Georgia Council for the Arts FY20 Grant Review Panelist Bios
Project Grant Review Panel 1 May 1, 2019
Ed Biggs- LaGrange William E. (ED) BIGGS retired from Milliken & Company in 2010 after more than 20 years as Director of International Sales for the Floor Covering Division. Since that time he has consulted on international distribution.
He was the soloist for the Spartan Boy Choir at the age of 9 and made his stage debut as Randolph McAfee in the Spartanburg (S.C.) Little Theater production of Bye, Bye Birdie.
A 1972 graduate of Wofford College (Spartanburg, S.C.), he has performed on stage in leading roles with The Spartanburg Little Theater; Converse College Opera Workshop; Wofford College, LaGrange College, LaGrange Lyric Theater and The Springer Opera House, most recently as Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies.
He is a member of the LaGrange Rotary Club, Highland Country Club, St. Mark's Episcopal Church and sings with Cantus Columbus, a Professional Vocal Ensemble. He has served on the Boards of The Choral Society of West Georgia, The Sons of LaFayette Male Choir, LaGrange Lyric Theater and Lafayette Society for Performing Arts and the vestry of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He is a graduate of Leadership Troup 2012.
Ed has performed as a soloist with the Spartanburg Symphony Orchestra, Trinity College, Paine College, the LaGrange Lyric Theater, the LaGrange Civic Chorale, The Sons of Lafayette Male Choir, Columbus (GA) Civic Chorale, Columbus State University Chorus and Symphony Orchestra and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
Gail Drake- Albany Gail Dentel Drake, JD, has been practicing children and elder law since 2000. She is currently appointed as Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) in 4 counties and is certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist and as court certified Neutral/Mediator. Serving the Department of Family and Children Services for eight years, she intervenes for children in crisis with programs to reunify families and remedy causes of dependency. She otherwise practices probate and guardianship law.
Ms. Drake also serves on several artistic and charitable boards, including as co-chair of Ballet Theatre South, Albany’s premier ballet community production company that brings semi-professional productions each year. Her other artistic endeavors include singing with the Albany Chorale and directing the men’s Anchor Choir at the Anchorage, a recovery facility of 65 years where she also serves on the board. In addition to assisting with various school productions, she also served on the boards of the Albany Salvation Army and other ministry boards. She publishes bi-weekly articles in the local newspaper.
In former years Ms. Drake performed in community choirs and productions, such as Haydn’s Creation, King Lear, Music Man, and served occasionally as a studio singer for two recording companies. She toured with two vocal groups for school promotion in the 1980s.
Josephine Kelly- Porterdale Josephine Kelly has served as the Downtown Development Director since 2015 for the City of Porterdale. Located 35 miles east of Atlanta, Porterdale is one of Georgia’s most preserved mill villages. Porterdale utilizes historic preservation, the arts and natural resources as the foundation for the village’s community and economic development strategies. In 2019 the Porterdale office of Downtown Development office is facilitating the development of the non-profit Creative Porterdale Arts Collective. Porterdale was awarded one of the top small communities to Live Work and Play in 2018 by Georgia Trend and the Georgia Municipal Association.
Josephine was the director of Main Street Covington from 2000 – 20013 and developed a consulting firm, KB Workshop in 2013, to offer a customized set of services to downtown and community development organizations. She has served three terms on the Georgia Downtown Association, and held the executive officer positions as Treasurer, Vice-President and President.
Kamia McWilliams- Fitzgerald Kamia McWilliams has been doing photography since she was 14 years old. At the age of 19 she started her photography business in 2016. In 2018, she hosted her first art exhibit at the Fitzgerald Art Council in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Following her exhibit, she self-published her poetry book "Aisha: She Who Lives" and her first custom magazine featuring artists, entrepreneur and creators. Her work has been displayed at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in local newspapers around southwest Georgia and online. In her free time, she is a blogger and YouTuber where she provides informational material for other photographers like herself.
Allison Newberry- Springfield Allison has a history of music and dance performance through college. After college, she was a commercial editor and news director. She transitioned into marketing and promotions, most recently for a cable provider as Area Marketing Manager overseeing eleven markets across seven states. Her current responsibilities as Theatre Director of the Mars Theatre in Springfield include fundraising for the Friend of the Mars program, marketing and advertising, scheduling of all live acts and movies, overseeing all staffing and concession inventory management, maintaining the budget, and grant writing.
Vynnie Meli- Atlanta Vynnie Meli is from Rochester, NY, and has a BFA in Sculpture (Richmond), graduate studies in Writing for Art History (Chicago) and a degree in Art Direction (Atlanta). She had a career in advertising before bringing all of the pieces together and onto the stage. She writes plays, musicals and Food Truck Operas. Her work has been in theaters, festivals, and micro-arenas around the country and well as in Australia and Germany. She has had two award-winning musicals at the New York Musical Festival and was a recipient of the Alliance Theatre Atlanta Artists Lab. Go to vynnie.com for the juicy bits. Vynnie is a member of Dramatists Guild, Inc.; Working Title Playwrights; TRU/Theatre Resources Unlimited; TCG/Theatre Communications Group; AJT/Alliance of Jewish Theaters; and TYA/ Theatre for Young Audiences.
Her endlessly continuing education continues through ASCAP/NY; NMI/ New Musicals Inc, LA; CTI/Commercial Theater Institute.; TRU/Theatre Resources Unlimited; NYMF/New York Musical Festival; TYA /One Theater World; Alliance of Jewish Theatres; Dramatists Guild Institute; Alliance Theatre and more.
Project Grant Review Panel 2 May 2, 2019
Mariah Caldwell- Athens Mariah Caldwell is a Development Associate and Fundraising Coordinator for Nuçi’s Space, a musicians resource and mental health support center in Athens. Originally from Philadelphia, Mariah received her Bachelor’s in Ecology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and worked and volunteered many years with numerous local nonprofits, including Natural Lands, The Great Valley Nature Center, and Thorncroft Equestrian Center. In 2017, Mariah moved to Athens to pursue a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Georgia, which she has since received. Since moving to Athens, GA, Mariah has also worked and volunteered with Athens Land Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Oconee River Land Trust, and AthFest Educates. Although still fresh to the field, she hopes to work her way up to becoming a Development Director for an environmental nonprofit someday.
Sharon C. Carelock- Atlanta Sharon C. Carelock began performing at church and she instantly knew that she wanted to pursue a professional career in the arts. With the encouragement and guidance from her family, she attended Emory University (Oxford College and Emory College) where she received an undergraduate degree focused on dance, theater, and production design.
Since graduating, she choreographed and performed for many notable artists in the Atlanta area. She also continued to develop her skills in technical theater under the mentorship of Emory dance faculty Greg Catellier and BlackLight Productions’ Andre Allen. These were fruitful years for Sharon, but she wanted to continue her education and develop her own artistic voice. In 2013, she was accepted to the master's program at the Florida State University School of Dance. There she renewed her passion for singing by working on projects such as Emily Johnson’s piece SHORE and creating unique movement and vocal works, such as, How He Went Home (2013), Bardo (2014), and her thesis work [Contain(her)] (2015).
Upon graduating from FSU School of Dance, Carelock came back to Atlanta and immediately started working for Lucky Penny as a stage manager for their summer production Head’s Up, and the youth development dance organization, Moving in the Spirit, as a Teaching Artist and a Technical Director. She did this as well as volunteering her production skills to church/community organizations such as World Changers Youth Experience and Organique Connections, and performing in the memorable works BAES: Beauty and Entertainment Systems by Corian Ellisor, and Keep the Body, Take the Mind by Kamali Hill. She also reconnected with Core Dance Artistic Director Sue Schroeder and was commissioned to create and perform the solo, Un-[Caged](2016), for Off the Edge: Edge in Unexpected Spaces.
She was hired as Production Manager for Core Dance in 2016. Sharon C. Carelock continues to perform with amazing choreographers and directors in the Atlanta area. She is looking forward to the many opportunities to create and present her own work and is grateful to all that has played a part in her growth and success.
Connie Fritz- Moultrie Connie Fritz brings over 35 years of nonprofit experience to the position of Executive Director of the Colquitt County Arts Council in Colquitt, GA. She served on the Arts Center staff as Program Manager during the initial renovation of the facility in 1989 and served as the Program and Marketing Director in the mid 90's for three years. Connie is the founder of the Arts Center Youth Theater program and has developed the program to the point it has been divided into three age groups to accommodate all students interested. As a volunteer of the Arts Center, Connie served as chair of the Festival on the Square for three years and has served as the Technical Director on several community projects through the Arts Center. Connie served as an instructor leading theater and art classes for over twenty years for children and adults.
D. Stuart Miller- Johns Creek Stuart Miller is the Executive Director of the Johns Creek Arts Center. A native of Savannah, he earned his bachelor’s degree with a double major in History and Theatre from Shorter College, and Graduate Degree in Parks Administration with an emphasis in Museum Studies from Georgia Southern University. He also holds a Certificate in Arts Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. Stuart has spent most of the past twenty-five years as an educator and administrator for arts organizations in Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia. In the course of his career he has provided the artistic direction for hundreds of art exhibitions, festivals and education programs in the arts. Stuart has served on numerous arts boards and as a grant reviewer for the Georgia Council for the Arts, Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He currently is a Board member of the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Johns Creek Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Julian Plowden- Columbus Julian Plowden is a Columbus resident who does Architectural photography and Photojournalism, blending them into romantic art pieces. Julian has captured images from events related to politics; Black Lives Matter; Ferguson, Missouri; and social tensions across the nation. His images have won awards, been featured in The Louvre, and been included in collections such as Emory University's MARBL archive. "I studied Architecture here in high school and majored in Architecture, Education and Media in college. That is why my style of photography often incorporates lines, angles, parallels and juxtapositions between buildings and people. I romanticize the buildings, which is why I coupled this show with love poetry." Julian accomplished his goal of becoming a "Best of Atlanta" photographer as part of the local news annual rankings and continues to work today.
Jan Shiff- St. Marys Jan Shiff is the Treasurer/Operations Director for St. Marys Children's Theatre and Vice President and Operations Director for The Friese Studio of Music and Performing Arts. She has a Bachelor's of Business degree from Northern Illinois University and 25 years of experience in corporate operations and mergers and acquisitions.
Project Grant Review Panel 3 May 9, 2019
Nancy Ackerman- Helen Nancy Ackerman is the Executive Director of the Helen Arts and Heritage Council as well as an artist skilled in oil painting, pastels, pottery and fused glass. She retired at the top of her field after 30 years with the Georgia Department of Public Safety as Communications Program Specialist. She was a supervisor and certified course instructor responsible for twenty-six Georgia State Patrol Communications field offices. Nancy served on the policy review board responsible for the writing and revision of departmental policy and standard operating procedure, and also served on the department's disciplinary board. She was chosen to serve on the state's security team for the 2004 G-8 World Leader's Summit, and her entire career has been devoted to the service of others.
Landrie Bock-Cairo Landrie Bock is a teacher with the School of Fine Arts at Cairo High School. She was previously Managing Director for the Henegar Center for the Arts in Melbourne, Florida; Business Manager for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival; General Manager for the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls, New York; and Director of Business and Education at the WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas. She holds a BFA in Theatre from Valdosta State University.
Myrna Clayton-Atlanta Nothing compares to live performances of cultural ambassador and America’s Songbird of the South Myrna Clayton. Myrna was honored in 2018 to be selected by the US State Department to represent American Music Abroad Program and perform at US Embassies worldwide. She was also selected for the coveted Juried Showcase at the 2017 Performing Arts Exchange. Professional singer Myrna travels globally singing and causing audiences to sing and dance along with her! Whether performing in theater halls, festivals, or churches in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, Germany, France, UK, Nigeria, Russia, Belarus or cities across the US, Myrna performs jazz, soul, gospel, pop, and R&B to the delight of her audiences. (www.MyrnaClayton.com) Myrna has an MBA with Corporate Marketing experience. After switching careers to professional singing, Myrna noticed a gap in the entertainment industry for the community of people with disabilities and she started Abel 2, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (www.Abel2.org) that seeks to increase the profile of artists and audiences with disabilities and showcasing their abilities because "Everybody Deserves a Stage.”
Van Jensen- Atlanta Van Jensen is the publisher of ARTS ATL and a writer and filmmaker based in Atlanta. After a career in newspapers and magazines, Jensen began writing comic books and graphic novels, including titles such as The Flash and James Bond. He recently sold a TV series to Sony Studios and has directed films and music videos.
Nichole Martin- Peachtree City Nichole Martin has trained with Georgia Academy of Dance and the Performing Arts for the past 21 years and under scholarship with Georgia Dance Theatre for 19 seasons, including nine seasons under professional contract. She has received additional training from the Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet with an invitation to stay for school year program, the American Ballet Theatre, the Montgomery Ballet on full scholarship, the South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory, and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education on full scholarship. Mrs. Martin is an Associate Director of Marketing at Georgia Academy of Dance and the Performing Arts. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgia Dance Theatre.
Elizabeth Simpson- Waycross Elizabeth is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a BA in English and Minors in History, Art History, Sociology, Feminist Studies, and Leadership Development, and a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Leadership Development. She has traveled around the world to find her way to South Georgia to be closer to family. An avid reader and writer, she has served as Chairperson for the Writer’s Guild for the last three years. With a background in education, marketing, and sales, she is now the Executive Director of the Okefenokee Heritage Center, the premier art and history museum for Southeast Georgia. An advocate for change, she works closely with her board and committees to service the community’s needs which range from historical preservation, outreach, and bringing art to at-risk youth.
Partner Grant Review Panel 4 May 15, 2019
Pax Bobrow- Augusta Pax Bobrow has a BS in Economics from Cornell University, and has studied the visual arts at numerous institutions including the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art, Kunstacademie Ruud Wackers Amsterdam, Eastern Michigan University, and San Francisco Academy of Art. She left behind a steadily building patron base for her landscape and still life works when she moved from New Orleans to Augusta in 2015. In Augusta, she is active on stage and off in musical theatre with The Augusta Players. She was nominated for the Character Actor award in the Augusta Players’ Auggie Awards for 2016, and for Best Actress for the lead role of Violet Newstead in 9 to 5 The Musical in February 2017. She has worked on set design on multiple productions. Bobrow is responsible for grant writing and research, overseeing Public Art, and serves as the Fine Arts and Crafts Market Director for the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival.
Rebecca Bush- Columbus Rebecca Bush is Curator of History/Exhibitions Manager at the Columbus Museum. A partial list of her projects in Columbus includes exhibitions on the Jewish heritage of the Chattahoochee Valley, the enslaved autistic musician “Blind Tom” Wiggins, the desegregation of the local public library system, and Southern Gothic author Carson McCullers. Rebecca is a co-editor and contributing author to Art and Public History: Approaches, Opportunities, and Challenges (with K. Tawny Paul, Rowman & Littlefield, 2017). She serves on the board of the Georgia Association of Museums and is chair of the host committee for the organization’s 2020 joint conference with the Alabama Museums Association in Columbus. Rebecca earned a MA in Public History from the University of South Carolina and a BA in History from Kansas State University.
Gail Deschamps- Rome A recognized playwright and lyricist, Gail has directed Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and more recently, Michael Frayn’s Noises Off for Rome Little Theatre. Her directing credits range from Shakespeare to modern theatre, drama to farce. She has served as Artistic Director for The Minorca Playhouse, GMT Productions and Florida Shakespeare Festival. Gail has received nominations for excellence in theatre from the Florida Press and her librettos for Two Gentlemen of Verona and Lewis and Clark were honored with US touring grants. Gail holds a BA in Theatre with an English Minor from the University of Miami. She studied writing under Nobel Laureate, Isaac Bashevis Singer, received an Individual Artist Grant in theatre from the Georgia Arts Council and along with her husband received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rome Area Council for the Arts.
Sarah Emery- Atlanta Sarah Todd Emery is artistic director of Watershed Dance Theatre. Her choreography has been set on various companies and schools in the United States including Canton Ballet, Delaware Dance Company, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Open Door Studios and Moving Poets Charlotte. Sarah was the project tier recipient of the Choreography Connection Award through Regional Dance America’s Choreographer Intensive 2017. She has had the privilege of assisting in the staging of Martha Graham’s 1935 ballet, Panorama, under Kim Jones, former Martha Graham dancer. Sarah has taught ballet and contemporary dance for many schools over the past 20 years including Atlanta Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Open Door Studios and Ponte Vedra Ballet and Dance Company.
Sharon Flores- St. Simons Sharon Flores is the Executive Director of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. She received a BA in Education from the University of Florida and an MA in Economic Education at the University of Delaware. She was a teacher for 21 years, and 15 of those years were spent at The Lovett School in Atlanta. She served on the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, the Board of Directors for UNICEF-Atlanta, The Board of Trustees for the Southeastern Flower Show, and the Board of Director of the ARCS Foundation Atlanta Chapter.
Ariel Jones- Atlanta Ariel Jones is the Development Officer at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. She is responsible for all aspects of grant writing, corporate sponsorship, and fundraising at the Museum. Previously, Ariel Jones was the Manager of Marketing, Public Relations, and Individual Giving Manager for The Center for Hearing and Speech (CHS) and the Marketing and Membership Manager for Fresh Arts in Houston, Texas. Ariel holds a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, and a M.A. in Arts Management from the H. John Heinz III College at Carnegie Mellon University.
Partner Grant Review Panel 5 May 16, 2019
Jason Brown- Valdosta An active filmmaker and curator, Jason Brown teaches mass media production at Valdosta State University where he founded the South Georgia Film Festival. Born and raised in West Virginia, he has an MFA in Film & Video Production from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an MA from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, and a BA from Concord University. He has worked previously at Bowling Green State University and McNeese State University. He has taken students annually to the Macon Film Festival to interview filmmakers for their TV Show, VOD Indie.
Jason produced the short film MIRACLE BOY which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and eventually screened on Comcast’s Film Festival Collective channel. He has worked as a programmer, screener, or usher at numerous film festivals. Jason has written grants for festivals, his own work, and the work of others. He is currently finishing a documentary about John Sayles’ film MATEWAN.
Deborah Liss-Green- Cuthbert Deborah Liss-Green is Assistant Professor of Theatre and Director of the Theatre Program at Andrew College. Previously, she directed the Theatre Program for nine years at Darton State College. Deb acted professionally with the national touring company of The Shoestring Players, based out of Rutgers University. She is the recipient of three Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Meritorious Achievement in Directing awards, as well as two KCACTF honors for hosting and serving as program coordinator for two regional festivals. Deb and her husband, Jeff Green (Chair, Dramatic Arts, Georgia Southwestern State) collaborate frequently with their students, and with their co-production of Shakespeare’s Henriad in 2015, launched the Southwest Georgia Repertory Company, with hopes of employing former students who wish to remain in the area.
Sheila Stewart Leach- Statesboro Sheila has an MFA in Drawing and Fibers from SIU-Carbondale and a BA in Fiber Arts from GSU. She has participated in numerous continuing education symposia and seminars including receiving Certificates from the Museum Management Institute (MMI) and Columbia University Arts Management Symposia. She has been the Executive Director of six art and multi-disciplinary museums including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas-Beaumont and Museum of Art and Science- Macon, Ga. She has extensive experience in Board leadership and governance and arts management: fund research and development, strategic and business planning, asset assessment and management, curatorial and educational program creation and implementation, outreach, audience and staff development. She has led two museums to reach accreditation and one to reaccreditation. She now serves as the free-lance Curator for the Averitt Center for the Arts, Statesboro, and assists artists and arts organizations with planning, assessment, training and curatorial tasks
Roger Moss- Savannah Roger is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee where he received numerous awards for civic and artistic accomplishments. He graduated from Wheaton College. His extensive performance career has included singing to sold out crowds with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, Beaufort Symphony Orchestra and Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. He performed the role of Jake in the Opera Memphis production of Porgy and Bess. He was a finalist in the American Traditions vocal competition.
Moss’ aim when co-founding the Savannah Children’s Choir was to create a positive way for Savannah’s children to represent their community and showcase positive accomplishments. Also, through education and performance, to instill in the next generation a love of the beauty and variety of American music. His boundless energy and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all who work with him, as is his life philosophy which is, “You can never dream too big!”
J. Barry Schrenk- Atlanta Barry is the Chair of the Georgia Council for the Arts.
Partner Grant Review Panel 6 May 22, 2019
Justin Andrews- Macon Justin Andrews is with the Otis Redding Foundation in Macon.
Leatrice Ellzy- Atlanta Leatrice Ellzy is a curator, producer, thinker and fan of disruption, is the interim executive director of Hammonds House Museum. She has a penchant for pushing the envelope to engage new solutions to old problems. Her unique skill set has been developed over 28 years of migrating through non-profit management and development, broadcast media relations, arts presenting and technology. She has held key management positions with organizations such as Girl Scouts, YWCA, Georgia Public Broadcasting and Fulton Government Television. Ms. Ellzy’s arts management and administration experience developed through work in two major arts institutions, Woodruff Arts Center and the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). In 1999 she was named the Project Director of Spirit and Splendor: A Celebration of African American Art and Culture at the Woodruff Arts Center. The success of Spirit and Splendor opened the door to Woodruff’s long-running Celebrate Diversity initiative. NBAF invited her to work with the Festival in 2002 where she produced for them from 2002-2005. In 2005 she was hired to manage the organization’s artistic programming, making her the 5th Artistic Director of the National Black Arts Festival. She left in 2012. Ms. Ellizy is active in the field and is frequently asked to sit on panels, serve on advisory committees and participate in conversations about the state of the arts nationally, regionally and locally. She is the producer and host of the 13th Floor Lounge Podcast.
Scott Seidl- Augusta Scott Seidl is the Executive and Artistic Director of the Augusta Players. Prior to that, he was a freelance writer, director and choreographer in New York.
Erin Tatum- Savannah Erin Tatum is the Managing Director of the Savannah Music Festival.
Eric Thomas- Columbus Eric Thomas serves as the Executive Director for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his appointment, Eric served as the Operations and Education Director where he was responsible for overseeing orchestra operations and developing educational programs include in the CSO’s “Making Music Matters” initiative. He also serves as Vice President of Membership for the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance. Other arts and civic organizations include the Rotary Club of Columbus, the Greater Columbus Young Professionals, ArtBeat of Columbus, and the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau. He earned his Bachelors of Music Education from Jacksonville State University and his Masters in Performance from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music where he studied oboe with Dr. Susan Tomkiewicz. He also served as the Orchestra Coordinator for the International Double Reed Society Conference in 2016.
Candice Thompson- Atlanta Candice Thompson is the cofounder and editorial director at { DIYdancer } and contributes frequently to Dance, Pointe, and Dance Teacher magazines. She danced for the Milwaukee Ballet Company prior to receiving her MFA from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Creative Writing. Having recently relocated to Atlanta from New York City, she has enjoyed getting to know this Atlanta’s vibrant dance scene.
Partner Grant Review Panel 7 May 23, 2019
Eve Campbell- Atlanta Eve Campbell is the Executive Director of Voices of Note. She has spent her entire adult life working in the nonprofit sector. Her arts management experience includes working as Executive Director for The Women’s Chorus of Dallas, the Turtle Creek Chorale, and the Rocky Mountain Arts Association. She is a former board chair of GALA Choruses, Inc and has served on numerous other boards. Ms. Campbell founded a consulting business to assist nonprofits in 1998 and has worked with over 300 organizations. She is currently the GALA Choruses advisor to its members’ boards of directors.
Lauren Fancher- Athens Lauren Fancher is the Board President and Operations Coordinator at ATHICA: Athens Institute of Contemporary Art. She is also the Director of GALILEO Support Services where she coordinates activities associated with the support of GALILEO, Georgia’s Virtual Library. Lauren received a BFA in Fine and Studio Arts and a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology from the University of Georgia.
Joy M. Johnson- Marietta Joy M Johnson is the Executive Director of The Georgia Ballet. She is an experienced executive with a career foundation at IBM and progressively responsible leadership roles in NYNYX Business Center, Chubb Corporation, Delta Airlines and her own firm GrowthMindset. She has held full P&L accountability in multiple organizations and made major contributions in strategic planning, operations, team collaboration and marketing. In the years directly preceding her tenure at The Georgia Ballet she was working with business leaders in both for profit and non-profit companies to maximize bottom line results by focusing on such things as leadership skills, effective communication, productivity, training and facilitation, process and procedures, revenue growth and expense control.
Grace Madden- Atlanta Grace graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University in St. Louis with a B.F.A. in Stage Management. While there, she spent a semester in Atlanta with Dad’s Garage as the Arts Administration Intern, and stage managed Merry F%!*#ing Christmas with Dad’s at the Alliance Theatre. She moved back to Atlanta in 2016 to work at the Alliance as Brand Marketing Coordinator. In 2018 she became the Director of Advancement at Dad’s Garage.
Sementha Mathews- Valdosta Sementha Mathews is the Executive Director of the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. Mathews holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii and a Master's of Public Administration degree from Valdosta State University. She is also an adjunct professor in the Mass Media Department at Valdosta State University and a trainer in the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Joe Patti- Macon Joe Patti, Executive Director of The Grand Opera House, has worked as an arts administrator at the Asolo Theater in Sarasota; Utah Shakespearean Festival; and business manager and visiting professor at the University of Central Florida. For three years he ran the concert and music festival operations at Appel Farm Arts and Music Center before spending nine years in Hawaii running a performing arts facility for the University of Hawaii. While in Hawaii, Joe presented artists from Asia, Oceania, Europe and the Americas. He mounted the first opera sung entirely in Hawaiian, a dance drama about the Hawaiian snow goddess Poli'ahu and an abbreviated Balinese temple ceremony. He also provided space and resources for the development of similar shows by partner organizations, some of which embarked on national and international tours.
Joe has served on the board of the Performing Arts Presenters of Hawaii, and has been a grant panelist for the ArtStart and ArtsNext programs of the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsMidwest's conference professional development committee. Joe is an exponent and advocate of ArtsMidwest's Creating Connection initiative, a long term effort to build public will for arts and culture. Joe is a contributor to the ArtsHacker website and has authored the Butts In The Seats arts administration blog for 15 years.
Partner Grant Review Panel 8 May 29, 2019
Kimberly Brown- Madison Kimberly Brown is Executive Director of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. She holds a BA in Visual Communications from the Arts Institute of Atlanta and an MA in Ministerial Counseling from SLCA in Spokane, Washington. She brings more than 30 years of non-profit management experience to the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center. She oversees daily MMCC operations and helps raise more than $600,000 annually for programs and facilities benefiting the citizens of a 17-county region. Kim serves as marketing chair on the Madison Morgan Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, as well as a member of the Morgan County Kiwanis Club and serves on the United Way Kiwanis fundraising committee. She serves on the Main Street Madison fall fundraiser/chili cook off committee and chairs the board of tasters. Prior to becoming Director of the Cultural Center, Ms. Brown served as Executive Director and independent consultant for arts and education non-profit organizations. Ms. Brown spend 12 years as a visual communications designer and speech writer with Fortune 500 companies in addition to managing a film and video production company. Ms. Brown has been active in statewide arts and education organizations as well as serving on multiple Boards of trustees and board of directors in the Atlanta area.
Lena Carstens- Atlanta Lena Carstens joined the Atlanta Beltline, Inc. (ABI) in August 2015 as the Development Officer for Public Grants. In this role, she actively supports ABI by identifying and applying for public funding opportunities at the federal, state, regional, and local government levels. Prior to joining ABI, Ms. Carstens spent 15 years in arts management and most recently served as the Program Manager for Arts and Education Services at the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Ms. Carstens holds an MBA and an MA in Arts Administration from SMU in Dallas, TX and a BFA in Stage Management from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University.
Gylbert Garvin Coker- Albany Gylbert Coker has a BFA in Fine Art from Pratt Institute, a MA in American Civilization from New York University, an MA in Art History from Hunter College, a Ph.D. in Art Administration from Florida State University and two certificates, one in Program Evaluation and one in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Coker has worked in the art business for more than 40 years. She has worked at the Guggenheim Museum as a clerical worker, the Museum of Modern Art as a cataloger in the Registrar’s Department. She won a Rockefeller grant in Museum Education at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was the first Chief Curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem. She was the Acting Director at the Children’s Art Carnival, a private school of art in Harlem, New York. She worked as a free-lance curator for many small community art centers both in New York and throughout the southeast. For example, she was the Visiting Curator at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum in Eatonville, Florida.
Coker was an adjunct art professor at South University of New Orleans for two years and a visiting art professor at FAMU. While at FAMU she set up and ran the new Visual Arts Gallery and brought in art by artists from throughout the United States along with showing faculty and student art.
In 2000 she accepted the curatorial position at The Thomasville Cultural Center where she worked until 2005. At the time she brought in a wide variety of art exhibitions that included a Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition of his flowers, a Benny Andrews Retrospective and an exhibition that re-examined modern art, The Making of the Modern. It was because of this exhibition that Coker encouraged the center to bring in Bobby Short to perform as a musical component to the exhibition.
Today Coker is the executive director of The Mitchell Young Anderson Museum.
Joelle Leigh Fryman- Albany Joelle Leigh Fryman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies with a Minor in Vocal Music Performance from Capital University where she performed in numerous Theatrical and musical productions including A Streetcar Named Desire, Blythe Spirit, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Following her completion of the program, she auditioned for and was offered a position with Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT), a long-standing nonprofit children’s theatre in Columbus, Ohio, as a member of their Professional Touring Company and as a Professional Teaching Artist for their Academy. She worked in this capacity for two years before being asked to step into the position of Interim Education Director for the CCT Academy, a position that she then moved into full-time. After a four-year tenure as the Education Director, Fryman took leave from CCT in order to continue her education at the University of Akron, Ohio, where she received her Masters of Arts in Arts Administration and Nonprofit Management. She is currently the Executive Director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
David Morrow- Atlanta David Morrow joined the faculty of Morehouse College in 1981 and teaches Conducting and Choral Literature as well as Survey of African American Music for the General Education curriculum. He is the Director of the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Wendell P. Whalum Community Chorus, is Artistic Director and Conductor of the Atlanta Singers, and co-Directs the Morehouse-Spelman Chorus. He also serves as Secretary of the Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. A sought-after choral clinician, Dr. Morrow has lectured or conducted workshops in public schools, colleges, and universities.
Dr. Morrow is a member of Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians Association, past president of the National Association of Negro Musicians, serves on the Board of Directors of the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses, Inc., and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the Georgia Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, is a "Friend of the Arts" member of Sigma Alpha Iota and in his second term on the Georgia Council for the Arts. His compositions and arrangements are published with Alfred Music Publishers and GIA music publishers.
Partner Grant Review Panel 9 May 30, 2019
Tina Cox- Summerville Tina Cox is the Executive Director of Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden. She assumed the Garden's leadership role after a 26-year corporate career during which she devoted countless hours to volunteer leadership working for a variety of Southeastern and national arts organizations, from the High Museum of Art to Folk Art Society of America. A Paradise Garden Foundation board member since 2016, Cox served as Vice Chair and a member of the Foundation's Executive Committee in 2017. Among her accomplishments, she led the foundation's Strategic Planning Committee in 2016-2017.
Didi Dunphy- Athens Didi Dunphy is a native New Yorker, Los Angeles transplant, having moved to Athens with her family in 2000. Ms. Dunphy received an MFA from San Francisco Art Institute in the contemporary arts. She is an accomplished artist having had exhibits in major venues such as the Atlanta Contemporary, Telfair Museum in Savannah, the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art in Florida, the Armory Center for Arts, Pasadena, CA and more. A number of features have been written about Ms. Dunphy including Southern Living, Athens Magazine, Craft, as well as arts and exhibition review in the LA Times, SF Chronicle, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and others. Ms. Dunphy’s design works, Recess of Modern Convenience Studios have been placed in a number of collections and included in design publications such as Elle Décor, Paper, Interior Design, Vogue Living, Cookie and Metropolis.
A former Visiting Scholar and Professor in the contemporary and digital media arts at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, UGA, Ms. Dunphy works as an independent curator in partnership with regional art museums. As a curator, she manages and designs exhibits for the Gallery at Hotel-Indigo-Athens and the Indigo’s GlassCube artist residency and project space. Having a career in arts administration, current she is the Program Supervisor at the Lyndon House Arts Center, dedicated to incorporating visual art and arts education with the mission of enriching the community of Athens and beyond.
Karla Redding-Andrews- Macon Executive director/vice president of the Otis Redding Foundation, Karla Redding-Andrews is actively involved in the music and education efforts in the community. She earned a B.A. from Georgia Southern University in 1985, where she remains an active alum and serves on the Board of Alumni. She is vice- chair of the Georgia Music Foundation board, which operates to market and support the continued importance of Georgia music and its legendary musicians under the direction of the Governor of the State of Georgia. Karla is also on the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Advisory Commission, appointed by Governor Deal. She serves on the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings Board of Visitors, which supports the Foundation. She is a member of the Leadership Macon Class of 2015 and the Macon Rotary Club (where she serves on the executive committee), as well as serving on the boards of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival. In 2016, Redding-Andrews received the Macon Arts Alliance Cultural Award. In 2018, she received the “She Rocks Award” from The Women’s International Music Network, where she was honored alongside Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, The B-52’s Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson. She recently received the Black Girl Shine award from the Office of Multicultural affairs at Georgia Southern and was nominated by her son Jarred, a sophomore at the University.
John Streit-Gainesville John Streit holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance from the University of Georgia and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Arizona with a specialization in teaching and choreography. John’s interest in dance was piqued upon being cast in his first musical. After such time, he began studying all styles of dance where he discovered an affinity for ballet. He has performed professionally with Georgia Ballet and as a guest artist with Atlanta Ballet. In addition, he has performed with the Arizona Dance Ensemble, The UGA ballroom performance group, The UGA Repertory Company, and Atlanta Lyric Theatre where he was recently seen in Cats as Mistoffolees. John has also danced as a guest artist in a variety of different venues, dancing much of the classical male repertoire as well as a variety of contemporary works. John also teaches and choreographs locally where he has trained and/or coached three YAGP Top 12 finalists and has produced several locally commissioned works.
Gladys Wyant- Gainesville Gladys Wyant is serving in her 36th year as Executive Director of The Arts Council, Inc., a 501(c)3 arts organization serving Northeast Georgia. She has completed numerous professional development workshops through Americans for the Arts, South Arts, Georgia Arts Network, the Governor’s Tourism Conferences, North Georgia Travel Association, Georgia Main Street Programs and others. She was a founding member of Arts in Schools in Hall County, served on a number of local arts and state arts organization boards including Gainesville Children’s Theatre, Lanier Orchestra League, Past President of GACAA, Georgia Arts Network, Treasurer of Main Street Gainesville, Georgia Citizens for the Arts, Arts Georgia, and Theatre Wings. She is a panelist and current board member of Georgia Council for the Arts, Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau, and also serves on a number of local committees including the Vision 2030 Public Art Program. She also served on the Georgia Governor’s Arts Learning Task Force. Wyant studied at Kennesaw State University and Brenau University in Arts Management.
Georgia Council for the Arts Arts Education Program Grant FY20 Grant Panelist Biographies
Arts Education Program Grant - Panel 1 – May 14, 2019
Sally Baker Director of Education, Springer Theatre, Columbus, GA A Columbus native, after graduating from Hardaway High, Sally attended the University of Georgia and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education and Theatre and completed her Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin in Drama and Theatre for Youth. Sally’s Springer stage debut was in 1984 and she has over two dozen Springer credits. She taught several years for the Springer Theatre Academy and returned to the Springer in 2015 as Academy Director. Sally has 10 years of classroom teaching experience and has worked for theatre companies in the San Francisco area, Nashville, Austin, Texas and Ohio as an actor and teacher. She is the founder and director of the Springer’s PAIR Program, an arts integration program working in several local elementary schools, as well as the Director of the Springer Children’s Theatre and Theatre Academy. She and her husband, Brad, have two children and live in Columbus.
Anna Dunn Ballet Mistress and Community Arts Liaison, DeKalb School of the Arts, Avondale Estates, GA Ms. Dunn has worked as the DeKalb School of the Arts (DSA) Ballet Mistress since 2006. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dunn directs the school’s annual Nutcracker in a Nutshell and the Spring Ballet. She also serves the school as the Community Arts Liaison connecting DSA with opportunities in the broader community and working with students and staff to advocate for the arts. Dunn received her Master’s in Arts Administration in 2014 from Goucher College and her Bachelor’s in Dance Education in 2005 from Winthrop University. She is proud to be a certified teacher with the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. Other teacher training includes the Ballet Intensive from Moscow’s Vaganova Teacher’s Workshop. In addition to teaching at DSA, she is the assistant to the director and assistant stage manager for Sawnee Ballet Theatre where she received her initial training. She is also the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Dance Canvas.
Dixie Lee Hedrington Founder and Executive Director, Friends & Stars, Inc., Ochlocknee, GA A professional artist, Dixie quickly found there were limited creative outlets for people with disabilities when looking for enriching activities for her son, who is deaf. With a desire to create change, she founded Friends & Stars, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of special needs children and adults through inclusive arts programs. By providing individualized attention specific to each student’s needs in an environment of acceptance, Dixie and her team help them discover their unique artistic expression. She also works with museums and public spaces to display her students’ pieces. Through her efforts, participants gain confidence and pride, and many have gone on to pursue a career in the arts. Dixie’s talent and passion for teaching demonstrates that limitations can be conquered when you are willing to try. She has been a Teaching Artist in Residence with VSA Florida and is on the Georgia Council for the Arts Teaching Artists Registry and Vibrant Communities Artist List.
Meghan McFerrin STEM/STEAM Program Specialist, Georgia Department of Education, Atlanta, GA Meghan McFerrin serves as a STEM/STEAM Program Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education. Prior to entering this role, Meghan served as the Coordinator of School and Teacher Services at the High Museum of Art. There, she developed programming and educational resources for teachers and students that connect works of art in the museum with classroom teaching and learning objectives. She created the elementary school STEAM tour and art-making workshops, led arts integration professional learning workshops, and served as the project lead for Museum Access for Kids, a program designed to increase accessibility and differentiated instruction for students with disabilities. Meghan received a BFA and MAEd in Art Education from the University of Georgia along with teaching certification.
Kit Vinsick Writer, Director, Producer, Atlanta, GA Kit Vinsick is a NY director, producer, and writer living in Georgia. Her work often addresses social issues. She recently won Best Georgia Film for the documentary “Farming on the Flint” at Milledgeville- Eatonton Film Festival. Her feature directorial debut “Whisper Me a Lullaby” won Best Feature Film at Big Apple Film Festival. She has also been recognized with Best Director awards for her short films “Good Bones” and screen-adapted play “Uncle Buzzy’s House” in 2017 and 2018. She won the Black Feather Award at Blackbird Film Festival in 2018 for her work in the independent film industry. Coming in 2019, Kit co-directed “The Womb”, a film about women’s reproduction. Kit is a staff Director/Producer at Craig Miller Productions in Atlanta, where she has grown her skills in corporate storytelling. She is an Artistic Associate for ANDTheatre Co. in addition to being a member of Film Fatales and WIFTA. In her spare time, Kit is a long-term mentor and youth filmmaking instructor for Kids Video Connection.
Margaret Wetherbee Vice President, Board of Directors, Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville, GA Margaret Baker Wetherbee is the vice president of the Thomasville Center for the Arts board of directors, and has served as a member of the board's arts and education committee and executive committee since 2015. Margaret has also served as a member of the board of directors and nominating committee of the Archbold Foundation since 2015. She recently served as a member of the All Saints Episcopal Vestry and has previously served as a member of the board of directors for the Thomasville Antiques Show. From 1998 to 2008, Margaret practiced law at Rogers Towers, P.A. in the area of commercial real estate transactions, with a focus on real estate development, finance, sale and acquisition transactions, and lease negotiations.
Arts Education Program Grant - Panel 2 – May 21, 2019
Courtney Bryant STEAM Project Manager and Engineering Design Resident Coordinator, Drew Charter School, Atlanta, GA Courtney attended college at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art, studying Art Education and Design at two schools known for engineering and industrial design excellence. There, she learned about STEAM—design education with multidisciplinary, problem-based investigation—before the acronym existed. She has taught K-12 students in public schools and museums in Cleveland, Charlotte, and Atlanta, almost exclusively in low-income communities. She created the Animation Program at South Atlanta High School of Computer Animation and Design. She then went on to create the school’s Engineering Design Program. While there, she earned CTAE Teacher of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools as a result of the innovative STEAM/PBL/student-centered curriculum. While facilitating the animation and design programs at South Atlanta her students won Citywide Art School of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools for three consecutive years. One of her students also won the prestigious American Institute of Architects High School Design Competition. She pursued graduate education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, researching the cultivation of creativity through technology and generating a body of work in animation. Her research results were published in the Journal of the National Art Education Association’s March 2010 edition. In the Center For Teaching’s News in the Fall 2012 issue, she explored how and why engineering design should be taught in Elementary Schools. Currently, she utilizes her research and passion for designing innovative curriculum in her work with students in the Engineering Design Studio at Drew Charter School where she created the K-5 Design Program. In April of 2015, School Arts Magazine highlighted her students’ innovative work for their design and build work of the STEAM based TinkerYard. She also presented at numerous Educational Conferences, sharing the methodology behind the TinkerYard, her work in STEAM/design based initiatives such as 3D printing, as well as innovative practices in curriculum development and instruction. Courtney has been a guest lecturer/presenter at the High Museum in Atlanta, Agnes Scott College, DeKalb County Schools, Cache County School District, and Utah State University, and serves as a mentor to both pre-service and in-service STEAM educators. She led the efforts at Drew Charter School in earning the 2015 Technology Association of Georgia STEM Award as well as being one of the first schools in the state of Georgia to become STEAM Certified. She also was a recipient of the Governor’s Innovation in Teaching Award as well as an Allen Distinguished Educator Award.
Liz Davis Manager of Education Services, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, GA In her role with Alliance Theatre, Liz utilizes her experience in arts education administration and classroom instruction to support collaborative education initiatives. Additionally, she oversees secondary in-school programming offered by the Alliance Theatre Institute. Originally from Princeton Junction, New Jersey, Liz’s second home is Washington, DC. She holds degrees from The George Washington University (BA, English) and the University of Maryland, College Park (M.Ed, Secondary Education, English). Her professional background includes experience as a program administrator in the Education Department at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as several years teaching English and Special Education in DC area schools. Liz recently served on the Governing Board of Tapestry Public Charter School (2015-2017). She is a founding member of the Atlanta Public Schools Local Governance “GO Team” at Morningside Elementary School, and serves on the Advisory Board of LAB ATL. Her family (husband: Brian, daughter: Riley, and pup: Peach) resides in Grant Park.
Elizabeth Eppes Visual Arts Coordinator, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, GA Betsy Eppes is the Visual Arts Coordinator at Fulton County Schools. She previously served as Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator with DeKalb County Schools, as Fine Arts Coordinator with Atlanta Public Schools, and as an Art Educator for eight years at Druid Hills High School. Betsy is an art educator with over 20 years of arts education experience. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She holds a Masters in Art Education from the University of South Carolina. Betsy is a National Board Certified Teacher since 2004 and renewed in 2014. She earned her Educational Leadership endorsement from UGA. She taught art in South Carolina for 8 years before coming to DeKalb County in 1997 where she taught at Avondale Elementary School. In 1999, Betsy joined the faculty at Druid Hills High School where for the next 8 years her students were widely recognized for their accomplishments at the local, state and national levels. In 2007, Betsy was hired to be the Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator in DeKalb County, a position she held until 2013. After a brief time returning to the classroom, in 2015 Betsy was again tapped to be the Fine Arts Coordinator, this time for Atlanta Public Schools. Betsy began her current role in Fulton County in the spring of 2016. She was teacher of the year at Druid Hills in 2003 and the Woodruff Arts Center named her the Woodruff Salutes Honoree for Arts Education Leadership in 2013. She has extensive experience in curriculum development and implementation and building school-community partnerships. Betsy is the mother of a daughter, Hadley, and a son, Armistead.
Monica Hargrave Professor of Harp, University of Georgia, Athens, GA Monica Hargrave attended and graduated from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Indiana University School of Music. She also received a Master of Arts in Church Music from The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. Monica is the professor of harp at the University of Georgia and artist affiliate at Agnes Scott College. She performs as a solo concert artist both with orchestras, school artist programs, and travels and performs with the harp and flute duo “Kimoni” which she is co-founder. The Kimoni Duo are avid supporters of commissioning new works by American composers. Monica performs with several orchestras in the South Eastern area. Monica is a member of professional and civic organizations; American Harp Society, American String Teachers Assoc., College Music Society, Sigma Alpha Iota, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Monica would bring to the Georgia Arts panel experience reviewing National Peabody Submissions and on the panel for small grants for Dekalb County Cultural Arts.
Rick McKnight Education Program Manager, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, GA Following graduation from Auburn University and The Juilliard School, Rick enjoyed a 40-year career in private retail and shopping center development, while also serving in many leadership roles in arts organizations, including stints as President of Columbus Symphony, Southeastern Music Center, Voices of the Valley, and the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus. Rick also served as a member of the project development team responsible for all aspects of design, programming, and funding the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and served as a Founding Trustee. For 15 years, Rick has also served as the Organist- Choirmaster of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where they recently completed their second English choir residency. Five years ago Rick sold his retail businesses and was asked to work at RiverCenter, first as the Community Engagement Officer, and now as the Education Program Manager responsible for a season of children’s matinees, the ‘RiverCenter on the Road’ series bringing high quality assembly shows to schools, professional learning for elementary teachers, and a series of interesting pre-show presentations prior to main stage shows.
Kim Yarbrough Program and Education Director, Colquitt County Arts Center, Moultrie, GA Kim Yarbrough is a native of Colquitt County. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art degree from Valdosta State University and is also certified in Art Education. She also holds a Masters in Teaching in Special Education and an Education Specialist in Special Education degrees. Prior to joining the Arts Center family, Kim worked with Head Start, the Colquitt County school system, and Southern Regional Technical College. Kim has been the Program and Education Director at the Colquitt County Arts Center since May 2017. She manages grant funded programs, community partnerships, and seeks additional grant funding for the Arts Center. Kim has been creating art her entire life and works in mixed media paintings as well as resin jewelry.
Arts Education Program Grant - Panel 3 – May 28, 2019
Elizabeth Delancy Council Member, Georgia Council for the Arts Associate Professor of Dance and Dance Coordinator, Albany State University, Albany, GA Liz began studying ballet at five years of age, while living in Yokohama, Japan. When she returned to the States, she trained under Marius Zirra, Kathryn Irey (Pittsburg Ballet), Tanis Michaels (Fosse), Maxine Mahan (California Ballet), Wayne Davis (San Diego Ballet), and Wendy Ellen Cochran. As a professional dancer, Liz worked with Zollar/Urban Bush Women (UBW) as a company dancer, and community workshop leader/dance instructor. During her tenure with UBW, she performed Hands Singing Song, the stellar work Shelter and Soul Deep to the Bone. Additionally, Liz was a rehearsal assistant for Zollar during two residencies with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She is the Program Coordinator of Dance at Albany State University, formerly Darton State College, and artistic director of the Albany State University Dance Company. Formerly, Liz served as the Vice President of the executive board of World Ballet, Inc. She also was the rehearsal director, assistant to Henry Hernandez, artistic director, and guest choreographer. Liz earned a BA in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, and an MFA in Dance and a PhD in Humanities from Florida State University. She has been teaching a combination of dance and humanities in higher education for over 20 years. She is a published author, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ashley Gess Assistant Professor of STEAM Education, Augusta University, Augusta, GA Ashley Gess is the Assistant Professor of STEAM Education at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from College of Charleston, a Master of Arts from Furman University, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Her research interests include design-based learning and Integrative STEM and STEAM Education.
Paul McClain Fine Arts Program Specialist, Georgia Department of Education, Atlanta, GA Paul McClain is an actor and performing arts educator located in the Metro Atlanta area with an MFA in Theatrical Performance from the University of Florida. He currently serves as a Fine Arts Program Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education. He was previously the Theatre Program Director at Northview High School in Johns Creek and a Fine Arts Support Teacher with Fulton County. Over five years he served as lead curriculum writer for theatre in Fulton County as well as the team lead writer for the state standards in theatre. He has been active with Georgia Thespians, the Georgia Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association.
Catriona Schaefer Program Manager for Visual Arts, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Savannah, GA Catriona Schaefer has been a K-12 visual arts educator for twenty years and currently serves as Visual Arts Coordinator for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System in Georgia. Along with managing the visual arts program, Catriona serves on the Telfair Museums Education Advisory Committee, the High Administrator Advisory Committee and is the Georgia Art Education Association Administration/Supervision Division Representative. Catriona lives with her husband Don, has four children and five grandchildren. She originally hails from Ireland, but moved to the US in 1978 where she became a citizen in 1989. Catriona has been a landscape oil painter for many years and has exhibited her work in Hawaii, Alabama, Georgia, and Europe.
Amanda H. Smith Museum Teaching Specialist, Teaching Museum, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, GA Amanda H. Smith is the museum teaching specialist for Fulton County Schools’ Teaching Museum, where she assists in developing arts integrated programming. She uses her experience as a high school social studies teacher to collaborate with community partners in developing pre-k through high school educational resources. Ms. Smith earned a master’s in public history from North Carolina State University in 2011 because she is interested in the connections between learning in a classroom setting and museum education.
Jenny Woodruff Education Director, Savannah Music Festival, Savannah, GA Dr. Jenny Woodruff is Education Director of the Savannah Music Festival (SMF). She holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from Duke University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Converse College. At Savannah Music Festival, Dr. Woodruff oversees year-round local music programming and two national music education programs: Swing Central Jazz, a competition and three-day workshop for American high school jazz big bands, and Acoustic Music Seminar, an artist development program for young acoustic musicians between the ages of 14 and 22. Under her leadership, SMF expanded its local education programs in 2014-15 to include Musical Explorers, a year-round K-2 music and arts integration program produced in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. More than 10,300 K-2 students and over 300 teachers across the Savannah area participate annually in the program. SMF was the first organization in the country to adapt the Musical Explorers for a regional audience. Dr. Woodruff was previously Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she taught classes in music history, music theory and ethnomusicology. Her research on music, African-American children, and community has been nationally recognized by the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation, and she has published and presented nationally and internationally on African- American girls’ musical practices. Prior to her position at the Savannah Music Festival, she designed arts programs for children with learning differences at the Aucocisco School in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Arts Education Program Grant - Panel 4 – June 4, 2019
Zerric Clinton Visual Art Teacher, Dutchtown High School, Hampton, GA President, Georgia Art Educators Association Zerric has taught art education at the high school level for 23 years. Zerric serves as the current president of the Georgia Art Education Association whose mission is to advocate for the highest quality visual arts education and provide for the advancement of knowledge through service, leadership and research. The Breaking BAD: Breaking Boundaries Through Awareness and Dialogue project is a highlight of Zerric’s career. With this pilot project launched by Natasha Poor, manager of the Museum of Tolerance in New York City, seniors at Rae Kushner Yeshiva School and Cairo High School swapped perspectives on prejudice and diversity. This opportunity gave his students a very different perspective on many issues.
Wayne Jones Director, Arts Connection, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, GA Director of the Abraham Baldwin Arts Connection, the campus and community arts office at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in Tifton, Georgia, Wayne is a past president of Georgia Arts Network, the official advocacy and service organization for the arts throughout Georgia. He is a former member of the steering committee that worked in cooperation with the Fox Theater Institute to form the new statewide consortium, Georgia Presenters. He has served as chair of the College Division of the Georgia Music Educators Association and as a member of the Georgia Council for the Arts Community Arts Programs Advisory Panel and its Music Advisory Panel. Trained as a professional singer and conductor, Wayne began his career as the Director of Choral and Vocal Music at ABAC and continues to actively perform throughout the region.
Sallie Keith Education Director, LaGrange Art Museum, LaGrange, GA Sallie Keith has served as the Education Director at LaGrange Art Museum since 2013. Keith has over 35 years of teaching and leadership experience. She worked as a Visual Arts Specialist, certified as a Visual Arts Instructor, Early Childhood through University levels, and Teacher/Administrator Trainer in Arts Integration. Keith taught Art Education at the West Side Magnet School for the Arts. She received national board certification in visual art in 2002 and was Adjunct Professor of Art at University of West Georgia. Keith has served as a facilitator with the Southeast Center for Education in the Arts (SCEA) based in Chattanooga, TN, and as Interim Visual Art Director.
Evan Lee Teaching Artist, Clayton, GA Evan Lee’s training includes The Alliance Theater; speech and acting (New York), writing (GSU), and storytelling master’s classes. His career spans more than 30 years in acting, storytelling, writing and music. As a member of Actors’ Equity/Screen Actors Guild, he has appeared on stage, film, television, audio, and the web. He delights in working with young audiences. As an artist in residence and museum educator, Evan has presented hundreds of classes and workshops for students and teachers. He currently presents history programs on World War II and Civil Rights for Fulton County Schools Teaching Museum. He recently completed a Vibrant Communities Grant that included training teachers to use storytelling techniques in Social Studies curriculum. Additionally, he instructs federal employees how to increase the effectiveness of their written and spoken communications. He is a member of the Georgia Teaching Artists Registry.
Tamara Pearson Associate Director, School and Community Engagement, CEISMC, Georgia Institute of Technology Dr. Tamara Pearson is Associate Director of School and Community Engagement at the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Pearson received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spelman College, with a minor in Computer Science, and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Educational Technology from the University of Florida. Her dissertation explored perceived understanding of gender, race, and class in discussions about technology with pre-adolescent, low-income, African American girls. Her current work focuses on partnering with schools and districts to help develop innovative curriculum and programs, as well as understanding how to best engage populations historically underrepresented in STEM fields.
Callan Steinmann Curator of Education, Georgia Museum of Art, Athens, GA A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Callan Steinmann has worked as a museum educator at the Georgia Museum of Art since 2013. She held the position of associate curator of education until 2018, when she was appointed curator of education. Her research interests include visitor experience in art museums, school field trips in museum settings, studio art-making in museums, and museums as sites for creative exploration. Steinmann teaches courses in museum education, aesthetics and museum studies for the Lamar Dodd School of Art and the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at UGA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in studio art and psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Art Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Steinmann earned her PhD in Art Education at UGA in 2017.