Festival Staff

The Festival has a Director with a staff of four who work part time year round with the Board and the public to ensure that things run smoothly and maintain a quality edge.

Joan Tezak – Joan works under Event Productions, and has been the Festival director since 1992. She works with the other staff and board in many capacities to ensure that the Festival runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to dealing with the many administrative aspects of the Festival, she puts out the major fires and sets a positive and visionary tone for the Festival.

Mary Leone – Mary is the front point Administrative, Volunteer and Membership Coordinator. She assists the director with office management, administration of the Membership program, grant writing and special events coordination. She oversees the recruitment, selection and training of volunteers.

Rita James – Rita's areas of responsibility have grown to include public relations and marketing, sponsorship, fine art and youth. As part of the team, she works with the fine art committee in planning the Arts at the Port exhibits, communicates and coordinates with community business and youth partners, and creates Festival publicity and photos.

Don Morton – Don is our resident Webmaster and computer expert. He maintains our award winning web site and helps us evolve technologically to meet the changing demands of our business. We increasingly look to Don to streamline how we communicate and increase our efficiency through the use of technology.

Earl Hillis – Earl is a local retired CPA who handles Festival finances. He works closely with the director in developing the yearly budget and making sure the Board has accurate financial reports. He’s the last one to leave as the Festival winds down and revenues are tabulated.

Kerry Allen - Though not technically staff, Kerry has become part of the office team through her regular volunteering schedule. Able and willing to help as needed and with a positive attitude, Kerry exemplifies the perfect volunteer.

Awards

The Festival has received numerous awards:

IFEA - International Festival and Events Association Pinnacle Awards – Grand Pinnacle for best overall promotional programming chosen from submissions around the world, gold for best web site, gold for Festival guide, silver for best newsletter.

WFEA - Washington Festival and Events Association Summit Awards – gold award for best overall promotions, web site design, community program, printed guide, T-shirt design and promotional button.

WNPA - Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Awards – first and second place for Festival guide (special supplement) content and cover designs.

Web Site

Our web site was designed several years ago by How It Works and has been updated and maintained by our webmaster Don Morton. Through the technical efforts of Don and the creative writing and photography of Rita James, we are constantly updating the site. We’d also like to thank Richard Mitlyng for his photographic and cinematic contributions.

Our Board of Directors

Warren Tessler – Warren is the President of the Board. He brings the Festival duo perspectives from a background in both the non-profit sector and as an Anacortes downtown business owner (La Vie En Rose Bakery which closed in 2008). His strong business and organizational skills make him a valuable Board addition.

Ann Chadwick Reid – Ann, Board Vice-President, is an artist and arts educator who recently retired from teaching art and running the gallery program at Skagit Valley College. She is particularly interested in programs that help integrate artists and their work with communities and being an advocate for artists.

Kristie Calvert – Kristie, Board Secretary, moved to Anacortes from Illinois and is eager to contribute her fresh ideas and energy to the Festival. She is the mother of two active boys and an Anacortes School District employee very involved with children's activities.

Mitch Everton – Mitch Everton brings strong organizational experience and a diverse background as Board Treasurer. He is the current director of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and the Anacortes School Board, and was a previous owner of Insights Gallery in Anacortes. His strong interest in both the arts and education make him a perfect fit for Festival board challenges.

Lanny Bergner – Lanny is a nationally known sculptor, whose work is in public displays throughout the world. With his professional expertise, he serves as co-chair of the Festival Fine Art Committee, overseeing the hanging and administration of the Arts at the Port. Visit Lanny's web site.

Michele Bruce – Michele is a life-long Skagit County resident and is involved in the literary arts as a Library Para-educator at Fidalgo Elementary School. She has helped develop the Festival volunteer program and works tirelessly throughout the Festival.

Jack Darnton - Jack joined the board in 2003 after having worked closely with the Festival in his role as editor of the Anacortes American where he’s helped promote the Festival and produce the award winning Festival guide. He brings with him a history of civic involvement and desire to help facilitate relationship-building community interactions.

Teresa Kolp - Teresa Kolp is the newest member of the Board. She joins after a number of years serving as a Festival volunteer working with the fine art exhibition. With diverse work experience, extensive community involvement, and a background in the arts, she is a valuable and enthusiastic Festival resource.

Richard Mitlyng – Richard wears several Festival hats. In addition to having served on the board for many years, he is also the Production Coordinator of the Festival. As a retired teacher, he has the organizational skills to manage the chaos and complexity of the physical set-up and take-down of the Festival. He’s also a darned good ukulele player - and our video producer.

Susan Parke – Susan Parke joined the Festival board in 2007.  She brings with her extensive fine art experience including Director and Curator of the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner.  A longtime Anacortes resident, Susan is in touch with both the community and regional fine artists, making her a valuable board resource.

Nancy Vogel – Nancy is a local Realtor and a past high school art teacher. She has seniority on the Festival Board, having been involved in the Anacortes Arts Festival for the past 25 years. With a proven track record of commitment to the arts in Anacortes, she serves as co-chair of the Festival Fine Art committee.