WHO WE ARE

Staff

Linda Martin
Executive Director

Linda, a long time resident of the Pajaro Valley, has been a marine scientist, educator, field ecologist and business owner, Linda has served on founding boards of several non-profit organizations. Her experience in fundraising, including grant writing and donor management, coupled with expertise in administration and educational programing promises a bright future for her at PVA. So why is a woman with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from UC Davis and an M.S. in Marine Science from San Jose State University working in an arts organization? “Because I have a passion for creative energy, and a desire to facilitate community connections.”

Hedwig M. Heerschop
Exhibit Coordinator

Hedwig is a Dutch-American fine art photographer, curator, educator, and printmaker, lives and works in Santa Cruz County, California. She successfully completed her Master of Fine Arts Degree/Art Photography at San José State University, San José, CA. Hedwig has a passion for photography, alternative photographic processes including historic 19^th Century printing techniques, printmaking, mixed media, and hand-made books. She has been a recipient of many scholarships and awards. Her work has been exhibited in the USA, Europe and China in numerous solo and group exhibitions. “One must work and dare if one really wants to live.” – Vincent van Gogh

Brianna Flores
Office Manager

As a Watsonville native, Brianna has always had a passion for the cultural arts and community service. After attending Watsonville High, she moved to San Francisco where she graduated from the ever vibrant San Francisco State University with degrees in Humanities and Latina/o Studies. While volunteering at a cultural arts center throughout college, the arts as a means of bringing the community together became a core value in her life’s purpose. As if life were coming full circle, her love and appreciation for the community that raised her led her back to the Pajaro Valley and to a job opening at the local art gallery. Rediscovering this place made Watsonville feel like home again. “I am a firm believer in the significant impact the arts can have on a person and the community at large. I’ve seen the potential the arts have to bridge and unify the communities I’ve lived in and I see the potential in ours now.”

Board of Directors

Gabriel Medina – President

Jessica Carrasco – Vice President

Monique Sanchez -Secretary

Judy Stabile – Treasurer

Trina Coffman-Gomez – Assistant Treasurer

Ome Garcia

Shirley Flores Munoz

Ana Paula Prado Teeple

Gallery Committee

Joan Blackmer
Laura Dickey
Ome Garcia
Jane Gregorius
Tracy LeCroy
Lyn Macdonald
Susan Matulich
Chris Miroyan
Mary Neater
Bruce Nicholson
Rosie Penhallow
Judy Stabile
Carol Walberg
Teresa Zolar