Arts Council of the Conejo Valley

2009-2010 Arts Council Board Members

Rich Brimer, President, CEO

Born in Long Beach, CA, Rich Brimer has his roots well planted in the west. Hunting with his father and going on family camping trips, Brimer gained a respect for the outdoors. In elementary school, he knew he had a talent that made others feel good. The first commissions were received when he re-created Looney Tunes characters on paper-bag book covers for a dollar. Professionally, he has been a commercial illustrator and graphic designer for over 25 years. Also a film maker, he is currently working a documentary project called Without Shelter.

As an artist, he loves both studio painting as well as painting outdoors, preferably using oils. He is in his third year on the board of the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, now serving as President.

The California Lutheran University graduate (B.A. Fine Art) can often be seen in and around Ventura County flexing his artistic muscles. Rich feels strongly about bringing artwork into the community that not only shows the beauty of creation, but also art that stirs the spirit – art that joins the Creator in revealing the injustices that take place right in front of us everyday and actually doing something about it. He is a dedicated, passionate artist who is finding out that takes hard work to make a difference, but it is well worth the effort.

Georgeanne Lees, Vice President

Georgeanne is a Cultural Affairs Supervisor of Arts and Historic Programs for the City of Ventura, and has dedicated much of her career to the enhancement and presentation of arts education classes and programs. She produces the Olivas Adobe “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series for that City.

She is a drama director and many hours of her time are devoted to the Young Artists Ensemble with such directorial triumphs as “Once Upon a Mattress”’ her critically acclaimed Standing O Productions including “Elephant Man”’ and Conejo Players Mainstage production of “Kismet.”

Currently she is directing the new YAE fundraiser “Broadway Over the Mall,” to be presented Aug. 14 and 15 in the Hillcrest “Theater on the Hill.”

John Pillsbury, Treasurer

Geri Schonberg, Recording Secretary

In the real world and the universe of my imagination, I see colors and shapes, nature’s splendors and shadows, order and chaos. In essence, I am a colorist. When I begin to paint, my color selection often dictates the direction my work will follow: The abstract paintings are a process of finding harmony from free-spirited and sometimes chaotic beginnings; in the realistic compositions, I try to impart my impression and interpretation of the subject matter, using strong contrasts and an arbitrarily chosen palette. I believe that my art reflects the passion with which I approach it.

Theodora Ilowitz, Corresponding Secretary

Visual Arts states, “The artwork of Theodora Ilowitz is an enduring tribute to beauty, whether contemporary painting print-making, or sculpture. She takes the viewer into a field of dreams, employing both fantasy and reality.”

Unexpected is another word used in 2008 when the Ventura County Star reported her “Benin,” traditional Nigerian art carved from Virginia soapstone, became the first piece in California Lutheran University’s new sculpture garden.

This artist with a positive nature and energy was frequently accompanied by her artist husband, the late Joseph Ilowitz. Teddi’s work has shown in galleries and museums such as Lincoln Center, Taiwan Cultural Center and National Art Galley. The award-winner has works in the collections of companies and private collectors, among them AT&T and General Foods.

Gordon Durich, Historian

Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, I was bugged by my schoolmates to hand letter their book covers. I took classes in Art and Design. My dad being an artist inspired me. Influences ranged from Charles Schulz to Warhol. I love pop art, collage, pen and ink and black and white photography.

In London, I dabbled in drawing, and volunteered at the Institute of Contemporary Art; and back in Sydney, I worked for the new Museum of Contemporary Art.

I enjoy hanging with the talented, from Malibu shows to the Galleria and the ACCV’s annual Board and Friends exhibit. I love alternative art, from Vegemite labels (“Eat The Art”) to a guitar with designs channeled with my favorites, including Dali, Ken Done, KAWS and Keith Haring.

Words and comedy are woven into my original one-woman monologue, “Grandmas Rock!,” being performed by actress Jackie Goldberg.

Pat Johnson, Past-President and Director of Finance

Pat is a life long supporter of the arts. She is a 20-year member of the Village Voices Chorale and served 4 years as its President. She initiated the inclusion of elementary chorales in the Voices’ concerts and developed a financial grant program for elementary school choral programs in the Conejo Valley.

She currently is an active member of the Board of Governors of the Civic Arts Plaza and serves on the ad-hoc marketing committee. She is the outgoing president of the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley.

Pat Grant, Director of Membership

Pat Grant serves as Membership Chair for The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley. She served as Treasurer for the group for two years. Her professional career has evolved in the world of Education. Beginning as an elementary school teacher for grades 2-6, she went on to devite the next five years to working as an intermediate school counselor and finally as a principal at Cypress Elementary and University Elementary School until her retirement In 1993. During her school years she was very active in advancing The instrumental music programs at her schools and conducted children’s choruses throughout her career. She was a member of the Ventura County Arts Council, and an Arts Commissioner for the City of Thousand Oaks where she developed the Young People’s Performing Arts Celebration.

Some of her other non-artistic volunteer contributions to the community include serving on the Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Conejo & Las Virgenes and the Foundation Board of the Conejo Valley Historical Society. She is actively involved with the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation where She has served as Chair, Vice Chair, Membership Chair and Youth Congress Chair. She has been a child/parent mediator for Interface and received the Mediator of the Year Award in 2004 and 2006. Pat has served on the CVUSD School Attendance Review Board for many years, and is a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Board.

Pat and her husband love to travel and have had memorable trips to all seven continents.

Kitty Dill, Director of Programming and Special Events

Kitty Dill finds art everywhere, including in building relationships by phone or in person, via videos, in print and online. The award-winning Journalist, Editor and Author is an experienced Public Information Specialist for cities and special districts; Marketing Manager for businesses; PR Specialist for companies public, private and nonprofit; Teacher and Administrator.

In addition to savoring arts from performing to literary, her sustained volunteer service has netted recognition such as the inaugural Spirit of Networking Award from the Ventura County Professional Women’s Network, which she co-founded; and an Excellence in the Arts Award from the City of Thousand Oaks’ Arts Commission.

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are from CSUN.

Connie Tunick, Director of Public Relations, Co-Curator, Galleria

Prolific mixed media print maker and Galleria co-curator, Connie’s work ranges from posters to prints, combining painting with print making. Her many commissions include the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.

In addition to her work as an artist, Connie is a member of Women Painters of the West.

This creative and commercial artist has been featured in publications including CSQ magazine; has works at Cost Plus and Target; aboard Princess cruises; and at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village.

Ken Patton, Director of Hospitality

Born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in New York and California, Ken has been passionate about words, theatre and music from an early age.  Upon graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BFA in Theatre, Ken continued his career in the Entertainment by spending the next 3 years at Columbia Pictures Television participating in their on-site talent training program, learning the various aspects of Television production.  During that time Ken experienced on the lot training in Writing, Producing, Special Events, Publicity, Costuming, and Production Coordinating.

Until recently, Ken served as Coordinating Producer and in-house Production Manager for Mockingbird Entertainment Group, where he focused his energies on development and pre-production for in-house projects. Previous to that, Ken served as Producer and Story Consultant on the independent feature “Swing”, which had exclusive theatrical engagements in both Los Angeles and New York. Ken also works freelance as an Event Producer, Production Manager and Consultant.

Clients that Ken has worked with include Universal Studios, HBO, Sony Studios/Columbia Pictures Television, and Columbia Records.

Members-at-Large

Dorothy Hage, Chair, Hang with the Best

Growing up in Chicago, I took classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and Mundelein College. Drawing and oil painting are the media of choice and after UCLA Extension classes I had some fun with decorative painting and tromp’ l’oile. I am particularly fond of medieval arts such as Illuminated Manuscripts, Fresco and Mosiacs.

While working for the Conejo School District I became aware of talented students whose work was seen only at the school level. So when I discovered the Arts Council had an opening for an interested party, I applied with the idea of promoting the work of our student artists.

I have enjoyed arranging our annual art exhibit, Hang With the Best for several years, and also the adult school at the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery. It’s been a most enriching experience.

Janet Amiri, Co-Curator, Galleria

Janet Amiri is an award winning bronze sculptor who teaches sculpting in clay processes for the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s Teen Center, as well as semi-private studio classes. She exhibits work regularly at The High Studio Art Gallery in Moorpark, and also at Illuminari in Agoura.

Recently certified as a yoga instructor, Janet teaches in the High Studio Gallery and Dance Studio. At the crack of dawn you may also find her cross training on the CLU football field, running laps and performing yoga asanas with fellow enthusiasts.

Margaret Travers, Editor, ArtScene

Margaret and her husband have lived in the Conejo for 25 years. She has served on the ACCV board since 1993.

Though a trained visual artist, Margaret, who is Executive Director of the Ventura County Arts Council, finds great satisfaction in the role of arts administrator.

To quote Irving Stone, “Art’s a staple. Like bread or wine or a warm coat in winter. Those who think it is a luxury have only a fragment of a mind. Man’s spirit grows hungry for art in the same way his stomach growls for food…”

Elaine Williams, Treasurer, T.O. Arts Festival

A California native, Elaine has been resident of the Conejo Valley since 1966. Introduced to the arts at age 9 in Idyllwild, CA, Elaine spent summers 1951 through 1959 at the Idyllwild Arts Festival. At the Arts Foundation, music, theatre arts, visual arts, literary arts, and dance were available and accessible –  formative experiences making her a lifelong devotee to the arts for everyone.

Volunteering at her children’s school, Elaine brought experience and enthusiasm from her own childhood to arts projects, working with teachers. The arts’ calming, engaging, and even restorative effect were demonstrated repeatedly, in the classroom.

From 2004 through 2008, Elaine and husband Richard Wiliams chaired the annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival each September in the Civic Arts Plaza park.

Recently, Elaine wrote about the history of the people who have lived in the Conejo Valley, “Our Towns On The Conejo,” a play to be presented this summer at the Stagecoach Inn Museum, Newbury Park.