SCAA Board of Directors

Val Weston
President

Val is the President of SCAA. She is an adventure lover, motorcyclist, entrepreneur, photographer, and writer who manages multiple websites and e-commerce stores. A geologist and naturalist by training, Val has an affinity for nature that shapes her photographic art. Her journey in photography began 15 years ago and evolved to include digital processes that allow her to reinterpret her original images in new and curious ways. A Florida native, Val spent more than 20 years in Atlanta, Georgia before landing in Carson City, Nevada. After a short stint as full-time RVers, she and her partner found Silver City on a motorcycling map and settled down here in April 2021, having never set foot in town before. She has never been so thrilled to call a place home and continues to be amazed by all Silver City has to offer in the arts and beyond.

Kenneth Hadlock
Secretary

Ken is the SCAA Secretary, responsible for organization communications.  Ken grew up in the Chicago area and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan.  And ended up in the San Francisco Bay Area working in Biotech.  And writing grants to fund this or that bit of research. Whilst working he obtained his first copy of Photoshop and became immediately fascinated with the possibilities inherent in the dissecting and reassembling of ordinary photographs into brave new worlds.   And after the ascent of a significant learning curve Ken managed to become a Digital Artist.  Ken eventually found his way to Silver City in late 2019.  Currently Ken gets out hiking about as often as he can and continues to try and expand and perfect his particular form of Artwork.

Joseph Kennedy
Treasurer

Joseph is Treasurer of the SCAA, responsible for association finances. He lives and works in downtown Silver City in the historic arts district. Joseph has a diverse background as a designer, architecture professor, and author, most notably of the award-winning Art of Natural Building. He has taught and created projects around the world in the field of regenerative development. He has been a professional artist since 1988, and has been active on several boards, including the Point Loma Artists Association. He is a published photographer and illustrator. Joseph currently focuses on abstract nudes in charcoal, pencil, ink, and other water-based media. Joseph’s additional passion is turquoise, and he currently creates turquoise composite jewelry for the ReBell Companies.

OPEN POSITION
Financial Development Officer

If you are a member of the SCAA and would like to volunteer your time for this position, please contact the SCAA! Join our vibrant Board - it’s a lot of fun and you’ll be supporting our organization in a meaningful way!

Jo Thomas
Gallery Chair

Jo Thomas, Gallery Chair, acts as a liaison between member galleries and the board, coordinates with other SCAA subgroups, and organizes the annual SCAA Weekend at the Galleries.  Jo moved from IL to Silver City’s downtown historic district eleven years ago. Her mosaic art, most of which is designed to be displayed outdoors, often reflects the colors and landscapes of the Southwest. Her work is currently shown at the Grant County Art Guild Gallery on Bullard.  A firm supporter of local artists and the downtown, Jo is President of the Grant County Art Guild, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to increase art awareness in the community. 

Marcia Tinker
Studio Chair

Kathleen Koopman
Independent Artist Chair

Kathleen Koopman, Independent Artists Chair, acts as a liaison between the Independent artists and the board, coordinates with other SCAA subgroups, and organizes the annual SCAA Fearlessly Independent Showcase exhibit at Light Art Space Gallery. A recent transplant to Silver City, Kathleen moved here from Tucson attracted by the small town vibe and the thriving arts scene. After a career in book design, illustration, and teaching art, she now devotes her time to being her studio and garden, and putting together all the collections of things she has amassed over the years. Kathleen’s work focuses on boxes, frames, books and constructions, assembling found objects, rust, maps, found paper, vintage photographs, and plants. Her process is to create a narrative with memories and dreams intertwined. She also has been exploring the many metaphors associated with boats and birds, creating dreamlike installations.