Arts Benicia Director Kathryn Weller-Renfrow Takes Leave of Absence

Long time leader and curator for Arts Benicia, Kathryn Weller-Renfrow, is taking an extended leave of absence from her position as director.  Although she may curate the 2009 exhibit Structure and Light: Memories of the Yuba Factory, she will no longer be running the day-to-day operations of the non-profit arts organization. Arts Benicia staff and Board of Directors will be filling this role in her absence.

“My 19 years with Arts Benicia have been extremely gratifying, as well as occasionally very challenging,” said Weller-Renfrow in an email to supporters. “The satisfaction of helping to create such a successful organization recognized throughout the region for its excellence in visual arts programming will always be a source of great pleasure for me.”

Since joining the organization as a volunteer in 1990, Weller-Renfrow’s contributions have been numerous. When Arts Benicia moved to the Arsenal in 1993 she was instrumental in establishing a year-round program of exhibitions and launching the citywide Benicia Open Studios events that to this day draw thousands of visitors to Benicia and engage audiences in a closer look at our extraordinary local art and artists. In 2003 she founded the regionally renowned exhibition Cream — from the top, showcasing the work of top Masters of Fine Arts graduates from the best art schools throughout the Bay Area.  She has also been instrumental in the conception of the upcoming Structure and Light: Memories of the Yuba Factory, an exhibit scheduled to open in 2009 featuring the work of renowned local artists Hedi Desuyo and Linda Grebmeier who captured images of the Benicia landmark before it was demolished in 2007.

“We are committed to honoring Kathryn’s outstanding contributions to Arts Benicia and our community,” says Lee Wilder Snider, Arts Benicia’s Board President. “Under Kathryn’s direction, the organization achieved distinction in arts programming, providing community-wide and nationally respected exhibitions. To carry this legacy forward, we now need to strengthen our infrastructure, deepen our financial base and broaden our volunteer commitment.” Wilder Snider is confident that Arts Benicia has the right team of Board Members, staff and volunteers and a solid strategic plan in place to meet these challenges. “This is an important time to build relationships and community involvement,” she says. “The Board is stepping up in an extraordinary way to strengthen Arts Benicia’s fiscal health for the long run.”   

Arts Benicia’s Board of Directors is comprised of ten community leaders with a range of professional backgrounds including financial planning, city government, human resources, technology, real estate, art-making and non-profit development. As President, Wilder Snider brings some 25 years as a community leader, arts advocate and educator. She is a working artist with a studio in the historic arsenal and currently serves as the chairperson for the recently formed Cultural Commission Working Group designed to present recommendations to the City Council for the formation of the City Cultural Arts Commission. She is also involved with a number of other civic organizations and anticipates opportunities for increased collaboration for Arts Benicia in the community.

The organization is fortunate to have two highly experienced and competent staff members to help with the transition. Program Coordinator Alesha Colberg Martinez brings with her nine years of arts administration experience, including work for the San Francisco Asian Art Museum and the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek. She will be taking over much of the curatorial responsibilities. Membership and Education Coordinator Victoria Brown brings extraordinary leadership and community building skills, and is currently working on her Master of Arts Degree for Organizational Psychology at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill.  She will be leading the organization’s membership development among other important revenue generating initiatives. The Education Program will continue under the leadership of Bill Harsh.

Fundraising and earned revenue is a top priority for ABuilding revenue is a major priority for Arts Benicia in 2009 who, like other non-profits throughout the country, is facing the most challenging economic forecast of our time.  To address these concerns, Arts Benicia’s programming will be refocused, but there is still a vibrant cultural calendar ahead.  Arts Benicia has launched its annual Art of the Community Exhibition open January 31 through March 29 with more than 150 enthusiastic participating artists.  The ever-popular Heart of the Community celebration will be held on Saturday, February 7 and is open to the public.  Benicia Open Studios, the Annual Benefit Art Auction and the year-end small works show and sale will all be moving forward as planned, and art classes will continue with boosted efforts in community outreach.  

“The arts breathe life into a community” says Wilder Snider. “ In the year ahead, Arts Benicia is committed to strengthening its connection and service to Benicia while continuing to reach excellence in arts programming.”