Our History
The
Petaluma Arts Council began in June 1998, as a grassroots effort to
acknowledge and celebrate local artists and their contributions and to
involve the whole community in appreciation, involvement and recognition
of art as a enriching component of our daily lives. Petaluma has grown
from a predominately agricultural town to a thriving city that includes
high-tech companies, an historic downtown, and residents from all walks
of life. While Petaluma's residents still value the quality of life the
town offers, their needs have changed over the past years.
Our Purpose
The specific purposes of the Petaluma Arts Council are to provide:
1) An Exhibition Program which brings the
work of a wide range of local and regional artists, from student to professional,
into public places.
2) Interactive Community-Based Programs.
3) Web-based Artist and Art Resource Listing
Service.
4) Registry for
Artists. Businesses and designers can look through the registry to
choose art that fits with their location or purpose.
5) Advancement of a Public Art
Program for Petaluma.
6) Art
Education for the public in a variety of mediums.
6) The establishment of a Visual
Arts Center in Petaluma.
Our Progress
The enthusiasm and energy of so many Petaluma
Arts Council supporters has been monumental and in a very brief time
the projects undertaken have involved a large and diverse group in our
community. We look forward to contributing to the rich history of the
Petaluma Valley.
Our Staff
Vicky Kumpfer , Executive Director
For 15 years, Vicky was the Arts Coordinator for the City of Santa Rosa’s Art in Public Places program. She coordinated projects such as the Downtown Arts District's 1% for Art in Private Development, and art exhibitions in city facilities and empty storefronts. Vicky received her BFA from the University of Utah and studied several years in Japan. Her 8 years in the Utah art community included positions at the Utah Museum of Fine Art and the Salt Lake Art Center.
Marya
Glass, Program Associate, has a background that
includes writing, communications and administrative work. Her education
is in environmental studies and planning, and journalism, and she’s
worked for a wide range of non-profit and corporate organizations.
Jonna Ramey , Program Associate, is a stone sculptor. She has extensive experience in film and video production in the greater Bay Area and brings her creative, organizational, marketing and business skills to the Arts Council.
Mary Dooley of MAD Architecture, served as the architect for the new Petaluma Arts Center. Also an artist and resident of Petaluma for the last 20 years, she teaches art classes to elementary and middle school children at Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley.
Tracy Gentry was involved with the inaugural Arts Center capital campaign and grand opening events. A former business owner and award winning chef, her current professions include special event planning; entertainment production and logistics; community service; and teaching leadership skills to elementary school children.
Marjorie M. Helm, LCSW, has over 30 years experience as an administrator in health and human services. Before retiring, Ms. Helm headed Mental Health,Youth and Family Services for 15 years in Sonoma County. Ms. Helm has a private practice as a Consultant and Coach.
Scott Hess is a commercial and arts photographer who has been based in Petaluma since 1985. His work ranges from landscapes to portraits to abstract work carrying layers of symbolic value. He is widely published in Northern California media and exhibits in galleries and other public venues.
Christopher Irvin is an economist with UBS in Santa Rosa doing money management. He is a longtime Petaluma resident and patron of the arts.
Alison Marks Alison has been a professional artist and educator for nearly 30 years. She co-founded the Petaluma Arts Council and served as President of the Board of Directors for 5 years. She is currently the director of the EXCEL for Youth Program at Sonoma State University.
Geri Olson, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at Sonoma State University where she teaches classes on personality, creativity and the expressive arts. She has integrated the expressive arts into her work for more than 30 years and teaches doll process workshops to art therapists, educators, parents, doll artists and children.
Karen Petersen, Librarian, Mahoney Library, Santa Rosa Junior College, Petaluma Campus, is also a founding board member. Ms. Petersen is active in the arts county-wide including the Sonoma County Book Festival, the Literary Arts Guild and the Sitting Room, a community-based library in Cotati. Karen currently serves as board president.
Murray Rockowitz, Photographer, has been a leading portrait photographer for over 20 years. His photographs are found in commercial applications, publications, and in private and corporate collections worldwide. He teaches at Napa Valley College and conducts private workshops.
Greg Colvin
Sheila Bride
Christina Kauk
Thom Knudson
Bob Bailey
Kristina Flanagan
Jessica Van Gardner
Mike Gorman
Warren Dranit
Christine Jones
Drew Washer
Jack Haye
Maureen McGuigan
Perry Freeman
Katherine Rinehart
John Crowley
Abraham Solar
Lia Bonagura-Transue
Gretchen Singer
Elly Lichtenstein
Maggie Roth
David Keller
Gail Wilson
Harvey Charnofsky
Jane McDonald
Linda Postenrieder