street Community Arts, San Diego
John Highkin has over thirty years in art as musician, circus impresario, theater
director, and administrator. Co-founder of Fern Street Circus (FSC) in 1990 with his wife
Cindy Zimmerman, a visual artist and educator, they built San Diegos first theatrical
and social circus, 1990-2003, which was embedded in the Golden Hill neighborhood.
Highkin subsequently served as Executive Director of Salina (KS) Arts & Humanities
then Young Audiences of San Diego. In 2014, Highkin and Zimmerman revived and
reimagined FSC, creating new educational and performance programs, working within
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City Heights, San Diegos most diverse, low-income neighborhood. FSC is a member of
the national Social Circus Network and Cirque du Soleils Social Action Partner in San
Diego.
Highkin holds an M.A., Cambridge University and a B.A., UCLA, both in English;
Highkin taught composition and literature at three universities. Before circus, he was a
directing intern at Brechts Berliner Ensemble. He released his first CD, Heart of a
Clown, in 2013.
He managed a re-granting program at Salina Arts & Humanities and has served on
grants panels for the states of California and Kansas, and the cities of San Diego,
Carlsbad, and Encinitas.
Jane Hill, artSMART, Eureka
In 2007, I began my consulting business artSMART. From 2002 until retirement in 2007,
I was executive director of The Sacramento Philharmonic. Prior to that, I was executive
director of Opera Omaha. At the Philharmonic, I helped double its budget, adopt a five-
year strategic plan, create a new works commissioning program, and establish
partnerships with arts and education organizations. In 2011, I returned to lead the
merger with the Sacramento Opera.
At Opera Omaha, I eliminated a major deficit, established an infrastructure, developed
professional staff and restored relations with many community entities. Prior to Opera
Omaha, I was co-founder and executive director of Dell'Arte, Inc., a theatre company
and training program.
Past board service includes the Association of California Symphony Orchestras,
OPERA America, and the Bemis Center. I was president of ArtsAIM, advocates for
Omaha arts organizations, and represented the arts on the Omaha Chamber of
Commerce Board.
An On-Site Reporter (Opera) for the NEA, my past awards include Omaha YWCA
Woman of Vision Award and the Arts on the Green Award. In 2004, the Sacramento
Arts & Business Council named me Arts Executive of the Year. Education includes a
B.F.A. from Carnegie-Mellon and an M.A. from Humboldt State
Roxanne Hinds, West Hills College, Fresno
I have worked for nonprofits for more than 30 years. Primarily my work has been with
universities and colleges. While serving as Annual Fund Director at Weber State
University I also served on the Utah Musical Theater board and on the Egyptian Theater
Foundation. Raising funds for each. At Fresno State University I worked on grants,
foundation relations and major gift donations.
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Roy Hirabayashi, San Jose
Roy Hirabayashi, co-founder of San Jose Taiko (SJT) recently celebrated 45 years of
composing and playing taiko. For his years of community-building through SJT, he was
awarded the 2011 National Endowment of the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, the
nations highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Roy has also received the SV Creates
Legacy Laureate, San Jose Arts Commission Cornerstone of the Arts, Bunka Hall
Fame, and has been a mentor in the Alliance for California Traditional Arts Master
Program. In 2017 he performed at the Smithsonian FolkLife Festival and the Library of
Congress Noontime Series and remains active performing and conducting workshops
internationally. His current project includes music composition and performance for Luis
Valdezs play, Valley of the Heart.
Roy remains active in the national arts community and has served on the boards for
Western Arts Alliance, Japantown Community Congress of San Jose, School of Arts &
Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza, and is a founding member of 1stACT Silicon Valley,
the Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute, and the Taiko Community Alliance. He is an
American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley John W. Gardner Leadership Awardee and a
member of the 2017 US-Japan Council Japanese American Leadership Delegation.
Erika Hirugami, CuratorLove, Sherman Oaks
Founder & CEO of CuratorLove.
Hirugami holds a MA in Art Business from the Sothebys Institute of Art, in conjunction
with the Drucker School of Management and Getty Research Center at Claremont
Graduate University. As well as multiple BAs from UCLA in the fields of Art History,
Chicano Studies and Mexican Studies.
As a Getty and Kress Foundation Fellow Hirugami has developed curatorial statements
at museums such as CMA, MOLAA, MAZ, MUAC, and Bellas Artes, in Mexico City.
After being a Public Art Curator for the Department of Cultural Affairs in the City of Los
Angeles, Hirugami became the Curatorial Director for the Ronald McDonald House
Charities. She has also curated for multiple galleries across the globe and has been
published internationally.
More on Erika Hirugami at http://www.curatorlove.com/hirugami
Julia Homenko, Moon Brush Art, Novato
I was born and raised in Novato, in the San Francisco Bay Area, and am now an older
emerging artist. Raised in a middle class family by a San Francisco Fireman and a
working mother, I was a tomboy and my Dads' fishing buddy. Nature was always
appreciated and there is not much of California I have not visited. With both parents
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having grown up in the City, we grew up with open and accepting minds. I was never
hesitant to follow my heart and work professions not commonly held by women;
Certified Chimney Sweep, USAF Aircraft Mechanic, Film Booker, Architectural
Draftsman, Chauffeur for the Grateful Dead, and now working artist. After many years,
the opportunity arrived and I returned to the dream of becoming a professional artist. It
is later in life I received my BFA with honors and continue to expand my education at
every point and working in the art community. Anyone who knows me considers me to
be a fair and open-minded person, as well as organized and charitable. I would find it a
great honor to be able to assist with this process.
Barbara Horiuchi, Bay Area Art Grind, Saratoga
San Jose, California born and raised, Barbara Horiuchi is an artist, writer, and founder
of the website Bay Area Art Grind. She has been a visual artist for over twenty years
and received her MFA in pictorial arts from San Jose State University in 2010. While in
graduate school, she founded a website in 2008 dedicated to listing opportunities for
artists, by artists. The Bay Area Art Grind celebrated its 10th year in October, 2018. The
impetus for creating the website was to offer a free service for artists with screened calls
for exhibitions, residencies, and jobs to help them build their artist resume.
As a visual artist, Barbara creates installations, paintings, and video work. Her work can
be found in private collections as well as museums including the Achenbach Foundation
for Graphic Arts and Crocker Art Museum.
She has been active in the Bay Area art community serving as a representative on the
City of San Jose Public Arts Advisory Committee (2016 - 2018), a juror on several local
community student exhibitions and for public art. She previously served as a Grant
Review Panelist for the California Arts Council (2016 - 2017).
Jeanette Horn, The Actors' Gang, Pasadena
Jeanette has been and continues to be an arts advocate. She is currently a member of
The ActorsGang in Culver City, where she has appeared in their productions of Ghost
Sonata, Mate & Helene CixousOY! directed by Georges Bigot. Currently she is cast
member of the critically acclaimed The New Colossus which begins touring in January
of 2019. She appears with The Jewish Womens Theatre in their salon readings most
specifically The Art of Forgiveness & Hadassah on Stage. Her one act play Isaak plays
to LAUSD History & Social Studies classes students.
She has appeared on stages in New York City, San Diego & Los Angeles. She was a
member of The Irondale Ensemble Project and the Judith Shakespeare Company in
New York City and a company member and dramaturge with Starfish Theatreworks She
has worked on Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway stages. In San Diego she appeared
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in productions at The Diversionary Theatre, Sixth and Penn, Cygnet Theatre,
Northcoast Repertory Theatre where she co-authored and directed An Evening with
Eleanor.
Jeanette created and developed a playwriting workshop for Starfish TheatreWorks
where she also served as dramaturg. At New Dramatist she was literary assistant.
Jeanette created theater programs, taught and wrote curriculum for NYC high schools.
She created a two -year theatre career program for an arts magnet school and was a
founding teacher/creator of The New York City Public School Repertory Company, an
arts based program for at-risk students. She was a teacher/researcher with The
National Arts Education Research Center at NYU and the recipient of a Metropolitan
Life Foundation grant in 1991. She has written, received and implemented grants from
the New York Foundation for the Arts, New York State Council of the Arts, California
Arts Council and various foundations Jeanette was part of the original Teaching Artist
Round-Table in NYC.
From 2000-2006 Jeanette was Director of Education and Outreach at La Jolla
Playhouse. She created, implemented and executed residencies in the local schools
and produced the Playhouses childrens touring company POP (Performance Outreach
Program). Prior to that she was coordinator of the Outreach program at Circle Repertory
Company in New York and created and executed the Education program at Manhattan
Class Company. She produced, directed and performed in MCC Theater's Summer
Play Party, a festival of new work by young artists. She created the MCC Youth Theatre
Company.
Jeanette was an adjunct professor at CW Post/ LIU for ten years. She created and
taught Theatre Techniques in the Classroom. She has taught in the continuing
education department at UCSD; was a teaching artist with Manhattan Theatre Club,
Young Playwrights Festival, Theater for A New Audience, Theatre Development Fund,
all in New York and The Playwrights Project & Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.
Jeanette was Education Director at The Actors Gang from 2014 2018. She
continues to be a company member and is now a consultant to the education
department
Jeanette worked for seven years with The International Theatre and Literacy Project in
Tanzania, Bali & India, guiding participants in rural communities to create their own
theatre pieces.
She has studied directing with Harold Clurman and Joe Anthony, acting with Uta Hagen,
William Hickey, Ed Morehouse, Walt Whitcover and Eloise Watt, Mime with Rasa Allen
and playwriting with Milan Stitt, Phil Bosokowski and Wendy Hammond. She studied
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Anne Bogarts Viewpoints and the Suzuki Training at Burning Wheel as well as
intensives in Augusto Boals theatre techniques.
She is a member of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild and the American
Federation of Teachers.
Elisa Hough, Smithsonian Institution, Santa Cruz
For fifteen years, I have been working in and around the arts throughout California and
in Washington, DC. Growing up in Sacramento, I worked as a stage manager and
technician in school and community theaters, where I learned to love supporting the arts
from behind the scenes. At UC Davis, I was a dedicated music DJ, publicity manager,
festival organizer, and house show host at KDVS, the campus radio station. I also found
a sense of community in the university’s Indonesian gamelan ensemble, and I have
continued to play in gamelans in every city Ive lived in since. A passion for international
music led me to conducting independent research in Okinawa, Japan, and eventually
earning a masters degree in arts journalism from the University of Southern California.
Since 2013, I have worked at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
as editor and web/social media manager. Through work on the Smithsonian Folklife
Festival, I have engaged with Mixteco, Kumeyaay, Filipino, Japanese, and other
communities from California focused on sustaining traditional and performing arts. I
recently moved to Santa Cruzthough still on staff at the Smithsonianand I am eager
to serve my home state with these experiences.
Bernard Hoyes, Desert Hot Springs
http://www.bernardhoyes.com/hoyesbioandresume.aspx
Leah Hubbard, Estolano LeSar Advisors, Los Angeles
Leah Hubbard works as an urban planner and policy expert at Estolano LeSar Advisors,
a private consulting firm based in Los Angeles. In her work, Leah focuses primarily on
housing and community development projects that foster socio-economic and racial
equity, environmental sensitivity, and economic prosperity that benefits all. She has
previously worked in the non-profit, public, and philanthropic fields, most recently with
the Goldhirsh Foundation and the LA2050 Grants Challenge. Leah is a volunteer
mentor with Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit that inspires teenage girls through
photography, mentorship, and self-expression. She works with young women weekly on
their photography skills and personal storytelling. In addition, she is a member of the St.
Ambrose Catholic Church choir in West Hollywood. Leah received her B.A. in Vocal
Performance and Sociology from Loyola Marymount University, and her Master's of
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Public Administration from the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of
Southern California.
Justin Hudnall, So Say We All, San Diego
Justin Hudnall received his BFA in dramatic writing from New York Universitys Tisch
School of the Arts. He has served as the founder and Executive Director of So Say We
All, a San Diego-based literary arts and education non-profit organization, since 2009.
He produces and hosts the public radio series Incoming on KPBS / NPR featuring the
true stories of Americas veterans which he helps craft and edit, and is an editor on the
print anthology series of the same name.
Rose Huey, Bandaloop, Oakland
Rose Huey is a free-lance dancer and choreographer based in Oakland, CA. Rose grew
up dancing at Destiny Arts Center and later graduated summa cum laude with a BA in
History and American Studies from Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. Rose has
danced with Ananya Dance Theatre in Minneapolis, MN, and locally with Mixd Ingrdnts,
BANDALOOP, Alyssandra Katherine Dance Project, Kim Ip, Chris Black,
MathisReedDance, Blind Tiger Society, Hope Mohr Dance and others, touring both
nationally and internationally. Rose served as the Assistant Director of Sarah Bush
Dance Project for two years, producing two successful home seasons. Additionally,
Rose is a co-founder of ragbag, a creative collective started in 2016. Rose is currently
involved with the development of Bandaloop's youth education program and teaches
vertical dance to youth year round.
Brad Huff, Valley Cultural Coalition, Fresno
Music, theater arts, museums, planetariums, zoos, and art centers have been a
significant parts of my life for many years, culminating in my current position on the
Board of the Valley Cultural Coalition in Fresno.
Maureen Hurley, California Poets in the Schools, Sebastopol
I have worked my entire life in the arts, both as a visual artist and as a poet, teaching
people of all ages to access the power of self expression. I have received 7 individual
CAC AIS grants including one artist in libraries grant at Napa State Hospital. I have
been part of several multi arts CAC and NEA grants, as well as a pilot evaluation grant
with Philip Horn. I was on the roster for the Montana Arts Council AIS program as well. I
have worked with Herb Kohl, and many other arts educators, and have taught poetry
and art residencies in CA and abroad to students of all ages and abilities. I am area
coordinator for CalPoets in the East Bay, and I work with diverse populations. I am
widely published, and have had numerous art exhibitions, and have been a cultural
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worker all my life. I have received two regional NEA fellowships, and have collaborated
with artists and musicians. I was nominated Poet Laureate of Sonoma County. I have
produced literary events for two decades, and coordinate the youth poetry reading for
Watershed Festival.
Bob Hurton, The Garcia Center for the Arts, Highland
Bob Hurton is a educator, activist, and printmaker. Born in 1965 in Upland, California.
He has lived and worked in the heart of the Inland Empire every since . He has been in
numerous group shows through his membership in the Perma-Dirty Artist Collective .
His workshops have taught hundreds of people the art of printmaking and the need for
art making in the public space. As the Artist in Residency at the dA Center for the Arts
he created a safe place for community members to gather and create art in the public
space. As the Current Artist in Residence at the Garcia center for the Arts he is
continuing to blur the lines between artist and viewer.
Cristina Ibarra, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, San Francisco
Cristina Ibarra is Events Manager at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Before joining
YBGF, Cristina worked as Programs Manager at ArtSpan, and at the Red Poppy Art
House, MAPP (Mission Arts Performance Project), and Oakland-based LATE NITE
ART. Cristina is a member of APAPs Emerging Leadership Institute, Women of Color in
the Arts (WOCA), and Womens Audio Mission (WAM). Cristina is an advisory board
member for Emerging Arts Professionals SF/Bay Area, and has served as a panelist for
the California Arts Council. Most recently, she curates and hosts art events in a
backyard venue in her home garden, El Jardin Azul. She is a practicing artist,
performer, and dance teacher and holds a B.A. in Humanities and Arts from the
University of California at Irvine.
Reina Imagawa, ArtCenter College of Design, Los Angeles
Reina Imagawa is a designer and media artist with a background in architecture, film,
and anthropology. Growing up in Tokyo and New York, her projects currently span Los
Angeles and Mexico City as she pursues her MFA in Media Design Practices at
ArtCenter College of Design (Pasadena, California, USA).
She uses her multifaceted design background to design practices that support the ludic
or spontaneous creative potential of under-resourced creatives. Studying play as a form
of spatial resistance, she designs physical spaces as well as frameworks/ways of
thinking that enable creatives to instigate spatial resistance through play and alter the
existing social relations that govern the politics and authoritative power of institutional
spaces.
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Her ongoing projects in Museo Rufino Tamayo (Mexico City, Mexico) are architectural
interventions that draw inspiration from how and why people play, working closely to co-
produce alternative architectural practices in the museum. She is currently working with
museums guards on performance pieces that involve misusing the architecture of the
museum.
She also works with youth such as skaters. She designs platforms for youth to enter,
occupy and creatively transform urban spaces not designed for play and claim creative
agency in authoritative spaces.
Akemi Imai, Taiko Community Alliance (TCA), Oakland
I am a first/second-generation, bilingual, Japanese-American, immigrant-turned-citizen
nonprofit professional raised in SoCal with a history of involvement in local nonprofit
cultural organizations. My artistic experience is largely in Japanese cultural arts,
particularly taiko drumming. I empathize with the perspective of performing artists,
ensemble leaders, board members, and young start-up nonprofits. In 2018, I obtained
an MA in Nonprofit Management from Antioch University Los Angeles.
I bring experience from my roles as Volunteer Assistant/Shumei Arts Council (2001-
Present), Artistic Director & Coordinator/USC Kazan Taiko (2007-2010), Performing
Member & Instructor/Makoto Taiko (2001-2018), Operations Committee Head/Makoto
Taiko (2009-2014), President/Makoto Taiko (2014-2018), Executive Director/Makoto
Taiko (2017-2018), Secretary/Taiko Community Alliance (2017-Present), Board
Development Committee Head/ Taiko Community Alliance (2017-Present), and
Volunteer/Oakland Asian Cultural Center (2018).
Liz Iracki, Los Angeles
I am a recent transplant to California, as of April of this year. I earned my undergraduate
degree in art history from the University of Virginia in 2001, then spent a year producing
international art fairs in New York City with Sanford Smith and Associates, and followed
with the last sixteen years in Denver, Colorado where I was extremely involved in the
arts through work, volunteerism and board service with several arts education
organizations. For several years, I worked as an art consultant and had clients including
private businesses, hospitals, hotels as well as several municipalities, and I worked with
them to curate and commission public-facing art for a wide range of visitors, employees
and guests. I am also a painter and completed a piece in the 2017 "Ductworks" mural
project in the Interstate 70 viaducts with support from the Department of Transportation
and City of Denver, so I know both sides of the process and appreciate the effort and
courage that artists display when they go for a bid, plan, and then execute a work of
public art.
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Gayle Isa, Independent, Los Angeles
Gayle Isa is Founder and former Executive Director of Asian Arts Initiative, a multi-
disciplinary community arts center in Philadelphia that engages people of all ages and
backgrounds to create and present art that addresses Asian American experience and
effects positive change in its immediate neighborhood of Chinatown North and in a
broad diversity of communities throughout the city and beyond. She led the
organizations programs and growth from a start-up through its 25th anniversary year;
and the purchase and development of Asian Arts Initiatives 24,000 square foot building
as a multi-tenant facility that serves as a hub for community placekeeping and social
practice.
Gayle has served on the boards of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the Greater
Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the National Performance Network, and the national
Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists. She has also been a member of
the Philadelphia Mayors Commission on Asian American Affairs and the Mayor’s
Cultural Advisory Council, and was the first Asian American appointed to serve on the
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. After nearly three decades, she recently relocated
back to her hometown of Los Angeles and is appreciating the opportunity to reconnect
with extended family, friends, and local culture.
Kathi Jablonsky, Antique & Personal Property Appraisals, El Cajon
CREDENTIALS:
Certified Appraiser of Personal Property: International Society of Appraisers
(ISA);
Designated in Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Art (Antiques & Residential
Contents)
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), tested and
compliant.
Meets Qualified Appraiser requirements of the IRS.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Owner: Antique & Personal Property Appraisals / Jablonsky Consulting, 1999-
present.
Full time appraiser of antiques, decorative art & residential contents. Specialty in
glass.
Volunteer Appraiser: Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Korral, 2002-2012.
Estate Sales Associate: multiple estate sale companies, San Diego, CA, 1999-
2002.
Sales Representative: Unicorn Antique Mall, San Diego, CA, 1998-1999.
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15 years of experience in the travel industry with exposure to art, history and
museums.
MEMBERSHIPS:
International Society of Appraisers (ISA): 2003-present, Certified 2006-present.
ISA Committees: Antiques & Residential Contents, 2004-2006 & 2009-2012; Co-
Editor Glass Chapter for ARC Manual; Marketing, 2011-2013; Specialty &
Advanced Studies 2014-2016; Nominating 2015; Conference Co-Chair 2018.
Desert Estate Planning Council, Foundation for Appraisal Education, Art Alliance
for Contemporary Glass, Historical Glass Museum, Greater San Diego
Depression Glass Club, 1998-2004.
Appraisers National Association, 1998-2004, Past President and Treasurer.
EDUCATION:
ISA: Core Course in Appraisal Studies, Antiques & Residential Contents, Fine
Art, Assets Conference 2008, 2012, 2018, Asian Art 1 & II, Requalification
Course 2011, 2017.
USPAP for Personal Property Appraisers 1999 - 2019.
San Diego Museum of Art: History of Landscape Painting, Buddhist Art, Amer.
Illustrators.
Professional seminars: Antique Furniture, Identification of Woods, Art Glass,
Silver Jewelry Makers, Quilts, Practicing Before The IRS, The Appraiser as
Expert Witness, When Is a Fake An Antique, The History & Craft of Handmade
Oriental/Persian Rugs, The Fine Art of Printmaking, Foundation For Appraisal
Education seminar 2014, Art Law Day 2015, Study Day on 19th Century French
Art, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass study trip to San Francisco, Conference
on the Arts & Crafts Movement 2018.
College for Appraisers: Graduate Certified Appraiser, certificate program, 1999.
San Diego State University: BA in Recreation Administration, Travel & Tourism,
1984.
Jeanette Jackson, African Soul International, Rancho Cucamonga
I founded a non-profit arts org in 1998 that preserves and presents the rich culture of
Africa through the arts. I recently completed my doctoral studies and am very interested
in getting back to include more service to the community. I have served on the panel
before and find it satisfying to learn about the amazing work happening in our state. I
am an active member of the community and want to ensure that the voices of the most
needy citizens is being heard.
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Shayla James, Villa Musica, San Diego
Shayla James balances her time as a Music Teaching Artist, and cultural policy
researcher in the non-profit sector. She is a multi-instrumentalist who believes in being
an advocate for accessible arts/music education. She is a part of the San Diego
Arts+Culture coalition, which advocates for continued funding to local arts and culture
programs. A strong believer that the arts can open minds and begin the healing process
for traumas, she incorporates Trauma Informed Care practices in her classrooms and
flexible teaching plans according to studentsneeds. She has taught at satellite
programs throughout San Diego such as Ronald McDonald House and has an energetic
music studio with students of various ages and backgrounds. She has also worked with
local theater company Blindspot Collective to promote community engagement,
empowerment and collaboration in the arts, by discussing issues such as bullying,
cultural sensitivity, and racial discrimination with younger and older audiences. She
aims to interweave these interests into both her teaching and performance practice. She
received a B.M. degree in Piano Performance and a B.A. degree in Political Science
from Coe College. She attended UC-San Diego for a M.A. degree in Music with an
emphasis in Integrative Studies (Ethnomusicology and Critical Studies).
Jennifer Jameson, Alliance for California Traditional Arts, Los Angeles
Jennifer Joy Jameson, Program Manager + Media Director, is a public folklorist and
cultural worker originally from Encinitas, in North County San Diego. Jennifer came to
ACTA from the Mississippi Arts Commission where she served as the Folk and
Traditional Arts Director since 2014, administering traditional arts grants, providing
consultation to artists and organizations, revived and managed the digital publication
Mississippi Folklife, and led fieldwork projects related to a wide range of cultural arts.
Jennifer has also worked in digital media for SPACES Archives, a non-profit archive
dedicated to documenting and advocating for the preservation of international art
environments. With an M.A. in public sector folk studies from Western Kentucky
University and a B.A. in folklore and ethnomusicology from Indiana University, Jennifer
has worked with museums, archives, festivals, and cultural organizations on the federal,
state, and local level, including positions at the Smithsonians Center for Folklife and
Cultural Heritage, Traditional Arts Indiana, the Kentucky Folklife Program, the Country
Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Tennessees historic Highlander Center for
Research and Education. Jennifer joined ACTA in March 2017, where she directs
ACTAs media efforts, manages the Apprenticeship Program, leads the Traditional Arts
Roundtable Series in Los Angeles, co-coordinates technical assistance to the California
Arts Councils Cultural Pathways grantees, and support the statewide Sounds of
California project.
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Vina Jefferson, IHSS/Gordon Special Services, Bakersfield
I toured with a musical stage play for 3+ years. I have an absolute Love for acting and
the arts. So much that Id do it for free if I could afford to.
Adriene Jenik, Arizona State University, Twentynine Palms
Adriene Jenik is an artist and educator who resides in the desert. Her computer and
media art spans several decades including pioneering work in interactive cinema and
live telematic performance. Her works combine "high" technology and human desire to
propose new forms of literature, cinema, and performance. Jenik received her BA in
English from Douglass College, Rutgers University and her MFA in Electronic Arts from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A founding professor of the Interdisciplinary Computer
Arts Major at UCSD and the Digital Culture program at ASU, Jenik has taught electronic
and digital media to generations of students. She served as the Katherine K. Herberger
endowed chair of Fine Arts and Director of the School of Art at Arizona State University
from 2009-2016 and is currently Professor of intermedia at ASU and sustainability
scientist at the Global Institute of Sustainability.
Jenik's artistic projects straddle and trouble the borders between art and popular
culture. Her current research work in “data humanization” and extreme experimental
learning focus on issues related to the US desert: environmental resilience, militarism
and indigenous values.
Keywords: telematics performance, interactive media, media policy, freedom of
expression, art.tech, desert, water scarcity
Vee Jenkins, Queer Cultural Center, Oakland
The Lady Ms. VJenkins is an Oakland based performance artist , stand up comedian,
designer/seamstress/milliner/costumer, writer, burlesque sensation, filmmaker, maker
and organizer of note.
In 2016 she began work as the Queer Cultural Centers newest Development Associate,
Ms. Jenkins is grateful to work for and with the Bay Area's Queer and Trans
communities in the pursuit of cultural equity and equal access to funding for queer
art/artists.
Sarah Jesse, Orange County Museum of Art, Santa Ana
Sarah Jesse is the Deputy Director at the Orange County Museum of Art. Prior she was
the Associate Vice President of Education at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
Director of Education and Public Programs at the Philbrook Museum of Art, and help
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various positions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. From 2014-2016 Jesse
was the Chair of the American Alliance of Museums' education committee.
Patricia Jessup-Woodlin, Pasadena Society of Artists, Pasadena
I am retired professor (Art Education) from California State University, Los Angeles. I
hold a Master's and Doctoral degree in Art Education. My area of expertise ( and
content of my dissertation) is museum education with a specific focus on collaborative
planning by the classroom teacher and museum educator for a culturally diverse arts
curriculum . As an art educator my primary responsibilities were the instruction of in-
service and pre-service teachers in K-12 art education theory as well as participation in
studio explorations in painting, drawing, collage, printmaking and sculpture and field
trips to culturally diverse museums and art galleries.
During my tenure at CSULA I authored books ("Multicultural Approaches to the Visual
Arts", "Creative Experience - Art, Dance, Music & Theater"), published several journal
articles on art education in addition to making numerous presentations to local, national
and international professional organizations.
In 1996 I received a special Commendation Award from former Los Angeles Mayor
Richard Riorden for "outstanding curatorial and educational programs" at CSULA's
Luckman Fine Arts Gallery while serving as Gallery Director and curator of 25 exhibition
and numerous arts education programs , for school groups and adults visitors, that
reflect the cultural diversity of the exhibitions.
Avotcja Jiltonilro, KPFA Radio, Emeryville
POET/PLAYWRIGHT/MULTI-PERCUSSIONIST/PHOTOGRAPHER/TEACHER
Avotcja has been published in English & Spanish in the USA, Mexico & Europe. She’s
an award winning Poet & multi-instrumentalist. Shes a popular Bay Area DJ & Radio
Personality & leader of the group “Avotcja & Modupue(The Bay Area Blues Society’s
Jazz Group Of The Year in 2005 & 2010). Avotcja teaches Creative Writing & Drama &
is a proud member of DAMO (Disability Advocates Of Minorities Org.), PEN Oakland,
California Poets In The Schools, an ASCAP recording artist & a member of Local 1000
American Federation of Musicians. Her latest Book is With Every Step I Take
(Taurean Horn Press available @ Small Press Distribution &/or Amazon)
Website: www.Avotcja.org
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Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, CSU, Fresno, Fresno
I immigrated to Fresno as a young child, and grew up tending the family farm as a
bilingual and bicultural individual. I received my Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese from
UC Irvine, and participated in Cornell University's School of Critical Theory program.
I perceive my role as Dean of Arts and Humanities as a deep commitment to
empowering the multicultural students who will impact our communities. I believe that it
is in the Arts and the Humanities that creativity meets eloquence of thought, a
commitment to social engagement takes flight, and a vision for a greater understanding
of our shared humanity comes into view. Indeed, the vision for a comprehensive and
dynamic life stems from advocating for a multifaceted curriculum: one that produces a
nursing major who is influenced by artistic expressions that are imbued with empathy;
an engineer who understands our inherent appreciation for painting; or the business
major who has internalized the ethical lessons philosophy espouses.
As a scholar, I study poetic discourses, Mexican literature, and Lusophone cultural
productions. As I have seen first-hand the transformative power of learning, I envision
an integrated society nurtured by the quest for self-empowerment through the arts and
humanities.
Stephanie Johnson, California State University / Monterey Bay, Berkeley
I am a founding faculty member of the Visual & Public Art Department at CSU /
Monterey Bay. My relevant experience includes: being an arts grant reviewer for BART,
the Berkeley, Oakland and S.F. Art Commissions; serving for eight years as an
appointed Civic Arts Commissioner (CAC) for the City of Berkeley; co-authoring and
receiving a U.C. Chancellors Community Partnership Fund award in collaboration with
Berkeley Unified School District and the Civic Art Commission; and being a visual artist
and theatre lighting designer who has received grants, one person shows, and critical
acclaim for my work. My formal education includes: BFA in theatre, MA in
interdisciplinary studies/art, MFA in Art, and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies / Public
Policy. I have been a guest lecturer at UC Berkeley, California Institute for Integral
Studies, and San Jose State University. I have been a lighting designer for over four
decades working locally, nationally, and internationally. Most of my theatre and art
projects have been done in collaboration and/or in service to marginalized communities,
particularly Black creative artists.
Rachel Johnson, Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara
I have an M.A. in Art History from the University of Toronto and am a doctoral candidate
in the same at UCSB. Having transitioned from academia into the non-profit sector a
number of years ago, I worked at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art as their Grants
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Manager, winning grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National
Endowment for the Humanities, and the California Arts Council, among others. In 2017,
I became Director of Grants at the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, where I
work with various arts programs, including the SBCC Dance Collective, the SBCC
Music Department, and the Atkinson Gallery of Art. I have won grants for each of those
departments and more, including funding from the California Arts Council, the Santa
Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture, and other private foundations and arts
funders. I am an alumnus of the Leading from Within Emerging Leaders Program and
an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Council for the
Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the CASE Federal Funding Task
Force.
Kevin Johnson, Independent, Rancho Cordova
I am an actor, singer, director/visual artist and teacher. I've worked in Indiana,
Tennessee, New Hampshire, CA (San Francisco, Sacramento, Berkeley)and I have had
multiple art exhibits in each of these locations. I collaborate with Art Organization In the
states mentioned. As a [painter I work in oil, acrylic and Mixed Medium. I have a
Bachelor Science Degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in Music and History. I have
worked theatre in Acting with The Asante Children's Theatre, CYT(Christian Youth
Theatre) in Indianapolis, Indiana and Roseville, CA. I have worked in historical Museum
and Living History Museum. I been a tour Manager for the Color Purple Tour of the
Midwest, toured with the production.
Bethany Jones, CBS, West Hills
BETHANY JONES the inmate whispererbegan her career in television working as a
researcher on Prison Break. She has since produced hours of TV for Oxygen, History,
A&E, CNN, Discovery, CBS and won best sports video of the year for Grantland,
ESPNs pop culture arm. Born in the United Kingdom and having lived in France, the
UK and Los Angeles, Bethany is the ultimate minority for the majority. She is also a
proud member of BAFTA supporting the arts in her community and in her professional
sphere.
Karen Josephson, Vacaville Arts League, Vacaville
I am a visual artist working with in oils, acrylic, watercolor and ceramic sculpture. I am
also a recipient of a California Arts Council grant that was used to hire me professionally
for PBS Sacramento from 1980 to 1991 as graphic artist. There I worked as one of the
few women in the male dominated career field of video, film, photography, set design,
on-air visuals and all print media. During that time I worked with the regional program
Arts Alive, which facilitated my interaction with a diverse group of California artists, art
programs and leaders. In addition, I have judged several art shows for diverse groups
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including Folsom prison and the Northern California High School Student Art Shows
sponsored by Sacramento Savings and Loan. I also have taught art to 1st-4th graders
at a Montessori school and have been guest art educator in public schools. I co-founded
the figure drawing sessions now at the Pence Gallery in Davis. I currently volunteer time
with the Womens Earth and Climate Alliance Network (WECAN) creating graphics, and
partake in art workshops and events in the East Bay and Sacramento area.
Suzanne Joyal, Youth in Arts, San Rafael
Suzanne has exhibited her fine art at ArtWorks Downtown, Youth in Arts, OHanlon
Center for the Arts, Albany Center and Thornton Thomasetti. A visual artist with
extensive teaching experience, Suzanne holds a degree in Art History from Wellesley
College and has worked as a fine art gallery curator and an appraiser of fine prints for
Butterfield and Butterfield. Suzanne is the founder of Purple Crayon Art Studio, a
popular San Francisco art studio for children and families. Having created and directed
Purple Crayon for over a decade, Suzanne sold the business in 2007. Suzanne also
founded Give A Jump Start that uses art as a tool for microfinance with women and
children in Zambia. Suzanne provides professional development workshops for
educators in arts integration techniques and is the creator of the Walker Rezaian
Creative HeARTS program, an early childhood replicable visual arts curriculum. At
Youth in Arts Suzanne focuses on the model programs.
Linda Kallas, Studio ACE, Oceanside
I have worked in the education field for the past 30 years. Starting long ago as a
preschool teacher, an elementary special ed instructional aid, a director of a crisis day
care center for abused and neglected children, at a shelter for abused children, a middle
school special ed instructional aide, and finally as a middle school teacher of art and
drama as well as ASB. I have been a member of the Oceanside Arts Commission, the
Oceanside Museum of Art, Teacher's Union, and currently serve as the volunteer
Director of Education at Studio ACE in Oceanside. I have served on arts panels,
participated in Oceanside Days of Arts, Oceanside Heritage Park, Oceanside Parks and
Recreation, Audubon Nature Center, and currently collaborating with the Oceanside
Mission Branch Library teaching art to teens. Additionally, I have created an integrated
art program called Arts Connect through Studio ACE which is currently being
implemented at Laurel Elementary School in Oceanside. This program takes a
curricular theme and then creates an art component to compliment what the students
are already learning in class. I have worked with every kind of student imaginable and
continue to love participating the their educational process. I have an AA degree in
Early Childhood Education, a BA degree in Liberal Studies, a BA degree in Visual
Performing Arts, a MA in education, a supplemental credential in English, and a
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supplemental credential in Social Studies. I retired from teaching 4 years ago but
continue to work in the field in various capacities as noted above.
Tanya Kane-Parry, Cal State LA, Los Angeles
Stage director and choreographer in theatre, dance and opera. 17 years as a professor
of theatre and dance at Cal State LA, while continuing to work professionally and teach
workshops internationally. Fluent in Spanish and French, with conversational skills in
Russian, Portuguese and Italian. Artistic Director of the LA-based performance group,
Opera del Espacio. Current Director of MFA in Television, Film and Theatre at Cal State
LA, dedicated to training and promoting the emerging voices and visions of
underrepresented communities in the arts and entertainment industries. Full bio at:
http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/tanya-kane-parry
Nancy Karp, New Arts Foundation/Nancy Karp + Dancers, Emeryville
Nancy Karp has been making work in the San Francisco Bay Area for three decades.
She has created more than 75 dance works for her company Nancy Karp + Dancers
founded in 1980. Karp and the company have toured throughout the U.S. and abroad,
including extended artist residencies in Germany, Croatia, Serbia, India, and Japan.
She has been awarded commissions by the Für Augen und Ohren and the Sprachen
der Künste Festivals in Berlin, the Cabrillo Music Festival, the Kyoto International
Contemporary Music Forum, and the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco,
among others. Site-specific commissioned works have included SFMOMA, Oakland
Museum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Yerba Buena Gardens. Nancy has
received numerous grants and awards for her work, including the Bay Area Dance
Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2005, a Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship to
India, choreography fellowships and dance company grants from the Natl. Endowment
for the Arts, California Arts Council, S.F. Arts Commission, and the Rockefeller
Foundation/MAP Fund. An active member of the Bay Area arts community she served
as a trustee of the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, and was a mentor in CHIME
Program, Choreographers in Mentorship Exchange initial year 2004-05.
Thomas Karwin, UCSC Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Santa Cruz
M.A. Theater Arts (film & video) at U.C.L.A.; film/television producer at U.C.L.A.; director
of instructional media services, and coordinator of university-school projects, U.C. Santa
Cruz (now retired); freelance grant application writer; served for several years as chair
of the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission, which created the groundwork for the
Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County; served for 3 years on a federal advisory
committee (Taxpayer Advocacy Panel); active as leader of community garden groups,
e.g., the Arboretum & Botanical Garden at U.C. Santa Cruz; freelance garden writer
(weekly newspaper columnist for 17 years). CAC panelist, 2017.
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Joanna Keane Lopez, Arts Connection of San Bernardino County, Yucca Valley
Joanna Keane Lopez is an artist, builder & organizer who works with site-specific
installation and public art. As an artist working in sculpture, her practice is inspired from
a cross-disciplinary approach to public, participatory and social engagement. Joanna
primarily works with the materials of adobe architecture, earthen plaster and aliz (a clay
slip paint) to address conceptions of sculpture in engagement with land. Originally from
Albuquerque, NM she currently works and lives in Joshua Tree, CA. She graduated with
a BFA in Studio Art with the honors of summa cum laude from The University of New
Mexico. Joanna is a grant recipient of the Fulcrum Fund of The Andy Warhol
Foundation for the Visual Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and was recently
included in the Public Art Network - Year in Review Award from Americans for the Arts
for T.I.M.E. Edgewood of New Mexico Arts: Art in Public Places. She is an alumni of
Land Arts of the American West program.
Dorka Keehn, Keehn On Art/SF Arts Commission, San Francisco
Principal of Keehn On Art (keehonart.com), an art consulting firm that specializes in
working with city planners, developers and architects on their public art requirements.
Projects include Salesforce Tower and the Golden State Warriors Arena. As a San
Francisco Arts Commissioner, Dorka chairs the Visual Arts Committee that
commission’s all of the citys public artwork. Additionally, she is the co-founder of Sites
Unseen (sitesunseen.org), a project that is bringing arts programming to neglected
alleys in San Franciscos Yerba Buena neighborhood through permanent and temporary
art installations. Dorka also led the fundraising effort for The Bay Lights, the $12M
25,000 LED light installation by artist Leo Villareal for the Bay Bridge.
Nanette Kelley, Self-employed as a Cultural, Art, & Environmental Education
Facilitator, Co-owner Custom Wood, Art, & Stained Glass business, McKinleyville
I frequently travel to my familys Osage Reservation village, Waxaoli^. My elders moved
to California from Oklahoma to escape our Reign of Terror,hiding family members in
danger of murder for land and resources. Eventually, my family moved back to
Oklahoma, but my youngest grandparents returned here. Therefore, I was born in Los
Angeles and attended L.A. public school in the 70s.
I completed my first BA, Art, at Humboldt State University during the old-growth timber
warsand the tribal water wars.Immersed in a cultural conflict zone, I was publicity
chair for educational-minded nonprofits (Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, Chico
Environmental Affairs Council, and the McKinleyville Land Trust) where I learned
community, cultural, and environmental public relations.
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Completing my second BA, Communication, Rogers State University, Oklahoma, my
Museum Internship was at the Kaiser Foundation Archives, Woody Guthrie Center. I
cataloged and conserved Guthrie's personal papers, manuscripts, and artwork and
implemented Pete Seegers artifacts, manuscripts, and documents for the 2017 Pete
Seeger Show.
I am an art business owner and volunteer manager of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife
schoolyard habitat. Working with local tribes from inception to restoration, I restore
traditional arts and food habitat for local schools and Indian Education.
Marie Kellier, International Eye, Los Angeles
Marie is an award winning multidisciplinary artist, consultant and arts advocate. An
Academy Nicholl Fellow with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, she
holds an MFA from UCLA, and is CEO of MARIKEL International. Marie designs and
produces festivals and art installations, has been Interim Director of Outreach for
California African American Museum and Operations Manager for Danetracks, Inc. She
has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for education, arts and cultural projects and
is a passionate advocate for cultural, economic and social equity. A pre-qualified
producer for the City of Los Angeles, Maries pioneering work established the visible
presence of Caribbean carnival arts in Southern California. As Chair of the
Empowerment Congress Arts and Culture Committee, and a Cultural Policy Fellow with
Arts for LA, she chaired and co-authored a position paper on the Cultural Equity and
Inclusion Initiative (CEII), which resulted in an additional $235,000.00 in funding from
the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. With a focus on the creative industries, Marie
serves as an Alternate Member of the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, advising the
Government of Jamaica on issues affecting the Jamaican Diaspora.
Philippa Kelly-Johnson, California Shakespeare Theater, Berkeley
I am a dramaturg, author, professor in literature and theater, who has published over
100 articles and 11 books. For ten years I chaired almost all of the panels for Australia's
Endeavor program, which entailed assessing 800 applications per year across all fields,
from vocational training to PhD and masters applications, to executive training
applications, from astronomy to theater. (For the past 5 years I have pulled this back to
a more sane workload - about 200 per year.) I also regularly assess Fulbright
applications as well as being one of the three national assessors for Australia's multi-
million dollar Colombo program. I believe that panel work takes a respect for all
applicants and a willingness to meet them where they are, not judging from a lofty
height; blending this with the genuine capacity to be impartial and - very importantly - to
listen to input from other panel members.
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Candi Kelly-Johnson, Girls Self-Esteem Program, Sacramento
Candi Kelly Johnson is the founder of the Girls Self-Esteem Program for girls ages 4-18.
The former news anchor, writer and investigative reporter covered three Presidents and
hosted her own radio and television shows in Sacramento, San Francisco and Los
Angeles for CNN, The Weather Channel the BBC and CBS Network news.
She founded (G-SEP) to mentor girls to give back to her community. The former Miss
West Texas, Miss Texas finalist, and director in the Miss American Organization,
announced she was hosting a pageant in Sacramento in 2008. She used the pageant to
garner interest in the mentoring program. In order to compete the youth had to learn
etiquette, manners, self-defense and self-worth. More than 500 girls have graduated
thus far.
In 2013 the Girls Self-Esteem Program expanded to offer dance classes as part of
STE(A)M. Prima Ballerina NaTalia Johnson a former Dance Theatre of Harlem moved
to Sacramento to open our ballet school. That same year the first Nutcracker in Oak
Park was staged. The show has expanded to Nutcrackers in three area cities with 70
youth and adults who perform in our productions, and dance in our academy of the arts
in Oak Park.
Lanie Keystone, Vacaville
I have been an Arts Educator and Administrator for over 40 years. I graduated from, U.
of Michigan with a degree in Theatre and Education. I have been teaching Movement/
Dance and Theatre nationally in the schools--K-University for 40 years. I have
coordinated a County Schools in-school arts program serving 3000 in two CA counties;
Arts-in-Education Coordinator for the NH State Council on the Arts; Ex. Dir. for Image
Film & Video Center (Atlanta); Director of Georgia Getty Center Theatre Program;
Director: Arts in the School Gwinette Co. GA; & Director for ArtSmart/Foster Educational
Systems integrating the arts across the curriculum and conducting professional
development workshops/retreats for 21 years.
Sant Khalsa, CSU San Bernardino (retired), Joshua Tree
Sant Khalsa is an artist, educator and curator. Her artworks are widely exhibited and
acquired by museum including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Nevada
Museum of Art and Center for Creative Photography in Tucson. Khalsa is a recipient of
prestigious fellowships, awards and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts,
California Arts Council, California Council for the Humanities, Center for Photographic
Art in Carmel and others. She is a Professor of Art, Emerita at California State
University, San Bernardino, where she taught for three decades and served as Art
Graduate Program Coordinator (1997-2003), Art Department Chair (2003-2012) and
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Public Art Projects Director (2005-2014). She served as a founding board member for
Arts Connection-the Arts Council of San Bernardino County (2012-2015), Board of
Director of the Society for Photographic Education (1989-93), Team Leader for the
Morongo Basin Strategic Plan for Culture and the Arts (2017-18), Artist Selection
Committee for the sbX Omni Trans Public Art Project (2009), Board of Directors for
Inlandia Institute (2009-2012), and Grant Panelist and Panel Chair, Photography
Organizational Project Grants, for the LA Dept of Cultural Affairs (1999).
Lily Kharrazi, Alliance for California Traditional Arts, San Francisco
Lily Kharrazi has worked with culturally diverse communities for three decades. She
currently is the Special Projects Manager at the Alliance for CA Traditional Arts. Before
that she managed the Living Cultures Grants Program for 14 years which provided an
extensive window into grant-making, advocacy, technical assistance, and program
creation. She has served on local, regional and national grants panels and is a
specialist in community-based art making. She has worked in refugee resettlement and
arts education. Lily is a dance ethnologist, training with pioneer of the field Allegra Fuller
Snyder at UCLA. Before coming to ACTA she served as the program director at World
Arts West for nine seasons of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival. Lily is multi-
lingual speaking both Farsi and Hebrew, practices yoga and voraciously seeks out
cultural arts wherever they may be.
Karen Kienzle, Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
In her current position as Director of the Palo Alto Art Center, Karen Kienzle oversees a
vibrant organization that inspires the artist in everyone through a diverse range of
exhibitions, public programs, educational events, and art classes for more than 140,000
adults and children annually. She provides vision and direction for all aspects of the
Palo Alto Art Center and provides leadership to the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation (the
private nonprofit that supports the Art Center through fundraising and advocacy). With
the Foundation, Kienzle worked to successfully raise a $4.1M capital campaign and
provided leadership for the $9.1M building transformation and subsequent reopening.
Contributing her experience in and passion for audience development, community
outreach, collaboration, and marketing, Kienzle has expanded the Art Centers impact in
the community, overseeing the successful On the Road program during the Art Center’s
renovation and subsequent move back into its transformed facility. Prior to her
appointment at the Palo Alto Art Center, Kienzle served as Assistant Director for
Exhibitions, Education, and Community Outreach at the de Saisset Museum at Santa
Clara University. Kienzle also worked as Assistant Curator and Curatorial Assistant at
the San Jose Museum of Art. Kienzle has held curatorial intern positions at the Solomon
R. Guggenheim Museum, the Oakland Museum of California, and Yerba Buena Center
for the Arts. She received her B.A. in the history of art from U.C. Berkeley and her M.A.
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in museum studies from San Francisco State University. She is a graduate of the Getty
Museum Leadership Institute at the Claremont Graduate University and is a lecturer at
San Francisco States museum studies graduate program. In 2012, Kienzle received the
Silicon Valley NextGen Emerging Leader award. In 2014 she was selected for the
National Arts Strategies Executive Leadership Program, along with 49 other arts leaders
from around the nation and world. Kienzle is a graduate of the Stanford Executive
Program for Nonprofit Leaders and a winner of the Chamber of Commerce Athena
Leadership Award.
Rachel Kilroy, Zimmer Children's Museum by Sharewell, Granada Hills
Rachel Kilroy is the School & Group Program Coordinator for the Zimmer Children’s
Museum by Sharewell. Through her work as an administrator in the arts sector, Rachel
endeavors to be a force in producing programs that bring about systemic change to the
implementation of arts education programming. Her passions lie in advancing the
ubiquity of arts education, expanding access to arts participation for every child, and
engaging art learners of all ages. Her personal experience and logistic skills have
moved her to give back to society and enlighten others on the importance of arts
education. Led to the field of arts administration as the answer to the question of how
best to utilize her dynamic skill set, she is committed to working in nonprofit arts
organizations. She has her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach in Studio
Art.
Kelly Kinder, City of San Francisco Rec and Parks, Oakland
I am an artist specializing in illustration and printmaking with a BFA from UNC-Chapel
Hill. I work in the field of graphic design while making my own fine artwork at home.
While I focus my work on drawing and digital media, I experience the artistic world
through a variety of projects, dabbling in videography, zines, sculpture, and lately,
teaching. Through the organization that I work as a designer for (SFRPD), I teach laser
cutting to kids and adults. These classes are intended to build technology skills through
STEM exploration, but my curriculum introduces the laser cutter as one of many tools
for creating art, crafts, products, functional objects, and more. In addition, I am involved
the practice and preservation of Native American traditional arts, and worked for several
years as the Native Arts Program Coordinator for the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program. I
was not only able to participate in instructing the next generation in traditional craft, but I
also developed connections within the world of Native art and along with the efforts of
my own tribe, the Yurok, am engaged in the support of and discourse on native art as
both a traditional and contemporary expression.
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Susan R. Kirshenbaum, Cherry Pits Art, San Francisco
Susan R. Kirshenbaum was encouraged early in life to pursue art. She grew up in a
family of visual artists who started an art school, the Ivy School of Professional Art, in
Pittsburgh, PA where she was deeply involved until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s
studied at SFAI, CCA, UC Berkeley Extension, Kala, City College, and in Girona, Spain.
Kirshenbaum returned to full-time art making in 2016 after a long hiatus, but she never
lost sight of art as her center. Her career as creative director for marketing and branding
of nonprofits and creative agencies provided an opportunity to promote the arts.
Kirshenbaum exhibits her work in art shows around the SF Bay Area. Her trademark
figurative works are in collections nationally and internationally. She also volunteers in
the arts and will be serving a term on the SFWA BOD as Exhibitions Director in 2019.
Living and working in San Francisco, California since 1980, shes taken a couple of
breaks to live in Hawaii, NYC, and Spain. She can be found making art at her hilltop
home with her cats and husband nearby.
Ellen Kirwan, Tustin Public Art Committee, Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts,
Tustin
I have worked as a visual artist for many years. Currently I am on the Executive Board
of Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA). TACFA's mission is creating community
through the arts and we support 11 programs in the arts. We have recently been the
recipients of a CAC grant. The City of Tustin has appointed me to its Public Art
Committee. I am a business woman and have managed several businesses. I am also a
California real estate broker.
Nicole Kite, Headlands Center for the Arts, San Rafael
Nicole began her professional career in the arts at the Richmond Art Center (Richmond,
CA) in 2013 where she helped manage the organizations studio education programs.
She moved to Wisconsin in 2015 for graduate school, during which time she supported
the work of several arts organizations in and around central Wisconsin, including the
Wormfarm Institute (Reedsburg, WI), Wisconsin Public Radio, Madison Public Library,
and Overture Center for the Arts (all in Madison, WI). In 2017, she returned to the Bay
Area and is now the Development Manager for Grants & Partnerships at Headlands
Center for the Arts (Sausalito, CA). Nicole has an MBA with a focus in Arts
Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA in Landscape
Architecture from the University of California-Berkeley.
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Roger Klein, Roger Klein Arts Advisory, Sacramento
Internationally recognized Arts & Culture professional
For the past 30+ years I have managed, guided and mentored the careers of well
known visual and musical artists both in the U.S. and abroad. Ive staged, curated and
overseen sold-out art exhibitions in L.A. NYC and London having worked with a number
of major contemporary artists including Chris Levine, Logan Hicks, D*Face, Charming
Baker, Dan Baldwin, Miss Bugs, Richie Culver and others. I was involved in the
planning and promotion of a number of major museum exhibitions including working
with the Museum Of Modern Art in NYC and The National Portrait Galleries in the
United Kingdom. Ive given numerous lectures on the changing contemporary art world
at both Sotheby's Institute in NYC and in London as well as being interviewed by the
BBC, SkyNews, GQ Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, The Evening Standard, The Art
Newspaper and Forbes amongst others.
In both 2017-2018 I served as Director of Exhibitions for the Wide Open Walls mural
festival that takes place in Sacramento and currently live in the famed WAREHOUSE
ARTIST LOFTS, an arts community based in Mid-Town Sacramento.
Jillian Kogan, Artist, Los Angeles
I am an assemblage artist who makes flag art. Art from flags. I created the CAC
California Imaginationstatewide promotional campaign 10 years ago. I work with
children to create their own versions of the California flag at Hollywood Heart Camp as
well as for organizations such as In / Out Los Angeles.
Marilyn Koziatek, Granada Hills Charter High School Education Foundation,
Granada Hills
Marilyn Koziatek is the Director of Communication and Development for Granada Hills
Charter and is responsible for the schools marketing and outreach to the community,
both locally and globally. Marilyn manages the digital and social media, visual identity,
press relations, advocacy, and community-building for the school. She imagines and
creates interactive media and digital art to communicate a narrative about the school to
the community. Her 20tall street banners hang throughout the city and her digital
media campaigns generate thousands of views. She is also a gifted painter and sketch
artist. She understands the technical aspects of Media Arts through her work
experience and her Masters of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Digital
Communication at Johns Hopkins University. A graduate from the University of
Southern California, Marilyn majored in Business Administration. In her spare time,
Marilyn enjoys spending time with her two young sons and visiting art museums with
her husband.
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At Granada Hills Charter, the visual and performing arts serves thousands of students
with 50% being socioeconomically disadvantaged. The public school offers a full range
of art: orchestra, jazz, dance, visual art and multimedia.
John Krasno, The Actors' Gang, Los Angeles
I've served on similar panels for the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and for the State
of Oklahoma. My background includes managing dance (Oklahoma City Ballet, Parsons
Dance) Theatre (Drama Dept (NYC) La Jolla Playhouse, Tribeca Theatre Festival,
Actors Gang). I've produced award winning documentaries (LoudQuietLoud, I am an
Animal (HBO) What Remains (HBO) and TV series (#1 Single). Other experience
includes teaching at the LA Film School, writing novels and working as a literary critic
for the Los Angeles Times. I've also advised art publishing (Davis Blue Artwork) and
consulted numerous arts organizations and companies. I hope my kind of diverse
experience in the arts would be an asset to discussions of worthy organizations and
projects.
Amanda Krauss, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma
Before joining SVMA, Amanda was a Program Manager at Sempervirens Fund (SVF), a
land trust in Silicon Valley protecting redwoods since 1900. She also served on the
Silicon Valley Open Studios Board of Directors for six years, which produces an open
studio event with over 375 artists showing their work during the first three weekends in
May. She has a wealth of experience in the arts and conservation through her
volunteerism and work experience. Amanda received her BA from UC Davis in art
studio and avian sciences and was born and raised in Sonoma.
Harini Krishnan, San Mateo County Arts Commission, Hillsborough
San Mateo County Arts Commissioner Harini Krishnan has enjoyed wearing many hats,
from an Indian Classical Musician, Cross Cultural Arts Advocate, Musical Theatre
Actress, Public Education Advocate, to a Public Servant. A well known professional
vocalist in California, Harini comes from a family of acclaimed Indian classical
musicians, has performed worldwide and given fundraising performances in support of
many causes. Harini began giving presentations on Indian classical arts at local
elementary schools, and later partnered with local arts organizations such as Peninsula
Girls Chorus, Community School of Music and Arts & California Music Educators
Conference, to present cross-cultural collaborations. After becoming the Foundation
Board President of San Mateo High School, a public school known for its award winning
arts programs where 40% of students come from underrepresented communities, Harini
helped mobilize the parent community to promote equity in academics and increase
support for arts programs. Harini has presented lectures at various universities, has
been featured in local public TV programs, has composed music for Indian classical
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dance productions, has been a judge for Indian classical and Western a capella
competitions & performed in many community theater productions. As a lifelong arts
advocate, she cherishes her current role as Arts Commissioner.
Adelaide Kuehn, California Alliance for Arts Education, Los Angeles
Adelaide Kuehn joined the California Alliance for Arts Education in 2017 as a
Development and Communications Associate. Adelaide completed her PhD in French
and Francophone Studies at UCLA where she taught undergraduate courses, organized
professional development workshops, and served on a committee that oversees
university service projects working throughout the Los Angeles community. Her
dissertation, entitled Authorship, Audience, and Authenticity: Strategies of Meta-
Representation in Contemporary African Arts,was an interdisciplinary study of
contemporary cultural productions from Cameroon, Republic of Congo and Democratic
Republic of Congo. Adelaide has also worked as a gallery educator for K-12 audiences
and developed educational programming at the Hammer Museum.
Peter J. Kuo, American Conservatory Theater, Oakland
Peter J. Kuo is a bi-coastal director, producer, writer, educator, and cultural activist
focusing on raising the visibility of marginalized communities. Artistically, he has worked
at East West Players, South Coast Repertory, Williamstown Theatre Festival,
Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and The Play Company,
among others. He was the founder of Diversity, University, Irvine at UC Irvine, co-
founder of Artists at Play in LA, and the founder of NSD: Affinity Groups at The New
School for Drama, where he recently graduated from the MFA in Directing program.
Administratively he has worked at South Coast Repertory, East West Players, LA Stage
Alliance, and Soho Rep. He currently teaches at HB Studio, including a class he created
called Acting Beyond Marginalization. He has been a workshop leader, facilitator, and
panelist for Theatre Communication GroupsNational Conference, the National Asian
American Theatre Conference and Festival, Peoples Music Network, and the
Gianneschi Summer School for Nonprofits.
He is one of TCGs 2018 Rising Leaders of Color and a recipient of a Drama League
First Stage Residency. He maintains the Asian American Directors List and is the co-
founder and co-host of Not So Ancient; an Asian American Drama history podcast.
Larry Laboe, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), West Hollywood
Larry is the President of Production at SXM, a full service creative agency and branded
entertainment studio/production company that plans and delivers branded entertainment
across all digital platforms. They specialize in helping brands fuse entertainment,
advertising and technology to reach new customers. SXM has produced digital series,
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branded entertainment and commercials for some of the worlds leading brands,
networks and studios, including: Disney, NBC, CBS, VEVO, Dailymotion, MTV, DEFY
Media, Comedy Central, Verizon go90, Amazon, Complex Media, IKEA, Mountain Dew,
Samsung, Coca-Cola, Verizon and Smuckers. SXM has worked with Directors such as
James Franco and Joseph Gordon Levitt.
In addition to his work at SXM, Larry also serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director
of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), an organization committed to highlighting
emerging filmmakers worldwide. Hes a member of the Producers Guild of America
(PGA) and a Faculty Member at both the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI) and L Art
University in Shanghai, China. He has lectured on arts and entertainment at the
University of Southern California, Occidental College, California State University Los
Angeles and the University of California Los Angeles among others.
Jennifer Laine, San Benito County Arts Council, Hollister
Jennifer Laine has served as Executive Director of the San Benito County Arts Council,
a local arts agency based in Hollister, California, since 2010. In her tenure as Executive
Director, she has raised over $1.2 million in arts funding for the county, opened two
multi-disciplinary art spaces, co-founded the City of Hollisters Public Art Review
Committee, advocated for arts in education and developed dedicated arts programming
for some of the areas most underrepresented communities, including low-income
youth, veterans, students with disabilities and youth in corrections. Jennifer has served
as a grant panelist for the California Arts Council and currently serves on the Board of
Trustees of the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation and Californians for the
Arts/California Arts Advocates. She is a member of Americans for the Arts and the
Northern California Public Art Network.
Previously, Jennifer worked with other cultural and international organizations, including
the Bechtel International Center at Stanford University, the International Diplomacy
Council and Kato-gun Board of Education, Japan. She holds a B.A. in Art History from
UC Santa Cruz, a M.A. in Global Studies from the University of Leipzig, Germany and is
trained as a modern dancer. Jennifer resides in Hollister with her husband and three
children.
Joseph Landini, SAFEhouse Arts, Concord
Joe Landini (executive director of SAFEhouse Arts) received his BA in choreography
from UC Irvine and his MA in choreography from the Laban Centre (London). His
choreography has been presented at the ODC Theater, Z Space, the Cowell Theater
and Dance Mission, as well as Santa Cruz, Marin, Sacramento, Monterey, Laguna
Beach, Santa Fe (NM), Mexico City and London. In 2007, he founded SAFEhouse Arts,
which is a 49-seat performance gallery in San Francisco and he received the GOLDIE
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award from the SF Bay Guardian in 2012. He is also the director of RAW (resident
artists workshop) and SPF (summer performance festival) and is an senior advisor for
the AIRspace program, a QTPOC artist residency program for new performance and
the West Wave Dance Festival at the Joe Goode Annex.
Holly Lang, Museum Of Photographic Arts, San Diego
Holly Piper Lang has more than 10 years professional experience in grants
management and is currently the primary grants officer for an art museum in San Diego
as well as the owner of Holly Piper Grant Writing Services. With experience securing
local and national grants of $5,000-$250,000+ for diverse organizations such as the
Aquarium of the Pacific, Fleet Science Center, and the San Diego Architectural
Foundation, she has had the pleasure of working with, and for, various worthy causes.
Holly received her BA in History and MBA from the University of Redlands. She also
holds certificates in Nonprofit Management and Nonprofit Marketing from San Diego
State University.
Deserea R. Langley, University of California, Davis, Carmichael
Deserea Langley is a PhD Candidate in Native American Studies at the University of
California, Davis. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Science from California State
University, Sacramento in 2014. Her research explores the Dawes Allotment affect on
members of the Susanville Indian Rancheria in Northeastern California. She is focused
on discussing the importance of land in relation to spatial knowledge of place and
identity. She also seeks to explore how the Susanville Indian Rancheria is using tribal
sovereignty to assert their claim to land in northeastern California for economic
development and cultural revitalization. While her educational focus is in Native
American Studies, she has knowledge in California Indian art and praxis. Her own
artistic journey includes working with traditional California shells, pine nuts and glass
beads.
Vincent Latham, Reading and Beyond, Kingsburg
I am a graduate of Pepperdine University with my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, with an
emphasis on acting. After graduation, I volunteered in Tehachapi, California for Youth
Entertainment Showcase (YES!) introducing children 3rd through 8th grade to the
theatre. This program was my first introduction to theatre when I was a child and I
wanted to give back to the organization that instilled my first love for the theatre. YES!
was originally created to fill the hole in the local education system since such programs
were not available in the elementary schools.
Since early 2017 I have been working for the local non-profit, Reading and Beyond, in
their Bridge Academy program, servicing participants of the CalFresh program by
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assisting them in the areas of soft skills, education and training, as well as job
placement. I started here as a Career and Family Navigator with a caseload of over 60
participants. I have since been promoted to Employer Liaison, helping management
with data and the Employer Liaison team to provide direct job placement for our
participants.
Tram Le, City of Santa Ana - Community Development Agency, Santa Ana
Tram Le is the Arts & Culture Specialist for the City of Santa Ana. Previously, she
served as the Associate Director of Viet Stories: Vietnamese American Oral History
Project at UC Irvine and worked as the Community Bridges Program Manager for the
Ford Theatres/Ford Theatre Foundation in Los Angeles. She received her B.S. in
Business Administration from California State University, Northridge and has an M.A.
from the Department of Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los
Angeles (UCLA). She co-founded Club ONoodles, a pioneering Vietnamese American
theatre troupe, and as a former Board Member of the Vietnamese American Arts and
Letters Association (VAALA), she has curated many multi-art exhibitions. In 2003, she
was the founding Co-Director of the biennial Vietnamese International Film Festival
(ViFF), now the annual Viet Film Fest, which showcases films from around the world.
Lexi Leban, Jewish Film Institute, San Francisco
Lexi Leban joined the Jewish Film Institute as Executive Director in 2011. A longtime
member of the Bay Area film community, Leban has over 20 years experience in all
aspects of film, from production to distribution to exhibition. Prior to her appointment,
she served as the Academic Director of the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production at
the Art Institute of California and creator of their Bachelor's degree program. As a
documentary filmmaker and member of the LGBT community, Leban has directed
award-winning films that focus on women's rights, criminal justice and LGBT issues. Her
films have screened widely at festivals in the U.S. and abroad. Her most recent film, Girl
Trouble aired nationally on the acclaimed PBS series Independent Lens and an
interactive game based on the film debuted at Sundance. She served for 8 years in the
marketing and web operation department at New Day Films, a 40 year old filmmaker-
run educational distribution company with over 230 award-winning titles. She earned a
BA degree in Political Science from Barnard College of Columbia University and an
MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University.
Cynthia Ling Lee, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Cynthia Ling Lee is a Taiwanese American interdisciplinary performance troublemaker
of Hoklo Han and, possibly, Pingpu indigenous heritages. Cynthia instigates queer,
postcolonial, and feminist-of-color interventions through transnational Asian diasporic
performance. Trained in North Indian classical kathak and US postmodern dance, she is
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committed to intimate, ethical collaborative processes and foregrounding marginalized
voices and aesthetics. Cynthias interdisciplinary choreography has been presented at
venues such as Dance Theater Workshop (New York), REDCAT (Los Angeles), Painted
Bride Arts Center (Philadelphia), Links Hall (Chicago), SZENE Salzburg (Salzburg),
Taman Ismail Marzuki (Jakarta), and Chandra-Mandapa: Spaces (Chennai). Recent
publications include co-written chapters with Sandra Chatterjee in Dance Matters Too:
Markets, Memories, Identities (2018, Routledge) and Queer Dance: Meanings and
Makings (2017, OUP). Cynthia was the recipient of a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, an
Asia-Pacific Performing Arts Exchange Fellowship, a NET/TEN grant, a Taipei Artist
Village Residency, and a Hellman Fellowship. Influential teachers and mentors include
Simone Forti, Eiko & Koma, Judy Mitoma, Pallabi Chakravorty, Bandana Sen, Kumudini
Lakhia, Anjani Ambegaokar, and the contact improvisation community. Cynthia is an
assistant professor of dance in the Department of Theater Arts at UC Santa Cruz and a
member of the Post Natyam Collective, a transnational, web-based coalition of dance
artists of color whose work triangulates between art-making, activism, and theory.
www.cynthialinglee.com
Patricia Leebert, Art Iz Muzik, Sacramento
I am well versed in the arts, via theater, performing arts, visual arts, arts education,
musical attention focused on singing, djing, dancing and performing plays from high
school thru college and beyond. My other artistic talents are in the fields of architecture,
civil engineering and general office management. I am currently in the process of
creating my own nonprofit based by the La Riviera and Folsom area where the
arts/musical foundations are severely lacking. They have removed most if not all after
school programs in this area. Along with that they have reduced art and music
education in the curriculums. I currently am undertaking a massive project that has
proven to be not only needed but wanted by both the seniors, teachers, the children and
their parents! I know this is a requirement for a successful and bountiful community to
thrive. Currently there is a lot of gang violence and drugs in this area and
Just by surveying the area for the last four years I am confident my plan for community
awareness and uplifting will occur with this program. We offer art and music creation,
production, and implementation courses and workshops for free or at a low cost,
depending on the circumstances and what our client needs are. We are also creating a
gallery space for the new artists work to be shown. This is allowing a future for these
young people that they never dreamed possible...
Sharon LeeMaster, Consultant Non Profits 30 yeas /arts staff 12 years, San Diego
Over 40 years experience (arts staff 12 years)mainly as a consultant internationally.
Have served as Executive Director, Deputy Director, and General Manager of several
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high level Non Profit organizations. (Symphony, Opera, La Jolla Music, COMBO) Fields
include fundraising with capital campaigns, major gift cultivation and strategies,
inauguration and implementation of planned giving, grant writing and donor recognition
programs, corporate solicitation programs, sponsorships, annual giving, fund
development planning and implementation, endowment building, strategic planning,
philanthropic assessments, prospect research, board development Critical experience
in helping start ups.
Laura Lefebvre, Santee
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and throughout my career, I have worked with
underprivileged youth, teaching alcohol prevention to teens (ages 12-15), Recruiting
Volunteers for San Diego Youth Services under the Program Viva Collaboration! (1996-
1997), which taught art to teens to keep them off the streets. Three years experience
(2008-2011) as a Multimedia and Video Production Teacher for grades 9-12, in
Sweetwater Union High School District (South San Diego County). I am currently in the
Business World, but always looking for ways to be of service.
Khrysso LeFey, Curmudgeon and Codger LTD, also dba The Artists LeFey,
Morongo Valley
I have been a visual artist by trade since about 2013, though I was making visual art
casually well before that, primarily paper collage/mixed media, much of which I have
digitized. Before that I was a working folk musician, recording artist, and publisher of
small collections of folk and historical music. Before that I was a writer and editor,
specializing in nonfiction writing, feature writing for periodicals, and poetry. I served as
Program Development Director for a BGLQT education and services agency, during
which time I was the managing editor for monthly, annual, and occasional publications. I
have served on a national NPO board for a religiously liberal 501(c)(3) and, in several
offices, on a regional (roughly seven county) NPO board for a folk-music 501(c)(3) that
hosted an annual folk festival. I have been co-owner of an art gallery/studio, during
which time I was invited to sit on juries of student art. My college degree is in
Linguistics; I have some fluency in French, some familiarity with Spanish, and
classroom exposure to Romanian, classical Greek, and Latin. I have some academic
training in TESOL and some hands-on experience as an ESL tutor.
Bernard Leibov, BoxoPROJECTS, Joshua Tree
I have had a long interest and study in the arts as a form of communication. I am the
former Deputy Director of the Judd Foundation and established my own art initiative
called BoxoPROJECTS in Joshua Tree. Boxo offers research based residencies that
ask artists to devise projects related to the community, the environment or the site. The
current focus of invitation for the residency is on unseen faces and unheard voices. I
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also produce the Joshua Treenial, a weekend of installations and performances which
next year will be titled Paradise::Parallax. I work with many cultural partners in the
region so that all of the Morongo Basin is activated with arts programming for a
weekend. I just finished serving on the Steering Committee for the Morongo Basin
Strategic Plan for the Arts, the first cultural planning initiative in the region. I am also a
founding member of Joshua Tree Arts Professionals.
May Leong, Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, San Francisco
May Leong, Deputy Director, is responsible for building a vibrant fund development
program at Chinese Culture Center, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and
corporate outreach. She collaborates closely with the Communications and Program
teams to effectively highlight the impact of CCC programming in elevating underserved
communities and giving voice to equality through education and contemporary art.
May is a passionate community builder, with over 30 years experience in a variety of
nonprofit and for-profit positions from Wall Street to Tokyo and from Seattle to San
Francisco. She is the former Executive Director of Cameron House. For over 14 years,
May directed fundraising teams at nonprofits focused on effectively serving K-12 kids of
color, homeless youth, and vulnerable seniors in the areas of education, housing and
social services.
Alexander Lesser, Riverbank
Following eight years of enlistment in the Marine Corps, four of which served as a
percussionist in the Marine Band and serving one deployment to Iraq, I was hired as the
Drum line director at the University of Memphis where I not only was responsible for
University students but completed a BM in percussion performance. My overall goals
were to obtain a higher level of musicianship and to provide a musical resource for the
University as well as students of the Memphis city school district. After moving to
California, I completed a certification program in Music Therapy at the University of the
Pacific and a Medical Internship in San Diego providing music therapy for hospital
patients, elderly patients diagnosed with dementia, and active duty service members
and veterans with medical and psychological diagnoses. Now, completing an MA in
music therapy from University of the Pacific, I have established myself as the primary
supervisor for students fulfilling a clinical fieldwork requirement in the Emergency
Department at St. Josephs Medical Center in Stockton, I have introduced music therapy
to the homeless population in Stockton, and provided music therapy services for NICU,
pediatrics, and adult units in hospitals between Stockton and San Jose.
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Joe Lewis, Noah Purifoy Foundation, Irvine
Joe Lewis is a nationally known non-media specific artist, professor of art at the
University of California, and president of the Noah Purifoy Foundation. He has held
numerous arts administrative positions in academia, the alternative space arena, art
journals, municipal government, and is the Co-Founding Director of Fashion Moda, an
early alternative space in New York City. Lewis has written for Art in America, The LA
Weekly, and Artforum. His essays regarding the confluence of art, technology, and
society appear in anthologies and peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, Artforum, Art in
America, Art-Net, The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Los Angeles Times
have reviewed his work. References to his practice also appear in numerous
anthologies, books, and catalogs. His work is in notable public and private collections
including The Los Angeles County Museum and the Microsemi Corporation, CA; Studio
Museum in Harlem; Deutsch Bank, and Museum of Modern Art, NY. He has served on
numerous grant panels including California Arts Council, National Endowment for the
arts, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation; and New York Foundation for the Arts; as well as
Public Art selection committees in Los Angeles, San Jose, Newport Beach, and the
Capp Street Foundation, CA.
Marian Liebowitz, Marian Liebowitz Artist Management, La Mesa
In a 35-year career, Marian Liebowitz, DMA has achieved international credentials as
an executive director, a professor, a consultant, and a classical clarinetist. Her
philosophy is that entrepreneurial mentorship turns superior musicians into viable
professionals. Her dedication to the training and promotion of emerging performers
prompted her to create Marian Liebowitz Artist Management in support of outstanding
musical groups at any stage of career development.
A pioneer in the instruction of community outreach techniques for performers, Dr.
Liebowitz manages Heartpower Performances which sends musicians into venues with
at-risk audiences such juvenile offenders, disabled veterans, hospitalized patients, and
any population that cant normally attend public concerts. These appearances have
been funded by numerous national and regional grants, including successive NEA
awards. Her workshop Frontiers in Outreachgiven at the Chamber Music America
Annual Convention in 2010, introduced these ideas to a broader international audience.
All MLAM performers are trained and prepared to offer outreach services to a wide
range of community audiences. Dr. Liebowitz is a Professor Emeritus of Music
Entrepreneurship at San Diego State University.
Susan Liebson, Manhattan Beach
In 2008, a nonprofit youth theater company, Puttin' on Productions (POPs) was created.
All 3 of my children participated in POPs musicals from 2008 - 2012.
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In 2011, I retired from a corporate law position and from 2011 - 2017, I was the
Business Manager for POPs which is based in Manhattan Beach, CA. With my
background as a corporate lawyer for 30 years, I handled all POPs' business, legal,
financial, customer and human resources issues. Beyond these administrative
responsibilities, since we were a very small organization and I was involved with POPs
since its inception, I served as the "right hand woman" to the Executive Director.
Basically, we partnered on every production, program, fundraiser and initiative to bring
ideas from plan to implementation. I understand what it takes to develop ideas, create
budgets, hire staff, find venues and equipment, organize volunteers and produce a high
quality product. At the end of 2017, I left my position at POPs to pursue volunteer
interests. As set forth below, two years ago, I did apply for a CAC grant for POPs and
while at a workshop, they mentioned the call for panelists. Since then I have been
interested in serving and I waited until I was no longer employed by POPs to apply so
there would be no conflict of interest.
Tina Linville, Marysville
Tina Linville received her BFA in Sculpture from the University of Washington and her
MFA in Fibers from California State University, Long Beach. Her sculptures,
installations, and collaborative projects have been featured in exhibitions by the Los
Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation and Craft in
America, Torrance Art Museum, 18th Street Art Center, and Mains DOeuvres in Paris,
France. She has earned several awards for her work, most recently the Distinguished
Achievement in Creative Activity from CSULB in 2013. She is represented by Jason
Vass Gallery in Los Angeles and recently relocated to Northern California where she
now lives and works. She has taught art to undergraduate and graduate art students at
California State University, Long Beach, Biola University and Azusa Pacific University
for the past 5 years.
Kristy Lively, Empower Me Art, Chico
Offering Survivor-informed CSEC coaching to Educators, Human Service providers and
private sector industry stakeholders. Strengthening professional development, while
supporting and validating innovative approaches to empower child victims of
commercial sexual exploitation is my passion and life's work.
As the Founder, I have the honor of serving the CSEC [Commercially Sexually
Exploited Children] population with entrepreneurship opportunities so they may find
independence and give voice to their entrepreneurial spirit. As a woman, I believe
empowered women give birth to empowered communities. I recently had the
opportunity to share my vision on the TED stage last year in New York and am the
proud awardee of the 2016 UBER Womens History Month Award for my work in the
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community. My inspiration comes from the 268 girls I have had the privilege of working
with over the last 4 years who have demonstrated unworldly measures of resilience and
strength. It is my mission to give voice to the entrepreneurial spirit of survivors of sex
trafficking in every industry and to expose this epidemic in every major port city in the
United States.
Aida Lizalde, Axis Gallery, Sacramento
I am a multidisciplinary artist and activist working in social practice, sculpture, video,
and installations. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to California in 2005 where I was
an undocumented childhood arrival for almost a decade. I obtained a bachelor's in
Studio Arts with a minor in Art History from the University of California Davis. My work
has been exhibited at the Museum of Northern California of Chico, the Marin Museum of
Contemporary Art, Beacon Project Sacramento, SOMArts South of Market Cultural
Center, The Latino Center of Art and Culture of Sacramento, Axis Gallery, and others. I
have been a recipient of the Hatch Workshop Scholarship, Young Space Grant, the
Vermont Studio Center Fellowship, the Hopkins Endowment for Studio Art Students, the
Crocker Kingsley Art Award, and the Herb Alpert Scholarship for Emerging Young
Artists. I have worked as an arts administrator, art handler, and arts coordinator, or
contributor for institutions like Placeholder Magazine, Verge Center for the Arts, Manetti
Shrem Museum, Humanizing Deportation, among others.
Stephanie Lochmann MacLaren, Major corporation employee (United Airlines);
Diversity and Inclusion business resource group Talent Chair., Burlingame CA
Growing up in NY participation in and support if the arts was just normal social culture.
The seasons mimicked the arts seasons i.e. Opera season, Holiday performances,
Open community theatre and outdoor events; book and antique fairs; Artist gallery
showings, changing exhibits in galleries and museums. I am energized by these events
and enjoy ensuring support for local artists as they work to find themselves. Opportunity
is a gift that can be awarded through grant funding. I am an active fiber artist, musician
and theatre participant. I love to dance in all styles. Many friends and family struggle to
balance the r inimical of life with their artistic passions. As a D&I BRG member and
talent chair I seek talent and ways to support, encourage, advocate. I am resourceful for
fundraising efforts and donor support. Thank you for the opportunity to be considered.
Charlene Lockhart, La Crescenta
Not only am I a poet, songwriter, artist, I also hold certificates in Activities for all illness.
Worked in an acute hospital most of my adult life. Raised 3 children on my own. I was a
young widow due to tragic circumstances. I taught comedy in two colleges. I produced
comedy shows at The Ice House in Pasadena. The art helps in group Resocialization
and also memory processing.
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Anita Lodge, Auberry
I live at the end of the road, two and a half miles behind a locked gate, down a steep
mountainside, in a little valley known as Temperance Flat. This area is about as isolated
as you can get in California. We are 15 minutes driving time to get to our nearest
neighbor, and an hour to the nearest city (Fresno). In this rural community most people
either raise cattle, or work for schools or the power companies, but those types of jobs
are limited. I took a different course in my career choice, I worked for a ski resort. As
Retail Director I became a buyer of sport related clothing, managed two retail shops,
and got to go skiing whenever I could. Summers are not very busy in the ski and
snowboard industry so I managed to have time off every summer. In my free time Ive
explored many different art mediums from ceramics to leaded glass to painting, but I
kept coming back to silver smiting and lapidary. For me, there is something satisfying
about being able to pick up a rock, polish it into a beautiful cabochon, and mount it into
a precious metal for someone to wear.
Janet S. Loeb, ArtHealingArtists, Studio City
Over the course of my career, I have created, taught, and managed programs in arts
and culture, education, community engagement, and environmental awareness. I have
designed programs and administered grants in Arts Education, Media Arts, and
Technology awarded to schools by the California Department of Education, the Autry
Foundation, CBS, and Laurel Promenade Developers. I served as consultant to L.A.
Unified School District for an Artswork grant which delivered standards-based arts
instruction to the classroom through a series of professional developments.
I am the Project Originator/Manager/Curator for ArtHealingArtists founded in 2015.
ArtHealingArtists creates live, interactive pop-upexhibitions in which the public can
experience an artists journey while learning about life altering conditions from the
artists personal perspective.
I have served on several boards in the non-profit sector. These include an LA Unified
affiliated charter school, a Shakespearean Theater program for public school children, a
vocational training and services organization, a social community for breast cancer
survivors. My responsibilities included fundraising, community education, curriculum,
and strategic planning.
A Wharton MBA, I am able to apply my financial and managerial acumen to creative
and humanitarian endeavors.
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Janet Lomax, Tustin
A skilled Development professional with nearly 20 years in the arts and education, Janet
Lomax is an independent consultant with an impressive portfolio of work centered on
grants management for a variety of cultural and educational nonprofits. Based in
Orange County, clients in Southern California include the Armory Center for the Arts
(Pasadena); Art Center College of Design; artworxLA: Colburn School; the Hammer
Museum (UCLA); Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (formerly Santa Monica
Museum of Art); LAXART; L.A. Master Chorale, Millennial Choirs & Orchestras; Natural
History Museum of L.A. County; Palm Springs Art Museum; Sundance Institute, and
Young Eisner Scholars (YES). On the East Coast, she has supported the Fabric
Workshop and Museum, and James A. Michener Art Museum (PA).
Among recent accomplishments are major grants from The James Irvine Foundation,
Colburn Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, and J. Paul Getty Foundation. Successful
in securing awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council,
L.A. County Arts Commission, and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Prior positions: Grants Manager for South Coast Repertory (2010-2014); Individual
Giving Prospect Manager/Development Writer for MOCA, Los Angeles (2005-10); and
Curatorial Associate at Orange County Museum of Art (2000-05).
Michelle Lopez, Mujeres de Maiz, Rosemead
Michelle L. Lopez is a Cal State LA alumni earning both her M.A and her M.F.A. from
the institution. In 2014 she joined the Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies Department. She
is an educator, artist, curator, grant writer, community organizer, and mom. The focus of
her research is in pre-Columbian and contemporary cultural studies and forms of
activism. Michelle serves as the Finance Director for the artivist (Artist and Activist)
organization Mujeres de Maiz, she also works with the Boyle Heights arts organization
Self Help Graphics & Art. Her most recent work includes co-curating the exhibition,
Entre Tinta y Lucha: 45 Years of Self Help Graphics & Art which is took place in Fall
2018 in the Cal State LA Fine Arts Gallery.
Gema Lopez, Fresno Arts Council, Fresno
Gema Lopez was first introduced to the world of art by her grandfather, a muralist in
central Mexico. Watching her grandfather work, she was mesmerized by his work and
decided she wanted to paint also! Her love of drawing and painting got side tracked by a
career in graphic design in the San Francisco Bay Area where she attended the
California College of Arts in Oakland. In the Bay Area she worked for various firms such
as Esprit de Corp, AT&T, PG&E, Fair Isaac and also freelanced as a technical and
product illustrator. After working in this field for almost 30 years Gema returned to her
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first love, painting. Working in oils, pastel, graphite and colored pencil she has
successfully shown and sold her work for the last few years in addition to winning
awards at juried shows. Gema has also taught workshops in the Bay Area and at the
Mendocino Arts Center. Recently, Gema has also taught oil painting through the Arts in
Corrections program. Sharing her love of painting has been just as rewarding as
returning to painting.
Mazyar Lotfalian, San Jose
I have received my doctorate degree in anthropology. I have taught for years in several
universities, focusing on knowledge production, media, and film. I live in San Jose, as a
researcher and writer. I am currently serving as an art commissioner in the city of San
Jose. My upcoming book, under production, focuses on the relationship between
anthropology and art, discussing arts production among Iranians in transnational
context.
William Lowman, Coronado Cultural Arts Commission, Coronado
Bill Lowman founded the Nevada School of the Arts in 1977 (NSAmusic.org)and
Idyllwild Arts Academy (idyllwildarts.org) in 1986. His entire career in Arts Education
was with these two organizations. He retired in 2011 and is President Emeritus of
Idyllwild Arts and a member of the Council of Directors. Bill has served on grant review
panels for the Nevada State Council on the Arts (1970s for rural touring), the Riverside
Arts Foundation (1980s) and Los Angeles Arts Department (2000s) He is currently
volunteer chair of Coronado Creates: A strategic plan for arts and culture in Coronado.
Bill has presented workshops on strategic planning, fundraising and leadership to arts
schools and independent schools. He is past President of the Arts Schools Network and
was a visiting fellow at Teachers College, Columbia as well as a faculty member of the
Salzburg Seminar regarding the future of classical music. After initial retirement he
served 2012-2014 as Director of the Salzburg Semester for the University of Redlands.
He was awarded the Nevada Governors arts award in 1985 and an honorary Doctorate
from California Institute of the Arts in 2011.
Adrienne Luce, Brentwood Art Center, Los Angeles
I have dedicated my career to supporting and expanding access to the arts for
underserved students. Currently I serve as the executive director of the Brentwood Art
Center, a nonprofit art school that provides fine arts instruction to students of all ages
and abilities. Prior to this role, I spent 13 years at the Getty Center. As an education
specialist at The J. Paul Getty Museum I was responsible for the administration of arts
education programs serving 80,000+ students and teachers per year. As executive
director of the California State Summer School Arts Foundation I increased the
foundation’s resources to provide support to CSSSAs scholarship program as well as
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general operating support. In my role as an implementation manager at the LA County
Arts Commission, I participated on the Arts for All team that researched the
implementation of arts education programs in five targeted school districts in LA County.
I have served on the board of Inner-City Arts, MOCA Contemporaries and the Craft and
Folk Art Museum Contemporary Craft Council. After graduating from Arizona State
University with a double major in Art History and Fine Arts, I received my MFA in
Sculpture from the Claremont Graduate University.
Ryan Lutz, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
Ryan Lutz is originally from Sacramento, CA and graduated from Wabash College with
a B.A. in English literature and creative writing. He is currently pursuing a Master in
Public Administration with a specialization in Arts Leadership from the University of
Southern Californias Price School of Public Policy. Previously Ryan worked at SFFILM,
a film arts nonprofit, for four years working his way up from Development Intern to
Strategic Partnerships Manager. He has also published creative work in BULL: Mens
Fiction, and The Acentos Review. He has also written and produced a short film that
has been accepted into the Twin Cities Black Film Festival and the Royal Starr Film
Festival in Minnesota. Ryan is passionate about cultural policy and the role it can play in
addressing and alleviating inequities in our lives.
Arianne MacBean, The Big Show Co., Glendale
Arianne MacBean is a writer, educator and Artistic Director of The Big Show Co. - an
LA-based dance-theater group. She has presented work at ODC in San Francisco, The
Skirball Cultural Center, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Hammer Museum,
Highways Performance Space, The A.W.A.R.D. Show! produced by the Joyce Theater
at REDCAT, and Studio at REDCAT. She danced with Meredith Monk, Tere OConnor,
Vic Marks and Paul Taylor. She was awarded the 2016-17 Artist-in-Residence Grant
from the City of Los Angeles' Department of Cultural Affairs, and the 2016-17 & 2017-18
California Arts Council Veterans Initiative in the Arts grant for her community arts
initiative, The Collective Memory Project - dance-theater inspired by the survival
memories of U.S. military veterans, performers, and audience members.
MacBean's article, Dancing in Diversity curriculum for self-discovery, empathy and
creative leadershipwas published in the fall 2014 special teacher edition of Journal of
Dance Education. She is a regular facilitator of professional development workshops for
LAUSD teachers on how to promote diversity in the classroom through dance. In 2012,
she was awarded the year-long CHIME Mentorship Grant, produced by the Margaret
Jenkins Dance Company in San Francisco. She was the Director of the Dance Program
at Oakwood Secondary School for eighteen years and is now Adjunct Faculty at Cal
State University Long Beach, Pasadena City College, and Glendale Community
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College. She also facilitates Memory Writing Workshops as part of the Women’s
Empowerment Group at Casa in Pasadena - a facility for women undergoing treatment
for drug and alcohol abuse. MacBean holds a BA in Dance from UCLA, and a double
MFA in Dance & Critical Writing from California Institute of the Arts.
Esperanza Macias, Instituto Familiar de la Raza, San Francisco
I have studied graphic design about 10 years ago, and have created various works for
personal, community, and work events. I also studied drawing and oil painting but do
not hold a degree, and continue to work on developing my painting skills. In the
immigrant-serving nonprofit in which I work, I have also curated a few events where
organizational clients were engaged in developing art (painting, papermaking, textiles,
etc) that reflected their journey to this country. As time allows, I enjoy delving into mixed
media projects and photography. While I have a tremendous appreciation for all forms
of art, I am most drawn to the many methods of visual art.
David Mack, Artist Magnet, Los Angeles
David Mack is a NextGen Arts Professional Development Grant Awardee. He has
served as Managing Director of Watts Village Theater Company and The Industry, and
currently serves as Strategic Director for Heidi duckier dance. He also currently serves
on the Local Steering Committee for the Western Arts Alliance annual 2019 conference
in LA and the Black Arts @ WAA Committee. In addition, he is a Technical Consultant
for the City of West Hollywood and SEO of Artist Magnet, a professional development
and service organization for underserved LA producers. As General Manager of The
Industrys INVISIBLE CITIES; the music was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Music citation,
the documentary, produced by KCET, garnered an LA Area EMMY for Entertainment
Broadcasting, and the creators received four LA Ovation Award nominations.
Nan Mahon, City of Elk Grove Arts Commission, Elk Grove
Currently chair of the Elk Grove Arts Commission, served four years with the
Sacramento Arts Commission. I am a published writer and have produced several
shows with the city of Elk Grove.
Meena Malik, New England Foundation for the Arts, Torrance
Meena Malik, Program Manager of Theater at the New England Foundation for the Arts
(NEFA) and recognized vocalist, is known as a mover and shaker who is re-defining
what community engagement and conversations around equity in the arts look like in
Boston. Meena organized and led "Beyond Orientalism: The Forum" in October 2017
and is one of the founder of Boston's first API (Asian Pacific Islander) Arts Network. As
an artist, Meena has performed with Opera Providence, MetroWest Opera, Boston
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Opera Collaborative, New England Orchestra among others. She currently performs
with Voci Angelica Trio, an international band that fuses world folk music with classical
elegance. Meena holds both a Masters in Vocal Performance from New England
Conservatory and a Masters in Arts Administration from Boston University.
Tara Malik, RYSE Center, Richmond
Since 2002, Tara Malik has worked with community-based arts and advocacy
organizations that center racial justice and youth power in Rochester, New Orleans,
Chicago, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Richmond, CA. She first found her
voice when she picked up her fathers camera at age 14 and began documenting her
friends lives and local protests in Washington, D.C. She is passionate about supporting
young people in exploring their identities and roots, constructing and sharing their own
narratives, and advocating for the issues that matter to them most. In 2006, she co-
founded One Bird, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with local communities to
build media arts programs for children. One Bird projects have developed in partnership
with community-based organizations in New Orleans, LA; Dharamsala, India; and
Carrefour, Haiti. Tara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Rochester
Institute of Technology and a Master in Arts Management in Arts in Youth and
Community Development from Columbia College, Chicago. In 2018, Tara joined RYSE
Center as the Media, Arts, and Culture Director, and spends part of her summers
organizing and teaching youth photography workshops in Haiti.
Joan Marie, Compassionate Capital Region/Compassionate Sacramento,
Carmichael
Joan Marie expresses her inner world journey through her multisensory/multimedia art.
She is the owner of Compassion Central in Carmichael, cofounder of Compassionate
Capital Region and Compassionate Sacramento, an Ambassador and co-Director for
the Charter for Compassion Women and Girls, and steward of the Red Tent in the
Sacramento area, Joan is also the producer of the V2020 webinar series. A Conscious
Touch Educator and VP of Healing Hands Healing Hearts, Joan founded their Veterans
Care Program in honor of her father, Alfred J Goularte. Her work with A Therapeutic
Alternative includes Healing Yourself Naturally and their Compassion Program. Joan is
also a mother and grandmother, in private practice as a massage practitioner since
1990.
Carolina Marion, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Pebble Beach
Art Center College of Design alumni. 17 years of experience working with high risk
students in alternative schools, adjudicated students, court and community schools,
mental Health, bilingual education and therapy Art.
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Nadja Mark, Mark Collaborative, Pacific Grove
Hi. My name is Nadja Mark and Im a fundraising strategist for the arts. I help film
festivals and documentary films tell their stories, fulfill their missions, and provide
positive community impact by soliciting resources for them. I also provide fundraising
strategy for other community organizations such as the Monterey Elks, Feast of
Lanterns, and Kinship centers. In my 17 years of experience, Ive raised funds for many
NGOs in the arts sector. I originally set out to become a professional actor by studying
at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. I quickly realized that I enjoyed
supporting the endeavors of other artists more than being an artist. My educational
background includes an MA in Global Philanthropy from NYU, a BA from San Francisco
State University and a variety of software certifications. I would deeply enjoy being a
part of this panel. Thank you for your consideration.
Natalie Marrero, Executive Director, Woodland Hills
Natalie Marrero currently serves as the Executive Director of Viver Brasil Dance
Company. Passionate about placemaking for communities through art practices,
Marrero has dedicated her career to preserving culture. She received her B.A. in Dance
and Urban Studies from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, an
M.S. in Urban Policy and Management from Milano, The New School of International
Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy and an M.A. in Arts Management from
Claremont Graduate University. Natalie has worked at the NYC Mayor's Office of
Special Projects and Community Events, The Future Project, Children Aids Society of
New York, California Institute of the Arts, and consulted with organizations throughout
LA County. Marrero has received several awards notable among them the Certificate of
Recognition and Certificate of Appreciation from the City of New York, David S. Woods
Humanitarian Award and the Friedman Award in 2015 & 2016. Marrero serves as the
Board Chair of MICHIYAYA Dance and is on the Free Verse Board of Get Lit.
Mallorie Marsh, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
After receiving a degree in Fine Art from San Jose State University, she stayed on at
SJSU for a secondary education credential, which allowed her to teach high school art
in San Jose and Cupertino. After relocating to Sacramento she joined the Crocker Art
Museum team in early 2010, first working in offsite school programs, then school
programs, and now with docents as well. Marsh enjoys the variety in her work, which
includes designing the Art Ark, Educator Workshops, and the Museum-in-Residence
program. Marsh was named the Outstanding Museum Visual Art Educator by the
California Art Education Association in 2014.
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Khimberly Marshall, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
Khimberly Marshall's work has centered on the intersection of the arts and equity, with
particular focus on community building and social engagement. She has 18 years
combined experience in both theater and film production having written, directed and
produced national commercials spots, short films and regional theater productions along
with teaching art at the k-12 and adult education levels. She has won numerous awards
for art and literature. Khimberly has also worked with major clients such as the
California Music Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento Area Theater Alliance,
Theater El Dorado Board, Celebration Arts Board, El Teatro Espejo, and the Creative
Arts League of Sacramento. She has Bachelor of Arts in Theater Management with a
second Bachelors degree in Film from The Art Institute of California. Engaged at the
Crocker Art Museum as an Art Corp Fellow, she was embedded in the Block by Block
Initiative, creating social practice art in underrepresented communities.
Currently, she is delving deeper into her own artistry as a sculpture, having shown her
work as several galleries in Northern California, guest curated for The Brickhouse &
SoJo Arts and traveled internationally speaking on art as a form of social justice.
Darien Martus, ASCAP, Recording Academy, California Retired Teachers
Association, Idyllwild
Darien is from Detroit where he studied piano as a child and received a BA in Music
from Oakland University. After moving to Los Angeles, Darien worked in theatre, film
and television as a composer, arranger, musical director and pianist. In 2000, he
completed a Master of Music in Composition at University of Redlands. He has received
several awards for his work including the Bay Area Drama Critics Award for Outstanding
Musical Score (Some Love), University of Redlands Composer of the Year, and 5
Desert Theatre League Awards including Best Original Musical (The Incredibly
Awesome Pied Piper). Darien is also a retired music educator, having taught music at
all levels in the Palm Springs Unified School District for 23 years, including 15 years as
the Choir Director at Palm Springs High School. He was twice named teacher of the
year. Currently, Darien is an independent recording artist and his 2 most recent CDs
have been listed in the first round nominations for the Grammy Awards.
Leah Massy, Images Plus: Marketing+Public Relations+Grantsmanship, Chino
Hills
As a successful fund development professional, I have been responsible for securing
funds and other resources for diverse arts and cultural communities throughout the
United States, including multidisciplinary arts, live performance and therapeutic arts
programs, primarily for disadvantaged communities, youth, women and other adults in
crisis. Successful funding pursuits have included foundation and corporate grants and
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sponsorships, and National Endowment for the Arts and Institute of Museum and
Library Services funding.
Kaz Matamura, Stella Adler Academy of Acting - LA, Sun Valley
Kaz Matamura has been a theatre director, producer, and acting coach in Los Angeles
since 1997.
Currently, she is the development director and youth program director at the Stella Adler
Academy of Los Angeles and an adjunct professor at the Art Center of design in
Pasadena (Acting for Film Directors).
She co-founded the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood in 1999, and founded the
non-profit Fire Rose Productions in 2000. She has produced over fifty events and
festivals, established student exchange programs, and formed childrens readers
theatre at local libraries and free childrens arts classes in 2000. She has worked with
numerous nonprofit grassroots organizations including Children Bureau of California,
Justice LA, Alliance of California Community Empowerment, and currently serves as a
board of director of Culture News Inc. and is the founding member of March and Rally
Los Angeles.
She is a classical Japanese Dance master of the Fujima Souke school under the
guidance of the legendary Fujima Kansuma.
She has been acting as an onset coach on sitcoms and dramas - on CBS, NBC, and
several feature films.
Awards - as a director: Artistic Directors Award (2002) California Traditional Music and
Dance Fellowship (2003) Women in Theatre Red Carpet Awards (2006) Woodstock
Guild Fellowship (2006) Fred Vogel / CTI / Drama Biz Award(2007)
Hannah Maximova, Zoe Mosaics, Glendale
I am a public artist who engages the communities I serve with communally created
public artworks that reflect the unique character of the realms they inhabit. Hailing from
Tucson, Arizona, I grew up inspired by local Hispanic and Native American arts as well
as the beguiling Sonoran desert. After earning my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from
the University of Arizona I relocated to Chicago where my fine art work was exhibited in
various galleries as I contributed art direction and design services in both nonprofit and
commercial sectors. Later I arrived in Los Angeles where I was honored with art
exhibitions in both traditional and nontraditional venues and provided leadership skills in
multiple series of eclectic and beloved interactive art events. The community gardening
movement provided further opportunities as I found myself serving as the originating
chairperson of a trio of large public gardens. Combining my creative and community
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building pursuits into the single stream of community building public art has led me to
produce a cohesive body of large scale artworks in Southern California, strengthening
and developing community cohesion with each project. I've spent the last 16 years in
Glendale, CA with my spouse and child and I love this state and the remarkable
diversity of people who inhabit it.
Libby Maynard, Ink People, Inc., Eureka
Libby Maynard is the Executive Director and co-founder of The Ink People Center for
the Arts. As well as being a professional artist, she has over 40 years of nonprofit
administrative experience. She received her BA and MA in art from Humboldt State
University, Arcata, CA. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout California and is in
collections across the nation. Maynard is a consultant in nonprofit management and
program development. She created the DreamMaker program which has incubated over
300 community-initiated projects in the past 30 years and manages over 90 self-
directing projects.
She serves on the Boards of Directors of Alliance for California Traditional Arts,
Humboldt County Workforce Development Board, Eureka-Humboldt Visitors Bureau,
Humboldt Creative Alliance, and Access Humboldt. Since 2005, Maynard has served as
staff to the City of Eurekas Art & Culture Commission, and sits on Eureka Main Street’s
Public Arts Committee. In 2016, Maynard participated in Americans for the Arts
Executive Leadership Forum at the Sundance Retreat Center in Utah.
She has worked as Program Administrator for the CA State University Summer Arts
Program, Executive Director of the Humboldt Arts Council, and taught printmaking at
Humboldt State University, College of the Redwoods, and Pelican Bay State Prison.
Michael McCarthy, Teen S Team+, Sacramento
Started in 2012, Teen S Team+ was created to deal with the ravages of bullying using
project management concepts and tools to form the backbone of the learning process.
Creative students are often times challenged with the organizational requirements for
their projects. We use project management tools as a useful methodology for practical
applications. We do a series of creative and socially conscious educational projects to
that end including video, group presentations, leadership, mentoring and environmental-
all STEAM all the time.
Keri McCulley, Arts for Learning San Diego, Santa Barbara
Keri McCulley is a fundraising consultant for arts and culture organizations in California;
her experience ranges from membership to grant writing, from research to direct mail
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campaigns. With a background working in Development for the San Diego Museum of
Art, consulting was a natural fit.
Keri is skilled at analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and implementing strategies
for success. An eagerness to delve into diverse projects and determine solutions based
on the data thats uncovered is one of Keris strengths. Her positive energy, love of
nonprofits, and willingness to learn make her an excellent partner.
Keri has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Sociology, from Stanford University,
which has contributed to her understanding of why people give. She currently lives in
Santa Barbara, CA, with her husband and two children.
Jermaine McGhee, St. Mary's College of California, North Hollywood
Hello my name is Jermaine McGhee. I am a SAG-AFTRA/AGVA commercial/artistic
dancer/choreographer based in the Los Angeles Area. I have worked professionally
internationally and domestically in varied areas and genres of dance for over 16 years.
Most recently I have graduated from St. Marys College of California with my Bachelors
degree in Performing Arts and now pursuing my MFA in Creative Practice. I come from
humble beginnings hailing from a single parent home in Charlotte, North Carolina where
my mother instilled the importance of integrity, hard work and love. My passion for the
arts motivate and drive me to promote a spirit of excellence in my practice of dance and
work with the community. As a 2017 faculty member for the California State Summer
School of the Arts I gained tremendous insight in how to served several dance students
from different walks of life. Additionally, my work with West Angeles Church of God in
Christ allowed me growth and development in working with underprivileged youth and
adults alike in a urban community setting. I am grateful for the gift of dance and excited
to promote it in a positive ever reaching way.
Nanette McGuinness, Ensemble for These Times, Berkeley
Soprano Nanette McGuinness has performed on two continents in ten languages in
over 25 operatic roles, and in oratorios, symphonies, and concerts. Described in the
press as a glorious sopranowith a creamy golden tone,she was a Teaching Artist
for the S.F. Opera Guild and Opera San Jose and has premiered works by numerous
American composers. Reviewed by "Chamber Music Magazine" as perfect for song
recital lovers,her CD, "Fabulous Femmes," (Centaur Recordings) featured several
premiere recordings by American women composers; of her third CD, "Surviving:
Women's Words," (reviewed as "fascinating," "passionate," "heartrending," and
"extremely well done" in the press), the "Whole Note" commented, "Now more than
ever, as the U.S. experiences a déjà vu of hatred and is poised on the brink of societal
unraveling, the potent and timeless messages of survival, love, tolerance and
forgiveness contained on this brilliant presentation need to resonate throughout the
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world." A first-place winner in the Santa Clara University Art Song Festival and the
Martinez Opera Competition and a Semi-Finalist in the International Opera Singers
Competition, McGuinness has performed with Kent Nagano and JoAnn Falletta, among
others. She earned her BA (in Music) from Cornell University, MM from Holy Names
University and PhD (in Music) from U.C. Berkeley and teaches voice lessons privately in
Berkeley, where she is also a Board Member of the SF Bay Area chapter of the National
Association of Teachers of Singing.
Frank McIlquham McIlquham, The Rock Club Music Is The Remedy, Long Beach
Frank McIlquham, Founder / Director: Drummer and banker born in San Antonio Texas
in 1969. He grew up in a neighborhood full of musicians and was educated in Houston,
Texas. When he was a kid his mom gave him pots and pans and her kitchen spoons to
practice with.
During his early years he played drums with many local bands in junior and high school.
Frank has always had the enthusiasm and drive to find time for his real passion, music.
Over the years he has played with several bands and has shared the stage or
performed with Jerry Salas of El Chicano, Louis Ruiz of The John Corbett Band, Bob
Luna (former Dionne Warwick Music Director, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney), Paul
Gale Australian Legend, Barry Roy Australian Legend (The Shadows/Chuck Berry), in
Houston, Texas - Rock The Bayou: Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar and Warrant, David
Elliott of Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonders son Mumtaz Morris, Manny Lagod of Don
Ho, Ronnie Preyor (toured with The Temptations), Freddie Davis (of The Drifters, The
Midnighters, The Platters), Bobby Kimball (Original Lead Singer of Toto), Danny
Seraphine from Chicago, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer (KISS), Sophie
Simmons (Gene Simmons daughter), my coach Bob Spencer (The Angels), Freddy
Fender Jr. and many great artist in the US as well as in Australia. After studying, his
employer transferred him to New Orleans for three years and eventually to Australia,
where he lived for 15 years. Frank has since moved back to the US with a genuine
desire to pursue his dream...to share his passion and enthusiasm for playing music with
others and by instruction and created The Rock Club, Rock For Vets, Music is the
Remedy and its music programs.
Olive Mckeon, California College of the Arts, Oakland
Olive Mckeon is a dancer and researcher from Northern California. She completed her
doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles, writing a dissertation on historical
materialist approaches to San Francisco modern dance history. Her article, "The
Wallflower Order and Social Reproduction: Gender, Work, and Feminist Dance," was
recently published in TDR: the Drama Review. Her poetry chapbook, Communism is up
there and we are down here but it is happening now (2014), was published by Timeless
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Infinite Light (Oakland). Her poetry has appeared in Black Box: A Record of
Catastrophe, Tripwire: a journal of poetics, the Elephants, Armed Cell, and Open
House. From 2012-2017, she was a member of a curatorial collective called SALTA that
put together a monthly series of experimental dance in Oakland. From 2015-2017, she
co-directed the Dance Studies Working Group at UC Berkeley. She has danced with the
choreographers Abby Crain, Hana van der Kolk, Sophia Wang, and Jmy James Kidd as
well as in her own work. She lives in Oakland and teaches in the Critical Studies
department at the California College of the Arts.
Dakota McMahand, Budding Artists, Lynwood
Dakota is a higher education professional, classical pianist, and a first-generation
college graduate. She earned her Associate of Arts in Arts & Humanities from El
Camino College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in
Public Administration from California Baptist University and is currently pursuing a
Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota. She has
worked for over six years with the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs at
the Watts Towers Arts Center as Piano Program Instructor and Coordinator as well as
Assistant to the Director. She was a 2009 Getty Multicultural Undergrad Inter for CalArts
Community Arts Partnership. Additionally, she has worked at Inner-City Arts as a
Programs Associate. As a higher education professional, Dakota has worked at Charles
R. Drew University of Medicine and Science for over two years in the Division of
Student Affairs and College of Medicine. Currently, she is the Founder and CEO of an
arts education start-up called Budding Artists which provides free process-based art
experiences to pre-k children in under-resourced communities of Lynwood, Compton,
and South Los Angeles. As a pianist, she has performed many places such as the
RedCat Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, and with the Southland Symphony
Orchestra.
Gale McNeeley, Youth Arts Alive, Santa Maria
I have worked professionally as an actor, singer, dancer, and clown for 48 years. I have
taught theatre and circus to all ages for 41 years, at elementary, middle, junior high and
high schools, colleges and universities.
I have founded and directed the Kit-n-Kaboodle Clown Circus, Seattles New World
Commedia and the Satiricals. I currently direct Youth Arts Alive, a 5-week summer arts
education program for youth 12-19 in Santa Maria.
In San Diego I wrote grants for after-school enrichment programs for the Sherman
Heights Community Center from 1999 2005. The population of Sherman Heights
was 90% Latino, and Santa Maria is 70% Latino, so I have lived in and worked with
multi -cultural communities for the last 31 years. I have also taught clown to youth and
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adults with disabilities. I have experience working with incarcerated and post
incarcerated men and women for the Poetic Justice Project and at Corcoran Prison. My
specialties are Commedia dellArte, Clown, Circus, Cabaret, Melodrama, Mask and
Musicals. I have written satirical musicals for the last 14 years. I also tour my One-Man
Archy and Mehitabel show across the county.
Chandler McWilliams, UCLA Design Media Arts, Los Angeles
Chandler McWilliams is a artist, writer, and teacher living in Los Angeles. He has
exhibited internationally in non-profit and commercial galleries, and art institutions such
as the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, The Hammer Museum, Los Angeles
Municipal Art Gallery, California Institute of the Arts, Machine Project, Frederick R.
Weisman Museum of Art and the Istanbul Festival of Light. McWilliams has a MA in
Philosophy from The New School For Social Research in New York City and an MFA
from the Program in Art at the California Institute of the Arts. He has published in
academic journals and conferences and is the co-author of "Form + Code in Design,
Art, and Architecture" (Princeton Architectural Press, 2010). He is currently the Director
of the UCLA Arts Conditional Studio.
Maria Medua, SFMOMA Artists Gallery, Corte Madera
Maria Medua- serves as the Director of the SFMOMA Artists Gallery, where she has
organized more than 50 gallery exhibitions and has worked closely with 300 artists from
the Bay Area and beyond. As a consultant to more than 150 businesses, she has
helped plan rotating shows as well as acquisitions for 65 permanent corporate
collections. Since 2016, she has been on the faculty of the Department of Fine Arts at
Academy of Art University. Maria has a MA in Creative Arts from San Francisco State
University, a BFA in Media from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and BA in
Romance Languages from Boston College.
Steven Meeks, LA Green Grounds, Los Angeles
Served on artist in residence peer review panel, worked as Artist in Resident-all through
Texas Commission on the Arts; Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Panel, served on
Dallas Arts District Board, initiated and organized first and several subsequent
celebrations of Kwanzaa, director of 3rd-7th (appx) Annual Harambee Festivals and its
initial Black Film Festivals, Artistic Director, Arts District Annual Gospel Fest for several
years, served on Dallas Black Dance Theatre Board, planned and or coordinated
dozens of art/cultural workshops, performances, exhibits and performed as musician &
composer. Served on LA Metro Expo Line panel.
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Pat Meier-Johnson, Pat Meier-Johnson, Sonoma
I am currently an artist, formerly a high tech PR executive. I am on the board of Sonoma
Plein Air, a foundation designed to support art in the schools of Sonoma valley, CA.
Patrick Melroy, Pullstring Press, Santa Barbara
Patrick Melroy is a social practice artist working in Santa Barbara California. His work
most often manifests as interactive sculptures in public spaces. He is interested in
building community connections through creative engagements of curiosity and
dialogue. He holds an MFA from UCSB and a BFA from the Pacific Northwest College
of Art. He manages a publishing company Pullstring Press which actively creates
opportunities for local creatives to engage with the public at large through print media
and podcasts.
He teaches periodically in colleges and universities around the region and maintains an
active studio practice in Santa Barbara. His work was recently shown in the Santa
Barbara Countys show entitled State of the Art Gallery. His well-publicized work
involved two separate projects both located on State Street. The first, Public Flag Pole
invited the community to submit designs for flags that would be shown on a specific flag
pole on the main thorough fair in downtown. The second, California Love Locks created
a landing place for participants to affix padlocks to a metal structure shaped like the
state of California.
Anita Menon, Arts Council of Placer County/ Individual Artist, Roseville
Anita Menon is a dancer, director and choreographer who is recognized as one of the
leading exponents of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form originating in Southern
India. Anita is the recipient of the prestigious Performing Arts Fellowship in 2014 from
the Regional Arts and Culture Council , the first Asian-American to receive this honor.
She is the Founder and Former Artistic Director of the Anjali School of Dance.
She co-directed "The Jungle Book" and "Chitra: The Girl Prince" at Northwest Children’s
Theater in Portland. Both productions went onto receive several PAMTA and Drammy
nominations and wins. She is currently creating a new production titled "Tenali: The
Royal Trickster" which opens in March 2019.
As a dancer, Anita has traveled the world delivering performances in the United States,
India, France, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore. Anita has served on several
arts council boards (at the local, county and regional level). As a Board member of the
Regional Arts and Culture Council in Portland, OR, Anita has served on the Grants
Review Committee (including several Grant panels), the Equity Committee and the
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Leadership Development committee. She recently moved to the Sacramento, California
and currently serves on the Arts Council of Placer County.
Anne Merino, Self-employed ballet master teacher and choreographer, Citrus
Heights
Anne Merino began her classical training with Marika Raju and Henning Kronstam, both
notable exponents of the Danish Bournevilletradition. She would later also study with
Larry Long and Maria Tallchief in Chicago, making her professional debut in Ruth
Pages legendary version of The Nutcracker. Ms. Merino then went on to dance for such
notable companies as American Ballet Theatre, The Stuttgart Ballet and the London
Festival Ballet. She did two international tours with the legendary Rudolf Nureyev in his
Nureyev And Friendscompany and danced for Agnes DeMille in lecture
demonstrations about the history of ballet.
As a freelance artist based in Los Angeles, she danced for various companies and
productions but also worked with a variety of musical artists The Rolling Stones,
Aerosmith, Robert Palmer, Rick Springfield, David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Mike
Garson, Nigel Holton and others -- in video and stage projects.
Ms. Merino has been the Artistic Director of the nationally endowed companies
Ballet/21st Century in Los Angeles and The Arlington Ballet in Virginia A prolific
choreographer, she has earned critical praise for her work from the Los Angeles Times
and other noted theatrical critics. Among other choreographic awards, she has won the
Vanguard Award for Choreography from the Chicago Drama Critics and the Visual
Art/Direction Award from Los AngelesWomen In Film.
As an actress, Ms. Merino did traditional theatrical training at Chicagos Goodman
Theatre and Second City with Del Close and Jim Belushi. She also trained under Alan
Rickman (perhaps best known as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films) at the
British American Drama Academy in Oxford, UK. She has performed professionally with
The Groundlings and The Actors Gang in Los Angeles.
Currently Ms. Merino is a master teacher and choreographer based in Sacramento,
California. She specializes in completely original dramatic narrative ballets in which
traditional ballet interlaces with scripted dialogue to produce a unique and affecting new
theatrical experience. In the past year, she debuted The Ghost of Audley Square, a
suspense story set in pre-WWI London and a new version of the Christmas classic The
Nutcracker re-envisioned as a film noir detective tale. Also, a long time friend of the late
musician, David Bowie, she created the ballet Lazarus as a tribute. It was shown by the
City of Philadelphia as part of their series of art gallery and performance series Philly
Loves Bowie! in January 2017.
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Her students have been selected for the training programs of American Ballet Theatre,
New York City Ballet, the Joffrey, Ballet West, Boston Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet and the
Gelsey Kirkland Academy. Many have gone on to dance for major international
companies as ABT, The Joffrey, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Eliot Feld Ballet, Boston
Ballet, Ballet West, and Bejarts Ballet of the 20th Century as well as fine regional
companies such as the Sacramento Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Ballet Arizona, Richmond
Ballet among others.
Jill Meyers, Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara
Since 1991, I have dedicated my professional career to the nonprofit museum field and
have over 25 years of operational and leadership experience at the Triton Museum of
Art. I have served as Executive Director of the Triton Museum of Art since 2013. In that
time I have successfully led five full-time personnel, 21 part-time personnel and 40
volunteers in providing exemplary programs, sustaining fiscal health, and minimizing
employee turnover. I have effectively managed a budget ranging from $640,000 to
$775,000, ending the last three fiscal years in black. I oversee numerous granted
programs at the Triton, and actively research and write grant proposals for the museum.
In addition to my work at the Triton, I served a two-year term (2014-2015) on the
Foundation Board of the Rotary Club of San Jose/Silicon Valley Club, where I reviewed
grant applications and awarded grants to local community non-profit organizations. I
also served as grant reviewer for SV Creates in 2014.
Nikki Michela, Film Independent, Los Angeles
Nikki Michela joined Film Independent as the Grants Manager in 2016. In her role, she
is responsible for securing funding and maintaining relationships with private and
corporate foundations and government funders. She manages the institutional
fundraising for Film Independents year-round programs, including Artist Development,
film education, international initiatives, the LA Film Festival and Film Independent
Presents. Michela also oversees the LA County Arts Commission internship program at
the organization. Prior to her work at Film Independent, she worked for LA Opera on
their Institutional Giving team where she worked with the organizations corporate
sponsors as well as their government and foundation partners. Previously, Michela
served as a Community Representative for Los Angeles Unified School District where
she specialized in youth work experience. She earned her B.A. from California State
University, Long Beach in Political Science and Sociology.
Phyllis Miller, The Veterans Art Venue, Santa Monica
As per twenty five plus years experience in the areas of fine art , consisting of
consulting and therapeutic guidance within the veteran community. I am the founder
and director of "The Veterans Art Venue, where our mission, to empower veterans
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through art . Of last May 22, 2018, at the State Capitol, I had the honored by invitation
to speak before the Hearing of the Joint Committee on the Arts, by Senator Ben Allen,
Chair, Assemblymember Kansen Chu, Vice Chair via California For The Arts Committee
At the hearing, I had the opportunity to share my experience as an artist, a veteran and
the founder/director of The Veterans Art Venue, the importance of art as a means to
inspire, to aid as a therapeutic avenue and to empower fellow veterans from various
segment in life, from PTSD, to the veterans who wish to enhance their abilities to
become self sufficient and ensure greater life stability and quality. At present , I host
several therapeutic art venues and art classes/art sessions within the VA Healthcare
System, as an approved (VA) vendor.
Elena Minor, Redcat, Los Angeles
I've worked as a senior nonprofit arts administrator for more than twenty years, primarily
in performing, media and literary arts. Most of my experience is multicultural and has
drawn on my Chicanx personhood. For eight years I edited and published a bilingual
literary journal (PALABRA). I've also been managing director of a bilingual theater. I
currently work for REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) as its financial
manager. I am a one person department and, as such, handle all matters financial for
the organization, including oversight of financial operations for its Lounge, an enterprise
operation. I also curate the selection of books offered for sale in its small book section.
Barbara Mittleman, MSB Associates, San Francisco
I am a physician scientist, have a lot of experience with grant review and administration
from my long career at the National Institutes of Health and as a reviewer for the
Canadian Networks Centers of Excellence Program. I am also a folk
dancer/performer/teacher with a longstanding commitment to preserving the arts of
ethnic communities, and dabble in ceramics, encaustic painting, and fiber arts.
Sushma Mohan, Soorya Foundation for performing arts, West Hills
Sushma Mohan -Bharathanatyam Dancer, Choreographer, Musician, YOGA teacher.
Trained in the south Indian traditional dance form, BHARATHANATYAM, along with
other allied arts under various Gurus in India for more than 2 decades. Performer for
20+ years.
Worked as assistant dance director with GRAMMY AWARD WINNER PANDIT
Vishwamohan Bhatt on Rainbow IIdance production at Soorya Performing Arts,
St. Louis.
Selected as a festival producer by the DEPT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS, Los
Angeles
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Curator of LA Indian Dance Festival in Los Angeles
Founder of Soorya Foundation for performing arts, a non-profit organization in
Los Angeles to enrich performing arts in LA
Selected as a performer by LA libraries to perform at 10 libraries for LAMADE, a
dance and music series featuring LA artists
Worked as an associate choreographer for productions of Soorya Performing
Arts - presented at prestigious dance festivals in India, France, Holland, and
USA.
Invited by the state of NJ twice to perform for the NJ STATE CULTURAL
FESTIVAL
Dance Consultant to all dance productions of Shanthala Arts Academy
Bangalore and Soorya Performing Arts, St. Louis
Advisory board member to RAGACHITRA NY, Arts TV producer and Non-profit
organization, and to Natya exam board USA.
Janet Mohle-Boetani, CCHCS, San Francisco and Sacramento
I have a long standing interest in the arts. My grandmother was a professional visual
artist. I took art history classes while a medical student at Stanford (classes by Elsen
and Eitner). I developed my art history and art appreciation through museum programs
and visits. I worked for 6 years to set up an arts education program for my sons
elementary school in San Francisco and, because of that work was invited to be on the
board for the San Francisco arts education project. Ive now served as a board member
for SFArtsEd for 8 years and have served on the executive committee for the past 3
years. For the past 7 years Ive been collecting contemporary art and photography and
study art most every day. For several years I worked on my condo associations art
committee (at 200 P street) and helped to select our public art commissions. Im in
several art clubs including Artadia, SECA (with SF MOMA), the Crocker Directors Circle
and SF MOMA’s Curator Circle. Ive recently decided to transition from a focus on public
health work to more of a focus on art. I have a special interest in engaging the general
public with art and for that reason Im now in the docent training program at the Crocker
Art Museum. I believe that arts education is important for all students and civic art is
important in enhancing the living environment for all people in our society. I also feel
that art can be a stimulus for provoking healthy discussions in our community.
Jenna Monroe, requisitedance, Pacifica
Jenna Monroe is currently a co-director for requisitedance alongside Michaela Shoberg.
From 2011-2015 she was the Director of Dance for Spindrift School of Performing Arts
and was an Artist in Residence at Oceana High School from 2007-2014 in Pacifica. She
currently teaches dance at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. From 2002-
2006 she was a member of University Dance Theater at San Francisco State University.
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Her student choreography was performed at the American College Dance Festival and
at McKenna Theater as part of SFSUs spring dance concert. Her professional work has
been seen at The Garage, Dance Mission Theater, The Santa Cruz Fringe Festival,
sjDANCEco's National Dance Week, SAFEhouse Arts, the Newport Performing Arts
Center, Grace Cathedral and ODC Theater. She has collaborated with Deborah Slater
Dance Theater, Keith Carames and Donna Von Joo-Tornell. In 2006 the Silicon Valley
Community Foundation awarded Jenna with their Artist in Residence grant. In 2017
Jenna co-wrote her second show with Keith Carames, Just In Case, for which she was
awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco for her
choreography. Ms. Monroes most recent work, Kaalogii was selected for funding by the
Zellerbach Family Foundation in 2017.
Jazmin Morales, Colburn School, Los Angeles
Jazmin Morales is the Manager of the Colburn School's new Center for Innovation and
Community Impact. A classically trained violinist who also grew up playing mariachi and
other regional Mexican music, Jazmin has spent her life and career navigating the
space between Western and "folk" art traditions, and supporting others -- especially
other women of color -- in those fields. She recently launched a pilot program called
Fortissima, which is a leadership development program for young women of color in
classical music. Before joining the Colburn School, she was the Artist Services
coordinator at La Jolla Music Society. Jazmin earned her B.A. in Ethnomusicology from
UCLA and M.A. in Arts Management from the Center for Management in the Creative
Industries at Claremont Graduate University. She currently serves on the advisory
board, Free Verse, of Get Lit - Words Ignite, as well as the mariachi ensemble
coordinator for Street Symphony, an organization that places social justice at the heart
of music-making.
Kristine Moralez, Oceanside Public Library, Oceanside
I believe that the mission of the public library should be to serve as the cultural heart of
the community. I am currently the producer of Oceanside Public Librarys World Music
Concert series, and am an active member of California Presenters. During my 15 years
at the Library, I have worked on a committee that has received five Big Read Grants
from the National Endowment for the Arts to host community-wide reading programs. I
work with the staff liaison to help support the vision of Citys Arts Commission, including
the implementation of their newly created Master Plan for the Arts. I was recently
awarded a Library Innovation Lab grant from California Humanities to host programming
to engage recent immigrants in the community. I am extremely passionate about our
military and veteran community, and have received the War Comes Home grant from
California Humanities to produce programming for civilians to gain greater
understanding of the issues faced by veterans and their families, and recently partnered
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with the Intrepid Spirit Center at Camp Pendleton along with other veteran arts
organizations to host the first Creative Arts Café, which featured a morning of visual and
performing arts by local military members.
Gia Moreno, Washington Unified School District, Sacramento
I am a current high school art student. I received my BA in Art Education and Single
Subject Teaching Credential in Art from Sacramento State. I have taught several art
workshops and am a member of the RCAF.
Leslie Morgan, ArtSpan, Santa Cruz
I have been a member of ArtSpan in San Francisco for 15 years. I have gone to
thousands of art openings and open studios and have seen a huge breadth and variety
of artist working hard to survive and continue their practices. I come from a very
conservative state where there was no variations allowed and art was an afterthought.
Fortunately I escaped at the age of 21 to California. As a older Lesbian I have personal
knowledge of having been marginalized and underrepresented especially in the art
world.
Kasey Morrison, ILMxLAB, San Francisco
Kasey is an entertainment industry professional who has worked for various divisions of
The Walt Disney Company for the past six years in roles spanning creative producing,
studio operations & strategy, and artist management. She knows both traditional
(film/television) & emerging media (VR/AR/XR), currently working for ILMxLAB, the
immersive entertainment division of Lucasfilm, as an artist and production manager.
Her passion is community engagement through the arts. She has run social impact
initiatives & partnerships both personally and professionally. Kasey serves as a mentor
for and on the next generation board of the Young Storytellers Foundation, an
organization dedicated to teaching children the power of their own voice through arts
education. She also served as a consultant for the Skoll Center of Social Impact
Entertainment (at UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television), helping to analyze the
field of social impact arts and develop a strategic plan for the new center over a six-
month period.
Kasey holds a B.F.A in Film & Television from New York Universitys Tisch School of
the Arts and an M.B.A. from UCLAs Anderson School of Management.
Michael Mortilla, MIDI Life Crisis, Burbank
Michael Mortilla is an award-winning composer/sound designer, currently composing a
score for Why Be Good (1929), starring Colleen Moore, premiering at the Catalina
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Casino Theater in May 2019. Mr. Mortilla has received multiple commissions from The
Academy of Motion Pictures, The Chicago Symphony, The National Film Preservation
Foundation, among many others. He composed the score for Fragments (2011), for
TCM, where his other works for silent film can be seen. In 2016 Mr. Mortilla was on
exhibit at LACMA, accompanying nearly 9 hours of non-stop screenings of classic
German silent films. He was resident composer for theater and dance and on the faculty
at UC Santa Barbara for over fourteen years and continues to teach an occasional
master class for film majors at CALARTS. He has been deeply involved in all genres of
theater and dance for nearly fifty years. He was company pianist for the Martha Graham
Dance Company and was the last composer to collaborate in the studio with dance
legend Martha Graham on a produced work. Mr. Mortilla also composed the score that
accompanied the historic worlds first Internet broadcast of a film with sound (The Rink
with Charlie Chaplin) in conjunction with the American Film Institute.
Natalia L. Mount, Pro Arts, Oakland
Natalia Mount is a dynamic cultural producer with extensive experience in arts
leadership, innovative programming development, fundraising and marketing. She has
curated and produced over 60 exhibitions and site-specific projects, experimental
theatre productions, music, film, radio and literary programs and events. Originally from
Bulgaria, for the past 20+ years, Mount lived in New York, where in the early 2000s, she
co-founded FLUX Art Space, a pioneering nonprofit organization that commissioned
and produced long-term art projects, claiming the intersection of art, technology, and
civic engagement. In 2010, Mount launched the first radio station in Central New York,
Redhouse Radio, that aired exclusively (24/7) arts and culture programs. Mount was the
Executive Director of Redhouse Arts Center, a multidisciplinary space and artist
residency program, located in Syracuse. In the beginning of her career, Natalia
apprenticed with the legendary Alanna Heiss, founder of PS1 and the Clocktower, both
located in NYC. From 2010-2013, Mount was a NYSCA panelist for the Theatre
Program. Mount is the recipient of numerous prestigious grants and awards, in
recognition of her innovative ideas and executive leadership practice. Mount holds a BA
in Criminal Justice, MA in Art Market, and an MBA in Media Management.
www.natalias.club
Bonnie Mozer, MCOE, Forest Knolls
I have a strong belief that the arts provide a wide range of social, emotional, and
academic benefits and opportunities for adults and students of all ages, genders. and
ethnicities. The study and experience with the arts also creates human connections.
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I have created successful curriculum for several school districts integrating the arts with
content areas in California in roles as an administrator, common core coach, presenter,
reading specialist and classroom and college instructor.
Megan Mueller, Artist, Los Angeles
Megan Mueller is a visual artist and cultural producer based in Los Angeles, California.
Focusing on experimentation and material misuse, Mueller's curatorial projects have
been presented in the year long curatorial project Gait in Los Angeles CA, at the
Supernova Performance Art Festival in Rosslyn Virginia, the Suddenspace Series in
Arlington Virginia, and Delicious Spectacle in Washington DC. Mueller received a BA in
Political Science from George Washington University, BFA in Sculpture from Virginia
Commonwealth University and an MFA from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Muellers artwork has been exhibited at various national and international venues
including Ochi Projects, Charlie James Gallery, Noysky Projects, Dalton Warehouse,
Field Projects, New Wight Gallery at UCLA, High Desert Test Tests, Transformer, TSV
Berlin, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Delaware Center for
Contemporary Art.
Desi Mundo, Community Rejuvenation Project, Oakland
Desi Mundo is the founder of the Community Rejuvenation Project. Over the past
eleven years, under his direction, CRP has produced more than 250 murals, primarily in
the Bay Area as well as Chicago, Albuquerque, and Bologna, Italy. As an artist, he has
collaborated with influential aerosol artists such as ZORE, P.H.A.S.E.2, VULCAN, and
Lavie Raven. Desi has a long history of community organizing and public art advocacy.
He received the Rising LeadersFellowship from the Youth Leadership Institute in
2005 and has been awarded the Individual Artist grant from the City of Oakland eight
times. Desi was selected to be a cultural diplomat to Egypt through the Next Level
program at the end of 2017. He has collaborated with numerous non-profit and
community organizations, such as United Roots, Planting Justice, and Phat Beetz,
forming lasting partnerships and powerful alliances. He sits on the Technical Advisory
Council for Urban Tilths North Richmond Farm. Desi also has a long history as an
educator and youth worker in K-12 schools, such as Oakland Unity High School,
ARISE, and Community Day School in Oakland for the past 18 years.
Kimberli A. Munkres, Earth Interrupted Pottery Studio, Redlands Arts
Collaborative, Redlands Art Association, Redlands
Kimberli Munkres, an Integrated Brand Strategist for ThunderWheel Communications,
works with organizations that are driven to change the world. (Ones led by smart
thinkers with big hearts and the drive to propel their ideas forward.) She is passionate
about creative community building for the cultural arts and is the cofounder of the
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Redlands Arts Collaborative and Common Ground Conversations. She is also
president-elect of the Redlands Art Association. A California potter, Kim leans towards
clean straightforward design. For her, clay roots her sense of the divine as a shaper of
matter, the feminine as a sacred vessel. In addition to functional stoneware, Kim creates
with uncommon obvara-fired vessels.
Nadia Munoz, TecnoLatinx, Los Angeles
I possess a comprehensive background working in large, complex projects interfacing
with multiple stakeholders and carefully balancing the interests of each, while
developing, promoting and executing successful equity, access and culturally-rich
initiatives. My experience ranges from high-level strategic planning to on the ground roll-
out and execution.
As Senior Project Manager at New York Citys Economic Development Corporation, I
managed multi-agency teams that conducted equity and access research focused on
identifying and cultivating long-term community solutions and grant program
sustainability.
Additionally, my commitment to cultural preservation and arts education greatly
compliment your grant program goals and objectives. This, in combination with my
technology and emerging technology background, allows for a well-rounded approach
to arts education and an innovative perspective.
Also, I am actively featured at various education, emerging technology, art and media
conferences, including Google for Entrepreneurs, Black Girls Code, Hispanicize NYC,
Startup Law and Tech Forum and Festival of Media Latin America. Also, I am a
graduate of the first digital cohort of Manos Accelerator via Google Launchpad, the only
Latinx-focused accelerator program in USA and LatAm.
Collette Murphy, Oceanside Museum of Art, Encinitas
Collette Murphy is equal parts artist, writer, arts educator, brand ambassador, marketing
guru, and community volunteer. Art has been a foundation in her life since childhood
and she leveraged her talents professionally to start a small graphic design firm at only
22. Clients included giants like Jenny Craig, Ben & Jerrys, and Jack in the Box, as well
as a relatively unknown luxury lifestyle publication that needed a serious resurrection.
After 17 years nurturing Ranch & Coast Magazine she sold her half of the award-
winning luxury lifestyle brand she helped rebuild and pivoted her career to the museum
world to help Lux Art Institute with the opening of its new Education Pavilion. Oceanside
Museum of Art soon lured her north where she is currently the director of marketing as
well as an occasional teaching artist for Summer Art Camp. Among many affiliations,
Collette serves as chair of the City of Encinitas Commission for the Arts where she has
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been actively involved for the last five years on a variety of community arts initiatives
that include being a founding board member of Encinitas Friends of the Arts, renovating
the citys Arts Master Plan, running the Children’s Art Pavilion at LeucadArtWalk, and
being part of the leadership team for the current Freeway Underpass Mosaics public art
projects.
Robert Murray, Santa Ana College, Fullerton
Robert is an experienced brass musician, vocalist, percussionist, conductor, arranger,
actor, whistler, beat-boxer, and theme park entertainer. He is currently an entertainer at
the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA, and founder/leader/tubist of genre-bending
brass band LALA Brass. Other recent work includes tuba, vocals, and improv acting at
Disneys California Adventure as a Tubador in Olafs Snow Fest and tuba and trombone
at SeaWorld as a member of the Sea Street Band. He has performed on-stage regional
theatre work including an ensemble role in Evita at Claremonts Candlelight Pavilion as
well as being a part of numerous pit orchestras. As well he freelances around the LA
and Orange County areas on tuba, bass trombone, trombone, euphonium, and trumpet.
Robert specializes in numerous genres, including Classical, Jazz, Dixieland, Ragtime,
Salsa, Second Line, Pop, and Rock. Robert has received many accolades for musical
excellence and is highly sought after for his wide range of multi-instrumental talents.
Robert is a recipient of multiple downbeat awards with the Sacramento State Jazz
Singers and is a featured soloist and bass singer on the Ben Folds College a capella
album released in 2009 on Epic Records.
Carla Musik, Santa Rosa Junior College, Sebastopol
I have been a longtime supporter and enthusiastic practitioner of the arts throughout my
life. I am a singer; I have sung for several years in a local choir Joyful Noise Gospel
Singers. I taught music classes weekly for many years with my elementary students
including singing, playing recorders & rhythm instruments. I play piano & have taken up
the ukulele to play when I visit my adult son with developmental disabilities in Vallejo. I
am an actress; I have participated in community theatre most recently in the West
Sonoma County Cemetery Walk. I am a storyteller; I use stories in my classroom and
have been a teller at the library. I was a folk dancer for many years and taught many
third graders over 13 years the traditional Los Machetes dance for our annual baile
folklorico festival at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa. I am a writer; I have been
part of a writing group for the past few years & had my first piece published this past
year. I have encouraged my students to keep journals & be creative writers. I am an
artist; I work with yarn, pen, colored pencil & watercolor. I have helped my students over
many years to celebrate & express their own creativity through many varied visual art
projects, often to accompany creative writing, poetry & stories.
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I am a member of the San Francisco Fine Arts Museums & attend many musical
concerts in Sonoma County as well as throughout the Bay Area.
Amy Nance, A Noise Within, Canyon Country
Amy has spent the better part of her career as a professional fundraiser, and has
garnered more than 20+ years of development experience. She began her non-profit
career working at the Claremont Graduate University in 1992, and continued in the
higher education realm for several years. From 1994 2003 Amy resided in
Pennsylvania and worked at Susquehanna University located in Selinsgrove, PA,
Bucknell University located in Lewisburg, PA and Gettysburg College, located in
Gettysburg, PA.
In 2004, Amy returned to Southern California and served for 4 years as the Director of
Development at Kidspace Childrens Museum. Additionally, she served as the Director
of Major and Planned Gifts during the recent capital campaign at the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County as well as Senior Director of Major and Planned Gifts
at the Autry National Center. Most recently, Amy served as the Executive Director of
Individual and Campaign Giving at KCET. Amy currently serves as the Senior Director
of Development at A Noise Within in Pasadena, CA.
Raul Nario Jr., Starr King Neighborhood Association, Long Beach
I have been involved in my community for the past several years. I am currently
involved with community clean ups every 2nd Saturday of every month for the past 2
years. I have participated in Various mural projects through the city of Long Beach
Corridor Challenge, Participatory Budget Program and through private entities as well. I
am part of the 2017 class Alumni of the Neighborhood Leadership Program for the city
of Long Beach. I have also been a docent for two (2) local museums. The first is
Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum located in Rancho Dominguez I have been a
volunteer since 2014. The second is Rancho Los Cerritos in the city of Long Beach
since 2016. My current profession is in Real Estate as a Realtor for residential and
commercial properties.
Tony Natsoulas, Blue Line Arts, Sacramento
Tony Natsoulas has been working as a professional artist specializing in ceramic
sculpture since receiving his Masters of Fine Art degree in 1985 at the University of
California, Davis. His main interest has been large-scale figurative ceramic sculpture
with a flair for camp. In undergraduate and graduate school, Natsoulas was fortunate to
have studied with world-renowned UC-Davis funk art professor Robert Arneson.
Natsoulas' pieces are in galleries and museums around the world. His commissioned
work includes several public and private sculptures in bronze, fiberglass and ceramic.
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For the past 7 years he has been Exhibition Coordinator of the Gallery at Blue Line Arts!
Natsoulas maintains a studio in Sacramento, CA.
Lenore Naxon, California Presenters, San Francisco
Lenores deep experience encompasses virtually every stage of performing arts
development and execution: from vision to fundraising, from staffing to marketing, and
from facility planning to audience engagement and programming. She earned a theater
degree from Syracuse University and an MFA in arts administration from SMU.
Currently consulting with organizational and independent artist clients, she is a non
nonsense problem solver who provides people with the tools they need to succeed.
Andronik Nazarian, The Arts Area, Rancho Cucamonga
I am an experienced non-profit development officer, with former duties including grant
writing, establishment of goals & benchmarks, proposal development and program
review.
Chuck Neidhoefer, Napa Valley Unified School District, Napa
Currently in my third year as Coordinator of Visual & Performing Arts for Napa Valley
USD. As such, I build bridges between local arts agencies and our school system in an
effort to increase access to high quality, standards-based arts education to ALL of our
K-12 students. Before this position, I led three different elementary schools in our
district, including a Waldorf-methods charter start-up, a 50 yr old traditional
neighborhood school and a large, Title 1 school. For three years I ran a $6.6MM federal
magnet grant and oversaw the district's charter school authorization process. I have 8
years high school experience teaching arts-infused social studies :)
Kristina Newhouse, University Art Museum, Long Beach
Kristina Newhouse is curator of the University Art Museum at CSU Long Beach.
Newhouse co-curated David Lamelas: A Life of Their Own, with Maria Jose Herrera for
the Getty 2017 PST LA:LA Initiative. Her 2015 show, Jessica Rath: A Better Nectar was
supported by Metabolic Studio and the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. Her
2014 project with Materials & Applications was partially funded by the NEA Art Works:
Design. In 2011, she presented She accepts the proposition: Women Gallerists and the
redefinition of art in Los Angeles, 1967-1977 for the first PST initiative. In 2007, she
curated Fran Siegel: Companion at the IX Bienal Internacional de Cuenca in Ecuador.
From 2001 through 2008, Newhouse was curator of the Torrance Art Museum.
Between 2003 and 2010, Newhouse was an editor for X-tra Contemporary Arts
Quarterly and produced numerous essays for the magazine. Presently, she is a
contributing editor for X-tra. She has written for Artforum, Art + Text, New Art Examiner,
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and Sculpture. Her essay on Christine Nguyen appeared in the 2009 anthology,
Hammer Projects 1999-2009 for the UCLA Hammer Museum.
YeuQ Nguyen, Alhambra
Born in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, Yeu Q Nguyen was trained
in figurative drawing before her transition into 3D work. A multidisciplinary artist, she
often employs lighting design, optical science, and fine craft-making to explore the
themes of infinity and inward reflection in her sculptures. Q has an academic and
literary background; her writing has been published and exhibited in journals such as
New Forum and Inlandia Institute. Since 2016, Q has been collecting #metoo stories for
her public art project ThisWomanLife. She is also an outspoken activist for woman
rights. Her most recently works are currently on view at the Laemmle Theatre 5 in
Claremont, and at the Southwest Museum in Mt. Washington, Los Angeles.
Terry Nguyen, University of California, Riverside, Upland
Terry Nguyen is multi-ethnic, multi-generational lecturer of a Japanese music and taiko
drumming with the University of California, Riverside. In 2008, Terry co-founded the
non-profit performing arts organization, TaikoMix. As TaikoMix's Executive Director,
Terry has carried out TaikoMix's mission to share Japanese culture and traditions with
the underserved communities of the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties--offering
educational performances and taiko drumming workshops to K-12 schools and
recreational facilities. Recognized for her ability to organize and mobilize, Terry was
appointed as Conference Coordinator with the Taiko Community Alliance; leading the
efforts in planning the biennial North American Taiko Conference (2017, 2019)--the
largest gathering of taiko practitioners outside of Japan.
Terry is a professional performer in taiko drumming and Tsugaru shamisen, having
received grants from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, Aurora Foundation, and
Center for Cultural Innovation to hone her studies. One of the top female Tsugaru
shamisen performers in the United States, Terry has worked on promotional activities
for the Laika film "Kubo and the Two Strings."
Terry leads The Wagaku Collective--an exclusive ensemble of young musicians who
are classically trained on Japanese traditional instruments including taiko, shamisen,
shakuhachi, and shinobue.
Rochelle Noblett, Madera County Arts Council, Madera
Graduated Magna-cum-laude in art, CSU Fresno. 40 years business experience in
graphic design, screen printing and embroidery. Served on several non-profits, including
State Center Community College Foundation as President, Kiwanis President, Madera
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Downtown Association President, The Cat House on the Kings Marketing Director.
Recognized as one of the Top 20 Women Owned Business in the Central Valley, the
California State Small Business Award, Business Woman of the Year, Excellence in
Business Award, and Top Ten Business and Professional Women of the San Joaquin
Valley. Crystal Tower Award and Business Supporter of the Year for work with schools.
Currently the Executive Director of the Madera County Arts Council since 2016.
Melissa Noriego, Humanics at Fresno State University, Coarsegold
As a working mom and a working artist, I am nearing my final semester working toward
a BA in Studio Art and a Certificate in Administration and Leadership for Community
Benefit Organizations at California State University Fresno. Lilia Gonzales Chavez, the
Executive Director of Fresno Arts Council is serving as my professional mentor. As an
organizational development consultant, I am engaged with Arte Americas, the Hispanic
cultural arts center, to assess their current financial and organizational systems. The
goal is to make specific recommendations to bring their investments in line with their
values through sustainable, responsible and impactful policies. Also I promote the
Edward O. Lund Foundation through assisting with events, providing interviews,
documentary materials and donating artwork . This foundations mission is to embolden
students of the arts in the central valley. I am a recipient of the Edward O. Lund
Foundation scholarship in Winter 2017, which supported me in studying in London for
the Winter Intersession. A notable experience I had in London was experiencing the
Barber Shop Chronicles at the National Theatre. In the Summer of 2018, I was
accepted into a highly competitive Drawing and Painting California State University
Summer Arts course in Florence Italy.
Ron Norman, Taipei National University of the Arts, Anaheim
Invited Professor of Film at all 3 National Universities of the Arts in Taiwan, since 1999.
Also gave workshops, talks, and seminars at many universities, conferences,
government and cultural events. On festival juries....MFA in Film, UCLA....BA, Goddard
College, Vermont: writing, film, photography, studies in philosophy, international
cultures, history....Attended Rutgers University, New Jersey: theater, painting,
journalism....Major interests: social change, environment, alternative education....Lived
in: New York City, Los Angeles, Taipei, Paris, San Francisco, Carmel, Santa
Fe....Travel: Asia, Europe, Caribbean, 50 U.S. states....Independent and alternative
filmmaking experience: director, writer, editor, producer; marketing, festivals; fiction
features and shorts, documentary, animation, television. American Producer, writer,
director of feature films invited to Cannes and 30 international festivals, including
U.S.A.... Writer/Editor: scripts, fiction, non-fiction, children's, poetry, film and arts
criticism; published.... Paintings and photographs: small galleries and shows in Soho
(New York), Maine, Vermont, Boston, Taiwan....Involvement in issues: women, LGBTQ,
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minorities, Arts, education, Asian-American experience. Mentor: high school and college
students, young and older adults....Former Publicity Director/Public Relations: Folkways
Records, New York; Hollywood YMCA.....I am not famous or wealthy, because I chose
to focus my life and career on many areas of creative, caring, passionate living. These
decisions, personal change and growth, awareness, and gaining wisdom, meant I spent
much less time and energy on useful networking, titles, competition, awards, and
building a résumé©.
Michele Noufer, Sacramento Theatre Company, Rancho Cordova
Michele Hillen-Noufer, M.Ed., AEA, is the Education Director for Sacramento Theatre
Company (STC) and oversees the STC School of the Arts which includes the Young
Professionals Conservatory, the Pre-Professional Ensemble, Camp Programs and the
School Partnership Program (which she created in 2011.) As the Director of Education
for STC she partners with STCs Executive Producing Director to implement STC’s
mission to integrate professional theatre with Theatre Arts Education. She is a member
of Actors Equity Association as well as SAG/AFTRA. Michele has been working as a
professional actor for 25 years doing theatre, film, and television across the country and
internationally. She has directed, taught, and choreographed professional theatre, as
well as theatre for young people. Michele has a passion for helping young people
achieve their goals in the performing arts as well as providing Theatre Arts Education to
schools through STCs School Partnership Program and arts integration during the day.
Michele is an arts integration specialist and keeps her skills current by teaching at STC,
local elementary schools as well as providing workshops and professional development
opportunities for conferences and in-services for Educators. She has been a member of
the Sacramento State Universitys, Academic Talent Search faculty since 2012.
Maureen Nyhan, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Valencia
I was born in Hollywood, CA, where my immigrant parents had their first apartment in
Los Angeles. We moved around from the Valley to Venice to the Westside, I attended
Beethoven Elementary, Paul Revere Middle and University High. I started out as a
graphics art major at Santa Monica City College, then transferred to San Francisco City
College where I continued graphic design. After a year I transferred to San Francisco
State U. where I started out in a program called Interdisciplinary Arts. As part of my
program, I took a koto (Japanese instrument) class and from there started taking
Japanese language classes; I fell in love with the language and arts and changed my
major, taking a BA in Japanese Language and Culture. I have always been interested in
the arts, I travel to visit museums throughout the country and the world. Most recently I
visited the museums of Dublin and closer to home, the Oakland Museum to see the
exhibit on the Eames design team. I have been a docent at the USC Pacific Asia
museum in Pasadena since 2012; I headed the Japanese Art Council for several years
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and arranged guest speakers and did my own presentations. We have ongoing
educational study groups within our docent community of which I am an avid participant.
Joe A. Oakes, Joe A. Oakes Atelier, Banning
I am life-long artist and educator with a passion for art and inspiring others to create. I
moved from Illinois to California to pursue my art degree and received an AA and BFA
from recognized California schools. I have held positions in various fields but wanted to
share my own creative endeavors with the world. Shortly thereafter I became a full-time
working artist. As a way to reinforce my own understanding of the principals of art, I
began teaching art at a senior center. Since then I have taught painting classes and
workshops to a diverse cross-section of ages and cultures in communities throughout
Southern California. The main focus of my art career has been to bring art to others
through inspiration. Giving others a new way to think about art and approach painting
and drawing can open a new world to them. I take the time to understand students and
make sure they can apply principals and techniques to their work. I will continue this
work as long as I'm able.
Toti O'Brien, Pasadena
Toti O'Brien is the Italian Accordionist with the Irish Last Name. She was born in Rome
then moved to Los Angeles, where she makes a living as a self-employed artist,
performing musician and professional dancer. Her poetry, prose, and visual work have
been published on numerous online and print magazines. She has taught music, dance,
visual art and interdisciplinary art classes in all kind of education institutions and in
several countries, since the late nineteen eighties.
Meredith O’Connor, Santa Rosa
After hearing Peter and the Wolfin elementary school, I began viola lessons and my
life-long passion for music was born. As an aspiring violist, I attended concerts in New
York City and listened to jazz violin especially Stuff Smith.
While completing a BA in Music, I attended the Aspen Music Festival on scholarship
from the Juilliard School and my Carleton String Quartet won first prize in the Midwest
Chamber Ensemble Competition.
I performed with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music orchestra and Marin,
Berkeley and Peninsula Symphonies. I studied Arts Administration and Management at
Berkeley Extension and was a founding member of Golden Gate Youth Orchestras.
Later, I volunteered as an Orff-Schulwerk teacher at Cabrillo Elementary School, and
recently earned the certificate Violin & Viola: Creating a Healthy FoundationWith
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Distinction from Northwestern University. I currently teach privately and perform
regularly in orchestras and chamber ensembles.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening and walking with my minpin Roo. I dream of
attending concerts and cultural sites around the world.
Throughout my career I remain deeply committed to sharing the joy of music-making
with audiences, students, friends and family.
L. Okamura, Los Angeles Community College, Los Angeles
I am currently a photography & Photoshop instructor at an urban community college. I
have been teaching at our incredibly diverse college for 18 years and had my own
commercial photography business for 17 years. I have been also involved in developing
K-12 students in the visual arts in the local neighborhoods middle and high schools. I
am also active in the Asian and Japanese American community working for social
improvement for seniors for several years.
Ellen Oppenheimer, Peralta School, Oakland
I have been working with quilts as a studio artist for over 40 years and am recognized
as one of the most important contemporary quilt makers in the country. Quilt historian
Robert Shaw describes me as "one of the handful of art quilters that have so clearly
found their voice that they cannot be imitated" and as "An artist who has developed her
own vocabulary of symbols and images that is constantly fresh". The International Quilt
Association included my work in the Twentieth Century's Best American Quilts and my
artwork is well represented in museum and private collections including, both The
Renwick and the American Craft Museum as well as The Oakland Museum. In 1992 I
was awarded a Western States National Endowment of the Arts Regional Fellowship
and have also received numerous grants including a Creative Work Fund Grant. In 2003
I was awarded The United States, Japan Friendship Foundation Creative Artist
Fellowship.
Additionally I have made an enormous impact as a community artist working with
students in the Oakland public elementary schools. My students work has been
displayed and permanently installed in many public spaces locally and internationally.
Nkeiruka Oruche, Afro Urban Society, Oakland
Nkeiruka Oruche is an Igbo cultural producer and multidisciplinary performer
specializing in the expressions of urban culture of the African Diaspora and its
intersections with personal identity, public health and sociopolitical action. Since 2002,
Nkeiruka has played a crucial role in ushering African culture unto the global stage from
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working as Editor-in-Chief of Nigerianentertainment.com, a digital magazine, and as co-
founder of One3snapshot, an urban African art collective.
Currently, Nkeiruka is focused on expanding and sustaining grassroots change-making
and community health through the production, performance and embodiment of art and
culture. She is a co-founder of BoomShake, a social justice and music education
organization, artistic director of Afro Urban Society, a meeting place for urban African
art, culture and people, and director of Studio Grand a multidisciplinary space dedicated
to artists.
Kimberly Overton, SilverSandArt on Etsy, Castro Valley
I’m on the Artist Selection Committee for the ACAC Castro Valley Utility Box Art
Program and from 2016-2017 for the Castro Valley Community Identifier Mural.
I painted an Art Utility Box in Dublin in 2016, hands of different colors and sizes
reaching for shamrocks. In 2014, I created a Mountain Lion Sculpture for Palomares
Elementary, a cultural symbol. In 2013, my painting was exhibited with the
EcoSustainAbility Exhibit in Malibu. Ive participated in The Peace Project exhibits,
funding a Peace Center in Sierra Leone.
I’ve taught art at Athena Academy for dyslexic students, including found object art,
incorporating science and math. At Ohlone College Program for Kids and Teens,
teaching Paper Mache Sculptures of Endangered Species.
As an Active Transportation professional for Redwood City, San Francisco and the
Presidio Trust, I worked in community outreach promoting pedestrian access and
placemaking murals in Hispanic and underserved communities.
I have a small shop on Etsy called SilverSandArt and have dreams to start an arts
nonprofit mixing art and active transportation towards community building or an Online
Big Questions Art Call for kids. I have begun work on a Film looking at the work of Art
Utility Box Artists throughout California as a way of understanding California ˜s
diversity.
Allegra Padilla, Occidental College, Los Angeles
Allegra Padilla, a lifelong Los Angeles resident, has over 10 years of experience
collaborating with non-profit organizations focused on community organizing, youth
development, arts and culture. She received her education in the communities where
she worked Pasadena City College and UC Santa Cruzearning a BA in
Community Studies and Art History. Continually inspired by the arts and humanity she
welcomes the opportunity to continue developing equitable community engagement
strategies at Occidental College.
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Her past experience includes working with: Heidi Duckler Dance Theatre, Jewish
Vocational Service, 24th Street Theatre, Homies Unidos and Inner City Law Center.
She is a member of Women of Color in Arts Leadership through Mentorship Program,
and was an ACTIVATE fellow with Arts for LA focused on Cultural Policy in 2016-17.
Allegra has also served as a grants panelist with the MAP Fund, LA City Department of
Cultural Affairs, Long Beach Arts Council, LA County Arts Commission, and the CA Arts
Council. In 2018 she was part of the Communities Connecting Heritage project with
Avenue 50 Studio & the Athar Lina Initiative to do murals in Los Angeles, CA & Cairo,
Egypt to promote cultural monuments and the uplifting of young female muralists of
color.
All of her work demonstrates her commitment to being a strategic community builder
who is passionate about social justice and creating equitable access to the arts.
Daniel Pane, The Catering Company, North Highlands
I served on the Sacramento Metropolitan Art Commission.
Francis Paolino, Coldwell Banker / The iNSITES Team, Santa Barbara
I've been an artist all my life and it led me into studying architecture at Miami University
where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture. I worked as a designer for
residential and commercial architecture firms before expanding into real estate. I
consider architecture to be one of the highest forms of art and it has taught me how to
perceive, discuss, and critique various forms of art media. Architecture has given me
the vocabulary and the understanding of all forms of artwork in the sense that there are
common threads connecting them through light, color, time, medium, perception, and
the effect to the intended audience.
Pearl Parmelee Cabrera, Filipino Food Movement/FAAE/ PISTA SA
NAYON/LBBCD/APONORCAL/FAYE, Pinole
Filipino Food Movement co-founder/board member
Filipino American Arts Expo board member
Hinabi Project sponsor
Parol Festival sponsor
Eduardo Parra, Rady Childrens Hospital, San Diego
Eduardo Parra is a professional musician, artist, set designer, actor, director, Arts
Coach, and Healing Artist.
He has worked in a variety of theater projects in English and Spanish ranging from
historical/biographical plays such as Maximiliano and Carlotaand a Tribute to Octavio
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Pazto sociocultural works called A Handful of Dustand La Victimato American
comedy The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, social context theater addressing domestic
violence and women abuse Valentinaand traditional Mexican shepherd plays
including La Pastorela Mexicanaand political with Mr. Catrin & Doña Catrina.”
Mr. Parra has played professionally with the groups Los 4 Amigos,” “Contrastes,” “Luna
Llena,” Frontera Son,and VeraCruzBluesperforming Traditional Mexican, Afro-
Cuban and Latin American music.
He is former artist in residence and Arts Coach for the SUAVE program (Socios Unidos
para las Artes Via Educacion /United Communities for Arts in Education), a
collaborative program of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, California State
University San Marcos, and partner school districts. He has worked in the SUAVE
Program since its inception in 1994.
He has worked professionally with UCLA, UCSD, CSUSM, Palomar College, Miracosta
College, New York University, Centro Cultural de la Raza, Centro Cultural de Tijuana,
Teatro Meta, Teatro Máscara Mágica, The Lyceum Theater, San Diego County
Academy of the Arts, Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego County Office of Education,
and the Mexican Consulate. He also has developed drama, music and visual arts
curriculum for middle and high school students through La Jolla Playhouse, the
Oceanside Museum of Art, AVID, Gear-Up, Encuentros and the teenagers at risk
REACH Program.
He studied Dentistry and Fine Arts at the University of Veracruz in Mexico and worked
in educational television as a Set Designer and Actor in his country. Since coming to the
United States, he has received extensive training in music, dance, theater, visual, and
healing arts. In 1999, Mr. Parra also traveled to India with a group of arts coaches and
educators to study puppetry.
He has been awarded with several grants, including the Fullbright-Hayes Grant in 2002,
which enabled him to lead a group of fellow art coaches and educators through his
native country. He collaborated with professors and staff at CSUSM and the University
of Veracruz, Mexico to design a month-long educational trip for teachers to study the
music and dances of the regions of Veracruz.
Eduardo has been involved with various cultural centers, organizations, and universities
in the United States and Mexico to develop programs and workshops to create,
educate, promote, and preserve the culture and traditions of the indigenous, Mestizo,
Afro-Mestizo, Chicano, Mexican, and Latin-American people. He has collaborated with
CSUSM and SDUSD and VUSD with the TELL and Encuentros Programs to assist
underprivileged students. He is currently working with Rady Childrens Hospital with the
Healing Arts for the last 10 Years.
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Eduardo Parra is at the present serving as Artistic Director the Artistic for the only
Spanish Theater Company in San Diego Teatro Tierra Caliente.He is also leading his
own band VeraCruz Bluesand Guests, coordinating Cultural and Artistic events
through Tejiendo Culturas and Noches Culturales, Projects of his own. He has been
successfully painting for the last few years and creating a name. He is a very active
Cultural Promoter, Adviser, and Trainer in various Latino Communities. He is currently
developing Cultural, Artistic and Community programs in collaboration with the Sherman
Cultural Center and various organizations and artists in Barrio Logan.
Brigid Parsons, North County Arts Network, Oceanside
Brigid studied Civil Engineering and Architecture in her native Pennsylvania, then
worked designing and building roads and bridges in rural Georgia for a few years before
moving to San Diego. Changing course, she had various roles and over a dozen years
in IT at a financial services firm before deciding to change course again, to the Arts.
Since then, Brigid has had her photography appear in local shows, and supported a
number of different projects in the Oceanside arts community over the past 12 years,
including at the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) and spearheading grassroots
organizations such as Oceanside Art Walk and the North County Arts Network (NCAN).
She is currently an Arts Commissioner for the City of Oceanside, has certifications in
Green Design (LEED AP) and Feng Shui as well as degrees in Digital Photography (AA,
MiraCosta College), Civil Engineering (BS, Carnegie Mellon University) and Technology
Management (MBA, University of Phoenix).
Bhumi Patel, pateldanceworks/Shawl-Anderson Dance Center/West Valley
College, Oakland
Bhumi B. Patel is a dancer, choreographer, administrator, educator, writer, and
historian. Her choreographic work holds the focus of listening to individual bodies and in
conversation with the assemblage of identities that she embodies and has been
presented at SAFEhouse Arts and as part of RAWdance's Concept Series in San
Francisco. Bhumi earned her Master of Arts in American Dance Studies from Florida
State University and Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Mills College. She earned her
Bachelor of Arts in Dance and English Literature - Creative Writing from Agnes Scott
College. In 2017, Bhumi founded pateldanceworks, a queer, feminist dance company.
Bhumi was selected as a 2018 Fellow with the Emerging Arts Professionals and as a
Lead Artist with SAFEhouse Arts in San Francisco. She is currently the Program
Coordinator with Hope Mohr Dance and Administrative Assistant for Nancy Karp and
Dancers. Bhumi is on Faculty at West Valley College, teaches with the Youth Program
at Shawl Anderson Dance Center, and has danced with Chris Black Dance, Sheldon
Smith, Shinichi Iova-Koga, Kara Davis, and is currently a member of the San Francisco
Cat Call Choir.
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Kristi Patterson, The Ink People Center for the Arts/Trajectory, Eureka
Kristi Patterson is an artist, writer and photographer living in Eureka, CA. In 1997 she
established The Studio, an arts program for people with developmental disabilities, and
later the Cheri Blackerby Gallery to showcase the works of the artists in the program. In
2012 she founded and remains the director of Trajectory, a career development
program for literary, visual, and performing artists with disabilities. It is a DreamMaker
project of The Ink People Center for the Arts.
She attended Humboldt State University, majoring in Social Work, and leading art
programs with incarcerated youth and impoverished and homeless families and
individuals. She received her BA in English and Literature from Southern New
Hampshire University.
In 2016 she lived in Yucatán, Mexico, exploring the interrelationships between the arts,
language and literacy.
Kristi is a member of the Northern Redwoods Book Arts Guild, the North Coast Open
Studios steering committee, the Compassionate Chamber of Commerce, and is a
Director for the Ferndale Repertory Theatre.
Devi Peacock, Peacock Rebellion, Oakland
Devi Peacock is a sixteenth-generation storyteller, a poet, co-coordinator of the Liberate
23rd Ave. cultural land trust, a certified coach to artists and arts administrators, and the
founding Artistic and Executive Director of Peacock Rebellion, an Oakland-based
multidisciplinary arts organization of queer and trans people of color. Devi is an advisory
board member of the Resilience Archives and a core member of the QTPOC4SHO arts
collective. They have served as Community Engagement Coordinator of the Queer
Cultural Center, home of the National Queer Arts Festival; a Cultural Equity Fellow with
Emerging Arts Professionals SF Bay Area; a member of Arts for a Better Bay Area’s
cultural equity working group; a steering committee member of Liberating Ourselves
Locally, a queer and trans people of color maker space, and on funding, curation, and
speaking panels for the San Francisco Arts Commission, Oakland Community Action
Partnership, Grantmakers in the Arts, National Performance Network, National Queer
Arts Festival, and the United States of Asian America Festival. Devi has written for
POOR Magazine, the US Department of Arts and Culture, and HYPHEN Magazine’s
blog; taught comedic arts at Stanford University, and has shared performance work
across North America.
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Sharon Persovski, City of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills
Sharon Persovski born in Mexico City, a graduate of the prestigious Universidad
Iberoamericana, were she earned her Bachelor's degree and Licenciatura in Graphic
Design, and a specialization in Interior Design and Architecture.
She also has completed studies in the behavioral sciences and project management at
the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and restoration studies at Lorenzo Di
Medici in Florence, Italy. Fluent in four languages, Sharon regards her multilingual
approach as one of her greatest assets, informing her work with added layers of
multicultural expressiveness.
She also is very active in community affairs, specifically in pursuits involving enhancing
the lives of school children through art. Sharon understands the power of art and design
on individual and community development, having been influenced deeply through her
own artistic experiences through the world - learning restoration of priceless works of art
at world class museums in Florence, Italy, exploring modern architecture in Latin
America, and designing cutting edge hotel and spa properties in China (Four Seasons
and Hilton) to name but a few.
One such endeavor which she found especially rewarding was her efforts on behalf of
the Museo de San Carlos, Mexico, were she developed the brand identification for a
children's course inside the museum and implemented design elements both inside and
outside the museum structures.
Her background is in environmental graphic design, and she has contributed her talents
to innovative designs and signage to a variety of large and small scale public projects in
the private sector, ranging from luxury hotels, shopping centers, museums, public
wayfinding systems, hospitals, service stations, and alike in Colombia, Venezuela,
Mexico, US, Tokyo, Singapore and China. In addition, she has studied art and design
abroad, and this has given her a global perspective and an appreciation for both
traditional and contemporary art, which pervades her work.
She has ample experience in the organization and execution of community arts
projects. Specifically, she was the PTA Council Chair for Arts in Education for BHUSD,
leading the national arts program, Reflections in the Beverly Hills Unified School District
and in the 33rd District. As such, she organized for 33rd District the national art program
for students at approximately 300 schools in Los Angeles County. Her work has gained
the notice of numerous city and school leaders for making the Reflections program a
high-profile, high participation program that enriches Arts in Education. The Beverly Hills
program that she led was recognized by the California State PTA as an example to
other schools nationwide. She was a National Judge for the program where she judges
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the participants work, and received in 2016 an 2017 an Honor Award from National PTA
for her involvement and help in the arts.
She is also executive committee member for Beverly Arts for BHUSD where she helped
develop the Master Arts Education Plan for 2015- 2018 and create liaisons in arts in
education programs with Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
She also has experience in Arts Advocacy with different organizations and statewide
politicians. She participated as an Art Judge for the Los Angeles Japanese Tanabata
Festival in Little Tokyo as well as an Art Judge for a Musical Filipino Festival in Los
Angeles.
In 2014 she completed her leadership position with the Beverly Hills Centennial
Celebration Art Program, for the City of Beverly Hills, where she worked closely with city
government, education, business and civic leaders. Her successful operation of this
very unique program led to her being chosen to join Team Beverly Hills, a
government program with a select team of civic leaders who are to trained to help the
Mayor, City Council members and other city officials on a variety of leadership projects.
For four years she has been a member of the Smart City-Technology committee for the
City of Beverly Hills where the infrastructure, planning and financial committees are
constantly participating.
In 2016 she was appointed by the City Council as Architectural Commissioner where
she is currently responsible for reviewing and approving the new, remodeling, and
changes for retail, restaurants, corporate projects, offices and hotels from the different
zones of the City, including signage, urban design and landscape architecture. She was
also selected from 500 people to be a receiver of a fellowship program from Arts for LA
in Cultural policy and Arts legislation representing Beverly Hills in Los Angeles County.
Through her involvement as the President of Smiles Through Art,
(www.smilesthroughart.org) an Arts in healthcare related charity, she has worked with a
number of officials at the state and local levels in helping to encourage art as a healing
tool in hospitals, medical institutions and elsewhere where it is desperately needed by
the ill and disadvantaged. She led Smiles Through Art in implementing a healing
through arts project at an urban community center in Mexico City that serves
underserved youth. In the future, the program is to be implemented at the largest public
hospital in Latin America, the Mexico City General Hospital.
Sharon invokes a visual aesthetic that pays homage to the vibrant design traditions of
her native land, but is at the same time contemporary, sophisticated and au courant.
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Susan L. Petrella, WowThinkOC, Fullerton
With an MBA, Marketing/Strategic Management/Entrepreneurship, as Creative Director,
Creative Orange County, curated/produced 1st ever TEDx event in Orange County, as
CEO, WowThinkOC; Susan strategizes with + mentors creative economy
entrepreneurs (artists, fashion designers and such ) with start-ups + on-going B2B,
B2C, nonprofit or social enterprise ventures; as Manager, Citizen Arts Advocates,
WESTAFs 2017 Western States NEA Advocacy Initiative, Western States Arts
Federation (WESTAF), she managed contact with 60+ Citizen Arts Advocates in Alaska,
Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada,
Wyoming, Utah, Idaho to ensure FY18 NEA Funding, as Civic Engagement
Coordinator, Arts for LA, Susan manages ArtsVote 2018, as Director, Strategic
Marketing, GYST-Ink, she led Business Development/Strategic Marketing endeavors to
grow GYST-Ink, (an artist run business) by creating new partnerships with
businesses/organizations, improving brand awareness, increasing sales.
Susan stays connected to SoCals arts/culture community - recent exhibitions viewed- -
LA Commons, Found LA Weekend, LA Promise Zone Tours: Little Armenia + Thai
Town, October 2018; Marciano Art Foundation, Ai Weiwei: Life Cycle, October 2018;
Annenberg Space for Photography, NOT AN OSTRICH: AND OTHER IMAGES FROM
AMERICAS LIBRARY, September 2018; Corita Art Centers Open House, July
2018events and events attended- - LA Arts Commissions Datathon 2.0; Center for
Cultural Innovations, 2018 Arts Convening”¦
Susans nonprofit/civic arts/culture leadership has included: Board of Directors -
Inglewood Cultural Arts, Chair, Arts Committee, City of Fullerton CA; Board of Directors,
Placentia Library Foundation”¦
Cat Chiu Phillips, Ramona Unified School District, San Diego
Cat Chiu Phillips creates installation work in public spaces often using traditional
handicraft methods while encouraging collaborations within the community. By using
various found materials, discarded items became an interest because of its contextual
value. Inevitably this has inspired her to create installation and public art projects using
various recycled products. Her public art commissions include the San Diego
International Airport, Nashville International Airport for Bonnaroo, Riverside Art
Museum, Westfield Horton Plaza and UTC in San Diego, City of Pasadena, City of
Vista, City of Solana Beach, Las Vegas Arts and Culture Commission, Amelia Island
(FL) Travel Commission, Chicago Parks, and Atlanta Beltline Project. Phillips has
received many grants and awards, and has been an educator in the public schools for
over 17 years.
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Leslie Pierce, Artist Leslie Pierce/ And Something Different Studio Gallery, San
Diego
Leslie Pierce is a contemporary artist, known for art that focuses on themes involving
coding systems, documentation, fragmentation and technology. Her ongoing series,
"Code Defied" (2013- ), evolved from contrasting flat and modeled forms of the human
figure and a printer running out of ink.
Leslie is honored to have one of her pieces in the permanent collection of The Harry
Ransom Research Center at The University of Texas at Austin, and has been awarded
several Special Projects grants to expand her work. A While living in Austin, she curated
and organized group exhibits, taught Encaustic Painting, Contemporary Figure Painting
and Drawing and other classes for the Austin Museum of Arts Art School at Laguna
Gloria. She also founded and ran a popular Life Drawing and Painting group for Austin
Visual Arts Association in which she was a member and volunteer. She now teaches at
her studio in San Diego and is selling her art internationally. In addition, Leslie just
designed a book of the Resident Artists of Liberty Station and organized an upcoming
weekend Open Studio event for participating artists and creative spaces in ARTS
DISTRICT Liberty Station.
Wesley Pinkham, Musco Center for the Arts, Orange
Wesley Pinkham is the Audience Development Manager at Musco Center for the Arts at
Chapman University as of July 2017 and is a member of the steering committee for
Emerging Arts Leaders - Orange County. Prior roles include founder of Optimystic
Media, a public program media production company, Media Director of Lucidity
Festivals, Programming/Communications Director of Yiddishkayt under Aaron Paley,
administrator at The Music Center's membership groups, programming internships at
Skirball Cultural Center and LA's Grand Performances. He is a graduate of UCLA's
Department of World Arts and Cultures.
Maureen Piquette Haynes, The Actors' Gang, North Hollywood
As an arts advocate, Ms. Haynes believes changing your own story begins with telling
one. The art of storytelling by way of play, writing, acting and music can shape entire
worlds on and off the stage. She holds a BA in Drama (Theater) from Hofstra University
in New York and moved to Los Angeles in 2003. Shortly after landing in LA, her passion
for the arts and building community led her to serve as a co-founder of an art collective,
which produced over forty live music/art events throughout the city. Her volunteer work
has been reflected in organizing programs focused on the under-served in the Los
Angeles community such as The Community Literature Initiative, The Living Writers
Series and Our Mic. Her first book of poetry, Born to Waltz, was published by World
Stage Press in 2015 and her poem, Did I happen to you or you to me?, was featured
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in a 2016 publication titled These Pages Speak. In June of 2018, The Actors' Gang
became her new home, where she can support a mission to unlock human potential in
the interest of effective rehabilitation as an associate for The Prison Project.
Niko Podimatis, Quartyard, San Diego
Born and Raised in San Diego, believe that we have to fight for opportunities for the arts
community in our city or we will lose them to our northern neighbor LA.
I act as project manager for San Diego activations for Sea Walls Mural Festival; A world
wide mural festival put on by Pangeaseed that gives a voice to our oceans in the form of
public murals. To date I have been a part of bringing just under 30 murals to San Diego
for this project.
Second, I act as Visual Artist Liaison for Kaaboo Music Festival. This task has me
supervise the artists participating in the festival & allows me to learn from local, national,
and international artists on their concerns and suggestions working in the art world at
different stages.
Lastly, I am the Venue Manager and Art Curator for Quartyard in Downtown San Diego.
With the space I am able to use the shipping containers of the venue to display the
artwork of artists that occupy the city and expose the downtown community to artists in
an attempt to foster future work for the artist.
Steve Polinsky, Historical Role Model productions, Valley Glen
Steve Polinsky, is a Professional producer, actor, writer, drama teacher and director. He
is the founder and artistic director of theatre companies located in San Francisco,
Boston and Los Angeles. With his award winning one man presentation on Albert
Einstein; The Man behind the Genius, he toured the US, Canada and Europe for over
15 years. He subsequently co-wrote, wrote, produced and performed other one person
presentations on the lives of Leonardo DaVinci, Socrates, Christopher Columbus and
Sigmund Freud. Polinsky entertained and inspired audiences with his brandof
historical theatre for business corporations, at science centers around the country,
major museums, and universities, and at all levels of schools throughout America.
Polinsky pioneered programs, such as the breakfast withseries, for gifted and talented
program. He is dedicated to all forms of the arts, and enthusiastically embraces a
missionof increasing awareness, creativity and including arts programs in all of our
communities. Steve continues to work with the parks and recreation department for the
city of Beverly Hills, where he has been the senior acting teacher/director for 4 years.
Recently, he was invited to teach at the Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills.
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Eva Poole-Gilson, California Poets in the Schools, Bishop
Eva has two M.A.s: Creative Writing from the Instituto Allende-Universite/Guanajuato,
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Comparative Literature from the University of
Wisconsin, Madison, spending her junior year in Aix-en-Provence, France. Shes taught
literature for 20 years or more, in 1991-92 as part-time adjunct at the University of
Nevada, Reno. Presently she is on the Board of CPitS. Eva also worked three years,
part-time, as a counselor/advisor regarding addiction problems for the Mental Health
Departments of both Inyo and Mono Counties.
Eight years ago Eva played the lead role, Carrie Watts, in The Trip to Bountiful,
Bishops Playhouse 395s only recent drama. In 2012 Eva wrote Barefoot in the
Sanctuary, a one-woman play, and performed it locally. Her play, Whos Lying Down in
Your Heart? received a California Art Council grant in 2014, adapted and performed by
the Poetic Justice Project at the Edison Theatre in Mammoth. Eva has also published a
young adult novel, Little Star Sleeping, a memoir, Love Letter from a Poet to the High
Sierra, and in May 2018 Whiskered Wisdom, poems, stories and photos of the cats
she’s lived with and loved. Shes also published journalism, stories and poems in over
20 journals and newspapers.
Claudia Prada, El Camino College, Reseda
Born in Colombia Claudia Prada began her artistic career admiring the Costa Rican and
Guatemalan art and tapestries of her childhood, she spent her childhood years in
Central America. Her desire to draw and paint started then, but it was not until she
studied in France and travelled to Italy and Spain that she began painting. Her colorful
art reflects the traditional colorful palette of the Costa Rican carretas and the Colombian
rural open buses or Chivas. Claudia merges the Latino and North American sensibilities
as she began seeking knowledge about her family roots in Spain. The magic world she
releases through art is strongly related to the magical realism movement with a soupçon
of North America added in. Claudia is persuaded in her art by a profound emergence of
the unconscious manifesting as an expression, thought, conflict, harmony, and a
message that reaches her audience in multiple ways. For her, meaning is in constant
movement, and this meaning would be acquired by the observer depending his or her
state of mind. Her art is also an expression of her own state of mind at the time of
creation; this constant movement is what my unconscious reflects in the exterior,
duality later becoming one.
Claudia Prada is active in the Los Angeles Art Community, she has exhibited locally and
participates going to different art shows in her community. She is also sponsoring a play
to encourage young audiences to be more inclusive and accept different communities.
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Kimberley (Kim) Presley, Liberty Painting Corporation dba Liberty Arts, Yreka
I have served as a trustee of the Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation in Los
Angeles County for over 15 years, with the primary responsibility of reviewing and
presenting grant request from the Arts & Culture budget to the Board of Trustees for
approval. This experience helped generate the seed to co-found a non-profit arts
center/gallery in Siskiyou County in rural Northern California, where I reside.
This venture, known as Liberty Arts, has recently celebrated its tenth year of providing a
venue for local artists to exhibit work, visiting artists to bring new ideas to our
community, and a setting for educational outreach to local schools.
I serve as president and am well acquainted with the administration and challenges of
running a 501(c)3 corporation. Liberty Arts has applied for and received grants from
California Arts Council through both Local Impact(Creating Places of Vitality) and
Exposure grants.
Although I have a lot of experience reviewing and evaluating grant requests through my
work with the Norris Foundation, I am interested in working with other panelists to
learn/share other methods and strategies for assessment.
Pamela Price, Cathedral City Public Arts Commission, Cathedral City
Pamela Price graduated from the University of Minnesota ( BS, Art Education) was a
teacher ( middle school/Alameda Unified School District and later with the Dept. of
Defense, while based in Izmir Turkey). She went on to author 14 books ( Globe Pequot
Press on family travel in California and international spa tourism. After having spent
eight years as the travel editor at Shape Magazine, she has covered the arts and travel
for the www.desertstarweekly since 2013. In addition in addition to having been
appointed for three terms to the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission.
Tomika Price, San Jose Public Library, San Jose
I earned my Bachelor's in Business Administration from Howard University in June
2000. In 2005 I earned my Master's in Library and Information Science from Wayne
State University in Detroit, Michigan. I worked full-time as a librarian assistant with the
Flint Public Library in Flint, Michigan, while earning my Master's, assisting librarians with
arranging programs and customers by providing reference and genealogy research. In
September of 2005 I relocated to Houston, Texas for a managerial position in a small
library with Houston Public Library. I worked for 10 years within the City of Houston
Public Library system, in multiple branches in teen services and supervisory positions,
creating and implementing youth programming. As a Senior Librarian in San Jose
Public Library system I have managed multiple branches, coordinating program
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implementation and evaluation for youth and adults programming. I conduct outreach
activities to represent the library's interests at community events by presenting on library
resources, and partnering with other non profits sharing resources to best serve the
local community. I have worked over 13 years serving communities through libraries in
diverse communities, managing a wide range of programs utilizing volunteers and staff,
I have demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening communities through library
services.
Maisha Quint, The San Francisco Foundation, Oakland
A Bay Area native, Maishas 20-year career has been as a social justice organizer,
cultural worker, arts and policy manager, and communications director. Most recently,
Maisha served as the Community Programs Director at EastSide Arts Alliance, where
she led efforts to advance intersectional cultural approaches to place-based equity,
particularly with the development of a Black Cultural Zone in East Oakland. Prior to her
work at EastSide, Maisha worked at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children as the
Communications Director and Family Advocacy Coordinator, advocating for policies
supporting incarcerated women and their incarcerated loved ones. She has organized
with the Committee to Free the San Francisco 8, Stop the Gang Injunctions Coalition
and the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, and several other grassroots
campaigns. Maisha is currently a Multicultural Fellow at the San Francisco Foundation
where she oversees its Arts and Culture portfolio. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts in
Poetry from Mills College and a BA in African American Studies from Columbia
University.
Monika Ramirez Wee, LA Pierce College, Simi Valley
I received my MFA in Studio Art and Certificates in Museum Collections Management
and Dream Studies from John F. Kennedy University. I've exhibited throughout the West
and have work in private, university, and corporate collections in California, Texas,
Utah, Washington, and Canada. I've curated exhibitions for over fifteen years, both
independently and in conjunction with institutions. I'm currently Associate Professor of
Art and Gallery Director at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA where I teach studio
and art history courses and direct the Pierce College Art Gallery. In addition to my
painting and mixed media work, a large portion of my art is based in social practice
related to food, food production, and community.
Carmelita Ramirez-Sanchez, Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, Los Angeles
Carmelita Sanchezs distinguished 20+ year career in broadcasting and entertainment
includes a string of firsts”—from first female vice-president of a hip-hop record label
(Poetic Groove/Interscope) to first female radio DJ to reach over 10 million listeners
(Wake Up Show.) Transitioning to the non-profit sector, she founded r.e.i.n.a.s.
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(realizing every idea needs a start,) to support under-resourced teen girlseducational
pursuits. She has developed youth programming for a number of Brands and
Government organizations including, Los Angeles County, Nike, Interscope Records,
Adidas, City of Los Angeles, and Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles. Carmelita
currently serves as Executive Director of Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, which trains
students through specialized curricula, emphasizing economic and cultural equity,
toward careers in the arts and entertainment industries.
Christina Ramos, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, South Gate
In my capacity as the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Carpenter Center, I
plan and execute the education and outreach programming while also serving as the
grant writer. I have worked throughout the country in various capacities as an arts
administrator and costume technician including as the Director of Education and Literary
Affairs at California Repertory Company, a Development Associate at Los Angeles
Chamber Orchestra, the Producer and Assistant Producer for Will Power to Youth, in
Company Management at Bard SummserScape, the Costume Shop Manager at the
University of Central Missouri, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager and First Hand at
Ohio Light Opera, and more.
I currently serve as the Executive Director and Treasurer of the board for Wranglers Los
Angeles Dance Association, a nonprofit LGBTQ country dance association serving the
L.A. area. Since incorporating this dance group into a nonprofit organization, I have led
the planning and organization of its annual, three-day dance conference Wrangler
Weekend Los Angeles. I completed my BA in Theatre & Dance, with a focus in
Costume Technology at the University of Texas at Austin, and my MBA and MFA in
Theatre Management at California State University Long Beach.
Cynthia Randolph, Artist/Poet/Design Strategist, San Francisco
Born in Washington, D.C., Cynthia Randolph is an artist, design strategist and poet. In
addition to this work, she is Chairman of the Advisory Board for St. Marys MFA in
Creative Writing program. She is also on the Advisory Board of the Arts in Education
Fund for Laird Norton Family Foundation, a medium sized foundation, where she served
as Co-Chairman for six years. Additionally, she serves on the Fund Advisory Committee
for a new Human Services fund that will pursue grantmaking which empowers and
creates opportunities for long-term success for youth and young adults (age 12-24) who
are in crisis, or are aging out of the foster care system.
Cynthia Randolph received her Master of Business Administration in Design Strategy
from California College of Art; a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture, with an emphasis in
Photography, from Cranbrook Academy of Art; and a Bachelor of Science in English
Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with minors in Creative Writing,
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Psychology and Fine Art. She is currently working on a collection of ekphrastic poetry
responding to contemporary art and culture.
Irene Ratliff, Street Meet Company, Los Angeles
Irene Ratliff studied at California State University Dominguez Hills, Global Logistics and
Supply Chain Management.
Inquisition of economic structure forwarded interest for history, arts, humanities and
culture. A beginning; Street Meet Company.
Irene Ratliff communications for Business Building and Development to innovative
approaches and alternatives for social economic interest for housing, community
and economic development. Viewing art in its multidisciplinary forms.
Conversations of CHiC Constitution, Human, Independence Civil rights, liberties and
freedom.
A collective work and responsibility for awareness and community development for
Kwanzaa and Independence Celebration.
Wiebke Raven, ODC, San Francisco
Wiebke is an experienced non-profit management professional with a proven track
record of success working in Institutional Giving and currently oversees the grant
portfolio ODC/Dance, ODC/School and ODC/Theater combined. She received her B.A.
(Hons) in Dance Theater at TRINITY/LABAN Conservatoire of Music and Dance in
London, U.K. and her M.A. in Specialized Journalism (The Arts) from the University of
Southern Californias Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Her
professional experience includes working in Dramaturgy, Education and Outreach at the
Bavarian State Ballet, and as Yerba Buena Center for the Arts' sole Grant Writer. She’s
a USC Annenberg Fellowship and Center for Cultural Innovation, California Art Leaders
Investments (CALI) grant recipient.
Brendan Rawson, San Jose Jazz, San Jose
Brendan Rawson has worked in the fields of cultural and economic development for 20+
years. As E.D. of San Jose Jazz Brendan is responsible for the overall strategic and
artistic direction of the organization. Prior roles have included: Director of Cultural
Participation at 1stACT Silicon Valley; Director of Research, Collaborative Economics;
Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, UC Santa Cruz Extension; Interim Executive
Director, MACLA; and Director, Community and Neighborhood Programs, Cultural
Initiatives Silicon Valley. Brendan holds a Master of Public Policy degree from UC
Berkeley and Bachelor of Political Science degree from Santa Clara University. Brendan
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has served on the Board of Directors of Teatro Vision, Bay Area Glass Institute, and
Valley Verde. Brendan is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow. Brendan was
also co-founder of the Naglee Park Garage restaurant and Blackbird Tavern restaurant.
Amy Reed, Auburn
My name is Amy Melissa Reed I am an artist and founding director of Ma Series Arts.
An organization supporting women in live arts. My work as an artist has lead me to
multidisciplinary collaborations and experience with many different roles as educator,
organizer, advocate, and producer.
Roger Reyes, Santa Ana Community Artists Coalition, Santa Ana
Multi disciplinary artist, Roger Eyes R, has been creating art in Santa Ana ever since he
can remember. Inspiration follows expression and creativity.Painting, murals, design,
street art, and sculpture building, professionally since 2005.
Rogers artistic evolution further extended the range of his talent with each technique he
pursued. Now, his artistic approach and experience in various mediums allows him to
push the boundaries of style and to continue exploring the depths of color; a constant
throughout his collected works.
After so many years, its no surprise the city of Santa Ana recognized Roger for his time
and dedication inspiring local communities through art. More recently, they awarded him
with their annual Invest in the Artistart grant for his upcoming project in 2019.
Enabling him to continue keeping his promise to bring even more art to Santa Ana for
years to come.
Erin Richardson, Grigio Art Consulting, Sacramento
I have been an Art Consultant for the last 8 years. I have recently started working part
time with the City of Napa on their public art program, working closely with artists and
organizing annual events such as the Napa Lighted Art Festival.
Kelly Richardson, Fulbright, NYU, UC Berkeley, Santa Monica
I am a documentary filmmaker (withoutanetfilm.com), Fulbrighter (Brazil), stuntwoman
(Guardians of the Galaxy, Westworld, Beautiful Boy), actress (CSI, Chance, Angie
Tribeca), graduate of UC Berkeley (BA in Spanish and Theater), current MFA student at
NYU (creative writing), mentor at Students Rising Above, and boardmember of my
Fulbright chapter.
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Teyahnee Ridgle, Vallejo
Hello my name is Tiana riddle. I have been teaching dance for 20 years throughout the
Bay Area. I currently have my own dance studio in Vallejo California. I also have
established my own after school program in Vallejo and Antioch School District. I love
working with children and giving them a positive outlet.
Christie Rios, Danza Floricanto/USA/The Floricanto Center for the Performing
Arts, Pasadena
Assistant Director to Danza Floricanto/USA, as well as the Director of Programs for The
Floricanto Center for the Performing Arts which includes the Floricanto Institute, the
teaching arm of the company now on its seventeenth year. I have danced for Floricanto
since 1980 and have toured with the company throughout the American Southwest and
Mexico.
Recently, I have begun to choreograph with pieces, Mama’s Lullabyat Floricanto’s,
Folklorico With a Point of View in 2014, What Ifand ; / semicolonat Floricantos 14th
Annual Fiesta del Día de Los Muertos, both in 2015. I premiered, Tomorrow” for
Floricantos 40th Anniversary Show in 2016, ˜2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Backand
˜Essence of Mea piece inspired by the work of Dr. Paul Nerenberg bio physicist at Cal
State LA in 2017. I find inspiration and choreograph dances that relate to the human
condition, always with my background of folklorico and percussive footwork in mind.
Guadulesa Rivera, The Guadulesa Studio, Los Angeles
Guadulesa is a member of the Arroyo Arts Collective in Los Angeles. A Boston native,
she has exhibited extensively across the USA, particularly in Boston, New York City,
Miami and Los Angeles. Her work is included in private and public collections in
Massachusetts, New York, California, Florida, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Israel,
Spain and Mexico. She began her arts career in LA, then returned to Boston for 18
years and back to LA in 2003. Awards include an Honorary Mention for Painting in the
1979 Pasadena Art Festival, the 1981 Le Prix de Peinture du Centenaire de Raymond
Duncan in Paris, the 1991 Drylongso Award by Community Change in Boston for
activism as a community artist, and a 1992 Individual Artist Grant for the Matrix 5
Project from the state agency, Massachusetts Cultural Council, funded through the
National Endowment for the Arts. In 1995, Guadulesa served as a LEF Foundation
panelist to review art project proposals. She was appointed to the Mayoral Boston
Cultural Council from 1997 - 2003. In 2015, a successful Kickstarter campaign helped
Guadulesa publish her first book entitled Matrix 5: Tones of Resonance, which
describes the power of sound, as an influence on her paintings.
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M. Hilary Roberts, Contra Costa Community College, Berkeley
I hold a PhD from UC Berkeley and M.A. from University of Michigan. I have taught
English at Contra Costa College for fifteen years, courses in Literature and Critical
Thinking, Composition on Global Issues, and creative writing. My main teaching goal is
enlightening students to the power of writing as an art form. Under the pen name
Mindela Ruby, I am a published author. For the past two years, Ive served on the
review staff of the Baltic Writing Residencies, in which capacity I read and make
decisions on fiction, nonfiction, and play-writing manuscripts. These submissions come
from a wide range of authors all over the world. I have published and promoted a small-
press novel and placed many short works in literary journals, been nominated for
Pushcart and Best of the Net Prizes, and won Semi-finalist and Honorable Mention
standings in poetry chapbook competitions. I have performed my work live at ongoing
reading series and for recordings. Ive participated at numerous writing conferences
including Squaw Valley, Napa Valley, and the Humber School for Writers in Toronto.
I’ve been a member of several writing support groups, and I work as a developmental
editor for other writers.
Laird Rodet, Laird Associates, San Francisco
Laird Rodet is an independent consultant whose recent clients have included the San
Francisco Arts Education Project, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Margaret
Jenkins Dance Company, AXIS Dance Company, Eureka Theatre, and Garrett +
Moulton Productions. Prior to his consulting work in community benefit philanthropy and
artist management, Laird was Associate Director of the Kronos Performing Arts
Association for 20 years, where he was chiefly responsible for contributed revenue and
donor engagement in support of the creation and development of new work and artistic
practice. During his tenure there, he marshaled dozens of project-specific partnerships,
funding over 300 new commissions and world premieres. Previously, Laird was
Executive Director of SFArtsED, Assistant Director of the Dance Program of the
National Endowment for the Arts (DC), General Manager and CEO of the Oakland
Ballet Association (CA), Executive and Producing Director of Margaret Jenkins Dance
Company (CA), General Manager of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company (UT), and
Assistant Fine Arts Librarian at the University of Utahs Marriott Library. He has served
as panelist/reader/evaluator for the California Arts Council, the Arts Commission of
Santa Clara County, the City of Oakland Cultural Arts Division, the San Francisco Arts
Commission, the Nevada Arts Council, and the Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund
(NYC), among others. He was a Mayoral appointee to San Franciscos Arts Task Force
and served a three-year term as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts
and Sciences Special Merit Awards Committee to select Lifetime Achievement Award
recipients for the annual Grammy Awards. In 2010, 2011, and 2016 Laird received the
San Francisco AIDS Foundations Ovation Award as a top volunteer fundraiser, and
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Certificates of Honor (in recognition of distinction and merit for outstanding public
service) from the City and County of San Franciscos Board of Supervisors and Mayor
Gavin Newsom. He also completed a 2012-2013 Arts Management Mentorship for
Dance USAs Institute for Leadership Training. Laird received a BA in English Literature
at the University of California, Irvine, and a MA in English Literature at the University of
Utah. He resides in San Francisco and retains active membership in several
professional organizations including the National Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Theatre Bay Area, and Dance
USA.
Felicia Rosenfeld, Dance Resource Center of Greater Los Angeles, Venice
Felicia Rosenfeld, thought partner, organizational catalyst, project entrepreneur and
infrastructure architect in the arts and not-for-profit sectors. Felicia served as Executive
Director of Dance Resource Center, the service organization for dance in the Greater
Los Angeles Area (July 1, 2015-June 30-2018).
Felicia started at Pentacle (DanceWorks, Inc.) and the David Gordon Pick Up Company,
worked in the private sector and returned to Pentacle as Director of Educational
Programming, becoming Director of Programming and LA Operations, and co-Director.
Panelist: the LA Department of Cultural Affairs; LA County Arts Commission. Member:
The Ford Theater Connector Council. Current Board service: Dance Resource Center;
Koreatown Youth and Community Center. Past Board service: Dance/USA, co-Chairing
its Committee on Equity, Inclusion & Diversity; Pentacle; New Roads School; and Trash
for Teaching. Steering Committees: Arts for LAs 2014 Convergence; Wilshire
Boulevard Temple Karsh Social Service Center; Dance Committee of New York City
Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts.
Felicia practiced entertainment and intellectual property law for 5 years, and was
Executive VP New Product Development for Civic Research Institute, focusing on
criminal justice and interpersonal violence for 8. Felicia has a BA with Honors from
Swarthmore College, and a JD from Fordham Law School.
Jeff Ross, San Francisco IndieFest, San Francisco
After working as a promoter in college, I was Operations Manager at San Francisco
Film Society from 1997-2001 and Founded SF IndieFest in 1999. As director of
IndieFest I have produced over 50 film festivals, 6 music festivals and numerous art
shows, live theater and special events.
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Deanna Ross, Monterey Symphony, Del Rey Oaks
Deanna Ross is a theater choreographer and modern dance teacher who holds a
Masters degree in nonprofit management from the Middlebury Institute of International
Studies at Monterey. Since 2014, she has been Education Coordinator for the Monterey
Symphony, tasked with developing impactful outreach programs for Monterey County’s
economically and culturally diverse K-12 student population. Deanna has also taught
dance for Road Scholar programs since 2003, where her interactions with highly active
and engaged 80- and 90-somethings from around the world continuously inspire and
enrich her life. Deanna served twice as a peer panelist for the CA$H Grant program,
administered by Theatre Bay Area in San Francisco, and has been a guest speaker at
adoption-related conferences where she represents a birth/first parents perspective.
Deanna loves reading, writing, cooking, singing with her husband in the indie band The
Jinxes, raising her stepchildren Chloe (13) and Gavin (11) and having long,
philosophical talks with her biological daughter Lainey (24), who is Jewish and studying
Conflict Resolution in Tel Aviv. Deanna would love to participate in C.A.C.s peer review
panel to continue identifying what makes a good application ˜tickand learn about the
creative, worthy projects that grant applicants are developing.
Jamie Ross, Beats Lyrics Leaders, Auburn
J Ross Parrelli is what it would sound like if Joss Stone had been raised in the same
duplex as Notorious B.I.G. Recently signed to Universal Records, J Ross Parrelli’s
repertoire includes rap battles and festival stages from the Bronx to the Bay. Sultry
songstress turned community cultivator, Parrelli has spoken and performed at youth
leadership conferences all over the globe. Her interest in education reform led her to co-
found Beats, Lyrics, Leaders through which she is developing Hip Hop based curriculum
now being piloted in schools, foster youth programs, and native reservations.
Shary Ross, Formerly LA Unified School District/ Colburn School, Los Angeles
I have extensive dance experience as a teacher and performer in educational,
professional, and community settings. I served as a travelling dance instructor in the
early stages of the Los Angeles Unified School District Arts Prototype Program, creating
curriculum utilizing state standards and arts integration. In addition to teaching students,
I provided coaching for classroom teachers. I also participated in ongoing professional
development with colleagues in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. After working in
the elementary program I worked as a classroom dance teacher at the middle and high
school levels.
All of the public schools I worked at were in underserved and diverse communities of
Hollywood, South and Central Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley
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In addition, I taught adults and children in modern dance, ballet, and jazz dance at the
Colburn School of Performing Arts and for the Los Angeles Department of Recreation
and Parks, including choreographing dances for student performances. At the Parks
Department I succeeded in developing and expanding the dance program, creating
curriculum and class descriptions, as well as directing the student performances.
As a performer, I trained with and danced in the companies of Bonnie Oda Homsey,
Charles Edmondson, Sarah Elgart, Karen Goodman, and Stefan Wenta.
Whether teaching or performing, the use of and judging according to learned aesthetic
criteria is a skill I have developed over my entire professional career. I believe I would
provide fair and knowledgeable reviews, welcome diverse cultural influences, and would
provide a broad perspective of creative expression and aesthetic evaluation.
Marietta & Margarita Rubien, Banda, Light of Hope Agency, Citrus Heights
Margarita and I are very involved in the arts/and Cultural communities. We volunteer our
time and talent to the homeless shelters, utilizing art as a media of communication and
expression. We teach Vets the Art of Quilting as a tool to healing brain injuries, PTSD
and loss of limb. The Art of Quilting is two pronged:
Utilizing art on cloth and a viable job skill. Women who have fled abuse and human
trafficking need to find and outlet to communicate their trauma. We utilizing stained
glass, paper, paint, stenciling, storytelling including handmade puppets, visioneering
boards, music and poetry. We have even incorporated sculpting bread dough into art
projects to sustain the hungry.
Teens experiencing depression also have a group that utilizes art medium and includes
clay and framing their art.
Adoptive and foster children are able to express their grief and loss of family using
photography, storytelling, puppet making, plays and making movies.
As artists ourselves we are quite diverse. Margarita is bilingual and utilizes her art and
ability to draw out future artists. We create posters, brochures, quilts,wooden toys for
children, refinishing furniture.
Gloria Rubio, MorninGloria's, Santa Rosa
In my education, I received a dual Bachelor's in theatre arts with an emphasis in dance,
as well as psychology, and I'm currently mid-way through a Ph.D program in movement,
dance, and expressive arts therapy. I went on to work as the administrative coordinator
for Tamalpa Institute, a Marin County based non-profit training program focused on
movement and expressive arts. After 5 years there, I transitioned to become an
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administrator for Creative Sonoma, the arts division for the County of Sonoma that is
based inside the Economic Development Board. It was through this position that I had
more direct experience with supporting both the grants that we applied for, as well as
the grants that we provided. Since we were a small staff of three people, I held many
roles, including being a significant staff member during the 2017 fires that afflicted our
County, and the subsequent relief fund that we created in response. I'm also a founding
member, performer, and choreographer for contemporary dance based SoCo Dance
Theater and Latin dance based Latin Elements. Lastly, I am proud to own and run a
small Artisan business creating vintage-inspired beaded flowers.
Kristin Runnels, Los Angeles
With 10+ years of professional experience spanning private, philanthropic, and nonprofit
arenas, Kristin Runnels has cultivated a career with deep roots in Californias arts
nonprofit sector.
After exiting an early career as a violinist, Kristin interned at the L.A. Philharmonic in
2007. She subsequently worked at the Colburn Foundation Southern California’s
largest funder of classical music where she co-managed grants awarded to cultural
institutions across the region. Her works focus included extensive programmatic
evaluation to better understand the needs of her grantees and the communities they
served, and developing methods to provide service beyond the grant,including
managing professional development workshops for nonprofit executives.
In 2015, Kristin moved to the California Institute of the Arts - where she stewarded a
$4MM institutional giving portfolio, and in 2017, Kristin opened her own development
consulting firm. Her clients largely operate in the arts nonprofit sector and predominantly
benefit low-income and underserved communities in Los Angeles, students of all ages
engaging in the arts, and emerging artists.
Kristin has participated in local and national philanthropic and cultural networks,
including EAL/LA (executive chair); EPIP; Southern California Grantmakers; Americans
for the Arts; L.A. Arts Funders; and L.A. County Arts Commission's Arts Ed Collective
(steering committee).
Yolla Ryder, The Forgotten Theatre Company, Folsom
I am the co-Founder and Producer of The Forgotten Theatre Company based in
Sacramento. I am a practicing stage director having worked in theatre arts for over 35
years. Originally from Sacramento, I graduated from CSUS and obtained my Masters in
Theatre Arts from CSU Long Beach.
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I began my career in Long Beach, where I lived for a number of years, as Artist
(performing/directing) for the Inner City Cultural Center.
I later found employment with the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department in the
Cultural Services Department as Performing Artist and eventually became Performing
Arts Manager in that department. I ran two Theatre companies named The Long Beach
Actors Dessert Theatre and the Long Beach Theatre Festival. I also ran many activities
and cultural programs for children at various city recreation sites and provided touring
company programs throughout the Southern California region.
I then pursued my career in the UK as a director and educator for many years.
Upon returning to California, I remained in education and continued to work with local
Community theatre as a performing artist. I am presently an Elly Judge for SARTA and
a volunteer for Reading Partners in Sacramento.
Eduardo Salas, Open Hands, Riverside
I am an independent artist at Levy Studios and Creative Director at Open Hands. The
scope of my work embodies my ongoing interests in themes of representation of time
through material, process, and improvisation. I attempt to establish a link between
environments and my experiences within, which I recreate by applying abstraction.
Growing up in a small, family-owned, Mexican restaurant, I became enthralled by the
flavors and energy of the kitchen. Relying on my formal training as a chef, my practice
uses the same skill set in a reimagined way: colors replace flavors, texture becomes
surface, process opens to experimentation.
I have exhibited in Southern California and internationally. Recent group exhibitions
include Mutual Sensitivities at Pitzer College and Emerging 2018 at Healdsburg Center
for the Arts.
Aurelio Salazar, Jr., Catholic Charities, Salinas
Orphaned by the age 13, Aurelio grew up faster than his peers in one of the toughest
communities in the state of California for boys and men of color. He is a community
college graduate and holds a Bachelors Degree in Chicana Chicano Studies and will
receive his Masters Degree in Chicana Chicano Studies in December 2019 from San
José© State University. The Master Degree prepares students to enter American
institutions utilizing Critical Race Theory in transforming institutions through a racial
equity lens. He was a Program Officer for the Community Foundation for Monterey
County from 2008 to 2018 where he led the Foundations grassroots making program
and other larger grant making programs in the areas of youth, community development,
environment, animal welfare, and arts. He had served on various grants committees
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including United Way Monterey County, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and currently
the National Emergency Food and Shelter Program. He is a graduate of the Community
Leadership Program, the one-year program to build the next generation of nonprofit
leaders created by the Packard, Hewlett, and Irvine foundations. He is a folk-artist by
trade.
Nathalie Sanchez, MOCA, Los Angeles
Nathalie Sanchez is a Los Angeles based artist, art educator, museum educator, and
arts advocate. Sanchez received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Studio Arts with
an emphasis in education from Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Her curatorial, art
administrative and art education experiences with the Los Angeles County Museum of
Art, Fowler Museum, ESMoA, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs,
ArtworxLA, P.S. Arts, and Avenue 50 Studio, further enhance her personal and
professional art practice.
In 2010, Sanchez graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a Master of Fine
Arts in Public Practice. Combining her passion for socially conscious enriching work,
and participatory engagement through cross-cultural conversation, multi-media
installation, and event production, she has developed an art practice based on and in
the public realm. She has collaborated with cultural organizations and art institutions to
produce small and large-scale community art projects and public art programs.
Currently, she serves as the Visitor Engagement Supervisor at the Museum of
Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Roman Sanchez, Dell'Arte Inc., Brawley
Roman is the Assistant Executive Director at Dell'Arte International, Founding Artistic
Director of Lime Arts Productions, and serves on several art non-profit boards in
Humboldt and Imperial Counties. He received a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Humboldt
State University and has since been recognized by the Kennedy Center several times
including receiving the Arts Impact Award and LORT/ASPIRE Arts Administration
Award. He was also an Herb Alpert scholarship recipient and attended the Artist As
Citizen conference at The Juilliard School.
Avila Santo, omnipresence, Los Angeles
Avila Santo is a professional musician, composer, producer, Capoeirista and educator
based in Los Angeles, California. He is a Graduate from Berklee College of Music which
included studies abroad in Valencia, Spain. Avila's unique "Afro Future" style is rooted
in traditional Afro-Diasporic drumming, Candomblé, Capoeira, and the Blues, to name a
few. His portfolio of music catalyzes an alternative blend of Hip Hop, Jazz, Electronic
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and Afro-Latin. In 2016 and 2018 he was recognized by the Los Angeles Department of
Cultural Affairs with Artist in Residence grant.
Shweta Saraswat, Alliance for California Traditional Arts, Northridge
Shweta Saraswat is a media producer, cultural scholar, and Indian classical dancer
born and raised in Los Angeles. Shweta works for the Alliance for California Traditional
Arts (ACTA) as Digital Media Producer, where she focuses on telling the story of artists,
artistic practices, and community programs that define Californias cultural heritage. She
is also completing a Ph.D. in Culture and Performance at UCLA, where her research
looks at the relationship between diasporic identity and cultural production in the US
and the UK. Shweta completed an MA in Journalism at USCs Annenberg School for
Communication and Journalism; she has written and produced for The Atlantic, On
Being, The Global Post, and KNBC, exploring the social, cultural, and political impact of
the arts in communities ranging from Belfast to Long Beach. Shweta most recently
worked at the J. Paul Getty Museum, where she produced interpretive content for
exhibitions and education initiatives. She is also a longtime practitioner of Kathak, a
classical dance from north India, and has been training under Guru Rachana Upadhyay
for two decades. Shweta has performed internationally, and has given critical lecture
demonstrations at universities including UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Arts, and the
University of London.
Warren Sata, City of Pasadena, Arts & Culture Commission, Pasadena
Education: USC Music Performance 3 years, 1 year New College of CA, BA degree in
Writing & Humanities. Pacific Oaks College, MA, Human Development (creativity
emphasis), Teacher's College Columbia University, Ed.M, Music Education, Harvard
Graduate School of Education, M.Ed, Principal's Program. LA Philharmonic Minority
Training Program participant informally as they were just forming the program,
Scholarship to USC Music School, National Endowment for the Arts award recipient,
Folk Arts Music (Taiko), Obi Award appearance in Off Broadway show, National &
International touring, Kennedy Center appearance, Program Assistant to Midori's
(Violin) non-profit, Assistant Director of Bands Columbia University, Gold Ribbon Site
Adjudicator LA County Office of Education, WASC site evaluator, UCCI participant,
former member of East West Players Theater Co. & participated w/groups like ECCLA,
local law enforcement, the Fulfillment Fund, to bam a few examples.
Debra Scacco, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, Los Angeles
Artist, curator and projects director Debra Scacco addresses structures of permission:
environmentally, politically and socially. Exhibitions include Royal Academy of Arts
(London), LAX Airport, and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London). In 2012, she was
the inaugural Artist-in-Residence at Ellis Island Museum (NYC). Her public installation
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Origins: Los Angeles River 1815/1825 is housed at Los Angeles State Historic Park.
Collections include LACMA, Hammer Museum and CAA. Her recent solo exhibition The
Narrows (Klowden Mann, 2018) utilized research from the Ellis Island Archives to
address untold histories. The show is best described in Shana Nys Dambrots Art &
Cake review.
Scacco is Founding Director of AIR, the artist-in-residence program at Los Angeles
Cleantech Incubator. AIR supports research-led artists making work about climate
change, and includes public programming focused on equity and empowering artists to
express their capability as entrepreneurs and strategic thinkers.
Curatorial projects include:
Defining Line (Along the Los Angeles River). Featuring Tongva Elder Julia Bogany,
Andrea Chung, Gala Porres-Kim.
La Reina de Los Angeles (Descanso Gardens). Featuring Judith F Baca, Carolina
Caycedo, Mercedes Dorame, Nicholas Hummingbird.
On Going Home (Charlie James Gallery. Part of PST: LA/LA). Featuring Tanya
Aguiñiga, Carmen Argote, Shagha Ariannia.
Constance Schlelein, Arts Council Napa Valley, Sonoma
As Arts Education Coordinator of Arts Council of Napa Valley, I am focused on
improving the cultural ecosystem in Napa Valley. My entire life, I have been a
passionate advocate for equitable, quality, standards-based arts education. After a 30
year career in arts education in Colorado, I relocated to the North Bay. After arriving
from a state where arts education is considered Common Core, I was shocked to be in
a state that was ranked 45th in the country in education. Luckily, I discovered a group of
arts education visionaries working to improving arts education in Napa Valley and was
welcomed in their alliance.
I was a high school and college visual art teacher, VAPA coordinator and public art
administrator, President of Colorado Art Education Association, Vice-President of the
National Arts Education Association and worked on the national Visual Arts Standards.
Our inspiring team of arts ed advocates are working to restore equitable Arts Education
to Napa Valley through partnerships with Arts Council of Napa Valley, Festival Napa
Valley, The Education Foundation, Notes For Education with the Napa Valley Unified
School District and the Office of Education and the California Alliance for Arts
Education.
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Annie Schmidt, Fresno Philharmonic, Fresno
Annie Schmidt is currently Development Director for the Fresno Philharmonic where she
oversees fundraising and audience engagement efforts for Fresno's professional
symphony orchestra. She has worked in a variety of development, communication and
audience engagement roles for organizations across the U.S. including the Fresno Art
Museum (Fresno, CA), Walker Art Center (Minneapolis, MN), Kulture Klub Collaborative
(Minneapolis, MN), and American Cancer Society Youth Speak Out! Initiative (Seattle,
WA). Annie has a B.A. in Music and Communication from the University of Puget Sound
and is an advisory board member for Fresno Filmworks.
David Schoffman, Eastern/Western Civilization, Los Angeles
I have been an active professional artist for over forty years. I speak several languages
which has facilitated my extensive travel. I have received grants to study and work in
China, Cuba and Italy. My teaching career has brought me into contact with a myriad of
students, both here and in Paris (where I taught at the Paris College of Art). I have
exhibited my work extensively and have published several artist books, currently
available on Amazon. I am also the creator and producer of the critically acclaimed
podcast "The Lives of Contemporary Artists."
Ricky Schultz, American Arts Trust, North Hollywood
Life-long arts advocate, thirty-eight years in the Music industry as an executive and
producer in both corporate and indie companies. Co-founded American Arts Trust,
home to The American Veterans Art Wall. Photographer. /www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-
schultz-265b362/
Jennifer Schwartz, PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Santa Maria
Jennifer Schwartz has worked for over 15 years as a non-profit arts manager. She was
the Finance and Administration Director at the San Jose Repertory Theatre. She has
held finance positions at SFJAZZ, The San Francisco Film Society and The Paul
Dresher Ensemble. She was the Associate Managing Director at the Yale Repertory
Theatre where she produced The Special Events Series that included artists, Don
Byron, Meredith Monk and Guillermo Gomez-Pena. She has worked in Los Angeles for
New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. Schwartz has worked as a consultant for
many Bay Area non-profits including The Magnes Museum, Southern Exposure, Prison
Law Office, Glide Community Housing, Root Division, We Care, World Savvy and Youth
Speaks. She is an award winning playwright and screenwriter and founder of San
Francisco Stage & Film, a non-profit organization that produces works by and about
under-represented communities. Schwartz produced The Womens Comedy Show for
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public radio and received an NEA grant to take the show to a national audience. She
has an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
Freya Seeburger, Juxtapositions, San Jose
Freya Seeburger aka Cellista is an American cellist, performance artist & the artistic
director of the interdisciplinary performing arts group Juxtapositions. She is known for
her collaborations with artists across various media, as well self-producing stage poems
(live performances staged in unconventional spaces that incorporate elements of
classical music, theater, improvisation and visual art across a range of genres including
pop, hip-hop, classical and more). She has received mention in Juxtapose magazine,
KQED, and PBS. She served on the San Jose arts commission in 2015. She is currently
studying for her masters in business at Berklee College of Music.
Michael Sheehan, Artist, Glendale
Having made my living as an actor; having made art since the 1970s and having
contributed to two important installations at The Gas Station Gallery here in South
Glendale as well as having a solo show at the Brand and contributing to shows at the
LAMunicipalArtGallery, I feel extraordinarily qualified to vet art. I write Theatre Reviews
at onstagelosangeles.blogspot.com Please see also
http://july4thgasstationproject.blogspot.com/ and
http://gasstationinstallation.blogspot.com/
Scarlett Shepard, Artist, Non Profit/Development Professional, Educator, Clayton
I have over 15 yearsexperience in nonprofit management, audience engagement,
strategic arts, philanthropy, health and education. It has been quite a journey going from
aspiring artist to founding a film festival, co-hosting a radio show, and becoming a film
director, and a trusted mentor. I have spearheaded and marketed over 600 films to
audiences, including feature films, short films, animation, documentaries, and music
videos, representing a diverse range of American and international independent
filmmakers, and organized festival and tour screenings, and special events locally and
globally. Uniting my love of film and leveraging my greatest passions of equality,
community building, and storytelling, I have consulted for and served on many panels
discussing independent filmmaking and audience engagement, and have curated
content for such organizations as The West Hollywood Women's Advisory Board’s
Womens International Day with Gloria Allred, the Society for Photographic Education
Annual Conference, American University of Rome, and Senator Mark Lenos Girls
Conference. I continue to use my strength and experience in developing, organizing and
leading engagement initiatives, and building partnerships that generate reach, results,
and representation.
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Wendy Sherman, sp[a]ce Gallery, Los Angeles
Wendy Sherman, former manager and assistant curator of Gregorio Escalante Gallery
(http://www.gregorioescalante.com/past/) in LAs Chinatown Arts District is the current
manager of sp[a]ce Gallery in Pasadena, CA (http://space.ayzenberg.com). Wendy
received a MFA in Museum Studies and Exhibition Design from Cal State University
Fullerton in 2014 and has over 9 years of experience curating and organizing art
exhibitions in Los Angeles and Orange County. She most recently organized and
produced the recent exhibition, "Spatial Reality: Artists Explore the Future of XR"
featuring 30 artists working in XR (extended reality) which includes virtual reality (VR)
and augmented reality (AR) at sp[a]ce Gallery. Wendy's MFA exhibition, titled "Hearsay:
Artists Reveal Urban Legends" which originated at Cal State University, Fullerton,
traveled to The Museum of Art and History (MOAH) in Lancaster, CA and also LADAD
space in Downtown Los Angeles, where it was awarded funding from the Department of
Cultural Affairs. Wendy has also curated recent exhibitions at ArtShare LA and
Groundspace Project.
Anthony Sigala, Brawley
I graduated from Art Center College of Design in 1988, I was an illustrator/ designer for
several years while teaching art at Pasadena City College, Imperial Valley College and
Los Angeles County High school for the Arts. My path led me to California Correctional
Education. I just retired as a School Principal for the Ca Department of Corrections after
26 years. I oversaw education programs at various institutions, supervised credential
teachers and planned rehabilitation programs.
Currently, I have plans to resume my career in illustration and design as well as writing
a book on my experiences in correctional education. I believe our youth should
experience the arts and be able to express themselves in all communities .Rewarding
as my career was I strongly believe the arts can be another way youth can see the
value in themselves. We must reach them in their own communities. I witnessed the
desperation frustration many offenders have and how the arts provided them a resource
to reach within themselves and share that good with others. I have always believed in
the power of the Arts and Education to be able to transforms lives. I will be honored if
selected.
Kevin Simmonds, Theatre of Yugen and Zaccho Dance Theatre, San Francisco
Kevin Simmonds is a writer and musician originally from New Orleans. His poetry
collections include Bend to It and Mad for Meat (Salmon Poetry), and his edited works
include the anthology Collective Brightness: LGBTIQ Poets on Faith, Religion &
Spirituality (Sibling Rivalry) and the poetry collection Ota Benga Under My Mother's
Roof (University of South Carolina). He has received fellowships from Cave Canem,
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Creative Work Fund, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Arts
Commission and Fulbright. Most recently, he received the RHINO Founders' Prize and
the Edward Stanley Award from Prairie Schooner.
Thomas Simpson, AfroSolo Theatre Company, San Francisco
Thomas Robert Simpson is an actor, director, producer, and writer He is the founder
and artistic director of AfroSolo Theatre Company. For the past twenty-four years he
has produced the award winning and critically acclaimed AfroSolo Arts Festival in San
Francisco; during this time he has presented over one-hundred solo artists. He has also
produced twenty jazz concerts, curated more than twenty visual arts exhibits, organized
community health fairs, hosted forums and conducted numerous workshops.
I have served on peer panels for the San Francisco Arts Commission, California Arts
Council and the Oakland Arts Commission.
I have also served as a member of the Board of Directors for Theatre Bay Area and
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. He is presently a member of the Board of Directors for
the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Sharon Siskin, Artist + Peralta colleges, Art Departments + Goddard College, MFA
in Interdisciplinary Arts Program, Berkeley
BFA, Tyler School of Art, Temple University; MA, University of New Mexico, MFA,
University of California at Berkeley.
Sharon Siskin has an extensive national exhibition record, showing her work in
museums, galleries and public sites for nearly 40 years. She is the recipient of awards
and grants that include a Visual Arts Fellowship from the California Arts Council in 2003,
the 2001 Potrero Nuevo Prize, Noetic Arts Program Community Grant, San Francisco
Arts Commission Market Street Art in Transit Commission and 12 California Arts
Council Artist in Residence Grants for community-based public art projects in the San
Francisco Bay Area AIDS support service community and in the City of Berkeley
homeless women and children services community. She was the Artist in Residence at
San Francisco Recycling & Disposal, Inc. (now called Recology) in the summer of 2004
and Artist in Residence at Playa, in Summer Lake, Oregon in Spring 2015. Her artwork
has been featured in numerous publications including Notes on the Need for Beauty: An
Intimate Look at an Essential Quality (2007), by J.Ruth Gendler; Women Artists in the
American West (2003), edited by Susan Ressler, Lure of the Local: Sense of Place in a
Multicentered Society (1997), by Lucy Lippard, Connecting Conversations: Interviews
with 28 Bay Area Women Artists (1988), edited by Moira Roth and Site to Sight,
Mapping Bay Area Visual Culture (1995), edited by Lydia Mathiews. Her work as a
community-based art professor is featured in a book entitled Outside the Frame:
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Teaching Art for Social Change, by Beverly Naidus, published by New Village Press in
2009.
Since 2009 she has served as a Faculty Advisor in the MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts
Program at Goddard College in Port Townsend, WA, and an Adjunct Professor in the
Art and Cultural Studies Program at Berkeley City College and in the Art Department at
Laney College, where she teaches both studio-based and socially-engaged courses
that include Artist as Citizen and EcoArt Matters. She has taught at the San Francisco
Art Institute, California College of the Arts, John F. Kennedy University, California State
University East Bay, University of New Mexico, at several Bay Area Community
Colleges, and for 5 years as an Assistant Professor at University of San Francisco.
From 1993 through 1995 she worked as an Art Instructor for the William James
Association, at the California Medical Facility, in Vacaville, CA, where she worked
primarily with incarcerated men and incarcerated transgendered adults who were HIV
positive, living with AIDS, or dying in the AIDS Hospice. She is the founder of Positive
Art from 1988 to present, an art project in the Bay Area AIDS services community. She
has lectured extensively in art colleges, universities, professional conferences, galleries
and museums throughout the United States.
Gwen Sliger, Americans For the Arts, La Verne Heritage Foundation, In process -
Maloof Foundation, La Verne
I have been involved in the arts since childhood. I started singing and acting at an early
age. I lived in Long Beach where I became a Docent and taught for their Kids Visions,
also served on the Docent Council and was the Docent Council Representative on the
Museum Board. I lived in Dallas and was a teacher for the DMA Go Van Gogh program.
I was a member of the Speakers Bureau at the Dallas Arboretum and gave talks on the
Arboretum and artworks there. In New Hampshire I was on the Friends of the Amherst
Town Library Board and served as the Children's Art Show Coordinator (a juried show).
I recently moved back to California and have started to become involved in activities
here again. I am still singing and speaking when the opportunities arise.
Sara Smallhouse, Butte College, Chico
As a student at East Los Angeles Community College, I worked as a gallery assistant at
the Vincent Price Art Museum on campus. Excitement for this work, curating exhibits
and handling art, led me to a degree in Art History from UC Irvine in 2008. I continued in
the museum field as Museum Assistant at the Hollywood Bowl Museum. I experienced
the desire to travel and work abroad, so for over 2 years I taught English in Seoul,
South Korea. There, I discovered a passion for teaching which I refined in graduate
school at CSU, Chico, where I grated with an M.A. in Art history in 2015. I am currently
tenure track faculty in Art History at Butte College and have taught for 3 years. I still
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remain active in the museum world as a Board member of the Museum of Northern
California Art.
Judith Smith, Independent Contractor, Oakland
Judith Smith, Founder and Director Emerita of AXIS Dance Company, is one of the
worlds driving forces in physically integrated dance. Under Judiths direction AXIS
commissioned more than 35 works from the nations best choreographers and
composers; toured to over 100 cities and appeared twice on FOX TVS So You Think
You Can Dance. She led the development of the fields most extensive integrated dance
education/outreach programs with a range of programs serving all ages, abilities and
interests from recreation to the pursuit of a professional career.
Her advocacy/equity work led to the first-ever National Convening on the Future of
Physically Integrated Dance in the USA. This project culminated in an extensive report
and the launch of the AXIS Artistic Advancement Platform to Advance Artistry,
Opportunity and Equity for Dancers with Disabilities. She was instrumental in the
creation of the Dance/USA Disability and Dance Affinity Group and co-chairs the group.
Her awards include the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award; KQEDs Local Hero;
an Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Sustained Achievement; the O2 Initiatives
Sabbatical Award; Red Oak FoundationsCommunity Excellence Award and she is one
of Theatre Bay Areas 40 people that have changed the face of Bay Area theatre. Judith
is an independent consultant in dance and disability.
Carl Smith, River, Laguna Beach
Director Carl E. Smith has organized and produced exhibitions and other art events in
California and internationally for the past two decades. Smith opened his first gallery in
the Czech Republic 15 years ago, curating young artists into their first exhibitions. He
has advocated for artists on commercial and fine art platforms between Prague, his
hometown of Laguna Beach and subsequently, CES Gallery, in Downtown LAall with
the intention of fostering artistic vision. He is passionate about art and is dedicated to
helping emerging artists through the crucial first stages of their careers, while providing
more established artists with unique opportunities. Smith is an active creative,
specializing in art, design and education. He currently works as an art director, designer
and instructor, conducting professional practice workshops for artists at various
institutions.
Rachel Smith, UC Davis, Davis
Rachel Maryam Smith is an Asian-American graduate student in the Studio Art MFA
program at UC Davis investigating duration and trauma. She earned her double-major
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BA in Art (studio) and History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) at UC Santa Cruz where
she served on the Arts Deans Advisory Board, HAVC Chair Advisory Board, Child Care
Advisory Board, and as a HAVC Mentor. Growing up, she participated in music, theater,
and art programs in San Joaquin and Santa Cruz County schools and performed with
the Mountain Community and Cabrillo College theaters. Previous to returning to
university, Rachel was deeply involved with seed bead beadwork. In 2011, the
Smithsonian Renwick Gallery requested her curriculum vitae for the 2012 40 Under 40
exhibition. During the same period, she participated in Santa Cruz Open Studios for five
years, traveled the United States and neighboring countries teaching beadwork, and
published articles and three books on the topic.
Kelly Smith Cassidy, South Lake Tahoe
I am the current President of The Tahoe Art League (TAL) in South Lake Tahoe, CA. I
have served on the TAL board since 2013. I am a third-generation Fine Artist and I have
been a professional fine artist since I was 17 (22 years in the business this year). I have
worked towards creating children's art programs and cultural enrichment programs
through my Presidency.
Robin Sohnen, Each One Each One, South San Francisco
Before starting Each One Reach One (EORO) in 1998, Robin was a Meisner trained
theater artist, event producer, and marketing specialist. In 1987, she founded and
directed Centre 4 Events; Los Angeles-based group specializing in designing, and
producing live theater as unique vehicles for companies to communicate their message
to employees and clients.
In 1998, Robin decided to start a non-profit organization to address the escalating rate
of incarcerating youth of color by exploring theater-based strategies that could
effectively break the cycle of violence and divert youth from the adult prison system.
In 2017, Robin was awarded the Children's Theatre Foundation of America’s Orlin
Corey Medallion Award for EOROs significant achievements for the enrichment of
children through theater and the arts. EORO has been a national finalist for President’s
Committee on the Arts Youth Program Awards in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
Robin is also a contributing author in the award winning book; challenging the Prison-
Industrial Complex: Activism, Arts, & Educational Alternatives. Robin has served as
member of the Skyline College Administration of Justice Advisory Committee and
received the 1999 the New American Community Award from National Council on
Crime and Delinquency for EORO's creative efforts to reduce crime.
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Wendy Soneson, Soneson Studios, Oakland
I have taught art for 45 years and now am an independent artist and teacher in the Bay
Area. My Masters degree is in the Arts in Human Development from Lesley University. I
have served as judge on many committees for various arts organizations. I have taught
all ages and in a wide variety of institutions including charter schools for inner city
students and dozens of nonprofit arts centers. I have displayed my paintings in many
venues including a one woman show this year at Oakland City Hall, the subject being
the clash of cultures in Oakland. I have been artist in resident at several major
museums including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Currently I teach elders in
classroom settings as well as in home lessons for disabled students. I have received
many grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and from the Philanthropic
Institute.
Monique Sonoquie, The Indigenous Youth Foundation, Inc., Chico
Monique Sonoquie (Chumash/Apache/Yaqui/Zapotec/Irish). Cultural
Practitioner/Presenter, Author, Videographer and Maori Romiromi Practitioner. Board
member - Indigenous Youth Foundation, PIKO Maui & Native Womens Health and
Wellness Alliance. Promotes and provides Traditional Foods & Medicines,
Organic/Gluten/dairy and Waste Free events. Established gardens/trees at Tribal
schools. Creates culture & health book/videos with youth. Author of children's book, The
Beginning of the Chumash.
As the co-founder of IYF I have written grants for, and collaborated with other
organizations for the production of Indigenous culture books and videos, traditional
crafts and language classes and youth camps. We have received many small grants, as
our organization is small and project based with no paid staff. I have been part of grant
review boards such as The Fund for Santa Barbara and the Administration for Native
Americans (both many years ago).
Violetta Antonia Sorcini, Sorcini by Design, Los Angeles
Raised in East Los Angeles leaving home at the age of Fifteen MS. Violetta Antonia
Sorcini became acquainted with street and mural artists Los Cuatro from East Los
Angeles. Inspired, she graduated from UCLA School of Arts studying an influenced by
Richard Diebenkron, Sam Amato, Jan Stussy among others. Ms. Sorcini had a long
career as an abstract artist, showing regularly with representation in Los Angeles and in
New York. Her honors included a residency in Spain and being invited by His Majesty
Juan Carlos II to a group show at the Palace Armory in Madrid, with notable American
and European artists Jamie Wyeth and works by the renowned Spanish artist Xavier
Corbero. Over 15 years ago, she was stricken with a near fatal illness with a long
rehabilitation. Having restarted her art career with a number of projects that involve
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taking a look at her social and physical environments and making interpretations from
experiences and social sensibilities. Currently, exhibiting locally, internationally and
associated with the ChimMaya Art Gallery and La Galleria Gitana in Los Angeles,
California. After a successful career in abstract art Ms. Violetta Antonia Sorcini is again
an emerging artist.
Ismael Soto, Magnolia Public Schools, Los Angeles
In his role as Director of Partnerships, Mr. Soto is charged with leading efforts in the
areas of external relations, marketing, communications, development, and strategic
partnerships. In addition, during the 2017-2018 academic school year he served as the
Interim Chief External Officer where he successfully lead efforts with charter school
renewal with various authorizing bodies and created the Parent and Community
Engagement program that aims to empower school stakeholders to deepen their
connection with the families and communities they serve, support advocacy efforts, and
develop transformational leaders who are committed to Innovation, Connection, and
Excellence.
He has over twenty-one years of experience leading in public charter schools in Los
Angeles. Mr. Soto graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in
Communication Arts and is currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Leadership
Development at Chapman University. He previously served as the Director of Visual
and Performing Arts and Communications Manager for a district-wide CMO where he
managed a team of twelve art teachers and numerous external partners across Los
Angeles County.
Andrea Spearman, 1986, Oakland
Andréa Spearman is a student, teacher, choreographer, and performer of a variety of
modern-based movement. Her 20-year background includes the study of modern
dance, hip hop, jazz, west African, ballet, Haitian, Latin styles, worship dance, musical
and dramatic theatre, music theory, dance composition, dance history and production.
She has studied under Dawn James, PJay Phillips, Dr. Linda Goodrich, Jacqueline
Burgess, Dr. Zak Diouf and Carla Service. In the most recent 5 years, she has focused
on working in the nonprofit arts administration sector, working for World Arts West and
DancersGroup, along with taking a position as Work Exchange Coordinator for The
Beat Berkeley Performing Arts in 2014 and consulting as Stage Manager and
Choreographer for the Black History Month Praise Explosion 2016 and 2017 at St.
Marys College of California.
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Amy Spencer, The Richmond Art Center, Richmond
Amy Spencer is the Exhibitions Director at the Richmond Art Center, where she is
responsible for developing an exhibition program that explores the interconnection
between the visual arts and the culturally rich communities of the Bay Area. She has
over ten years experience organizing exhibitions and supporting community art at
regional art centers, government entities and museums. Formally Amy served as
community arts development coordinator at the Nevada Arts Council and as program
coordinator/curator at Pro Arts in Oakland.
John Spiak, CSUF Grand Central Art Center, Santa Ana
John D. Spiak was appointed Director/Chief Curator of CSUF Grand Central Art Center
(GCAC), Santa Ana in September of 2011. His curatorial emphasis is on contemporary
art and society, with focus on works in socially engaged practices and video. GCAC
hosts national and international artists-in-residence as they develop projects, most
recently Paul Ramirez Jonas, Adriana Salazar, Carmen Papalia, Daniel Tucker, and
Lisa Bielawa. Prior to GCAC, Spiak was Curator at the Arizona State University Art
Museum, joining that staff in 1994. He was in charge of the ASU Art Museum residency
series Social Studies, originating project by Julianne Swartz, Jillian McDonald, Josh
Green, Gregory Sale, Jennifer Nelson. In 1997, he founded and was director for fifteen
years for the ASUAM Short Film and Video Festival. He has curated over 100 solo and
group exhibitions, working directly with artists including Pipilotti Rist, Shirin Neshat,
Brent Green, Tony de los Reyes, Kenyatta A. C. Hinkle, and Adam Chodzko. His project
have received support from such prestigious organizations as The British Council,
Metabolic Studio, Polish Cultural Institute, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), CEC
ArtsLink, Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund and three grants from The Andy Warhol
Foundation for the Visual Arts.
Sarah Spinks, Backfence Society, Inc., City of Vista, Vista
Founder of the Backfence Society (501c3) community art organization
(backfencesociety.com). Chair of the City of Vista Public Arts Commission since 2015.
Tattooing since 2005. Creating public art projects since 2013. @sarahsspinks
Richard Stein, Arts Orange County, Irvine
Rick has served for 10 years as President & CEO of Arts Orange County, the
countywide nonprofit arts agency and State-Local Partner, which provides a robust
menu of programs and services for artists, arts organizations, arts education and
municipalities. Before that, over 17 years as its Executive Director, he transformed
Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach from an amateur theatre into a $7 million budget
professional resident theatre company. Earlier in his career, he ran a small professional
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theater company, a university performing arts center, held senior management positions
with two symphony orchestras, and was executive director of a countywide arts council
in upstate New York. He holds degrees in English from Columbia and Syracuse
Universities. A member of the Board of California Arts Advocates & Californians for the
Arts, he served as their President for three terms. He has been a grants
reviewer/panelist for National Endowment for the Arts, Western States Arts Federation,
New England Foundation for the Arts, California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Arts
Commission, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Riverside Arts Council,
Louisville, KY Fund for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on the Arts. He is a resident
of San Juan Capistrano.
Victoria Stevens, Pacifica Graduate Institute/Antioch University/Self, Santa
Monica
My research specialty is the study of the development and inhibition of creativity in
children and adults, with an emphasis on the relationship between creative thinking,
neurobiology, emotional development, trauma, and affect regulation. I integrate my
artistic experience with my expertise in psychology and pedagogical theory to develop
innovative arts education curricula and assessments, teacher training programs and
trainings for those who work with veterans, foster children, gifted, twice-exceptional, and
at-risk” youth. I provide professional development training for teachers in public and
private schools across the country on the subjects of creativity, the arts, trauma,
emotional regulation, imagination, and metacognition as they relate to life-long learning
and academic achievement for all children. I developed the full curriculum framework for
an innovative new charter high school in Salinas California that integrates all art forms,
media arts and technology with core curricular subjects focused on developing creative
thinking. I recently returned from creating a full pre-K 12th grade curriculum for the
Center for Teaching and Learning in Abuja, Nigeria which integrates 21st century skills,
empathy, leadership, and collaborative project-based learning with STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) skills. This innovative school is dedicated to
developing leadership skills in their students and providing teacher training for teachers
throughout Africa. I am an independent consultant for research, program development,
and leadership for A Sense of Home which creates homes and community for former
foster youth, and a research consultant for the Imagination Workshop offering trauma
informed theatre improvisation and playwriting workshops for veterans, at-risk youth, the
elderly, and those with psychiatric illnesses. I have been a peer reviewer for the
Grammy Foundation for music and science research grants for 11 years, and a peer
reviewer for the JumpStarts program for the California Arts Council.
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Taryn Stroop, Chapman University, Orange
At Chapman University I serve as the Grants Analyst for the College of Arts, Humanities
and Social Sciences. I have a BA in Sociology and graduate certificates in
Grantsmanship and Arts Management, as well as extensive experience in project and
event management. In 2015, I assisted with a multi-activity grant from the European
Union in Creative Industries including hosting three artists in residence, the
establishment of a CCI incubator, and an international conference; I am the creative
director for the colleges largest interdisciplinary event which includes establishing local
community partnerships, running marketing campaigns, and event design and
execution. Along with the City of Santa Ana, myself and Victor Payan (of MASA)
envisioned a placemaking project for the NEAs creative placemaking grant program. If
funded, the project will begin this July adjacent to the launch of the cities street car. In
addition to my professional experience, I am creative by nature; I practice art and
creative writing as hobbies, and I co-host/produce a podcast interviewing those working
in arts and culture across the U.S. Although I am early career I would love the
opportunity to be selected as a panelist for this years CA Arts Council.
Jessica Swanson, San Bernardino City Unified and Empire Wind Ensemble, San
Bernardino
I have been a public school teacher in the areas of art and music for the last 18 years. I
currently live in a cultural void in San Bernardino. I have created organizations to fill that
void and am working toward partnering with area groups to expand our reach and focus.
Lisette Sweetland, Tuolumne County Arts Alliance, Sonora
I am a long time arts advocate. My work as an Executive Director allows me an
opportunity to impact my community and hopefully bring about change through artistic
expression. Accessibility to art (especially for marginalized groups) is our biggest
motivator.
James A. Tabuchi, Sacramento Mandarins, Elk Grove
James Tabuchi has been the Executive Director the Sacramento Mandarins since 2013.
The Mandarins mission is to Transform the Lives of Children through Musical
Performance and they have been doing so since 1963. He brings to bear a unique set
of experience in electrical engineering, performing arts, organizational development and
music education. His experience includes being a Senior Manager at Hewlett-Packard,
an Executive Director for the Sacramento Mandarins, Director of Organizational
Development at Kaiser Permanente and Senior Fellow at the American Leadership
Forum. In his tenure at the Mandarins, the organization has grown to impact the lives of
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over 1,000 students per year in their Drum and Bugle Corps and Music Academy
Programs.
Leah Tarlen, 826 Valencia, San Francisco
I have an MA in Museum Studies and a 20-year career in the non-profit sector with a
focus on art and education. I began my career as an Education Curator at the Museum
of Craft and Folk Art in Santa Cruz, moving into Development (with a focus on grants)
after returning to my hometown, San Francisco. Former institutions where I have
worked as a fundraiser include the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Yerba Buena Center
for the Arts, Contemporary Jewish Museum, and currently, 826 Valencia. I have also
worked as a freelance grant writer for organizations such as the San Jose Museum of
Art, Cantor Center for the Arts, Noe Valley Chamber Music, and College Track. In
addition to fundraising, I worked as a bookkeeper at the San Francisco Opera Guild
while in graduate school and am adept at reading non-profit financial statements and
990s. Outside of work, I serve on the Board of Creativity Explored, an organization that
supports artists with developmental disabilities. I also enjoyed three years serving on
the program committee of ArtTable, a volunteer-run professional organization dedicated
to advancing the leadership of women in the visual arts.
Andrea Tatum, Tableau Software, Oakland
I started my career in the arts as a Public Relations intern at the Tennessee Performing
Arts Center in Nashville, TN. I was subsequently hired full-time as a marketing assistant
upon graduation. I went on to work at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA, which is a
part of the Woodruff Arts Center (also home to the High Museum of Arts and the Atlanta
Symphony). Working at the Arts Center meant I had constant access to amazing
regional theatre, breathtaking art exhibits and wonderful music. I was recognized by
Rolling Out magazine as one of Atlantas 25 Most Influential Women for the work that I
was doing to increase the number of young patrons. After moving to San Francisco in
2011, I continued my work in the arts with the Smuin Ballet and The San Francisco
Symphony. Although I currently do not work in the arts, I am still a patron and arts lover.
Joanne Tawfilis, UNESCO National Commissioner/Co Founder Art Miles Mural
Project and Muramid Mural Museum, Oceanside
I have worked in the arts community for more than 35 years and previously owned an
art gallery in Vienna, Austria, in Gales Ferry, CT USA, and currently in Oceanside,
California (under renovation). I have curated and served on selection panels with the
Haymarket Foundation in Connecticut and Massachusetts and was awarded an
honorary PhD from CSUSM in 2016. I founded the Art Miles Mural Project in 1997 in
Bosnia where the first of more than 4,500 murals have been painted on canvas
throughout the world with more than 1/2 million people from over 100 countries. I am a
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retired UN Executive level employee and currently serve as a member of the US
National Commission to UNESCO.
Judith Teitelman, Judith Teitelman Consulting, Los Angeles
Judith Teitelman brings 36 years of experience in helping arts and cultural organizations
strengthen their management and resource generating capacities and effectively plan
for the future. She is a strong proponent of initiatives designed to examine and
challenge long-standing assumptions about nonprofit administration, and is committed
to helping organizations rethink ˜business as usual.Judith is also a mentor and
professional advisor to artists working in all disciplines. A skilled, innovative designer
and facilitator of meetings and retreats, she regularly works with Boards of Directors
and staff to institute positive, effective organizational change. Between 1994 and 1996
the last three years of the program Judith served as a Planning Consultant to the
N.E.A.s Advancement Program. The L.A. County Arts Commission contracted Judith as
a Technical Assistance Specialist for more than a decade, and she worked with the
Flintridge Foundations Nonprofit Leadership Program in a similar capacity during the
programs four-year history. Her Los Angeles-based national consulting practice
provides a full range of services tailored to meet the unique vision and particular needs
of each organization and artist. In her parallel realm, Judith's debut novel, "Guesthouse
for Ganesha," a magical realist tale of love, loss, and spirit reclaimed, will be published
7 May, 2019.
Rhoda Teplow, Mendocino Dance Series, Gloriana Opera Company, Rhoda
Teplow Presents, Fort Bragg U.S. District, Mendocino
For a decade I was the Executive Director of the Mendocino Dance Series bringing
world class dance companies from around the world to perform at Cotton Auditorium in
Fort Bragg, CA. This brought me a fellowship to be at the NEA in the Dance Department
where I specialized in dance touring. I was also secretary and grant writer for the
Gloriana Opera Company and helped other non-profits write their grants. I was a site
visitor for the CAC. For 12 years I was a booking agent/manager for La Tania,
Flamenco Dancer and the Lily Cai Dance Company and others. For a couple of years I
was the director of the Mendocino County Arts Council. I am currently teaching at the
Coastal Adult School in Fort Bragg, CA.
Tracy Teran, Fresno State University, Reedley
Tracy Teran is an educator, performance artist, writer, academic and curator. Her
articles on art theory, criticism, and visitor experience has been featured in the Long
Beach Post, the Journal of the North American Japanese Garden Association and the
Community Alliance Newspaper. Her graduate thesis, Freelance: A Felipe Ehrenberg
Monograph, was one of the first comprehensive studies in English on the Mexican post-
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modern artist. Teran has worked extensively in cultural museums performing
programming, fundraising, curatorial and educational duties in spaces such as The
Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in
Long Beach, and as Director of Education for the Shinzen Japanese Garden in Fresno
developing an interactive, arts-based tour. Her performances are baroque in nature,
combining storytelling, installation, music and performative elements navigating
personal and public myths around the formation of feminine identity. She received her
B.A. in History and Art History from UCLA and an M.A. and Graduate Certificate in
Curatorial Studies from California State University, Long Beach. She is a Lecturer of Art
History at Fresno State University, and Adjunct Art Faculty for State Center Community
College District where she teaches courses in art history and art appreciation.
Shivani Thakkar, Independent Artist/MKM Bollystars Dance Company, North
Hollywood
Shivani is an internationally recognized choreographer, dancer, master teacher, and
actress. Her artistic practice comprises of Bharata Natyam, Tap, Jazz, Ballet,
Bollywood, and Classical Fusion. She Artistic Director of the MKM BollyStars Dance
Company and Academy (www.mkmbollystars.com) which present artistic, commercial,
and educational works. Memorable credits include: Hollywood Bowl Summer Sounds,
Disney's Step Up 3-D, Bellydance Superstars' Bombay Bellywood Japan Tour,
Bollywood film Chance Pe Dance, Canadian tour of Dvaya: A Confluence of Male
Female Spirits, Girish Karnad's Naga Mandala (USC), Vanitha Film Awards (India),
productions with Navarasa Dance Theatre, and numerous performances at dance
festivals across the US, Canada, and India, and various museums including the Los
Angeles County Museum of Arts, the Smithsonian, Skirball Cultural Center and
Glenbow Museum, Calgary. She has been invited to serve on various Juries including
the Canada Council for the Arts, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Calgary Arts
Development Arts Vest, and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. Shivani was
recognized as Genesis Artist of the Year 2012, and is the recipient of art grants from
Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Shastri Foundation, and
Calgary Arts Development. She is currently dance faculty at AMDA LA, and has
presented guest lectures at University of Southern California, University of Calgary, and
Howard Community College.
Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, self-employed, Campbell
I am a California-based voice over talent, poet, translator, editor, and children's author.
My voice has been used for narration in a number of Santa Clara County dance
productions. I'm also a former non-profit development professional who spent two
decades as an advocate and fundraiser for persons with disabilities. I have been a
story tellerand communicator all my adult life. Ive used the powerof words and the
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stories of people to draw funders to programs they wished to support, and I take this
same love of words to my writing and voice career. My voice has been used in
documentaries, educational and journalistic initiatives, and audio books, and my essays
and stories have appeared in diverse publications like India Currents, and Skipping
Stones. I have published children's books in the India and the United States, with
publishers DCMango Books, Tulika Books, Solstice Publishing and Bharat Babies. My
work has been exhibited at book fairs and is part of school curricula. You can learn
more about me from my website www.shobhatharoorsrinivasan.com
I've served on the board of the historic Campbell Heritage Theatre and am committed to
arts and cultural communities.
Nicholas Thurkettle, Arts Orange County, Irvine
Nicholas Thurkettle is a writer, actor, and filmmaker. His work has carried him through a
wide variety of media and organizations - he is a published author and playwright,
director of five award-winning short films, and has worked as a short film Programmer
for the Newport Beach Film Festival. He spent five seasons performing with the
acclaimed theater festival Shakespeare Orange County - two years as an artistic
associate and casting director. He is actor-manager of the performing troupe The
Modjeska Shakespeare Players, partnered with the Modjeska Historic House to perform
showcases and workshops. He is also a member of the Orange County Playwrights
Alliance, and a writer/producer/performer with the award-winning audio drama podcast
Earbud Theater. A prolific voice actor in animation, video games, and audiobooks, he
has taught local workshops in voice acting as well as in screenwriting and storytelling.
His work with Arts Orange County has put him in contact with many arts institutions
across the O.C., with responsibilities ranging from managing the submission and
adjudication process for the City of Newport Beach's Civic Center Sculpture Exhibition,
to coordinating the local chapter of Emerging Arts Leaders to facilitate networking and
professional development in the arts and cultural community.
Emily Anne Tkaczibson, PBS SoCal, Talk Back Theatre, Freelance, Irvine
Emily Anne Tkaczibson (previously Emily Anne Gibson) is the co-founder and Managing
& Literary Director of Talk Back Theatre, a staged reading forum. A member of Literary
Managers and Dramaturgs of America, she is a dramaturg by trade and works
professionally in nonprofit development, focusing on grant acquisitions for theatre and
media companies in Southern California. She has worked with independent contractors
and organizations such as Center Theatre Group, Shakespeare Orange County, and
IAMA Theatre. Emily is currently on staff at PBS SoCal as the Institutional Giving
Manager. She also serves on the Programming Committee for the newly rebranded
Emerging Arts Leaders, Orange County.
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Emily believes in the power of the arts to spark conversation and social change. She
hopes to continue working in arts administration and development, growing her theatre
company, and increasing her community's quality of life. She passionately pursues
access for all: to the arts, to education, and to dignity.
Mitchum Todd, San Diego Dance Theater, San Diego
Mitchum Todds career is vast and rich. As an artist-in-residence with the California
Center for the Arts, Escondido California, he joined CCAE, following a ten-year
association with the New York based Lincoln Center Institute of Arts Education. He
currently dances and choreographs for the San Diego Dance Theaters Aging Creative
Program. In addition, he is a Lead Teaching Artist at Minding Motion for Graceful Aging
where he facilitates movement classes for seniors with Parkinsons Dementia and
Alzheimer.
Richard Tonkib, Carolina Lugo's & Carole Acuna's Ballet Flamenco, Pleasant Hill
Richard Tonkin is a co-founder and the Executive Director of Carolna Lugo's & Carole
Acuna's Ballet Flamenco. He has been responsible for 23 years for the company’s
finical management, marketing, booking and production. Under his authorship the
company has received grants from the California Arts Council four times, Zellerbach
Family Foundation fourteen times, and California Alliance for Traditional Arts, East Bay
Foundation, Longs Family Foundation, Fort Mason Foundation, GRTA the past four
years and the SFAC. He served as President of the Board of Directors for Rosa
Montoya Bailes Flamenco, San Francisco, for 5 years and secured funding from the
GFTA and the NEA. He has more than 27 years of arts production experience and
retired from his work as a special education teacher to work full-time for the company in
2010. He holds a BA, 1973, and Masters Degree, 1984, in counseling, and several
teaching credentials from San Francisco State University.
Deidre Trudeau, Brush of Creativity, Roseville
Deidre Trudeau's dedicated longevity as a participant and supporter of the Arts in the
Greater Sacramento Region has been evident among many artists, art-groups,
education, events, land and historic preservation, misc. organizations, and efforts since
1990. She feels art as an imperative language and emphasizes the essential need for
heightened creative expression in her playshops, lectures, and art education programs.
Additionally conveying how art helps create thriving communities and sustainable
economic and environmentally sound growth.
An award-winning and passionate fine artist, Deidre enjoyed a professional graphic
design career since 1986, later a brand strategist since 2005. She teaches art to all
ages as a passion to pass on concepts that helped her build a powerful creative muscle,
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and confidence as an artist by providing unique workshops with innovative concepts on;
learning how to express creatively. And has produced several signature art concepts,
lessons, presentations, and shows such as, Creative to the Core, Spark of Imagination,
the Journey of Awareness, Soulful Expressions, and Mergence: Where visual and
performing arts collide. Deidre also enjoys working with orgs. such as Blue Line Arts,
NCDC, RPAL, Social Art Working, Placer Arts, Arts Studio Trek, Sacramento Arts, City
Arts, Thalo, Grambacher, and National Speakers Association.
Richard Douglas Tucci, Greater and Grander Art Collective, Los Angeles
Richard Tucci is an accomplished storyteller. An alumni of both Chapman and USC, he
began producing documentaries, commercials, and music videos before he graduated.
One documentary project he produced in 2005, WALK IN THE LIGHT, received critical
acclaim and was chosen as official selection at over a dozen film festivals, and was
distributed on BET Jazz as a half hour special in 2007.
Andrew Turner, Arts Consortium, Visalia
As a professional Artist Andrew Turner has dedicated years to his craft. His passion has
inspired children and adults. Hes often found teaching at many local art classes at
various non-profit organizations. He studied art at the College of the Sequoias from
2009-2013 and has set lofty goals of finishing his degree while raising two children.
Artist Andrew Turners work has been shown in many exhibitions from California to
Minnesota and has won awards in both states. Take a look at his online portfolio at;
artistandrewturner.wixsite.com/website.
Monk Turner, The Music Center, Los Angeles
Monk is responsible for providing high-quality assemblies from a roster of world-class
performing artists to schools throughout Los Angeles County. Prior to joining The Music
Center, Turner was with the Harmony Project, where he was both a music teacher and
program administrator who oversaw programs. He also spent time managing mentoring
programs for at-risk youth at Youth Mentoring Connection as well as teaching music
and conducting youth ensembles at A Place Called Home in South LA. An artist himself,
Turner has recorded more than 25 concept albums that push the boundaries of digital
distribution and copyright law by making his music available online for free download via
Creative Commons licenses.
Claire Van Ryswyk, The Wooden Floor, Santa Ana
Claire Van Ryswyk is an arts professional who currently serves as the Development
Operations Coordinator at The Wooden Floor in Santa Ana, where she supports the
organizations mission to transform the lives of young people in low-income
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communities through the power of dance and access to higher education. Claire
received her BA in Dance and Arts Administration from Goucher College in Baltimore,
Maryland. Prior to joining The Wooden Floor, Claire worked in the development
department at Pacific Symphony in Irvine, and as a dance educator in Claremont,
California. She has experience in finance, fundraising, project management, and
program evaluation.
Kelly Varian, Vogl Consulting, Berkeley
In my professional life, I help artists, cultural organizations, public agencies, and
academic institutions get the information they need to get where they want to go. As a
Consultant working with Vogl Consulting (a small firm in San Francisco led by Marc
Vogl), I specialize in research, data collection and analysis, impact evaluation and
strategic planning. Currently, I am working with the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and a
group of their Arts grantees to test new models for making art and supporting artists
capacity to sustain their creative practices.
As Communications and Development Specialist at Sustain Arts, a cultural data
platform developed at Harvard University, I help artists and cultural workers put
meaningful data to use. Currently, I am working with the Foundation Center and
Fractured Atlas to create a report mapping the health and sustainability of the Chicago
dance ecosystem.
I am also a practicing dancer and choreographer taking classes and creating work
casually with other artists in the East Bay. Ive trained with the Martha Graham School,
Taipei National University of the Arts, Bates Dance Festival, and others. In 2017 (while
living briefly in Maine) I was one of 6 artists selected by the Maine Arts Commission to
show work in its first-ever showcase of dance in Maine, "Maine Moves".
I hold a B.A. in Art History and Dance from Colorado College (Distinction in Art, Phi
Beta Kappa, magna cum laude).
Terry Vaughn, San Diego
I'm 59 father of one daughter and four grandchildren, grew up in a very large poor white
family in GA, art is how I survived a traumatic childhood. In 1984, I was diagnosed with
HIV; my life changed forever.
After I came out of shock I went to work at Grady Memorial in Atlanta dealing with the
purple cancer patients, I volunteered with an all black community center that was
walking the streets talking to anyone but mostly drug addicts. After biting all my friends I
moved to Punta goes a fl where I started an art class for people with and multiple
disabilities that where all loving on small incomes. I owned a small arts and crafts store
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in fort Myers. Craig Lawver my partner who was a pointilist artist I managed for a couple
yrs in gallery shows and print. Moved to San Diego and developed a mask making class
I taught for free for five yrs, homeless after school program, woman and children's
center, all HIV agencies, would go on to learn body casting and do my own gallery
shows.
Michele Vavonese, Hope Center for the Arts, Anaheim
Teaching art and working in the arts industry for over 20 years Michele has shown her
work internationally in various shows and competitions. A published artist and designer
she has work in both private and public collections. Michele received her M.F.A. from
Rochester Institute of Technology and is currently the Executive Director of Hope
Center for the Arts in Anaheim, CA.
In 2006 Michele started her own business ~ the Michele Vavonese Studio (MVStudio)
where she creates original art. Professional honors include the 2006 Citizen Community
Leadership Award from Long Beachs 8th District Councilmember Rae Gabelich and
Alumni Board of Directors; California Division for R. I. T. (1995 ~ present), in 2011, the
MVStudio was chosen to be one of the top Compassionate Businesses in Californiaby
Animal Acres.
Edmund Velasco, AFM Local 7, Whittier
I can be seen as a featured sax soloist with The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Ensemble
and has just finished recording their next CD release. He has also recently joined The
Chris Williams Quintet. He has also made many guest appearances with Joe
LaBarbara, Tony Dumas, Ron Eschete and many others. He has also performed twice
at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
Edmund has performed at many important local venues, including the Baked Potato and
L.A.'s Catalina Bar & Grill and at The San Jose Jazz Festival, The Manoshinos Festival
and The Funchal Jazz Festival.
He has played professionally for over twenty years with such top names as Mel Torme,
Eddie Daniels, Ernie Andrews and many others. Edmund has served on the Executive
Board for the Orange County Musicians Association, Local 7, for the past 15 years and
was recently elected Vice President in 2016.
Edmund is also involved with music education outreach programs. He is on the advisory
board for SanArts, a fledgling arts conservatory at Santa Ana High School. He is also
developing several concert series for the Orange County community as both a arts
outreach and educational program for the aspiring musicians.
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Zoot Velasco, Gianneschi Center for Nonprofits, CSUF Mihaylo College of
Business, Fullerton
Zoot worked 12 years as an artist (included many CAC programs as a grantee since
1990) and 23 years leading programs for Arts-in-Corrections, LA Cultural Affairs, and
many organizations like Unusual Suspects Theatre, Homeland Cultural Center and the
Muckenthaler Cultural Center. He has been a CAC grantee 26 times and a peer panelist
on the local, state and national level 29 times. Zoot has worked extensively in the arts in
LA, Orange County, the Inland Empire and Kern County. At the Muckenthaler he helped
restart Arts-in-Corrections programs and started the first STEAM education program in
Orange County which won local, county and California Department of Education awards
for excellence. Currently he serves as consultant on a CAC grant for the Arts
Connection San Bernardino and works in Arts-in-Corrections for the Riverside Arts
Council. Zoot leads the Gianneschi Center for Nonprofit Research at Cal State
Fullertons Mihaylo College of Business. He was last a CAC panelist for JUMPStArts in
2015.
Eric Vollmer, Los Angeles
I am the executive director of A VOICE IN THE WELL, a diverse group of writers, poets
and performing artists dedicated to bringing the Arts and Humanities to public life for
eighteen years. In addition, I act as an independent grants consultant and have worked
with numerous Arts and Education nonprofit organizations in the L.A. area.
I have also produced and hosted a monthly literary cabaret called SNAP SHOTS: A
Performance Gallery Drawn From The Page & The Stage for twenty one years. I
choose a theme and select excerpts from choice works of prose, poetry and plays from
the World Stage and then I invite talented performers to present the materials in a
Readers Theater format for all audiences. We've performed at Cafes, Churches,
Libraries, Travel Shops, Literary Centers, Theaters, Bookshops, Museums and
Nightclubs throughout the State of California and are now developing our three
hundredth production. My interests are inter-disciplinary. I would like to see the
Humanities revival, again, and to jump start a new national learning movement in the
spirit of the old-time Chautauquas and the Lyceum Movement, which caught the public
imagination in the 19th and early 20th Century.
Parul Wadhwa, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Parul Wadhwa is a new media artist and documentarian. Her work blurs the boundaries
between film and digital technology to create immersive environments. Her research
include immersive digital storytelling and virtual reality, and she is committed to the use
of new technologies for social impact.
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In 2017, she was a new media entrepreneurial fellow at Catalyst, NYC Media Lab.
Previously, she worked in the film industries in Britain, South Korea, and India, in film
production, color-grading, and digital film restoration. She is a recipient of several grants
and fellowships and is currently a fellow at Facebook Oculus's Launchpad program
which recognizes and encourages the best VR content makers in the industry with
resources to produce immersive media arts.
Website: https://www.parulwadhwa.com
Victoria Wagner, California College of the Arts, Occidental
For several years, I have had roles as an exhibiting artist and college faculty. In my
artistic community, I have had the opportunity to curate and install exhibitions of my own
work and others, manage galleries, balance budgets, handle correspondence and
balance studio practice. At school, I have most recently served a three year term on
Curriculum Committee whereby tasks included vetting class proposals, reviewing
pedagogical and learning outcomes and working with faculty outside of my department
to find creative solutions to campus wide strategies.
Raymond Hugh Wakeham, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs
Hugh Wakeham is a creative entrepreneur and visionary leader who has made a major
impact on the arts and entertainment sectors in Canada and the US for over three
decades.
In 1998 Hugh established a sponsorship marketing agency specializing in securing
corporate funding for arts and entertainment properties, working with many of North
Americas top brands and rights holders. He has been highly successful in providing
clients with sponsorship marketing consulting and valuation services; sponsorship and
naming rights sales; allocation of corporate sponsorship revenues and grants; and
sponsorship activation services. Hugh is known for establishing effective business
strategies for clients; maximizing sponsorship marketing revenues; creating effective
event marketing platforms; and maximizing ROI for sponsors through creative activation
programs. Hugh has successfully generated tens of millions of dollars in sponsorship
revenue for his blue-chip clients, and has helped corporate clients allocate funds to
worthwhile arts and culture initiatives.
Prior to launching his companies, Hugh spent over seven years at a New York- and
Toronto-based entertainment company as Senior Vice President, Sponsorship and
Promotions where he was responsible for securing naming rights partners for theatrical
venues; as well as corporate sponsors, promotional partners and suppliers for theatrical
and concert programming and properties in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.
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In addition to his marketing and sponsorship work, Hugh has managed cultural
programming, event planning and production for museums, international festivals,
worlds fairs and high-level government and corporate events.
Hugh teaches at universities and conferences worldwide; and has served on a number
of boards. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Architecture and Design at the Palm
Springs Art Museum. He has been featured in many books and periodicals on
marketing, sponsorship, and cultural event planning and programming.
Eric Wallner, Zaccho Dance Theatre, San Francisco
Eric Wallner is an unwavering advocate for the catalytic power of artists and the arts to
grow healthy, engaged communities. For over 25 years, Eric has held leadership roles
in community-based organizations and local arts agencies (such as LEAP, Painted
Bride Art Center, Queens Council on the Arts, City of Ventura Cultural Affairs) as well as
in institutions working at the state and national levels (Ohio Alliance for Arts Education,
OPERA America, Urban Institute). He holds a B.A. from Brown University in
Art/Semiotics, a M.A. in Arts Policy and Administration from the Ohio State University
and has taught in the Arts Management program at George Mason University. While at
the Urban Institute, he was a lead researcher on Investing in Creativity: A Study of the
Support Structure for U.S. Artists and was a co-project manager for the design and
construction of NYFA Source, the largest comprehensive database of artists resources.
As a consultant, he has worked with the Creative Capital Foundation, co-wrote the City
of Santa Monicas Cultural Plan, was a Senior Research Associate on Live from Your
Neighborhood: A National Study of Outdoor Arts Festivals for the National Endowment
for the Arts and served on numerous grant panels. He worked as the Chief Executive
Officer for the Torpedo Factory Art Center and currently as Executive Director of Zaccho
Dance Theatre.
Betty Wan, Arroyo Arts Collective, Los Angeles
I’m a multi-disciplined visual artist, BFA from Otis Art College.
I took studio art at Barnsdall Arts Center, Otis Art Institute, Art Center,
UC Santa Barbara & Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. I took a Gallery Seminar
course at the Queensland Art Gallery, Australia.
I travel to create, study & explore art & culture. My travels were usually independent &
included America, Europe, Scandinavia, England, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Burma, Hong Kong, China, Turkey, Greece, Slovenia,
Egypt & Morocco. I performed in a Yosakoi dance group L.A. Beat, in Nagoya, Japan.
Further travels took me to Montreal & a return visit to Canada.
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I worked for 4+ years for Cultural Affairs at the Photography Center, as a gallery
attendant, lab tech, preparator, exhibition coordinator and guest curator. My art
administration career continued at Pacific Asia Museum, for 8 years. As the community
engagement/museum educator, I organized 26 + monthly ethnic festivals. I developed
programs and workshops that involved a range of artists. I became the collection
registrar/art handler & then guest curator. I did 2 talks at the Smithsonian museum on
the exhibit.
I’m a board member and arts administrator with the Arroyo Arts Collective.
Melissa Warren, Artist, Los Gatos
I am an artist. I was an art teacher with the Berkeley Unified School District for 4 years. I
am a Board Member of the International Child Foundation In D.C. . I was an Art
Commissioner for the Los Gatos for 1 year. I helped with the allocation of Grants for
local Non- Profits. I have worked with up and coming artist as a Gallery Director for
Young Artist of Texas. I have Volunteered with Rocky Top Therapy, a ride to walk
organization located in Keller Texas. I have Worked as an Art Therapist at Mount Zion
Hospital in San Francisco. Creating art at the bed side with Cancer Patients. I have
volunteered with Douglas Recreational Community Service with Adults of all ages,
oldest one was 99 years old as their Art Lesion. I have worked at Merrill Gardens in
Douglas County, Nevada with Seniors teaching art classes. I was part of the Southlake
Women's Club in Southlake Texas as the Art in the Square and head event organizer. I
volunteered with the Lions Club in Southlake Texas , helping to raise funding for
glasses and putting on benefits for the organization. I was the President of the PTA in
Tracy, Ca. I was the school mom for both of my boys elementary classrooms. I am a
active participant with school fundraisers and social events. I am a mother of two boys,
16 and 18. I was the manager of the Boys Football Leagues. I was the Team Mother,
getting awards, trophies, setting up calendars for parents to help with snacks and
setting up the last day parties for the kids where awards are handed out. I was part of
student government in both high school and in college, University of California at
Berkeley.
I think I would be a valuable asset to your organization.
Patricia A. Wayne, Create CA, Beaumont
Pat Wayne is the Program Director of CREATE CA, Californias Statewide Arts
Education Coalition. CREATE CA works to ensure all students are able to reach their
full potential by advancing an educational model that promotes innovation and creativity.
Prior to joining CREATE CA, Pat served as Deputy Director of Arts Orange County, the
county-wide arts council. She has held the positions of Manager of Community
Programs for the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Deputy Director of the Columbus Arts
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Council (Ohio), and Managing Director of MoMing Dance Center (Chicago) and
Merrimack Regional Theatre (Boston). Pat has a teaching credential and a Master’s
degree in Performing Arts Administration.
Julie Weaverling, Front Porch Gallery, Vista
Julie directs all aspects of the gallery, including curating shows, working with local,
regional and national artists, innovative partnerships, community outreach and overall
development including creating programs for residents of Front Porch Retirement
Communities. Front Porch Gallery believes in the art of the individual and that art
creates community and is a visionary outreach program of Front Porch. Julie has been
with the gallery since January 2006. A successful professional artist, Julie creates
contemporary abstract paintings which are exhibited locally and nationally.
Brea Weinreb, CTRL+SHFT Collective, Oakland
Brea Weinreb is a visual artist dedicated to building a living archive of the LGBT
community she is a part of. Her practice spans figurative painting, experimental film,
writing and collective organizing. She is a member of CTRL+SHFT Collective, a group
of womxn, nonbinary and trans-spectrum artists working to provide studio and exhibition
space for underrepresented artists. In addition, Brea is a studio member at Norton
Factory Studios and exhibits her work at cultural institutions around the Bay Area. Brea
holds a dual B.A. in English and Art Practice from UC Berkeley. While in school Brea
and her classmates founded Little Greenie, a queer artists collective committed to
creating a platform for emerging queer voices in the Bay Area. Brea sustains her art
practice by working as Marketing Specialist for 99designs, a global creative platform
located in downtown Oakland that provides opportunities for freelance designers and
artists across the globe.
Stephanie Wenning, Del Norte Association for Cultural Awareness, Crescent City
I have served my hometown community in the capacity of ED at DNACA for just over
two years. In that time, I have learned a lot about arts programs and how best to
promote them, foster relationships with donors, volunteers, and artists, and encourage
engagement and participation from the entire county. I have, of course, met many
challenges along the way and have approached them with optimism and transparency.
In addition to my role at DNACA, I sit on the Del Norte Nonprofit Alliance Steering
Committee, the Crescent City-Del Norte Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, the
North Coast Redwoods Writers' Conference Steering Committee, the CAC's SLP/SRN
Conference Planning Steering Committee, and am a reporter for our local NPR news
show the North Coast Update.
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Jean Whitehead, MOCHA Museum of Children's Arts, Berkeley
I am a recent graduate of Tamalpa Institute - A Movement-based Expressive Arts
Education and Therapy Program.
I am currently working at MOCHA in Oakland.
I would like to be involved in CAC 's Peer Review Panelists Grant Application Process
I am free to travel to Sacramento.
And be a part of the Grant Application Process Review in Spring 2019.
Sandra White-Stevens, Presstige Communications, San Diego
I have a AA degree in Telemedia and a diploma in Fashion, I was a committee and
production staff member of The Miss San Diego Pageant, a local preliminary for Miss
America for 12 years, where I worked with and coached young women in poise,
speaking and talent for competition. I also was the director of the pageant's princess
program coaching girls 5-2 years old. Worked as Media Account Executive for a local
San Diego Radio Station and production assistant for public access TV show. Currently
I publish two online magazines, Urban Teen Magazine and ModelStyle Magazine, teach
runway modeling to teens in our summer camp programs as well as host an online radio
podcast also called Urban Teen Magazine where I interview up & coming music artist.
Steven Wiget, Sacramento Art and Frame, Sacramento
Education: Sacramento City College, 1982, Associate of Arts Degree, Special studies:
Printmaking, Independent Studies
Steven’s art reflects a variety of media and technique. Subject matter ranges from the
figurative, to still life, landscape and most recently, seascapes. He specializes in
charcoal and pastel though often uses mixed media. Recent works have included still
life and photography, monotypes, lithographs and other works on paper.
Steven has studied under such well-known artists as Gregory Kondos, Larry Welden,
Fred Dalkey and Darrell Forney. His work has been commissioned and collected locally
and abroad.
Exhibitions: Steven has participated individually and in group shows such as:
2016Sacramento City College Centennial
2016--California State University
2014--Alex Bult Gallery, individual
2013--Dr. Augusto Seamas Gallery, São Miguel, Azores Islands, Portugal, group
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2012--Alex Bult Gallery, individual
2012--Alex Bult Gallery, group
2013-2014--The Temporary Contemporary, group Tribute to Larry Weldon
2012--Park Fine Art Gallery, individual
2010--20th Street Art Gallery, group
2010--Temporary Contemporary, individual
Artists Contemporary Gallery, Himovitz, New Age, Big Art, Thistle Dew, Gregory
Kondos, Robert Else, Exploding Head, Solomon Dubnik, and Jerome McGuire.
Stevens works have also been displayed at Art on the River, Garth Benton Gallery,
Carmel; Ethans Gallery, Auburn, UC-Davis Medical Centers and Kaiser Permanente
hospitals, Paragarys, Fourth Street Grill, Clarksburg Fine Arts and Wine Tasting. He
has participated in the Crocker Museum and Channel Six (KVIE) auctions, and Street
of Dreamsshow cases contributing commissioned as well as individual pieces.
Awards: Steven has received awards from Northern California Arts (NCA), Kingsley
Scholarship, Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Inc., and Art on the River.
This body of work is dazzlingIts easy to pick up on the passion Wiget exudes for
such simple subject matter, persuading the viewer to realize that it isnt necessarily so
simple after all.Tim White, News & Review
a good deal of technical skillSteve Wigets straight-on charcoal drawing of himself.
—Victoria Dalkey, Sacramento Bee,Self-Portraits/Self-Expressionsat ACG
Florene Wiley, Perkins Wiley, Richmond
Florene FloWiley has an intuitive sense of effective marketing and has developed
marketing, public relations, and media campaigns for a commercial and non-profit client
list that includes the Amer-I-Can Foundation for Social Change, Compagnia de
Colombari, Dwyer Cultural Center, Harlem Arts Alliance, National Black Touring Circuit,
Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center, New Federal Theatre, Center for African &
African American Art & Culture, Oakland Jazz Alliance, Tatge-Haizlip Productions
(US/Switzerland), and the San Francisco international Film Festival. Formerly the
Director of Marketing & Communications for the world-famous Apollo Theatre, she has
also been employed as the Manager of Employee Communication for Scholastic Inc.,
Account Executive with Uniworld Group, Program Director of the Black Filmmakers Hall
of Fame. For thirteen years she produced and hosted a weekly radio show, Black Beat
New York: The Flo Wiley Show on WHCR 90.3 FM & www.whcr.org (Harlem
Community Radio). In January 2016 she debuted Black Beat Bay Area on KGPC 96.9
FM & www.kgpc969.org (Peralta Colleges Community Radio) where she has amassed
a broad and loyal audience of listeners. She has produced programming and events for
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the Harlem Arts Alliance, the City of Oakland CA, Essence Communications/WPIX-TV,
Group W Cable/Westinghouse Broadcasting, Latola Films Ltd. (Lagos, Nigeria) and
WNET/13, and her own productions at Mills College, the Julia Morgan Theatre and
Memorial Baptist Church. In February 2018 she was appointed by Mayor Tom Butt to
the Richmond Arts & Culture Commission.
Sabra Williams, Creative Acts, LA
Sabra Williams has received international acclaim for her work as an actor and co-
founder of The Actors' Gang Prison Project, including being named by President Obama
a, Champion of Changein 2016, and being honored with a British Empire Medal by
Queen Elizabeth in 2018.
As former Director of The Prison Project, for thirteen years, she oversaw the program
from one California State Prison to thirteen, as well as programs in two Reentry
facilities, girls Juveniles Camps and a new Correctional & Probation Officer program.
She is currently the Executive Director of a new Social Justice initiative, Creative Acts.
www.creativeacts.us
Michelle Williams, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz
Michelle has been the Executive Director of the Arts Council Santa Cruz County since
2009. Raised in the arts, she studied cello, piano, bass and voice before earning a BFA
in Musical Theater. She has worked in theaters and recording studios across the U.S.
and around the globe. Michelle has served on panels for the California Arts Council and
the National Endowment for the Arts and has presented at forums across California and
nationally on topics such as new funding models, advocacy, program development,
public art, affordable and safe housing for artists, and building partnerships. A woman of
diverse experience, she has also worked as a writer, EMT, Emergency Responder in
disaster relief, wine education, and hospitality. Michelles passions for radical
partnerships, workplace culture, and harnessing the power of the arts to ignite
community change are what drive her work.
Amy Williams, Camerata Pacifica, Santa Barbara
Amy Williams joined Camerata Pacifica in March of 2018. Prior to this she was the
Director of Artistic Administration and Education at the Santa Barbara Symphony for
seven years where she built a sustainable music education program that worked
alongside programs in the local school district. Through her leadership the Santa
Barbara Symphony Music Education Center was built and grew from serving 3000
students to nearly 10,000 students. This growth structure allowed for increased
organizational growth with programs that could constantly adapt and meet the needs of
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the entire child. Ms. Williams began working in arts administration with the Los Angeles
Chamber Orchestra following the receipt of her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The
Ohio State University.
Michael Wingert, Assyrian Arts Institute, Vacaville
Michael Wingert is an administrator and scholarly advisor for the Assyrian Arts Institute.
He earned his PhD at UCLA in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and
Cultures where he focused on the languages, texts and traditions of the ancient Near
East.
Wingerts research focuses on Semitic scriptural literature, the linguistic and philological
background to Semitic languages in contact with neighboring speech communities,
Northwest Semitic epigraphy, the philosophy of language, and ancient Near Eastern
religions. At UCLA, Wingert developed a course for undergraduate students on the
origins of medicine based on ancient Assyro-Babylonian and Egyptian medicine.
Additionally, he was the lead research assistant on the Sinai Palimpsests Project for the
UCLA Digital Librarys partnership with the Early Manuscript Electronic Library, a project
that digitizes and recovers the washed away texts from the library of St. Catherine’s
monastery in the Sinai of Egypt.
Dr. Wingert is a sixth-generation Californian with deep ties to the Assyrian community in
North America and overseas. He and his wife Romina, a medical student from Syria and
graduate of Johns Hopkins, are raising their daughter in a multi-lingual household where
Assyrian and American cultures are celebrated in harmony.
Gail Wingfield, Guitars in the Classroom, San Diego
My long career in the nonprofit sector includes arts administration, dance, and
choreography. I have a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of California, Los
Angeles, and an M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of
San Diego.
I provided executive support, project management and development assistance to
California Ballet Association from 2008 - 2018, stewarding donors and writing and
administering grants. I launched CBAs Sharing the Art outreach program. I have
consulted with nonprofits in San Diego, including arts organizations, assisting with
fundraising, marketing, financial assessment, grant writing, and board governance.
I bring a well-rounded perspective and vast personal creative experience to my work in
arts administration. I also teach ballet in San Diego, taught creative dance in elementary
schools and coached Olympic figure skating competitors.
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Melanie Wofford, San Francisco Foundation, Oakland
I am currently a consultant and work primarily with arts and cultural organizations. I am
a person of color and am passionate about philanthropy.
Christian Wolf, Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation, Torrance
Christians background in the arts began in kindergarten. He started by putting on plays
in his living room and was a performing (paid) magician by age 12. Christian has
worked as a performer (actor and magician), writer (three produced plays, print and
media copy, award winning video script), producer, director (over 30 shows plus special
events, music videos and student films), presenter (18 years for venues of 199 to 1,500
seats), arts administrator, acting teacher, graphic designer and marketing professional.
In addition to his current duties as the Executive Director for the Torrance Cultural Arts
Center Foundation, Christian has served as the Vice President of California Presenters
for 4 years, where he helped to launch the Artist Spotlight and still serves on this
committee. Christian recently been elected to the board of directors of Western Arts
Alliance, an organization servicing all the performing arts organizations of the western
state.
Melissa Wolfish, KCRW, Santa Monica
Melissa Wolfish is the Institutional Giving Manager at KCRW, an award-winning public
radio station and NPR affiliate based in Santa Monica, CA, where she oversees the
station's portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government funders. Her passions for
the arts, education, and community engagement are complemented her prior
fundraising positions at Wayfinder Family Services, which provides a wide spectrum of
services to individuals of all abilities, and the Los Angeles chapter of The Posse
Foundation, which identifies high school students with extraordinary potential that may
be overlooked by the traditional college admissions system.
Melissa received her Master of Education in Arts Education from the Harvard Graduate
School of Education, after graduating from Oberlin College where she majored in
creative writing. Melissa's lifelong appreciation and enthusiasm for the arts served as
the roots for her professional career. Following internships with TheatreWorks (Silicon
Valley), Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles), and 826LA, she worked in arts
administration and media relations at the Los Angeles Ballet and the John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
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Randall Wong, Other Minds, Oakland
Randall Wong has built a distinguished reputation specializing in historically informed
performances of Baroque/Classic and contemporary music. He is also active as a
composer.
A number of roles have been composed for Mr. Wong. He premiered Stewart Wallace's
Where's Dick and Harvey Milk (Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, and San
Francisco Opera), and Meredith Monk's Atlas, The Politics of Quiet, and A Celebration
Service (domestic and foreign tours). He has sung in numerous modern revivals of early
operas including works by Handel, Mozart, J.A. Hasse, Cavalli, and J.C. Bach, in
venues such as Rome, Dresden, Stuttgart, Cologne, Boston, San Francisco, Sydney,
and Hong Kong.
Mr. Wong is the composer/performer/designer of a number of miniature” or puppet
operas: The Household Opera, Di Nostra Vita, Flatland and Waiting for Godzilla.
Presenting organizations include the SF Arts Commission, Museum of Jurassic
Technology, Z Space Theater, Project Artaud, Yerba Buena Center, Noh Space, and
the Chicago Humanities Festival.
He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree (historic performance) from Stanford
University and BMus and MA degrees in music (composition) from SFSU. In addition,
he studied with the noted composer, Lou Harrison. He currently serves as
Administrative Director for the Other Minds Festival.
He has served on grants panels for the California Arts Council, San Francisco Arts
Commission, Theatre Bay Area, and Opera America.
Deborah Wong, University of California, Riverside, Riverside
I hold a PhD in ethnomusicology and am a Professor at the University of California,
Riverside. I specialize in the musics of Asian America and Thailand and have written
three books: Speak It Louder: Asian Americans Making Music; Sounding the Center:
History and Aesthetics in Thai Buddhist Ritual”;Louder and Faster: Pain, Joy, Taiko,
and the Body Politic in Asian American California” (to be published by the University of
California Press in April 2019). I am a past President of the Society for
Ethnomusicology.
Very active in public sector work at the national, state, and local levels, I am the Chair of
the Advisory Council for the Smithsonian Institutions Center for Folklife and Cultural
Heritage. For a decade, I served on the Board for the Alliance for California Traditional
Arts, ending as its Board Chair. I am currently involved in two public sector projects: I
am the project manager for the Great Leap Online Archive, for the well-known Asian
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American non-profit arts organization in Los Angeles founded and directed by Nobuko
Miyamoto, and I am deeply involved with a loose North American collective called
Women and Taiko, working to create structural change in the taiko community.
Gloria Woodlock, Former Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commissioner, former
CAC staff, Sacramento
Gloria Woodlock has more than twenty years of experience in the arts, including grants
management, program development, training and providing technical assistance gained
as a senior staff member of the California Arts Council (CAC) and as a Commissioner
appointed to the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commissioner for seven years. She
helped establish, worked in and eventually managed many of the CAC grant programs
in its formative years. I developed new arts programs and new initiatives for the arts at
the CAC, including an early arts and technology initiative and technical assistance
programs to assist artists and arts organizations to adapt to trends. She created the
annual Governors Conferences on the Arts that brought leaders in business, politics,
academia, tourism, entertainment, and the arts to create dialogue about the role of the
arts in Californias economic and creative future.
Ashleigh Worley, Luther Burbank Center, Mill Valley
Hailing from the east coast, Ashleigh paid her dues working in the trenches of education
as a public school theatre teacher for grades 6-12. As an award-winning director and
educator, she was charged with designing curriculum for the North Carolina Department
of Public Instruction to use as examples of best practice. Ashleigh has worked for
theatre companies across North Carolina in a variety of capacities from special effects
makeup, directing, teaching artistry, and design. While full time in-school teaching holds
her heart, Ashleigh decided to make the leap to professional theatre to expand her
reach to students beyond her classroom walls. Ashleigh moved to California to join the
Marin Theatre Company Education Team in 2015 as MTC's Director of Education.
Ashleigh now serves as the Director of Education and Community Engagement for the
Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, which serves 40,000 students annually.
Barbara Worsley, Meistersingers, Huntington Beach
A lifelong involvement and passion for the arts runs the gamut of my experiences from
performance to education to administration. I have a DMA in keyboard performance
from the University of Southern California with an MA in music from California State
University, Fresno. For 12 years, I worked with the students at California State
University, Fullerton as staff accompanist and part-time lecturer. Working with students
in music education/performance has been a constant for nearly 50 years. Currently, I
am executive director and accompanist for Meistersingers, a semi-professional chamber
music group. We are dedicated to enriching our society and education our communities
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in the promotion of the choral arts. Through the years, we have sustained an annual
scholarship program for students from various Southern California high schools. In
addition to working with Meistersingers, I am a participating member of the Choral
Consortium of Orange County and have been on the music ministry staff at Sts. Simon
and Jude Church in Huntington Beach for over 25 years. My support for the arts also
extended to my participation as a parent volunteer for my children's schools where I
successfully preserved and expanded arts programs for the students.
Diana Wyenn, Plain Wood Productions, Los Angeles
DIANA WYENN is a Los Angeles-based director, choreographer, dramaturg, and
curator of contemporary performance, whowhether working on large spectaculars or
more intimate performancesconsistently challenges and inspires audiences to see
beyond the usual. She has collaborated on projects with The Walt Disney Company,
Lincoln Center, the LA Philharmonic, Center Theater Group, REDCAT, SummerStage,
Grand Performances, CAP UCLA, Ford Theatres, Chalk Repertory Theatre, and Ghost
Road Ensemble, among others. Wyenn is a Climate Reality Leader, co-founder of Plain
Wood Productions, Artistic Director for TIOH Arts & Culture, and recently jumped back
on stage to create and perform "Blood/Sugar," an autobiographical solo performance
illuminating and embodying the global diabetes epidemic. Committed to fostering the
development of new works for the American stage and her fellow directors and
choreographers, she also serves as literary manager for Inkwell Theater and on the
producing steering committee for Directors Lab West, of which she is an alumna. Her
work, ideas, and words have been featured in American Theatre Magazine, Howlround,
the Daily Beast, LA Times, Fast Company, and on NPR. She received a BFA in Drama
with Honors from New York University, and is proud associate member of the Stage
Directors and Choreographers Society. dianawyenn.com
Allison Wyper, Center for Cultural Innovation, Los Angeles
Allison Wyper is the Artists Knowledge Manager for the Center for Cultural Innovation,
where she produces professional development workshops and manages the Creative
Economic Development Fund for arts-based social entrepreneurs. She is an
interdisciplinary performance artist and founder of Rhizomatic Arts, which provides
professional services, training, and community support to independent artists and
creatives. Her performance works produce charged, often participatory encounters
between performer and viewer that encourage intimate exchange and critical solidarity.
She has taught, produced, and facilitated workshops on experimental performance,
professional/creative practice, and collaborative processes across California and
internationally. Her performance work has been seen across the US, Canada, Australia,
and Germany, and she has been published by The Dancer-Citizen, Itch, Platform, The
Present Tense, and Emergency Index. She was an Artistic Associate of Guillermo
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Gómez-Peña’s international performance company La Pocha Nostra from 2004-2016,
and often collaborates with the performance collective Hydra Poesis in Perth, Western
Australia. Allison curated performances for Play the L.A. River, a year-long civic art
project organized by Project 51. She has an MFA in Dance from UCLA, and a BA in
Theatre Studies from Emerson College.
Bryan Yamami, TAIKOPROJECT, Los Angeles
Bryan Yamami founded TAIKOPROJECT in 2000 and currently serves as the group's
Executive Director. Bryan served as creative lead for the acclaimed 2005 Mitsubishi
Eclipse commercial, for recording sessions for Nike and Target, and for the group’s
appearances on the 2009 Academy Awards, the 2011 Grammy Awards, Conan, Jimmy
Kimmel, and the Late Late Show. He has performed with John Legend, DJ Tiesto, rock
band 30 Seconds to Mars, Sean Paul, Reggie Watts, and the legendary Stevie Wonder.
He has written successfully-funded grant proposals to the City of Los Angeles,
Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the National
Endowment for the Arts, the MAP Fund, and the Japan Foundation. Under his
leadership, TAIKOPROJECT has become the most actively touring American taiko
ensemble, having recently toured to performing arts centers and festivals in Alaska,
California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, New York, and Utah.
Angela Yang, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA), Los Angeles
Art has always been a major part of my life. I grew up dancing, drawing, and painting,
and graduated with a degree in Art History from the University of California, San Diego.
Since then, I have worked in the Los Angeles arts landscape over the past seven years,
serving at institutions including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and,
currently, at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). These positions have been
focused on fundraising: at LACMA I worked with the Modern and Curatorial
departments on art acquisitions and my current role at MOCA is focused on institutional
giving. I was proud to secure the first grant from the California Arts Council for MOCA in
15 years for two of the museums education programs. I am passionate about arts
education, and have volunteered as a teachersaide at Inner-City Arts since 2015. I
assist with the Graphic Design studio, working on a weekly basis with students in 6th-
12th grade. I am obtaining my Masters in Public Administration at the University of
Southern California (expected 2020), where I am an active member of the Students of
Color and Allies Policy Forum.
Thomas Yanni, Riverside City College; College of the Desert, Palm Springs
Even before graduating college with a degree in art history, I started working at an art
gallery in Philadelphia; I held another gallery internship at Gracie Mansion Gallery in
New Yorks East Village. Past experience includes art gallery management at the Locks
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Gallery in Philadelphia, Koplin Gallery in Los Angeles, and my own gallery in Palm
Springs. At two Philadelphia museumsthe Philadelphia Art Alliance and the
Rosenbach Museum & Library-- I managed programs in literature, theater and dance. I
also helped prepare grants for these institutions. Freelance work includes promoting
childrens arts programs at Prints in Progress in Philadelphia and dance performances
and workshops at Philadelphia Dance Projects. I also wrote educators guides for
exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum. For Frontiers Magazine in Los Angeles, I wrote
book reviews and author interviews and was a finalist in a screenwriting competition at
Outfest film festival. Since 2007, I have taught humanities courses focusing on
American art, architecture, dance, and literature at Riverside City College. I hold
degrees in Art History, American Studies and US history; my recent doctoral research
examined performance art, the Los Angeles Black Artsmovement, and postmodern
dance. I have served as Vice Chair of the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission since
2015.
Kim Yasuda, Public Practice, Dept of Art, UC Santa Barbara, Goleta
Kim Yasuda is an artist and professor of Public Practice in the Department of Art at
University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work investigates the role of art, artists and
educational institutions in community organizing, cultural development and civic life.
As a faculty member, Yasuda has served as department chair (2001-2004) and co-
director and program coordinator for the system-wide University of California Institute
for Research in the Arts (2005-2015). While hosted on the UCSB campus, UCIRA
served as one of the only major platforms across the system for presenting, discussing
and advocating for artists and arts-centered research. UCIRA supported engaged and
embedded scholarship models through its facilitation and funding of multi-agency
partnerships in diverse geographic settings that pushed beyond the conventional
teaching, studio and exhibition contexts. In May of 2016, Yasuda organized LightWorks,
a community-based, illuminated public art and residency program that featured
temporary works by emerging and distinguished California artists in the downtown
central parks of Isla Vista, California. LightWorks was funded by a California Arts
Council Creative Communities grant.
For more than a decade, Yasuda has activated her university teaching with her public
arts research, developing partnerships between universities and the local/regional
communities in which they are situated, exploring the intersection between institutional
knowledge making and creative practice. Yasuda and her students have undertaken
numerous projects together, including the 2004 collaboration with residents of an
affordable farm-worker housing complex in Oxnard, California, a 2006 repurposing of
used shipping containers into mobile art studios and a 2007 storefront renovation into a
mixed-use café©, gallery and performance space. Since 2005, Yasuda has worked on
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public intervention and urban renewal projects in the local, student community of Isla
Vista, an unincorporated area of 21,000 inhabitants adjacent to the UCSB campus.
Yasuda established the Friday Academy in 2005 and IV Open Lab in 2014, as
temporary instructional environments that operate at the intersection of university and
community. These open-access spaces maintain a separate academic calendar and
experimental curricula to conduct year-round, off-site and multi-disciplinary projects for
community engagement and benefit. This open lab model strays from traditional studio
arts training to encourage flexible programming in response to immediate social and
environmental concerns. Projects draw from an interdisciplinary array of students,
academics, professionals and community scholars. Through partnerships between
academic and non-profit agencies, Yasuda provides opportunity for students to engage
in the practice of ˜civic aesthetics’ — a curriculum for retooling existing institutional
spaces as well as providing essential creative skill sets to navigate the unforeseeable
future.
Yasudas previous commissioned public projects include station designs for the Broad
Street Corridor transit system in Providence, Rhode Island, the Green Line Vermont
Metrorail and Union Station Gateway Center for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of
Los Angeles. Her permanent commemorative works are part of the public art collections
for the cities of San Jose and Hollywood, preserving the legacies of Mexican American
history and the Hollywoods early film industry.
Yasudas past exhibition work has been presented at museums and alternative spaces
in the U.S., Canada and U.K., including: the New Museum of Contemporary Art and Art
in General, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art@ Champion, CT; MIT List
Visual Arts Center, Boston; Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada; Camerawork Gallery, East
London. She has been the recipient of individual artist grants from the National
Endowment for the Arts, US/Japan Foundation, Howard Foundation, Art Matters, Joan
Mitchell Foundation and Anonymous Was a Woman Foundation. Yasuda is principal
investigator for recent grants from the California Arts Council, the Pearl Chase
Community Development Fund and the Santa Barbara Foundation to support temporary
and long-term permanent public arts and cultural development programs in Isla Vista,
California.
Brenda Yodice, Sit & Chat, Lotus
Brenda Yodice is an artist-teacher with more than 25 years of teaching music in public
schools in California and New York. Her experience covers elementary through high
school and community. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Music
Teachers' Association of California. Community-minded she provides piano
accompaniment to several local music choirs. She is at work on a choral piece that is a
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tribute to recent victims of the nationwide shootings. She can be found playing the
clunky outdoor piano for Sutter Street strollers who appreciate the beautiful piano music
that unexpectedly enhances their experience.
Adriana Yugovich, LAUSD, Pasadena
Originally from Detroit, MI, Adriana Yugovich received her BFA from the University of
Michigan, her MFA from CalArts and her teaching credential in Art from CSU
Northridge. Before becoming a full-time educator in 2013, Adriana worked as an artist
and writer in the entertainment industry. She has taught workshops and lectured at The
Getty, San Diego Comic Con, Natural History Museum of LA County, The Walt Disney
Company, and the California Arts Education Association, and L.A. Zine Fest. She has
worked with multicultural adolescents since 1998, and currently teaches digital art at
Humanitas Academy of Art and Technology (HAAT) in East Los Angeles.
Emily Zaiden, Craft in America, Los Angeles
Emily Zaiden is Director and lead curator of the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles,
where she has curated more than thirty exhibitions focused on contemporary craft and
design for the Center and outside venues. Zaiden has published various exhibition
catalogues and contributed articles and reviews to Archives of American Art Journal,
Metalsmith, and Antiques and Fine Art. She lectures on contemporary craft and
American and international decorative arts topics. After completing an M.A. at the
Winterthur Program in American Material Culture and a B.A. from UC Berkeley in
American Studies and Italian, Zaiden was Research Associate to the Decorative Arts
department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Prior to becoming Center
Director in 2010, she was a research editor for Architectural Digest and she consulted
for private collections and institutions focusing on decorative arts, material culture,
architecture and design.
Walter Zooi, Young Musicians Foundation, Los Angeles
Walter Zooi is an award-winning arts entrepreneur and organizational leader with over
20 years of experience in program development, strategic and fiscal planning,
marketing and communications. Walter currently serves as executive director of the
Young Musicians Foundation (YMF). Under his direction YMF tripled its impact and
reach and now provides tuition-free music education to over 3,400 students in under-
resourced 25 schools and sites throughout Los Angeles. He is the founder and past
director of South Pasadena Music Center & Conservatory and the founder and past
artistic director of the South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival, a city-wide, multi-stage
event that showcases musical artists from across a wide variety of cultures and genres.
As director of communications at the California Institute of the Arts he oversaw the
branding and development communications program for both the Institute and the Roy
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and Edna Disney CalArts Theater (REDCAT) in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Walter
held a similar position with USC’s Thornton School of Music.
Laura Zucker, Claremont Graduate University, Sherman Oaks
Laura Zucker is a nationally recognized arts leader whose expertise spans cultural
policy, capital project master planning, arts education, public art, cultural tourism, and
funding strategies. She served for 25 years as executive director of the Los Angeles
County Arts Commission. In that capacity, Laura managed the civic art policy for the
largest county in the United States and directed the funding for more than 400 arts
organizations. Major accomplishments during her tenure include implementing the
regional initiative to restore arts education to 81 public school districts, heading the
California Cultural Tourism Initiative; creating the largest paid arts internship program
for undergraduates in the country, and completing the $70 million revitalization of the
Ford Amphitheatre. She also was executive producer of the Emmy® Award winning
Holiday Celebration. Prior to the Arts Commission, Laura was executive director of the
Ventura Arts Council and producing director of the Back Alley Theatre. During She has
served on the boards of Grantmakers in the Arts, and was a founding board member of
Arts for LA, which created an annual fellowship in her honor. She received a B.A. from
Barnard College and attended the Yale School of Drama.
Aimee Zygmonski, Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Santa Cruz
Aimee Zygmonski has been the managing director at Santa Cruz Shakespeare since its
inception in 2014. Navigating the unique world of managing a start-upwith a previous
32-year history as an organization of UC Santa Cruz, been a challenging and rewarding
experience. In five short seasons, she applied and received IRS non-profit status;
worked with a consultant to design a strong fundraising program; helmed two strategic
planning processes; embarked on a successful $1.4 million capital campaign to find,
secure, design, and construct at new outdoor theater in 10 months; and has written
grants to raise over $350,000 for the organization. In her other life,she lectured as a
theater history professor for five years at UC Santa Cruz, and has taught at other
universities. Prior to higher education, Zygmonski was the Education Manager at La
Jolla Playhouse, administering year-long residencies in area schools, organizing an
annual touring production to over 50 elementary schools, writing study guide/outreach
materials for 4-6 student matinee programs a year, and coordinating two summer
camps. She has also worked at the Public Theater, Roundabout Theater Company,
Williamstown Theatre Festival, among others. She holds at PhD from UC San Diego
and an MFA in theater pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth.
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Panelist Response Data
Non-binary: 1.4%
Decline to state: 1.8%
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70+: 5.8%
Decline to state: 1.8%
18-24: 0.8%
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None: 3%
N/A: 2.6%
Veteran: 1.6%
n/a: 1.6%
none: 1.6%
NA: 1%
Senior: 0.6%
Human: 0.4%
Jewish: 0.4%
None of the above: 0.4%
None: 0.4%
I am a member of the rare
disease community.: 0.4%
Immigrant: 0.4%
none of the above: 0.4%
woman of color: 0.2%
Woman, working class: 0.2%
Christian: 0.2%
woman: 0.2%
Arts Community Advocate: 0.2%
jewish: 0.2%
LGBTQ; person with disability:
0.2%
Retired: 0.2%
Human being: 0.2%
n/a: 0.2%
“Senior Citizen” : 0.2%
Autistic children caregiver , 2
families, 4 children, 5 years exp. :
0.2%
First Generation college
graduate: 0.2%
mother of a child with autism:
0.2%
no identifiers: 0.2%
not applicable: 0.2%
Working Parent: 0.2%
In Home Caregiver to Disabled
Adult: 0.2%
no others: 0.2%
a human being: 0.2%
Widow: 0.2%
This question doesn’t have the
option of picking more than one:
0.2%
mature artist: 0.2%
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no other: 0.2%
Not sure what is required here? :
0.2%
Trauma survivor: 0.2%
Single parent: 0.2%
Mother: 0.2%
Advocate for Women’s
Leadership in the Arts: 0.2%
Cancer Survivor: 0.2%
Women Artist: 0.2%
I have none: 0.2%
Indian-American Woman: 0.2%
1
st
generation Californian: 0.2%
None of these: 0.2%
Mother, cancer survivor, widow,
retiree with a passion for the arts:
0.2%
Human: 0.2%
ptsd: 0.2%
woman owned business: 0.2%
Elder/Crone: 0.2%
LGBTQ Ally: 0.2%
Nothing here describes me. :
0.2%
Optimism: 0.2%
Immigrant: 0.2%
Mature Diva: 0.2%
Bilingual Single mother of 2
teenagers (1 foster child) : 0.2%
Married, mother of two,
grandmother of four: 0.2%
Single parent. : 0.2%
Caribbean and Traditional
Cultural Arts: 0.2%
N.A: 0.2%
Concerned citizen Veteran
Advocate for the Arts: 0.2%
Third generation Democrat: 0.2%
business owner, mother: 0.2%
Formerly Incarcerated Person:
0.2%
. : 0.2%
I am a human being: 0.2%
The form doesn’t let me choose
two. I am BGLQT and disabled
per SSI standards. : 0.2%
Senior by age…junior by
though…child by creativity: 0.2%
Creative type: 0.2%
retired educator: 0.2%
Published writer: 0.2%
none regular average guy:
0.2%
openminded hetro-sexual human:
0.2%
religious minority: 0.2%
I identify as Queer and though I
do not use governmental
disability, I have a diagnosed
physical/invisible disability. : 0.2%
not applicable to me: 0.2%
Child and ex wife of veterans:
0.2%
Military spouse, mother of a child
with disabilities: 0.2%
a very outspoken individual: 0.2%
Artist: 0.2%
retired, politically active: 0.2%
Learning disabilities, dyslexic:
0.2%
parent, organizer, practicing
artist: 0.2%
DV Survivor: 0.2%
Haitian-American: 0.2%
person of faith: 0.2%
First-Gen American: 0.2%
Chinese American; woman of
color: 0.2%
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Veteran, LGBTQ and person with
disability: 0.2%
None in particular: 0.2%
first generational immigrant,
survivor of sexual abuse: 0.2%
Learning disabled: 0.2%
None of these: 0.2%
Other: 0.2%
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Marketing: 4.8%
Social Justice: 3%
Philanthropy: 2.8%
Youth Services: 2.4%
Learning and Evaluation: 2.4%
Social Practice: 1.8%
Disability Services: 1%
Veterans Services: 0.6%
Immigrant / Refugee Services: 0.6%
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Learning and Evaluation: 6.8%
Marketing: 6.8%
Philanthropy: 6.6%
Social Practice: 5.6%
Correctional Services: 1.6%
Disability Services: 1.6%
Immigrant / Refugee Services: 1.2%
Veterans Services: 0.8%