Annual Report

July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS & THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) marked the first full year of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s FY26–28 strategic plan. It was a year of turning ambition into action as the Art Center expanded access, deepened its commitment to art and healing, and strengthened its role as an arts anchor institution for New Jersey.

Across the Art Center, thousands of people found opportunities to see, make, and learn about art. Our galleries welcomed 7,512 visits, the Studio School served 4,461 students, and 647 people participated in group tours. We trained 96 educators and increased the number of scholarships awarded by 60 percent. Just as important, more than 90 percent of surveyed Studio School students said their experience strengthened their confidence and ability to express themselves through art.

Throughout FY26, we continued growing our art and healing programs across the state of New Jersey. Looking forward to FY27, adding a full-time art therapist will expand our capacity to serve more people and increase the work’s impact.

Our partnership with Art Bridges demonstrated what is possible when an exhibition becomes a starting point for deeper engagement. In Conversation: Will Wilson brought the work of Diné photographer Will Wilson into dialogue with the historic photographs of Edward Sheriff Curtis, exploring identity, agency, and representation. The exhibition extended beyond the gallery through a four-part podcast amplifying Indigenous voices and a Community Day featuring artist-led walks, conversations, and hands-on artmaking.

We also launched the Art Center’s guide on Bloomberg Connects, extending the reach of our exhibitions through audio from artists, verbal descriptions, multilingual content, and accessibility features. These efforts reflect our belief that access means creating multiple pathways for people to learn, participate, and belong.

That same belief is at the heart of “Find Your Center,” a new campaign that connects the arts to creativity, health, and well-being. It will invite people to see the Art Center as a place to make art while reconnecting with themselves and others.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without our staff, trustees, artists, members, partners, donors, and community. Your support allows the Art Center to welcome more people, remove barriers, and strengthen lives through art. Together, we are building an Art Center that is increasingly accessible, connected, and empowering. Thank you so much for your support.

With gratitude,

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rachel Wilf, President and Board Chair
Suzanne Henry, Vice Chair
Greg Vargas, Vice Chair
André Renaudo, Treasurer
Amy Mahoney Harris, Secretary

Christine Aschwald
Heather Braun
Susan Cagnassola
Michaela Christie
Jennifer Clifton
Kevin Francfort
Eleanor Lear
Anamaria LLanos
Brett Oberman
Emily Rawdon
Elizabeth Rubinstein
Jess Van Nostrand
Dr. Samantha Pozner
Monica Vir
Philemona Williamson
Dr. Jessica Zirkel-Rubin

VISIONARIES
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Nicholson
Wilf Family Foundations

HONORARY TRUSTEES
Sally Abbott
Lisa Butler
Marie J. Cohen
Millie Cooper
Estelle Fournier
Anne Grissinger
Elizabeth C. Gump
Joseph R. Robinson
Debi Schwarzmann
Roland Weiser

VISION, MISSION & VALUES

VISION

To create an inclusive and welcoming community where lives are transformed and enriched through the shared experience of art.

MISSION

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey nurtures the capacity for personal expression, expands the creative experience, and fosters stronger communities by empowering people to see, make, and learn about art.

VALUES

In our work, we embrace the following values:

CONNECTION: We foster connection among our community members through a respectful and safe environment.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY: We welcome and value diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and nurture an environment that is open and supportive.

EXCELLENCE: We are committed to providing outstanding services and programs. We direct our collective efforts to continually improve and innovate.

CURIOSITY & CREATIVE RISK-TAKING: We value receptivity, open dialogue, and innovative thinking, so as to encourage curiosity and creative risk-taking.

HOLISTIC APPROACH: We value a holistic approach to art in the individual and community life, so that art is found in every facet of life.

ADVOCACY: We value standing up and speaking out for the arts, in order to promote our vision and values.

STUDIO SCHOOL

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School—one of the largest non-university arts programs in the state—proudly offers an extensive curriculum that includes hundreds of classes, workshops, and camps focusing on a variety of media. Its renowned faculty of professional teaching artists serves thousands of students of all ages and skill levels each year.

Fiscal Year 2026 was a successful year for the Studio School. We served a total of 4,461 students through 468 classes, workshops, and camps. Classes held at the Art Center strive to promote the social/emotional well-being of our students of all ages. We meet each student where they are to enhance the impact our classes have.

A Comforting Space
During the Fall 2025 semester, an adult student in a fiber class told her instructor she would miss a class because her partner had passed away a few days earlier. Ultimately, she chose to attend class, saying she needed the comfort of her classmates and the chance to focus on her art. After class, she shared that the Art Center gave her a place to relax, a chance to process her emotions through art, and a community that had helped her through her partner’s illness and loss. She arrived to class in tears but left smiling.

Fostering Support
During the Fall 2025 semester, we awarded an adult class scholarship to a talented high school student building a portfolio for art school. Their journey reflects the many ways the Art Center can shape a life. They first visited through our longstanding partnership with Elizabeth schools later returned as a summer camp volunteer, and met an art instructor who encouraged them to apply for a scholarship. In their application, they wrote: “The reputation of VACNJ stood out as brilliant and reliable due to my previous experiences of both volunteering in active classes and attending them as a student for free thanks to school trips to the museum. I knew I’d thrive in [a figure study] class– but could I afford it? Free programs have been my only option. I was enamored with the idea of opportunity, but there was one barrier: the expenses … I hadn’t thought it possible to take the high-quality classes that VACNJ offers. [An instructor] let me know that scholarships were available, and I could find them on VACNJ’s website. It was in that moment that the initial spark of hope flared into determination; I’d apply for the scholarship and seize the chance.”

STUDIO SCHOOL FACULTY

Asem Ahmed
Adam Amram
Aimee Armstrong
Leena Bagawde
Denise Banaag
Doug Baron
Kristian Battell
Carolyn Bednar
Lisette Bedoya
Kat Block
Chase Cantwell
Mary Jean Canziani
Beatrice Chang
Donna Conklin King
Alicia Cotter
Mark de Mos
Andrew DeVito
Pooja Dhawan
Andrea Epstein
Emily Ernst
Jennifer Evans-Arbo
Kareena Gandhi
Jessica Garber
Andrea Gianchiglia
Allison Gildea
Kelly Green Grady
Marielena Guthrie
Ellen Hess
Gerry Heydt
Matt Hopen
Judy Hugentobler
Jill Hurant
Katherine Ivanova
Miriam Jacobs
Timothy Jahn
Madeleine Johnson
Destiny Jure
Manasi Keni
Melissa Krishnamurthy
Diana Hsu Kung
Matthew Langley
Kristine Leslie
Vanessa Lopez
Stephanie Maddalena
Drew Maillard
Allison Manalili
Ashley McCammon
Martha McDonald
Delia McHendry
Jenna Meyer
Jeannette Mullarkey
Brian Ng
Dawn Noonan
Bianca Padilla
Kerry Paone
Cynthia Pareja Dubin
Shelley Rosen Howard
Sandy Ruda
Sue Sachs
Mark Saenger
Heidi SanFilippo
Laura Shabazz
Eva Sienkiewicz
Stella Somrani
Russ Spitkovsky
Peter Syak
Emma Tabachnick
Joel Tidey
Katie Truk
Michelle Truskowski
Lucas Vasquez
Daniel Velez
Janine Weiss
Traci Zaretzka
Leah Zinder

EDUCATION & ARTS + HEALING

Art Therapist Cathy Lederman on working with Veterans at Veterans Haven South:
Art expression is unique because it taps into the world of our conscious thoughts, which we are cognizant of, as well as deeper memories and emotions in our subconscious, such as trauma memories. It provides meaningful expression through a simple drawing, sketch, collage, or painting. It allows the participant to see the image and put words to it, which may not have been possible using only verbal communication. I have witnessed strong bonds grow between veterans because of the art room and the understanding between veterans, by seeing their artwork and hearing their associations and stories. A few weeks ago, I asked the group to share what supports have been the most helpful, and one veteran quickly and loudly said, ” The art group!”

Teaching Artist Chris Lopez on working with EKO and PEP:
Both the PEP and EKO programs bring students from underserved communities who might not have access to a robust art-making facility like VACNJ. The majority of students I have taught coming from these programs are Latino/a/e, often first-generation students. In my class, we explore identity, history, art history, and community building by connecting with our lived environments. As I mainly focus on photography, I have found the students are eager to contribute their thoughts and criticisms of what they see in images. They are apt at inserting themselves into images, which lends itself positively to creating original photographs of their own. This particular work is dire for students who are growing and developing at a time of such hyper-visualization through social media. I teach several different programs at the art center, but these two programs in particular have excelled in making truly beautiful works of art through painting and collage. I am always left with the impression that students had a meaningful and, more importantly, a lasting experience.

Teaching Artist Mansa Mussa on working with Elizabeth 8th Grade students:
The eighth-grade student-artists from the Elizabeth Public Schools created mixed media art inspired by Gabriel García Román’s Present and Growing exhibition. The exhibition’s focus on adaptability and resilience speaks directly to this age group, as they prepare for the transition from middle to high school. They used a digital mirrorless camera, iPads, and the Fujifilm Instax instant camera to design iconic images of themselves that were included in their art. These portraits spoke to their heritage, personal fashion sense, and identity. By adding the portraits to their collages, they create artwork that serves as a historical document preserving the present for the future.
I don’t know if there’s something in the water in Elizabeth, but I always have students from that city who are creative, energetic, talented, and thoughtful. It’s a privilege to teach and learn from them. And it’s always fun to run into them at the Union County Teen Arts Festival, as I did earlier this year, and to see some of their art on exhibit.

Museum Education K –12

Arts Alive Elizabeth 8th Grade

  • Approximately 250 learners

Jefferson Arts Academy

  • Approximately 230 learners

CALTA 21 Summer Enrichment

  • Approximately 20 learners

CALTA 21 Teacher Professional Development

  • 23 participants

PEP Program

  • 15 learners

SEEDS

  • 212 learners

Empowering Kids Organization

  • 24 learners

Teacher Professional Development

  • Public PD Jan 30: 9 participants
  • Elizabeth PD May 15: 34 participants
  • Elizabeth PD May 22: 30 participants

Museum Education Tours and Public Programs

Museum Education One-Time Tours & Field Trips

  • Harrison Elementary: 41 learners
  • WOHS Special Needs Group: 9 learners
  • Battle Hill Elementary: 20 learners
  • French American Academy: 14 learners
  • RISE (Reaching Individual Student Excellence): 22 learners

MLK Day

  • 71 participants

Vivid Stage Pop-Up Show

  • 30 participants

Community Day

  • 45 attendees

Art + Healing PROGRAMS

ECLC

  • Approximately 60 participants (10 per session, 2 sessions per semester)

SAGE Eldercare

  • Approximately 5 participants per session; approximately 48 sessions per year

NeighborCorps Re-entry

  • 3 participants per session; approximately 32 sessions

Veterans North

  • 4 participants per session; 48 sessions per year

Veterans South

  • 4–5 participants per session; approximately 35 sessions per year

Healing Through Art

  • 10 participants per session, 18 sessions

Summit Community Seniors

  • 16 participants per session, 8 sessions per year

Overlook Medical Center Exhibitions

  • More than 10,000 visitors
    • Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition: 9/11/25–11/14/25

Miscellaneous

Children’s Peace Festival

  • 88 participants

MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is a leading regional museum of contemporary art. We present artistically and culturally diverse exhibitions that showcase emerging and established artists from the US and abroad. Exhibitions welcomed 7,512 visitors.

The Garden State
June 22–August 25, 2025
Main Gallery
Artists: NJ Photography Forum Members

All that Consumes Me
September 19, 2025–January 18, 2026
Main Gallery
Artists: Angeles Cossio, Carolyn Lambert, Joshua Marquez, Lina Puerta, and Marion Wilson

_other Nature –Marshland Tales
September 19, 2025–January 18, 2026
Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Gallery
Artist: Cecile Chong

This Was Always a Place
September 19, 2025–January 18, 2026
Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery I
Artist: Andrew Harrison

In Conversation: Will Wilson
February 13–August 23, 2026
Main Gallery
Artists: Will Wilson and Edward Sheriff Curtis

Present and Growing
February 13–August 23, 2026
Mitzi and Warren Eisenberg Gallery
Artist: Gabriel Garcia Roman

With Passing Years
February 13–June 7, 2026
Marité and Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery I
Artist: Chrystofer Davis

Exhibition Programs

Art to Table
September 25, 2025

Evening With an Artist: Marion Wilson
November 20, 2025

Artist Talk with Gabriel Garcia Roman & Chrystofer Davis
May 17, 2026

Community Day
June 6, 2026

Podcast Series: In Conversation
Spring 2026

VACNJ Artist in Residence
This spring, the Art Center invited artist Gabriella D’Italia to transform an island in the parking lot into a pollinator garden. In addition to working in the garden, D’Italia led a public garden walk-through, sharing gardening practices and common misconceptions as they relate to her artistic practice. She will continue gardening and programming around the Art Center throughout the year. Gabriella D’Italia is an interdisciplinary fine artist, writer, and Master Gardener. Her visual work is exhibited internationally, most recently at The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, SmArt Advisory, New York, NY, Washington Project for the Arts, and Artists & Writers in Camden, Maine.

COMMUNITY EXHIBITIONS

The Art Center offers a variety of exhibition opportunities for our members and local artists both on and offsite. The Marité & Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II and Ann’s Place Gallery showcase rotating exhibitions of our member artists selected by The Art Center’s Members Committee. We also partner with the Summit Free Public Library to provide additional gallery space and visibility within the town of Summit.

Manasi Shekhar Keni: Blooms of Time
July 1–September 2, 2025
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Mary Kennington Watson: A Quiet Place
September 3–October 31, 2025
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Hernando Rico Sanchez: Tribulation
September 27–November 16, 2025
Marité and Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II

Christine Sauerteig-Pilaar: Phase II
September 27–November 16, 2025
Ann’s Place Gallery

Ida Picker: Secret Spaces
November 1, 2025–January 2, 2026
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Judith Kazdym Leeds: America’s Food Fetishes
December 6, 2025–January 25, 2026
Marité and Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II

James Provenzano: Lensless Light
December 6, 2025–January 25, 2026
Ann’s Place Gallery

Alpana Mittal ‘Tejaswini’: Dream Reflections: The Beginning of an Era
January 3–February 28, 2026
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Stela Lupushor: Streets Of Summit
January 3–February 28, 2026
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Linda Mead: Pay Attention
February 7–March 29, 2026
Ann’s Place Gallery

Gabriella D’Italia: Getting Dressed in the Dark
February 7–March 29, 2026
Marité and Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II

Steven Charny: Monster Madness
March 1–April 30, 2026
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

Sally Abbott: A Walk in the Swamp
April 11–May 31, 2026
Ann’s Place Gallery

Andrea Gianchiglia: Rooted & Rising
April 11–May 31, 2026
Marité and Joe Robinson Strolling Gallery II

Zenia Olesnyckyj: Impressions of Alaska
May 1–June 30, 2026
The Gallery at the Summit Free Public Library

ACCESSIBILITY AT THE ART CENTER

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey prides itself in creating a welcoming atmosphere where all community members can experience the transformative power of art.

To that end, we proudly offer a variety of resources for visitors and students with disabilities to create an equitable environment where all can see, make, and learn about art.

The Art Center staff has undergone Sensory Inclusion training with KultureCity. Additionally, the Art Center has experience creating curriculums and accommodations for students and visitors with visual disabilities, autism, and age-related cognitive disorders, such as dementia.

The Art Center welcomes group and individual visits to our exhibitions and participation in public programming and Studio School art classes.

ADA COMMITTEE

Katherine Gramas
Pearl Feder
Heidi SanFilippo
Avianna Perez
Kristine Leslie

MEMBERSHIP

Arts & Cars

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey was proud to once again partner with Summit Downtown, Inc. for the 2025 Arts & Cars event. Held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, this beloved annual festival brought together art, music, food, and the classic charm of vintage automobiles for a vibrant celebration in downtown Summit.

As part of the event, VACNJ organized 31 booths featuring juried arts and craft vendors, a project of the Art Center’s Members Committee. This initiative offers VACNJ members a special opportunity to show, share, and celebrate their work with the community. The booths displayed a wide variety of original creations, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more. By curating this selection, the Art Center helped elevate the festival’s cultural experience and fostered a deeper connection between artists and the community.

In addition to the arts and crafts, attendees enjoyed live music, a diverse selection of food and drink, and a range of family-friendly activities. Car enthusiasts were treated to a display of classic and exotic cars, presented in collaboration with Peotter’s Auto Body & Spa.

Arts + Cars continues to be a wonderful example of how VACNJ engages with the community, celebrating creativity and bringing people together in a dynamic and festive environment. We look forward to growing this tradition in the years to come.

MEMBERS COMMITTEE

Sally Abbott
William Austin
Amy Becker
Sharon Benjamin
Anna Fredericks
Andrew Gerwitz
William C. Goers, Jr.
Kathleen Havens
Aprajita Lal
Hillary Magnanini
Mark Montgomery
Marta Nowicka
Brett Oberman
Ida Picker
Jo Roy, Ed.D.
Maria Sinatra
Margaret Smith
Mary Watson

FUNDRAISING

Art Empowers Gala Logo

On Saturday, April 25, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) held its annual spring gala at Canoe Brook Country Club, hosting more than 200 guests, donors, and sponsors in a celebration of the arts. The signature event raised a record-breaking $378,000 to support the Art Center’s powerful arts programming. “Our annual gala is always a powerful reminder of the incredible community we have at the Art Center,” said Samantha Davis, VACNJ Director of Development and Communications. “This year’s theme, ‘Art Empowers,’ rang true throughout the night as our guests shared what art means to them

through their stories and their generosity. We’re deeply grateful that so many people chose to continue supporting our mission and know that their gifts will allow us to continue empowering through art.” The funds raised will advance VACNJ’s mission to bring the life-changing power of art to those who need it most—students in the Elizabeth Public Schools, individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, veterans finding healing through creativity, and families discovering joy together in the Art Center’s galleries.

The evening featured music, delicious food and drinks, a silent art auction showcasing more than 50 artists, and a live auction overseen by Auctioneer Emily Longley. The Art Center recognized former VACNJ Board member Dylan Baker as its 2026 honoree and awarded its ninth annual Changemaker Award to former VACNJ Director of Education & Community Engagement Sarah Walko for her years of work in the arts.

“This year’s gala was a warm reminder of how deeply the Art Center touches lives throughout our community and beyond,” said gala co-chair Suzanne Henry. “The overwhelming support we felt that evening reaffirms the importance of the work we’re doing—and helps ensure we’ll be able to continue.”

ART EMPOWERS GALA COMMITTEE

Lisa Butler, Gala Chair
Rebecca Almog
Christine Aschwald
Susan Cagnassola
Estelle Fournier
Risa Fridy
Amy Mahoney Harris
Suzanne Henry
Jodi Hiller
Anamaria LLanos
Deborah Schwarzmann
Rachel Wilf

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

$50,000 & Above
NJ State Council on the Arts
The Nicholson Foundation
Wilf Family Foundations

$20,000 to $49,999
Lisa Butler
Susan and Mike Cagnassola
Anne and RJ Grissinger
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Joseph and Marité Robinson
Audrey and Zygi Wilf

$10,000 to $19,999
EJ Grassmann Trust
The Elizabeth Winterbottom Team
Amy & Clint Harris
J.C. Kellogg Foundation
Maura and Frank Perier
The Summit Foundation
Sara and Tyler Reeder
Elizabeth and James Rubinstein
Union Foundation
Rachel and Jonathan Wilf

$5,000 to $9,999
Julie and Gregory Adams
Rebecca Almog
William Austin
Dylan and Melissa Baker
Kate and John Buchanan and Risk Strategies
Clune Cares Foundation, Sarah & Ben Walker
Kelly Deere and Lee Shavel
Tania and Michael Gonnella
Suzanne and Dean Henry
Lorraine and Peter Kelly
Briana King and Christopher Joralemon
Amy Knight
Jennifer and Michael Markovitz
New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund
Brett Newman
Otterstedt Insurance Agency, Inc.
Emily Rawdon and Mica Willis
André Renaudo
Isabel Ribeiro and Diego Rotsztain
Deborah and Fred Schwarzmann
Deshi Singh

$2,500 to $4,999
Sally and Thomas Abbott
Christine and Eric Aschwald
Michaela and Jeff Christie
Chubb and Brown & Brown
Jennifer Clifton
Melanie and Stuart Cohn
Dan Crisafulli and Greg Vargas
Pamela and Jordon Davis
Melissa and Tom DiTosto
Elks Club of Summit Lodge No 1246
Estelle Fournier and Alberto Lopez-Silvero
Risa and Ross Fridy
Elizabeth and Frank Gump
Jodi and Jeff Hiller
Grier and Michael Hynes
Rachel and Gary Kapner
Jennifer and Vanya Kasanof
Eleanor and Tim Lear
Lear Bray Team
Mariah and Andrew LeBlanc
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C.
Neuberger Berman
Fiona and Brett Oberman
Samantha Pozner and Andrew Hickman
Lynne Rogerson and James Fleischmann
Meg Schorr
Alleea and Vaughn Spann
Claire Toth and David Dietze
Jess Van Nostrand and Mike Smith
Monica Vir

$1,000 to $2,499
Divya Ananth
Rolande Borno
Reid and Joanne Bundonis
Millie Cooper
Gabriella D’Italia
Dorothy Engel
Timothy Erday
Jenna and Dan Forman
Terri and Mark Friedman
Betty Gee
Dita Gerber
Barbara and Andrew Gewirtz
Jennifer and Marc Gonyea
Pamela Heller
Nancy and Willis King
Vani Krishnamurthy and Alok Sanghvi
Donna Jo and Allan Landes
Patricia Lannes and Eduardo Barenblum
Anamaria LLanos
Lucy Marks and Scott Sprinzen
Neil Marks and Doak Sergent
Maryanne Mecca and William Goers Jr.
Leslie and Stuart Milsten
Overlook Foundation
Polly Palumbo and Lex Maultsby
Kayla and Richard Pechter
Judith Pechthold
Amy and Mitchell Radin
Priscilla and Eklavya Saraf
Fredrique Schachter
Lori Schleicher
Ann Schwarz
Rajul Shah
TD Bank, U.S.
Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs
Jean Marie and Chris Volpe
Eden Wells and Jason Rodman
Kerry and David Whitcher
Jessica Zirkel-Rubin and Bryon Rubin

$250 to $999
Sharon Abrams
Katrina Atieh
MaryEliza and George Borst
Francesca Castagnoli
Pat Cedrone
Tom and Rachel Cortese
Siobhan Creem
Kate DeOssie
Alice Dillon
Virginia Disch
Kia Edwards
Maureen Finkel
Gail Fishberg
Jie Fu
Jennifer Galambos
Cheryl Goodman
Christine and Andy Gottesman
Janet Haines
Jessica and Alexander Haverstick
Laura and Michael Henderlong
Dina Hoffer
Jeff Honigstock
Hans and Michelle Hwang
Richard Jensen
Cortlyn Jeter
Amy Kanis
Samantha and Eric Kanter
Lynn and Tom Keffer
Julie Lanzone
Hillary & Robert Magnanini
Stephanie Morgan
Amanda Newman
Heidi Novik
Suman Patnaik
Meryl Price
Ivonne Rojas
Vivian and Julian Rubin
Adam Rubinstein
Rebecca and Declan Ryan
Patrice and Pablo Sala
The Schmitt Group of Raymond James
Farrokh Shafaie
Gretchen Shook
Michele Smith and David Reinke
Eric & Carol Soos
Renee Stene and John Rajes
Allison Szmulewicz
Kathryn Tatlow
Tea & Oranges
Sarah and Phil Vehap
Roland and Francoise Weiser
Robert West
Mary Claire White
Michael Woll
Susan Yarad

Corporate Matching Gifts
Goldman Sachs Matching Gift Program
Invesco PAC Charity Match program
J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund
Wells Fargo

In-Kind Donations
A24 Films
Cambridge Wines
Cecile Chong
Nancy Cohen
Dodgers Baseball
Marc and Livia Straus
Summit House Restaurant + Bar
Marion Wilson

STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

2025–2026 STAFF
Rachel Aponte, Director of Education & Community Engagement
Rose Butkiewicz, Development Associate
Mike Byrnes, Director of Facilities
Joelle Carey, Customer Relations Associate
Melanie Cohn, Executive Director
Alicia Flynn Cotter, Summer Camp Manager
Daria Davidoff, Customer Relations Associate
Samantha Davis, Director of Development & Communications
Cassandra Demski, Director of Studio School
Kynise Dixon, Summer Camp Manager
Jen Doninger, Customer Relations Manager
Heather Ferguson, Accounting Manager
Jordan Horton, Curator
Stephen Maico, Director of Finance
Martha McDonald, Studio School Coordinator
Sara Mesenbrink, Customer Relations Associate
Lavern Clark Mullings, Customer Relations Associate
Susanne Neilan, Customer Relations Associate
Mara Norris, Custodian
Brian Riley, Assistant Director of Communications
Charles Rush, Director of Facilities
Rachel Tramposch, Exhibitions Coordinator
Chelsea Valderas, Studio School Manager
Jean Marie Vreeland, Human Resources & Payroll Manager
Jim Witzel, Lead Facilities Technician

2025–2026 Volunteers
Kathryn Baxter
Ava Beranrd
Eliah Bull
Cadence Christel
Max Doefler
Amelia Dosanj-Mikkelsen
Kay Duncan
River Gutkowski
Claire Hong
Regan Klasey
Annika Kothari
Madelyn Latham
Naomi Lee
Emma Legaspi
Gabrielle Maria
Lillian Paynter
Maggie Riley
Maeve Riley
Gabriela Robakidze
Nic Rojas
Lynn Son
Spring Son
Smrithi Sudharsun
Avni Toolsidas
Adam Zajac
Valeria Zamora