Chairperson
Non-Profit Consultant

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“Community building has been at the center of my work as an artist and arts educator throughout my life. At this particular moment in time, nothing could be more important and, at its core, the work of Arts Mid Hudson is about elevating the creative energy in communities.“

Ken Skrzesz has administered for-profit, non-profit, and educational programs through emphasizing equitable access in procedural development, strategic planning, policy, standards, curriculum, and assessment creation. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of all art forms, with a special emphasis on developing the creative and collaborative processes, has allowed him to create successful campaigns in community partnerships, donor development, and recruitment with a unique commitment to serving economically challenged and historically resilient populations. He has served on the boards of Arts Every Day, Chesapeake Arts Center, the National Dance Education Organization and the Quarry Theatre.

Ken currently serves as a consultant for nonprofits and teaches acting in the Hudson Valley. He was recently the theatre teacher Apex Arts at Anne Arundel County Public Schools and until 2021 he was the Executive Director of the Maryland State Arts Council, emphasizing equity and justice as the path toward quality arts experiences for all residents. He has served as the Coordinator of Fine Arts for the Maryland State Department of Education developing a model that featured creativity and collaboration as a driving force for all students. As the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Teacher Specialist for Anne Arundel County Public Schools he developed programming and created theatre and dance curricula for the county’s first arts magnet high school uniquely focused upon bridging student artistic interest with community and global issues. His long-term teaching posts have included acting and dance faculty at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Goucher College, Southwest Missouri State University, University of North Carolina and private schools throughout the country. Ken has served as the Executive Director of the Clear Space Theatre Company and Kinetics Dance Theatre and he was the Director of Student Life for the School of American Ballet in New York City. His teaching specializes in the modern dance technique of Jose Limon and the Stanislavski acting technique. His former students have appeared on television (MAD MEN, SCANDAL, WILL AND GRACE), Broadway (MAMMA, MIA!, CHICAGO, THE WILD PARTY, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE LION KING, HAIRSPRAY, THE BOOK OF MORMON), and appear in numerous professional regional theatre and dance companies, movies, and national tours.

As a performer, Ken has appeared as everything from Wolfgang Mozart with the BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA to Herr Drosselmeyer in THE NUTCRACKER with the SPRINGFIELD BALLET. His theatre background includes 20 leading roles. Ken became a member of Actors’ Equity Association while performing at the Goodspeed Opera House. He has danced in concert with Alan Danielson and Company, Deborah Carr’s Theatre Dance Ensemble, Kinetics Dance Theatre and toured internationally with SURGE Dance Company. He has performed as a guest artist in Jose Limon’s CHOREOGRAPHIC OFFERING and with the TED SHAWN LEGACY. Ken is a baritone soloist and has toured extensively with various versions of AN AMERICAN SONGBOOK since 1999 (more than 100 performances). Ken earned his Master of Fine Arts in dance from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where he performed with the dance, opera, music, and theatre departments. He is a native Baltimorean where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Towson State University. Ken was a nominee for the Governor’s Award for Arts Educator of the Year, received the Baltimore Mayor’s Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts, and he received distinguished alumni awards from Towson State University and from the University of North Carolina.

Ken has choreographed and/or directed more than 200 works for the concert, opera and theatre stage. His choreography has been commissioned by dance, opera, theatre and musical theatre companies in 8 states. Ken’s direction of book shows spans the styles of the work of Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, and Tennessee Williams to the musicals of Kander and Ebb, Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hammerstein. His training in acting and dance allows for a seamless approach to all staging while emphasizing honest communication through dialogue, song and movement. In his studies, Ken has focused on the technique of José Limón as a student of Ruth Currier, Risa Steinberg and Betty Jones. His article, Ruth Currier: Translating Humphrey, can be found in Dance Magazine. Ken has received awards in choreography from the National Endowment of the Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council and he is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Ken received the National Dance Education Association’s Outstanding Advocate and Champion of Dance Education award and the Performing Arts Advocate of the Year award from the Scarborough Foundation. www.kenskrzesz.com

Corporate Secretary
Admissions Associate, Oakwood Friends School

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“Without art life would be one dimensional… Without Arts Mid-Hudson art would not be totally ingrained in the community. I support the variety of local art and artists and want to aid in bringing as much to our communities - in whatever small way I am able.”

As a fiber artist I enjoy expressing my imagination through quilting. My works have been displayed in Pennsylvania at the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Paul Robeson Gallery - Penn State University, William Penn Charter School, and Free Library of Philadelphia, Main Branch. Elsewhere I have had my works displayed - Rowan University (Glassboro NJ), Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center and the Dorchester Center for the Arts (Cambridge MD), Locally I have had work exhibited at the Mildred I Washington Art Gallery (DCCC), Barrett Art Center, Dutchess County Fair, Mid-Hudson Heritage Gallery, and The Nancy Willard and Eric Lindbloom Artist-Run Project Space,

Prior to relocating to Poughkeepsie I had a 30 year plus career in Friends education in the Philadelphia area and am enjoying my more recent return to Quaker education as an Admissions Associate at Oakwood Friends School.

As an active member in the community I serve as Secretary of the Walkway Over the Hudson Board of Directors, President of the Catharine Street Community Center Board, a member of the Dutchess County Board of Advisors of Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley, and an organizing member on the steering committee of ‘Oh Freedom…Project 2027’.

Free time often finds Anita, and her husband, Dan, as red jacket Walkway Ambassadors, or exploring nooks and crannies as geocachers in the Hudson Valley.

Treasurer
VP of Support Services, Hudson Valley Credit Union

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?

“I grew up with sewing, knitting, crocheting and music as household staples. It was instilled in me to appreciate the commitment, time and talent it requires to make a sweater, blanket, dress, etc. I wanted to be more involved in the community, and to me, the art world is like a deep ocean, beautiful and expansive. Joining Arts Mid-Hudson has provided me with a ship and benefits of working with a talented crew who work diligently to bring into focus awareness of art in the Hudson Valley and opportunities to meet and support artists and their work. It’s a great team, and I am thankful for the experience I am gaining as a volunteer board member.”

Vice Chair
Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategy and Policy, Bard College

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“I believe in the power of the arts to provide a unique outlet for individuals and communities. Here in the Hudson Valley we are blessed with a rich history and wide array of fine and performing arts. I am eager to help safeguard this ongoing cultural legacy and provide access to artistic opportunities across our region. Arts Mid-Hudson is a linchpin in the regional arts architecture and I am proud to join it efforts.”

Malia K. Du Mont is Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategy and Policy at Bard College. She earned her BA in Chinese from Bard and her MPP from Harvard Kennedy School. An Army Reserve officer and Afghanistan veteran, Malia chairs the NY-18 Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board for Congressman Pat Ryan, and serves on the boards of the American University of Afghanistan and the World Affairs Council Mid-Hudson Valley, and on the City of Kingston Conservation Advisory Council. Malia is a longtime choral singer and previously volunteered as the pianist at her church.

Chief Technology Officer,
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal
Credit Union

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?

“Arts Mid-Hudson provides the support, encouragement, and resources that our regional artists need to continue to create amazing work. As an enthusiastic collector of art that represents the area where I live, being able to give back to an organization like Arts Mid-Hudson is an honor and a privilege.”

Jonathan Cilley is the Vice President of Information Technology at Hudson Valley Credit Union. Jonathan has lived in the Mid-Hudson Valley region for over 10 years since moving to the area from New York’s Southern Tier. He holds a BA in history from Allegheny College and an MBA from Arizona State University Global Campus with a concentration in Information Systems. He currently resides in Dutchess County with his wife and two daughters.

Marketing Consultant

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?

“Art has always been a vital part of my life, from childhood crafts, theater techie in high school and college, to playing the violin and fiddlers. My passion continued with my degree in Graphic Design, and it extends into my personal hobbies of painting, dance, drawing, and illustration. I have a deep appreciation for all forms of art, and it’s a pleasure to serve on the board of Art Mid-Hudson as they continue to support artists to create, and showcase their work.”

I specialize in Brand Identity, Marketing, and Strategic Communication. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Grand Valley State University, my career has focused on elevating the efforts of both nonprofits, and corporations. Some of my notable achievements include being a multiple-time published writer for CUSO Magazine, completing Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training through the Crisis Prevention Institute, and receiving Suicide Prevention Skills Training from safeTALK LivingWorks.

System Administrator

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“I think that arts should be a part of everyone’s life. Everyone has something to contribute. It is a language we can all communicate to each other with. If we all communicated it would help to make the world a better place.”

Tempi Hopkins has been a member of the Mid Hudson valley community all her life. She is an Alumnus of Howard university where she majored in music Ed, & DCC where She majored in computer science. She was elected to a 3 year term in 1991 to serve on the Poughkeepsie board of Education and served as board president her last year. She has worked as a director of Information Technology for over 30 years and is currently owner of a computer consulting company called SoftApps. In the past she has served on the Board of directors - Community Daycare Center, Poughkeepsie PTSA - president, Harambee - board of Directors chairmen, Chairmen of the Neighborhood based Alliance Education committee. Member Of The Gospel Workshop Of America, Member Of The Martin Luther King Choir. At 15 years old she was elected as cochairmen of the model cities youth board. A member of the board for the Hudson Valley Gospel Fest.

Photographer

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“Art tells a story, while providing context to the history of the world, and what may have been going on socially and culturally. It has been a main focal point of my life since childhood and I believe it has the capability to harness the power within ourselves and also heal the wounds of the human experience. I am thrilled to newly be a part of Arts Mid-Hudson and immerse myself into the world of local artists. Arts Mid-Hudson creates the funding and recognition that so many local artists want and need, and I cannot wait to learn more about the community through their work.”

Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels has been a Hudson Valley resident almost her entire life. Born on a dirt road in Texas, raised in Beacon, NY, and now a resident of Poughkeepsie, the Hudson Valley is her given and chosen home. She attended SUNY New Paltz majoring in Fine Art Photography with a minor in Art History. Upon graduating she worked with local photographers until starting a business of her own “Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels” where she makes a living shooting weddings in Hudson Valley and internationally as well. Caitlinn’s approach is photography has almost always been rooted in her love and appreciation of art history and the human form. In her down time you can find her hiking, riding her motorcycle “Betty”, and traveling. s here

IBM

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“As an active member of the Dutchess County community, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of arts and culture. Through my involvement with Arts Mid-Hudson, I’ve seen how the organization brings people together, fosters creativity, and celebrates our diverse heritage. I’m excited to contribute my skills and experiences to further Arts Mid-Hudson’s mission and enrich the cultural landscape of our region.”

A long-time resident of Dutchess County, Preetha Natesan is an active member of the Hindu Samaj community and a devoted representative of the Asian Indian diaspora. With strong affiliations to Arts Mid-Hudson and the Dutchess County Interfaith Council (DCIC), where she currently serves on the board, she has played a vital role in promoting cultural understanding through the arts for many years.

As a trained vocalist and Veena player, Preetha has shared the rich traditions of Indian classical music with the local community for over two decades. Her involvement with Arts Mid-Hudson includes participation in Folk Arts events and the Kingston Multicultural Festival organized by the REHER Center, where she has showcased the beauty of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Professionally, Preetha is an engineer who balances her technical career with her passion for music and community engagement. She is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Dutchess County and looks forward to furthering her contributions through the Arts Mid-Hudson.

Owner, Gig Marketing & Co-Founder /Producing Director, Tangent Theatre Company

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“ Art matters! I’ve always been passionate about creating art. Personally, it’s painting and getting lost in a museum. Professionally, it’s producing intimate theater and getting great stories on the stage.

As the bumper sticker says, EARTH is nothing without ART. I couldn’t agree more. And Arts Mid-Hudson keeps art alive and well in this region.“

Andrea Rhodes is a marketing specialist often wearing two hats - as owner of Gig Marketing and co-founder/producer at Tangent Theatre Company, a professional company producing character-driven plays. Now based in Tivoli, she is a Dutchess County native and a graduate of Boston University where she studied advertising and communications. Prior to relocating to the Hudson Valley in 2009, she worked at world-class advertising and marketing firms in New York City for over two decades. In addition to her role on the board of AMH, she is co-director of Tivoli Merchants + Artists, a prior board member of the Rhinebeck Chamber of Commerce, and a member of Upstate Women in Film & Television and Hudson Valley Women in Business. She is a 2017 Hudson Valley Magazine Top Women in Business honoree for her theater work.

Digital Strategist/Account Executive iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley

Ava Savosh is an account executive with a focus in digital marketing for iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley. She has been with the organization since 2017 and has worked in several different roles however she has been in her current position since 2020. Her job functions include building custom marketing plans for business and organizations across with United States with a concentration in the tri-state area utilizing different audio, digital and social media tactics. She is a 2021 and 2022 iHeart Media President’s Award winner as well as a 2021 New York State Broadcasters Association Excellence in Broadcasting Award for Community Engagement Winner. Ava is a member of the New York State Broadcasting Association’s Futures Committee and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Hudson Valley Young Professionals as an Advisory Council Member.

Holding a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Mercy College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the State University of New York at New Paltz, Ava is an active member of the Hudson Valley community. She can be found hiking local trails, kayaking local waterways, or grabbing a bite to eat. She enjoys spending time with her shih tzu Barry or her cat Lebron. Her and her husband are massive sports fans – Go Yankees, Rangers and Vikings!

Program Coordinator / Vice President Sustainable Hudson Valley / Artists' Collective of Hyde Park

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“Working with artists is important to me. As a business, I made the decision over 7 years ago to feature Black and Latino/Latina artists as Shapiro’s. Representing less than 18% of the art world, especially in home goods and furniture sector.”

Barbara Todd is a Hyde Park native and graduate of Marist College. After a few years working locally at Hudson Valley Credit Union, where she evolved from IRA specialist to IT Applications analyst, she began working in New York City. Beginning as a consultant, she worked her way up from Senior Quality Assurance Analyst to Manager at Columbia House, then Manager of QA for Sales Systems at Viacom to Director of Quality Assurance at Scholastic Corporation. Most recently she has consulted as Project Manager and QA Lead at HDtracks and Program Coordinator at Sustainable Hudson Valley.

Barbara is a freelance photographer and digital artist and a founding member of Artists’ Collective of Hyde Park, where she currently serves as Vice President. She handles Marketing, website maintenance and social media for the group. Previously she was Secretary for Art Along the Hudson. She is also a member of The Art League of Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie. Barbara has shown her work in group and solo shows, some juried, since 2012 in a number of Hudson Valley venues. She is a two-time participant in the juried Art in the Loft show in Millbrook, NY. She was the first artist to show her work in the Poughkeepsie Common Council Chambers, which became an ongoing event space that was made possible by Arts Mid-Hudson working with the City.

Barbara’s work has been described as “painterly”, sometimes “romantic” or “dramatic” and is sometimes noted for its unusual light. Her work is influenced by her love of her cherished Hudson Valley and its school of painters. Henri Cartier-Bresson and classic noir films have affected her monotone work. A self-taught photographer, Barbara’s subjects range from landscapes to abstractions and from straight photography to, more recently, digital art. She emphasizes the many dimensions of reflections and the energy of contrast. For Barbara, the art of looking is as important as the rest of the image creation process. She strives for each work to break new ground rather than repeat herself artistically. Recently she has been producing prints on aluminum as well as traditional photo and art papers.

PAW Arts

Why Arts Mid-Hudson?
“As an artist and small business owner, Arts Mid-Hudson is a necessary and relevant organization that helps build community and connection. When I was restarting my art practice during the early parts of the pandemic, I found the resources and classes that Arts Mid-Hudson offered were exactly what I needed. Through their programming, communications like the monthly newsletter, and other work the staff tirelessly produces, the mid-Hudson region is a better place for artists to thrive. As someone who worked with similar organizations across the country, the creative sector of the region is lucky to have such a dedicated organization.”

Patricia Walsh is an artist and public art consultant with over 15 years of experience in arts administration and community development. As the founder of PAW Arts, LLC, she collaborates with government agencies, nonprofits, and foundations to address community needs through the arts, offering expertise in policy development, research, and public art education.

Previously, Patricia spent nine years at Americans for the Arts, where she managed public art and community development programs, including one of the nation's premier public art conferences. She built strategic partnerships with organizations like the American Planning Association and Smart Growth America and served as a media resource for publications, including ARTnews, NPR, and the Chicago Tribune.

Her career includes roles as a program specialist for Las Vegas' Office of Cultural Affairs and arts coordinator for San José's public art program, where she managed a 250+ piece collection. She has presented extensively across the United States and internationally on integrating arts into community development.

Alongside her consulting work, Patricia maintains an active artistic practice focusing on nature through painting, drawing, and collage. She serves as an advisor for the Arts & Planning Division of the American Planning Association and holds memberships in several professional organizations including the Public Art Exchange and Arts Mid-Hudson.

Based in Poughkeepsie, New York, in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, Patricia holds a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in painting from SUNY Plattsburgh. Through PAW Arts, she continues to expand her practice while fostering the integration of arts into community development nationwide.