The Anacortes Arts Festival is a nonprofit organization that promotes and funds arts, artists and art education to create a vibrant arts community with the following objectives:

Festival Staff

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, Membership and Youth 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 and coordinates children's activities with youth area partners.

Rita James – Rita oversees Festival marketing, sponsorship, working artists and fine art. She oversees and produces Festival publicity and marketing, is the liaison with community business partners and oversees the Experience Art Area. As the Fine Art Coordinator she works with a team facilitating the Arts at the Port fine art exhibitions.

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.

 

 

We welcome any comments and suggestions for building a better site for our vendors and festival participants.

 

Our Board of Directors

Warren Tessler – Warren is the President of the Board. He brings the Festival dual perspectives from a background in both the non-profit sector and as an Anacortes business owner. His versatility and organizational skills make him a valuable Board leader.

Susan Parke – Susan, Board Secretary, 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.

Teresa Kolp - Teresa, Board Treasurer, joined the Board 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.

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.

Peggy Flynn - Though new to the Board, Peggy has a track record of community involvement. Coming from a management background, she has been involved with long-range community planning through both the Anacortes Futures Project and the Envision Skagit 2060 Citizen Committee.

John Hachey - John values the Festival so much that he re-joined the Board after a few-year hiatus. He is the Director of Operations and Facilities for the Port of Anacortes and brings a sense of humor and a valuable community perspective.

Peter Heffelfinger - Peter comes to the Board with an valuable background in both the arts and non-profit administration. He has served as a Staff Assistant and Entertainment Director for the Festival, Executive Director of the Lincoln Theater and Curator at the Anacortes Museum, as well as many other community efforts.

Marcia Hunt - Marcia is one of the newest members to join the Board. As a Skagit County Master Composter/ Recycler, she worked with the Festival in developing and coordinating our recycling program. Her environmental interests also include involvement with Anacortes Parks & Recreation, the Anacortes Community Forest Lands and the community garden.

Lisa Kuhnlein - Lisa is a commercial photographer, artist and owner of KP Studios in Anacortes. She has a background of fine arts and working relationships with both regional artists and community non-profits organizations. Her busy life is rounded out with two young children.

Carrie Tisinger – Carrie is a well-rounded Board member with a professional background in the banking industry and arts involvement through the Anacortes Community Theater. Her adaptability makes her valuable in diverse Festival roles.

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.