| About ArtWalla |
ArtWalla was originally formed in 1992 as the Blue Mountain Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization engaged in facilitating the acquisition of public art and education about that art. ArtWalla’s legacy is visually evidenced by the stunning collection of public art gracing Walla Walla’s historic downtown core. In 2011, leadership of ArtWalla shifted to an all-volunteer board committed to the challenging work of restructuring to serve the broader arts community. Our Mission ArtWalla encourages and empowers local creative artists, engages the community, and enriches life in the Walla Walla Valley. |
Our Board |
President - Brenda Bernards
| After a successful Urban Planning career, practicing in the Cities of Toronto, Portland and Nashville, Brenda Bernards retired to Walla Walla in 2016. She has always been an avid photographer and wanted to explore additional artistic paths. When an opportunity to take Joyce Anderson’s watercolor class opened early in 2017, Brenda stepped into a whole new world of creativity. A second opportunity presented itself with Greg Tate’s drawing class. Initially taking the drawing class to improve her watercolor skills, she discovered the appeal of graphite and charcoal as an artistic medium. Brenda draws inspiration from both the photos taken on her travels and scenes from everyday life. Five years ago, I participated in the first ArtSquared event, which was terrifying for me, but more importantly, amazing to see how this community supports artists and the arts. Because of events like ArtSquared, Dia de los Muertos, The Creative Network, and the strong involvement ArtWalla has in promoting all arts in the valley, my partner Jean and I knew Walla Walla was the place we wanted to live full-time, so we moved here from Seattle two years ago. One of the first things I wanted to do was get involved in this strong art community. I am very proud and excited to be on the board for ArtWalla and honored to work with such a talented group of folks. |
Vice President - Joel Libby
| Joel is an avid art collector. |
Treasurer - Tricia Harding
| I am a long-time member of ArtWalla’s Board of Directors, where I currently serve as Treasurer. I previously served on the board of Carnegie Picture Lab and have been working on bringing a Creative District designation to Walla Walla and College Place (CoWalla). I am also involved with a group of arts related non-profits working to bring a shared space for the arts to Walla Walla. As a co-owner and member artist and of the Combine Art Collective in downtown Walla Walla, I have the opportunity work with talented artists and connect with the community and visitors around their love for the arts. I moved to Walla Walla over eight years ago and promptly got recruited to join ArtWalla’s board of directors. At that time ArtWalla was focussed on Public Art and I had just left a community where I was chair of the City Commission for Art in Public Places. It was a good fit and a great way to meet the arts community in Walla Walla. Fast forward 8 years and I am still excited to be working with a wonderful group of commitment volunteers that want to see a vibrant arts community in the Walla Walla Valley. I am very proud of all that ArtWalla has accomplished and so love all the creative opportunities in our community. We are all very lucky to have so much available to us in this tiny corner of the state. In my free time I am a mixed media paper artist who loves playing in my studio and collaborating with creative people. I am proud of the work ArtWalla is doing to support a vibrant arts community in the Walla Walla Valley! In my free time I am a mixed media paper artist who loves playing in my studio and collaborating with creative people. Gardening, cooking, playing with my dog Momo and bingeing TV series at night with my hubby also bring joy to my life. |
Secretary Sonja Rootvik-Ewing
| I was born and raised in Walla Walla, and have loved watching the county grow and flourish over my lifetime. I graduated with a BFA from Walla Walla University in 2014, and have always kept art in my post-grad life, whether it be teaching art classes to elementary school students, making signs and chalkboards for businesses, or hosting my own shows around town. A lot of my work is inspired by nature, especially Alaska, where I commercial fish every summer. I was introduced to ArtWalla through ArtSquared in 2018, and am excited to be part of the board. I hope to bring energy and new ideas to ArtWalla, and to inspire more people to be involved in our art community. |
Program Director Laura Rose-Grabinski | Laura Rose-Grabinski is the newest addition to the ArtWalla family. |