Jim Black, President
Non-profit Experience: Many of you have seen me working for the BAA as an “auxiliary volunteer” alongside my wife, Janet, who has been a BAA Board member since 2006. My non-profit experience includes two years as president of the parents’ association of the New West Youth Symphony (1995-1997), a non-profit youth orchestra program sponsored by, and associated with, the New West Symphony. In addition to leading that board, I was our official representative to the professional orchestra’s board of directors. I have also had leadership roles with the Ventura AYSO as a coach and referee, and with the Boy Scouts.
Professional Experience: I was the Network Architect for the Navy’s Point Mugu and China Lake facilities from 1995 until 1997. As chairperson of the Technical Review Board for Point Mugu and China Lake, all network plans at either base required my review and approval. I also formed and headed the network administrators’ group, which included all 43 network administrators at Point Mugu. I still work on data networks as a Senior Engineer for Alcatel-Lucent Corporation. I hold an MBA, and a master’s degree in Technology Management.
Christine Beirne, Vice President
Christine Beirne has been a member of BAA for several years, and served on staff as its Executive Director for 3 years, from 2006-2009. Known mostly for her landscapes in oil, Chris is also a sculptor in metal and a trained musician. She has been invited to participate in this summer’s Ojai Studio Tour, and lives in Ojai with her husband Kevin. She has also been active in Focus on the Masters and Studio Channel Islands Art Center where she was at one time an artist in residence. Chris has worked professionally in the field of marketing and volunteered as the marketing director for BAA in the past. Her experience as Executive Director has made her very familiar with the art patrons and programs in Ventura County — a valuable asset for our Board.
Wana Klasen*, Secretary
I wish my name to be placed on the 2010-11 Buenaventura Art Association ballot for re-election to the office of Secretary. I believe that my organizational and communication skills will be an asset to the Board of Directors and the members at large as we bring our Association into changing and exciting times!
Gordon Bohn*, Treasurer
My professional career spanned approximately 40 years involving the technical, research, and operational management of health care service providers. In addition I served as a Board Member of one hospital and its subsidiary organizations. In the latter years, part of my responsibilities involved the strategic planning and marketing of two not-for-
profit health care ventures in very competitive and changing business environments. In all instances I was responsible for the financial performance of these entities.
Debby Sutton, my significant other, and a member of BAA is an artist who designs and makes unique jewelry which is displayed at both the Harbor and Downtown Galleries.
Since being elected to the BAA Board in 2009, I have served on the Finance and Marketing Committees. In February 2010, I was appointed Treasurer by the Board and have concentrated on finding ways to curtail expenses, apprise the Board of the Association’s overall financial health and call for ways to increase revenues. If elected emphasis in 2010-2011 will continue on revenue enhancement and cost containment activities for BAA.
Merilee Allen**, Board Member at Large
I have been associated with BAA for about 10 years. I have served as Volunteer Coordinator, Board Secretary and for a short time VP. I have been on the Who Got Framed committee for the few times that we put on the event. During Chris Beirne's directorship, I was involved with updating our bylaws. My day job is that of a librarian at a private high school in Ojai. I have been making art forever. Currently, I am teaching myself how to do encaustic painting, working concurrently in watercolor, collage and ink resist. I have shown with the association at the Discovery Gallery, downtown gallery and in the harbor for the past 8 years or so. As an "At Large" board member, I expect to work with other members and to serve on more that one committee. It is a good feeling to serve on a board of one of Ventura's oldest arts organization.
Dorothy Brunkan*, Board Member at Large
I have been a watercolor/aqua media artist for about 20 years, studying with Norm Kirk, Sally Miller and Robert Burridge. I was the show coordinator for three shows for the California Gold Coast Watercolor Society, serving also as Vice President and President of the CGCWS. I was a member of the Board of the BAA years ago and was re-elected to the board in 2009.
Marilyn Cahill*, Board Member at Large
Marilyn Cahill is a returning board member, who has worked on several projects with BAA including Who Got Framed. She specializes mainly in landscapes in oils.
Cecile Faulconer*, Board Member at Large
Cecile Faulconer is a ceramist and has been a member of the BAA Board for a number of years. She has served this year in recruiting jurors for the member shows at both galleries and was also very much involved in past fundraising activities including “Who Got Framed”. Cecile is also active with the Ventura Potter’s Guild.
Lois Freeman Fox, Board Member at Large
I received a B.F.A. from
Cornell University, an M.A. in Sculpture from UC Berkeley and I studied film at N.Y.U. I have worked in many media, beginning my artistic journey as an environmental sculptor, exhibiting at the San Francisco Art Institute,
San Jose State University,
Sacramento State University and the Franklin Furnace in
New York before embarking on a 30 year career as a feature film editor. While editing Fantasia 2000 at Disney Studios I began studying life drawing with Renaissance drawing masters Glenn Vilppu and Steve Huston and continue to pursue a passion for drawing. I have been working with the program, Corel Painter for 10 years enabling me to combine a fascination with technology, photography and art history. I paint and draw directly on the computer collaging old and digital photographs with textures, brushes and backgrounds. I live in Fillmore with my husband, guitarist and lutenist, Stuart Fox and teach film editing at Brooks Institute in
Ventura.
Susan Gerrard, Board Member at Large
Susan Leeper Gerrard is Director of Marketing for the Museum of Ventura County. She and Don Scott conducted the November BAA workshop ‘Words as Artists’ Tools,” and she has served on a BAA Marketing Committee and curated the Potters’ Guild exhibit at the Discovery Gallery. A ceramic artist, she is a graduate of Otis Art Institute.
Judy Gibbs*, Board Member at Large
Judy Gibbs has been a member of BAA for 3 years and was elected to the Board in 2009. She serves as the Bring-in Coordinator for Juried Member Shows, Coordinator for Bin Art at BAA, assisting in hanging the BAA exhibits, gallery sitting, and attending Board meetings. Her affiliations also include Ventura College Friends of the Arts as treasurer, SCIART as artist/docent, member of the Santa Barbara Printmakers, and member of the Inkspots at Sea Breeze Studios. Judy is an encaustic and mixed media artist and a fine art printmaker. She has been exhibiting since 2001. Her recent exhibits include Ventura Police Chief’s Office, Ventura Music Festival “Treasure Chests” Exhibit, Community Memorial Hospital’s “New Beginnings,” Annual Santa Paula Art & Photography Exhibit, Spring ArtWalk, Santa Barbara Printmakers’ Member Show, and the Westmont College Juried Show. Judy would like to serve on the Board to continue to be a part of the Buenaventura Art Association’s Vision 2013 plan.
Hilda Kilpatrick*, Board Member at Large
Hilda Kilpatrick is a well-known landscape painter in Ventura County. She grew up in Trujillo, Peru, and began painting in oils in 1988. Her paintings have won many awards. Hilda Kilpatrick has been featured in publications such as SkyWest Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine and Los Angeles Times. Hilda was the recipient of the 2008 Artist Fellowship Grant from the City of Ventura. She has had numerous solo shows. Hilda works for the Ventura Visitors Bureau and served in the past as Vice President of the BAA. She continues to be an active board member.
Georgia Scarlott, Board Member at Large
“I believe in continually looking for ways the BAA can connect to the public and draw them into our quality galleries.”
Helle Scharling-Todd*, Board Member at Large
I have been happy as a board member at the BAA this past year, and would like to continue. I have been advocating cost cutting, cheaper lighting, jurors, however my main wish is to have a variety of expressions, with emphasis on the professional, contemporary art. I am specialized in public art,(50 projects) with a degree in glass and Art history, from Aarhus University, Denmark and exhibit both in Europe and USA.
Donna Zaza*, Board Member at Large
I feel honored to be a part of the Ventura art community and to support, with respect, the talent and hard work of local artists. Being part of the Ventura art vision and future plans is something I am very interested in.
Kay Zetlmaier*, Board Member at Large
Last year was my first year serving on the Board of Directors. During my internship I was able to coordinate two successful workshops with Sarah Kalvin and David Gallup. I would like to continue on the board to hone my position and better serve you and the art community. Thank you.
Ron Zolkover**, Board Member at Large
I have been a member of BAA for 7 years and a previous board member for 2 years. I am basically self-taught painter of Plein Aire landscapes/seascapes. I received my BA from UCSB and work as a Field Sales rep for Arrow Electronics (Major Global Electronics Distributor). The BAA is a great organization. It is small and intimate enough to make the artist feel special and allow him to express his needs and desires but also large enough to make him feel special and part of the Ventura Art community. We are the oldest and most recognized Art organization in Ventura. The BAA has really progressed in the past few years primarily due to the leadership and member commitment. I see great things still ahead, but realize it cannot be done without member involvement. Although I took a hiatus due to my work and painting schedule, I would like to be a part of the board again. Thank you for your great work. Let’s keep the momentum going.
