“As a performer, teaching artist and mother of young aspiring artists, I feel deeply that arts access, education and opportunities should be available to ALL. ALWAYS.”

Jen has been fortunate to teach in various settings over the last twenty years, including higher education, public and private schools, arts enrichment programs and private studios. Jen is currently on the dance faculty at Center for Community Arts where she has been integral in building and growing the dance programs and will be taking on the role of Artistic Director of the Community Arts Dance Ensemble, in Summer 2019.

She is also on faculty at Ace Dance Academy in Walnut Creek. Jen is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization and the California Dance Education Association.

Jen and her husband Justin live in Pleasant Hill with their two young, busy children. When she is not in the dance studio, you can find Jen reading, baking and having epic dance parties with her family.

"Whether it acts as a catalyst to explore your own creativity, a spark to initiate a new way of thinking, or a tool in learning a new skill, the integration of art into our lives can help all of us to feel more connected.”

Lee has been a long-time resident of Walnut Creek. She began her teaching career as a high school English and Drama teacher, after completing her B.A. at Oakland University in Michigan.

Currently Lee is a Drama Director at Curtain’s Up Youth Theatre. Lee has worked for the City of Walnut Creek as a teaching artist and was a member of the Civic Arts Education Advisory Council.

She now has a private college advising business, helping high school students plan for their future. Through all her work educating students, Lee has not lost sight of her own passion for the arts. Over the years she has taken many classes at the Community Arts studios, her current favorite being a jazz dance class which she enthusiastically attends each week.

"I believe that taking an interest in the arts is fundamentally important for anyone, whether they be children, seniors or anyone in between. The arts keep us young-at-heart, allow us to cultivate different interests, and keep the mind engaged.”

Thanks to Brendan's mother insisting that he take piano lessons at an early age, Brendan was able to sing (mostly) on key, giving him an early interest in theatre. Brendan never really lost the acting bug and enjoyed a career as a national television host and producer.

These days, he spends his time running the family real estate brokerage and continues to host the award winning show "Creek Currents" for the City of Walnut Creek. Brendan is a 12-year resident of Walnut Creek, father of three children, a parks commissioner with the City of Walnut Creek, member of his children's school board and sports coach.

”Arts education encourages creative expression and authentic communication and makes room for everyone. Working collaboratively or individually, creating builds joy and confidence. It is imperative to support access to arts education for everybody that wants to create."

Clara is a longtime resident of Walnut Creek. She was introduced to theatre in elementary school, and later volunteered as a mentor in those same programs. Clara received a B.A. in Costume Construction and Design from Southern Oregon University; where she was awarded Certificates of Merits from The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Costume Design for productions of The Metal Children and She Stoops to Conquer; as well as a minor in Business and a certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Currently, Clara works for InVision Communications helping to produce and execute large corporate meetings, conferences, and virtual meetings.

"Growing up, I took many painting, pottery and other art classes which gave me an appreciation for the arts. The arts allow an opportunity to express my creativity, appreciate all works of art, and see the world from different perspectives. In a nutshell, art brings me joy! I look forward to bringing that joy to others through my work on the board."

Lisa is a Northern California native and long-time resident of Walnut Creek. Professionally she has had a successful career as a VP of Talent Acquisition and Staffing Industry executive for various organizations. Lisa recently launched her own search firm, Crossett Search Group and is excited to help organizations find top talent to build their teams and success.

Lisa’s passion for the arts began as a child taking ceramic and painting classes. She loves going to museums and appreciates all forms of art. She loves to paint today and display her work at her house. She is thrilled to be on the board for the Community Arts Foundation and give back to her community. Her interests include visiting a new Napa Valley winery each month, throwing festive dinner parties, traveling, and enjoying life.

I believe deeply in their Arts for All mission because we must all be encouraged to dream and then learn to express ourselves creatively regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religious preference, political affiliation, economic ability, or inhibition of any sort.

Flora Q. Johnstone was born in San Francisco and grew up in Los Angeles. After nearly 20 years in New York City, she returned to California in 2017 and has happily settled in Walnut Creek. She is currently owner and CEO of Q-Metrx, Inc., a Los Angeles based company that provides high quality neurophysiology data for pharmaceutical clinical trials.

Her previous endeavors have included roles such as Graphics Manager (Nickelodeon, Nicktoons/NickSports, Nick Jr.), Independent Producer (Whisper House), Associate General Manager, Dodger Properties (negotiating talent in the Broadway productions of Jersey Boys, Matilda the Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar), running and managing talent for the New York office of the Talent House Agency, MTV (News & Docs), Comedy Central (Marketing), NAMCO (Producers of Broadway hits such as: Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun, Seussical The Musical), DGRW Talent Agency and Gersh (LA). She attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (theatre) and is a graduate of Emerson College (BFA, performing arts/theatre). In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, wine tasting, cooking, gardening, and walking with her dog, Coco.

"I believe in #artsforall because the arts are a wonderful way for individuals to express their creativity, to connect with others and the world around them. Whether it is writing stories, painting a picture, taking photos of beautiful scenery, or even cooking a meal with an array of colors; all of these forms of art help to add to our wellbeing and build connection in our community."

I graduated from Illinois College with a BA in Communication & Rhetorical Studies. I enjoyed being involved in the college’s newspaper, The Rambler, for which I wrote several opinion pieces about personal development. I was also very passionate about my college's Diversity & Inclusion Club, the Coalition for Ethnic Awareness (CEA). This club hosted an annual multicultural festival, and I served in leadership roles for 3+ years. During my senior year of college, I was the event manager for the festival.

After graduating college, I worked in a nonprofit as a Community Engagement Coordinator, helping to connect community members with volunteer shifts, events, fundraising campaigns, etc. I currently work at Stanford University to support the academic council committees as a Communications Specialist. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking, listening to sermons, reading, and planning my next adventure with my husband.

The arts have been part of my life since I was a little girl. It allows me to see and understand the world in a more complete way. Today, it gives me tools to explain the world to my 5 year old daughter. And just like her and I, our community needs creativity to thrive and grow. Art is a platform that helps us to express ourselves, to fulfill our lives, and to create beauty.

I grew up in Poland where access to studying art was limited to my talented friends. But it didn't stop me to stay creative. I was part of a choir, I played at a school theatre, I studied film. Now I write books, I paint. It all led me to join creative minds at an ad agency where creativity is a key to success. Arts for all is such a great mission. It's rewarding to know I can help to make the arts accessible to anyone around me.

ADVISOR

Glynnis has lived in Walnut Creek for 23 years and is proud to be part of a community that is supportive of the arts and arts education. She has an MA in Early Childhood Education and Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked in the field of early childhood education and special education for over 30 years. She is co-author of a text book, The Exceptional Child. She has also taught elementary school art. Her community involvement includes serving on the PTOs and PTAs in the Walnut Creek School District and on the Walnut Creek Education Foundation for 10 years. She is in her final term as a Walnut Creek Arts Commissioner, serves on the Walnut Creek Civic Pride Foundation and has been on the Community Arts Foundation since 2014. She is married with two very creative children both who are “graduates” of the Center for Community Arts program. In her “free time” Glynnis enjoys reading, cooking, dabbling in creative activities such as mosaics, photography & collage.

ADVISOR

Michael graduated from Amherst College, cum laude, in 1970 and from New York University School of Medicine in 1974. After spending a year as Resident in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, he completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 1978. He subsequently served at Assistant Chief of Ob/Gyn at Valley Medical Center in Fresno, CA and was appointed Assistant Clinical Professor of Ob/Gyn at the University of California, San Francisco. Michael also spent several years in private practice in Fresno, CA before moving to Alamo, CA in 2002.

Over the years he has supported his communities by serving on several boards of non-profit organizations. These have included the boards of the Fresno Art Museum, several Jewish organizations and congregations, The California Symphony, The Friends of Civic Art Education Foundation, and Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center.

ADVISOR

Rob is a 20-year Walnut Creek resident and marketing communications business owner whose civic involvement has ranged from Trustee on the Walnut Creek Education Foundation board, to President of the Walnut Creek Soccer Club, and member of the Walnut Creek Centennial and numerous school bond campaign steering committees. He's a CERT team member, graduate of the Walnut Creek Citizens Institute, and volunteers his time and business's print and digital design services to many community events and initiatives. Rob graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in Philosophy, is married and has two daughters.

ADVISOR

Doug is native Californian, born in Berkeley and raised in Southern California. He spent 2 years at Santa Barbara City College/UCSB and received a BFA in Painting/Printmaking CCAC 1972 and an MFA in Ceramic Sculpture/Painting 1976 University of Montana.

He worked for 14 years as a Program Supervisor at the Shadelands Art Center for the City of WC (Director of FAP). He currently teaches art and Early Childhood Education at Los Medanos College. He was active in the development of the Foundation. He is married with one child and resides in Martinez. His interests include surfing, wine and travel.tion goes here

ADVISOR

Zoe has been a long-time member of the Walnut Creek arts scene. Her favorite art form is ceramics and has been an avid potter for over 20 years. She has received the Presidential Honors awards 4 times for the hours she has spent volunteering including serving the ceramics studio in Walnut Creek as a studio monitor. As well, she has been a Ceramics Arts Guild member for many years. Zoe has taken many classes over the years with Walnut Creek Civic Arts- mainly in ceramics and culinary arts.

Additionally, she enjoys boating with her favorite companions- her dogs. She has two dogs that enjoy their pontoon boat right alongside her with her friends and family. In addition, Zoe enjoys gardening and avidly grows fruits and vegetables for her family and neighbors to enjoy. An annual event is jarring peaches, and making peach preserves. She earned her Master Gardeners certification from UC Davis.

ADVISOR

Bio to come!