Renese Rivera, Executive Director:  Most recently Rivera worked as the Head Director of the Munroe Center for the Arts in
Lexington, Mass. In that role, she was responsible for strategic direction, day to day management, arts educational programming, budget management, fundraising and board governance.  Prior to her time at the Monroe Center for the Arts, Rivera worked as an Assistant Gallery Director at New Mexico State University and as a Fine Arts Department Head, Curriculum and Standardized Assessment Writer, and K-12 Visual Art Teacher for the Dallas Independent School District in Texas. Rivera holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Art Education and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. Rivera specializes in education administration, education programming, grant writing, marketing and community involvement.

Mary Sundstrom, Artistic Director: Sundstrom is a visual artist with a BFA from the University of Wisconsin. She has also participated in graduate studies at Western Michigan University. Sundstrom taught art classes in the public schools and at the Arts Council and managed her own arts studio with exhibits around the State of Michigan. Sundstrom’s business experience includes office management for a mortgage company, magazine illustration, art exhibition and art instruction. Her background made Sundstrom the natural choice for Program Director at the Holland Area Arts Council. She now serves in that capacity, teaches classes, coordinates exhibitions, manages the holiday gift shop and continues to work as a professional artist. 

Margaret Westerlund, Design and Marketing Consultant: Westerlund received her Bachelors in Studio art at the Concordia University Irvine in 2012, and graduated with her Masters in History from the University of St Andrews in 2013. Previous positions as designer and assistant in her college art department gave her experience in the arts, and roles as event planner and communications manager at her university gave her the experience necessary to put her creative  skills into action. Her education and work experience give her a strong background in writing, communications and visual art.

Mary Wolter, Ceramics Studio Manager/Instructor: Mary attended the Kansas City Art Institute and received a BFA from the University of Northern Iowa. She has a heart for teaching and encouraging others in the learning process. Her work is a combination of wheel and hand building. She enjoys working with a group of potters that fire a wood kiln twice a year at West Michigan Clay.  She and her husband Patrick have been residents of Holland for the past 30+ years. They have four adult children and two grandchildren. When she is not in the studio she designs gardens, ride a road bike and enjoys kayaking and yoga.
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​Jazz Sabrina Borst, The Studio Creative Manager: Jazz has a BFA & a minor in Art History from Columbia College, in Chicago. . A multimedia Artist, Jazz works well both collaboratively and independently. " I enjoy artistic environments and thrive in work places that challenge me creatively. My passion is in the arts and I aim to bring the positive power of creativity into my workplace". Jazz is your Creative Technician in the Arts Council's new hands-on art space– The Studio

Kailey Schroeder, Community Manager: Kailey received her BM in Violin Performance from Hope College in 2008. She is a certified Suzuki Violin Method teacher, and has an
extensive background in music performance, music education, studio management, and customer service. In addition, Kailey is an active folk musician and lifetime member of the Michigan
Fiddlers Association. With over five years of successful retail and sales experience, as well as a proven ability to effectively manage administrative and clerical duties, she now oversees daily operations, facility rental, and guest services.

Lori Gramer, Regranting Coordinator: Gramer has a varied background: Owned and operated 7 H& R Block office as well as operates an events management business, coordinating fundraising events, writing grants, managing special events and talent. Her clients include Resthaven, Junebug Photography, WJQ Radio, the Holland Sentinel Newspaper, the Holland Symphony Orchestra and the Holland Area Arts Council. She has led numerous workshops and education studies for non-profit governance and fundraising spanning 25 years including hands on work experience. She attended classes at Denver School of Design, Mott Community College and the Dorothy Johnson Center for Philanthropy. Gramer is also GM & COO for the Holland Symphony Orchestra.

Carol Vredeveld, Business Manager: Vredeveld holds a Bachelors of Business Administration Accounting with High Honors from Davenport College and an Associated Degree in Commercial and Industrial Accounting from Muskegon Business College. She is the Arts Council’s part-time Business Manager, but her “day job” is serving as International Financial Analyst for Herman Miller, supporting the international organization by coordinating and reviewing Total International consolidations of financial results, forecasts and plans. She has high level of analytical review of current reporting processes to ensure the monthly results are clearly communicated. She serves as Latin America liaison providing support, training and coaching. Vredeveld was hired in 2011 after long service as a volunteer. She also serves on the Board of Directors. 

Sandie Coffman, Youth and Art for All Instructor: Coffman has been teaching and facilitating art for nearly 20 years for elementary, middle school and high school students, the elderly and the handicapped. Her goal in each situation is to engage those learning to experience art at various levels — to educated and experience the usage of artistic medium in a manner that brings personal expression and appreciation. She encourages trying new things, seeing things from a different perspective and valuing the work of others. Coffman is also an award winning photographer with at the Southwest Michigan Council of Camera Clubs. She has been hearing impaired since birth and uses a hearing aid in both ears. This has been the largest influence on her tendency towards the visual and her heart for the Arts Council’s Art for All program. She currently works at with Art for All, collaborates with Hope College professors and students, works at the Evergreen Day Center with the elderly and teaches Arts Council kids art and cooking camps.

Brandon Myers, Facilities Coordinator:  With an Associate of Fine Art from Lake Michigan College, Brandon has been a working artist in southwest Michigan since 2010.  He has extensive experience working with oil and acrylic paints.  As a social worker from  2016-2018, he designed and lead an art and painting class for people of developmental disabilities.  His work can be viewed @PaintingBrandon on Instagram.