We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing board members - Alex Santana, Veronica Leon, Val Miranda, and Angela Chestnut - for their dedication and passion, which have enriched our community and furthered our mission.

Angela Chestnut
Angela’s big heart, joyful spirit, and incredible rolodex have been real assets to our board over the past six years. She has been an amazing advisor and connector, especially in the area of government relations. She always lights up the room with her style and grace. Thank you, Angela, for your dedication to building a strong community through the arts with us.

Veronica Leon
Veronica has been a key player on the grants committee, a clear voice for Latino/a artists, a sustaining donor, and a link between the Arts Council and Cabrillo college. Veronica's connections and insights have greatly enriched our community. Thank you, Veronica, for your unwavering support and dedication.

Val Miranda
Val, our vice chair for the past two years, has been a force for equity on the Open Studios committee and across the organization. As a leader of color, a dancer, and an arts administrator who is plugged in seemingly everywhere, Val has played a crucial role as a connector, promoting new ideas, and helping us grow. We appreciate all the hard work and leadership Val has provided.

Alex Santana
Alex has been an incredible asset to our board. He served on both the finance and equity committees and has been a passionate advocate for Watsonville artists. As a Watsonville native, a long-time dancer with Esperanza del Valle, and deep roots in the LGBTQ+ community, Alex brought an important perspective to our work. We're grateful for the years of commitment and energy Alex has shared with us.

As connectors between artists, networks, and leaders, we support Santa Cruz County's vibrant arts scene through grants, arts education programs for over 20,000 youth, the annual Open Studios Art Tour and initiatives like the Watsonville Center for the Arts and the Tannery Arts Center. We envision a community where artists have access to resources, creative expression is for everyone, and the arts contribute to a thriving, healthy society. Our values of equity, interdependence, creativity, love, and integrity guide our work.