MEET THE CHEWELAH ARTS GUILD BOARD MEMBERS
President- Dawn McClain
I have been a member of the Chewelah Arts Guild for 12 years and a Board member for almost as long. I am a California transplant who found home when I moved to the Inland Northwest. I relocated from Loon Lake to Chewelah about 3 years ago. Being physically close has allowed me to be even more involved in the day to day activities of the Arts Guild and in 2018 I was elected President. I continue to be amazed and awed at the incredible talent and artistic energy present in the small communities of Chewelah and the surrounding areas. It is exciting to see Chewelah developing as an Artistic hub in the region and to be a part of that transformation. As president of the Arts Guild, I have stream-lined meetings making them more efficient and timely; Improved awareness and accessibility of Arts Guild Activities by assuring that our annual calendar was available in the community by January 1, 2019 and assisted the Arts Guild through some difficult decisions that were inherent in the growth of an organization. I act as Chair of the Senior Scholarship Committee, am an active member of the Music Committee which includes the Music on the Mountain and Joy to the World Christmas Concert events and presently am the Arts Guild designated representative for the Creative District Collaboration. My passions include photography, coiled basketry, reading, gardening and varied new age pursuits. I am an occupational therapist with Assured Home Health.
I have been a member of the Chewelah Arts Guild for 12 years and a Board member for almost as long. I am a California transplant who found home when I moved to the Inland Northwest. I relocated from Loon Lake to Chewelah about 3 years ago. Being physically close has allowed me to be even more involved in the day to day activities of the Arts Guild and in 2018 I was elected President. I continue to be amazed and awed at the incredible talent and artistic energy present in the small communities of Chewelah and the surrounding areas. It is exciting to see Chewelah developing as an Artistic hub in the region and to be a part of that transformation. As president of the Arts Guild, I have stream-lined meetings making them more efficient and timely; Improved awareness and accessibility of Arts Guild Activities by assuring that our annual calendar was available in the community by January 1, 2019 and assisted the Arts Guild through some difficult decisions that were inherent in the growth of an organization. I act as Chair of the Senior Scholarship Committee, am an active member of the Music Committee which includes the Music on the Mountain and Joy to the World Christmas Concert events and presently am the Arts Guild designated representative for the Creative District Collaboration. My passions include photography, coiled basketry, reading, gardening and varied new age pursuits. I am an occupational therapist with Assured Home Health.
Vice President- Tom Bristol
Thomas Bristol is an architect and owner of Purple Flat Top Ltd Architecture in Chewelah WA. Purple Flat Top Ltd. Architecture provides architectural services for projects ranging from consulting small remodels, developing construction details to additions/remodels, residential and light commercial building design services. He has been on the Board of the Chewelah Arts Guild for 20+ years, served as president for 7 years and as vice president in 2018. He designed, supervised and assisted in the building of the Children’s Pavilion in City Park and was Chewelah’s Citizen of the Year in 2011. He is active in many community pursuits and most recently has focused on the development of the Chewelah Performing Arts Center (PACA) and serves on their Board. In the Arts Guild Tom is Chair of the Highway Clean-up Committee, Co-Chair of the Chataqua Children’s Pavilion Committee, acts as the Arts Guild Liaison to PACA and actively participates on the Music Committee which includes the Music on the Mountain and Joy to the World Winter Concert events. He lives with his wife, Susan Bristol, on 200+ acres of land just outside Chewelah in the shadow of Purple Flat Top Mountain. They have grown children who also love and appreciate the Chewelah area: Joey Bristol who lives in Washington DC (Currently in Beijing, China), Peter in Seattle and Daphne in Spokane.
Thomas Bristol is an architect and owner of Purple Flat Top Ltd Architecture in Chewelah WA. Purple Flat Top Ltd. Architecture provides architectural services for projects ranging from consulting small remodels, developing construction details to additions/remodels, residential and light commercial building design services. He has been on the Board of the Chewelah Arts Guild for 20+ years, served as president for 7 years and as vice president in 2018. He designed, supervised and assisted in the building of the Children’s Pavilion in City Park and was Chewelah’s Citizen of the Year in 2011. He is active in many community pursuits and most recently has focused on the development of the Chewelah Performing Arts Center (PACA) and serves on their Board. In the Arts Guild Tom is Chair of the Highway Clean-up Committee, Co-Chair of the Chataqua Children’s Pavilion Committee, acts as the Arts Guild Liaison to PACA and actively participates on the Music Committee which includes the Music on the Mountain and Joy to the World Winter Concert events. He lives with his wife, Susan Bristol, on 200+ acres of land just outside Chewelah in the shadow of Purple Flat Top Mountain. They have grown children who also love and appreciate the Chewelah area: Joey Bristol who lives in Washington DC (Currently in Beijing, China), Peter in Seattle and Daphne in Spokane.
Treasurer- Terry Ely
I graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I put myself through school working as a bookkeeper while raising my daughter. After finishing school, I worked for a local CPA firm that specialized in handling accounting and auditing for non-profit organizations. I passed the CPA exam and worked for the firm for three years which provided the two years of experience that is required to become a Certified Public Accountant.
I left public accounting and went to work for Western Washington University as their Accounting Director. I worked for 15 years at the university gaining a thorough understanding of the complexities of university accounting. I was then hired by Washington State University as their Controller, in charge of a department of 60 employees. I oversaw Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grants and Contracts, Purchasing, Loans and Collections, and Financial Reporting. I worked there for 9 years before retiring in June 2016.
I was then able to pursue my avocation, art. I enjoy colored pencil painting and am taking a watercolor painting class.
I graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I put myself through school working as a bookkeeper while raising my daughter. After finishing school, I worked for a local CPA firm that specialized in handling accounting and auditing for non-profit organizations. I passed the CPA exam and worked for the firm for three years which provided the two years of experience that is required to become a Certified Public Accountant.
I left public accounting and went to work for Western Washington University as their Accounting Director. I worked for 15 years at the university gaining a thorough understanding of the complexities of university accounting. I was then hired by Washington State University as their Controller, in charge of a department of 60 employees. I oversaw Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grants and Contracts, Purchasing, Loans and Collections, and Financial Reporting. I worked there for 9 years before retiring in June 2016.
I was then able to pursue my avocation, art. I enjoy colored pencil painting and am taking a watercolor painting class.
Secretary- Anita Talbott
I am blessed to have been raised with an identical twin.
My first “real” job was at the Seattle Worlds Fair in 1962.
I married in 1963 while my husband was working on his BA, MA and eventually his Ph.D. I earned my Ph.T. (Putting Hubby Through) wearing many hats in the process; Wife, Mother, Secretary, Credit Manager, Realtor, Executive Secretary, and eventually Owner of my own Corporation doing presentations for 15 years at trade shows throughout the United States.
In our many travels to BC my husband and I would often remark how enchanting and charming Chewelah was and decided to move to Chewelah in 1999 and have never been sorry.
We raised three children who still thankfully remain in Washington State, and are proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren.
I have enjoyed the arts all my life in what ever form I find them. My hobbies include reading, gardening, snow shoeing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature wherever it presents itself.
I am now retired and recently started playing with Acrylic Flow Art.
I am blessed to have been raised with an identical twin.
My first “real” job was at the Seattle Worlds Fair in 1962.
I married in 1963 while my husband was working on his BA, MA and eventually his Ph.D. I earned my Ph.T. (Putting Hubby Through) wearing many hats in the process; Wife, Mother, Secretary, Credit Manager, Realtor, Executive Secretary, and eventually Owner of my own Corporation doing presentations for 15 years at trade shows throughout the United States.
In our many travels to BC my husband and I would often remark how enchanting and charming Chewelah was and decided to move to Chewelah in 1999 and have never been sorry.
We raised three children who still thankfully remain in Washington State, and are proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren.
I have enjoyed the arts all my life in what ever form I find them. My hobbies include reading, gardening, snow shoeing, hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature wherever it presents itself.
I am now retired and recently started playing with Acrylic Flow Art.
Board Member- Gail Churape
I have lived here in the beautiful Chewelah mountains since 1985 on land I purchased in 1976, when I first visited the area and fell in love with the natural beauty. I have supported the arts throughout my life doing a lot of work with my brother Carl Smool, an artist from Seattle working on large installation pieces. I’ve always found that the Arts nourish and inspire us and I always tried to keep that in mind as I raised my children. Locally I got involved with Community Celebrations when I moved to Chewelah reenergizing the Children’s pavilion in 1986 when my daughter was just a baby. I was so happy when the Arts Guild took over that responsibility. I help with Stage Time Theater in the costume department and currently teach Art K-8 at Valley school. My students have benefited from the Arts Guild Rainbow Grants every year! I love all the ways the Arts Guild promotes and supports the Arts in Chewelah and am happy to join the board of this busy organization.
I have lived here in the beautiful Chewelah mountains since 1985 on land I purchased in 1976, when I first visited the area and fell in love with the natural beauty. I have supported the arts throughout my life doing a lot of work with my brother Carl Smool, an artist from Seattle working on large installation pieces. I’ve always found that the Arts nourish and inspire us and I always tried to keep that in mind as I raised my children. Locally I got involved with Community Celebrations when I moved to Chewelah reenergizing the Children’s pavilion in 1986 when my daughter was just a baby. I was so happy when the Arts Guild took over that responsibility. I help with Stage Time Theater in the costume department and currently teach Art K-8 at Valley school. My students have benefited from the Arts Guild Rainbow Grants every year! I love all the ways the Arts Guild promotes and supports the Arts in Chewelah and am happy to join the board of this busy organization.
Board Member- Susanne Griepp
I’m one of several Chewelah Arts Guild founding members. I serve as Co-Chair of the Community Arts Show. I’ve been a professional singer, a shopkeeper, nurseryman, florist, secretary, and waitress. My husband, Winston and I, moved to Chewelah from California in 1977. Our four sons were born and raised in the Chewelah-Valley communities nestled in this beautiful landscape. I also have two step-children and nine grandchildren. Winston and I are founding members of the Brown’s Lake Recreation Association and I continue to serve on its Board of Directors. In the late 1990’s, I worked with Community Celebrations, in charge of Chataqua’s CenterStage entertainment for three years. In both student and adult life, I trained in university settings as a singer. I was a member of the Spokane Symphony Chorale for over a decade. I’ve taught singing, and more recently, taught K-5 Music at Valley School for several years. I enjoy collage and writing, and have created Self-Portrait Poems and Collages with Valley School students. I’m honored to be a Creekside Writer. I believe we are all creative beings. I believe that a vibrant Arts community enhances community health and quality of life, and supports economic development. Over twenty years with the Chewelah Arts Guild, I’ve found that supporting the Arts in schools, supporting the many artists in our community, and collaborating with area businesses, is meaningful community service. The Arts inspire and bring people together.
Board Member- John Grumbach
I spent the first eighteen years of my life growing up in Chewelah. After high school, I went to seek my fortune living in Spokane, the Oregon Coast, Pocatello, Idaho and for twenty five years in Seattle. I stayed in Seattle because of the Arts; Seattle Symphony and Opera, various other orchestral and chorale groups, the plays and other art functions. But on retirement and tired of the big city traffic, I returned to the city of my youth. And to my surprise, Chewelah had a thriving arts community. Imagine a little town like this, bringing the Spokane Symphony up here every year. And when Chewelah got their own radio station, I volunteered to share my collection of classical CD's and go on the air every Sunday morning. Joining the Arts Guild was just a natural and I have had the privilege of working on the music committee with Music on the Mountain and, and in December, Joy to the World. Big city arts in a small town. Imagine.
I spent the first eighteen years of my life growing up in Chewelah. After high school, I went to seek my fortune living in Spokane, the Oregon Coast, Pocatello, Idaho and for twenty five years in Seattle. I stayed in Seattle because of the Arts; Seattle Symphony and Opera, various other orchestral and chorale groups, the plays and other art functions. But on retirement and tired of the big city traffic, I returned to the city of my youth. And to my surprise, Chewelah had a thriving arts community. Imagine a little town like this, bringing the Spokane Symphony up here every year. And when Chewelah got their own radio station, I volunteered to share my collection of classical CD's and go on the air every Sunday morning. Joining the Arts Guild was just a natural and I have had the privilege of working on the music committee with Music on the Mountain and, and in December, Joy to the World. Big city arts in a small town. Imagine.
Board Member- Indigo Kennedy
I was born and raised in Alaska. In my twenties I decided to move out of state and started what would be over 15 years of exploring parts of the US. I have lived in several states and visited all but a handful on my travels. After several years in the Tennessee area I decided it was time to get back to the Pacific North West and through serendipity located a home for rent on Waitts Lake. I still remember the first time driving north on 395 and cresting the hill above the valley. It is one of my favorite views. I live in Chewelah now and have greatly enjoyed the small town with big dreams. Being part of a community that celebrates its citizens passions is something I have learned to appreciate after living many places where such support is hard to find.
As a quilter I have been an active member of Cabin Fever Quilt Guild of Southern Stevens County since 2013. I also had the opportunity to co-chair the committee that plans the annual Chewelah Quilt Show presented by the Art Guild starting in 2017. As someone who wants to support the arts and our community joining the Art Guild was an obvious decision. I have appreciated working with the Art Guild and helping support our efforts to see our community flourish.
I was born and raised in Alaska. In my twenties I decided to move out of state and started what would be over 15 years of exploring parts of the US. I have lived in several states and visited all but a handful on my travels. After several years in the Tennessee area I decided it was time to get back to the Pacific North West and through serendipity located a home for rent on Waitts Lake. I still remember the first time driving north on 395 and cresting the hill above the valley. It is one of my favorite views. I live in Chewelah now and have greatly enjoyed the small town with big dreams. Being part of a community that celebrates its citizens passions is something I have learned to appreciate after living many places where such support is hard to find.
As a quilter I have been an active member of Cabin Fever Quilt Guild of Southern Stevens County since 2013. I also had the opportunity to co-chair the committee that plans the annual Chewelah Quilt Show presented by the Art Guild starting in 2017. As someone who wants to support the arts and our community joining the Art Guild was an obvious decision. I have appreciated working with the Art Guild and helping support our efforts to see our community flourish.
Board Member- Leslie Kristiansen
I spent much of my first year in college in the library paging through books of art. After completing each of my required assignments I'd treat myself to a new book. That interest has continued throughout my life and now that my children are grown and I've retired from teaching, I'm pleased to be involved in promoting and celebrating the arts through the Chewelah Arts Guild.
I spent much of my first year in college in the library paging through books of art. After completing each of my required assignments I'd treat myself to a new book. That interest has continued throughout my life and now that my children are grown and I've retired from teaching, I'm pleased to be involved in promoting and celebrating the arts through the Chewelah Arts Guild.
| 2019 Chewelah Arts Guild Board of Directors |