Board Members — North Valley Studio Tour

The Board - Overview of Duties and Frequency

The North Valley Studio Tour Board oversees the running of the studio Tour. It consists of anywhere from 3-8 members. We meet a few times in the winter and almost every other week from March up through the close of the Tour in September. Some of the central tasks the board focuses on every year include:

Setting a schedule for the Tour
Onboarding of new artists
Development of the website
Design and branding of the Tour
Setting budget and sponsorship goals to match our marketing plans
Ensuring equitable representation of all Tour members by the Tour
Careful stewardship of the Tour’s funds, mission, and vision
Communication and cooperation with local municipalities
Plans for outreach and future growth

Officer’s roles include, both formally and informally:

President: oversees the functioning of the Board and Tour operations, runs meetings, coordinates committee chairs and their operations, generally ensures that everything is running smoothly toward our goals

Vice President: supports and thoughtfully challenges the president; steps in when the president is unavailable; communicates with Tour members; looks for ways to expand our reach

Secretary: records the minutes of meetings for an accurate record of discussions and decisions

Treasurer: keeps accurate track of the budget and the bank account. Reports regularly to the Board and the members about our financial status

Essential qualities in a Board member:

Shows up and steps up to do the work
Commits to promoting and supporting all the members of the Tour
Listens and contributes with an eye to what will enhance the Tour for all members

Initial incorporators of the North Valley Studio Tour Cooperative Association, still on record with the Secretary of State:

Pea Garr, original treasurer
Martha Hand
David Pagani
Diane Short, president
David Welch, vice president

2024 NVST BOARD

Current North Valley Studio Tour Board Members

Diane Short - President

A longtime educator, clay artist, and North Valley resident, Diane has been delighted to re-establish the tradition of a Studio Tour here in the Valley. Recently retired from the classroom, she sells her ceramics at the Downtown Growers’ Market, teaches handbuilding classes at the Burque Throwdown, and coordinates volunteer and field trip programs at the Balloon Museum. She is committed to building the North Valley Studio Tour into a cooperative, community fixture, dedicated to connecting and promoting local artists.

David Welch - Vice President

A founding member of the North Valley Studio Tour as well as the earlier Alameda Studio Tour, David has been active in the North Valley art community since the 1990’s. He has painted since childhood, and has been the poster artist for both the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and the Lavender Festival. He joyfully taught art to high school students for more than 40 years and chaired the visual arts department at Albuquerque Academy.

Doreen Garten - Treasurer

Colleen is a seasoned marketing professional and the owner of Sprig Agency. With a career defined by creativity and collaboration, Colleen's passion is reflected in her leadership of the marketing efforts for the North Valley Studio Tour, along with her experience in representing artists and galleries. A a resident of the Village of Los Ranchos for 20 years, Colleen is deeply rooted in the local community, intertwined her close affiliation with Casa Rondeña Winery, alongside her husband, artist and winemaker, Joshua Franco. When Colleen steps away from her computer, she turns to clay, treating her studio as a sacred space that reflects her deep love for New Mexico.

Risa Taylor - Secretary

In 2016, I retired from a career as a Speech Language Pathologist. Since then, I have been lucky enough to spend endless hours of most days painting. My work is started either in Plein Air or from reference photos in North Valley home studio. My goal is to create beautiful, colorful paintings that convey the strength of my relationship with New Mexico’s landscapes.

My work is frequently included in regional and local exhibits. I am forever grateful that my paintings are enjoyed in collectors’ homes across the United States.

This is my second year of participating in the Studio Tour and my first year of serving as the Secretary of the Studio Tour’s Board.

Bill Sabatini

After 40 years of successful architectural practice, I am realizing a life-long dream to be a fine artist. I’m having fun creating simple, memorable imagery in my studio here in the North Valley. The best part of my art is the opportunity it gives me to meet and make new friends of artists and other art enthusiasts. I joined the North Valley Studio Tour Board to help promote our mutual interests in showing and promoting the work of our amazing talented and diverse art community of artists.

Colleen Constance Franco

Colleen is a seasoned marketing professional and the owner of Sprig Agency. With a career defined by creativity and collaboration, Colleen's passion is reflected in her leadership of the marketing efforts for the North Valley Studio Tour, along with her experience in representing artists and galleries. A a resident of the Village of Los Ranchos for 20 years, Colleen is deeply rooted in the local community, intertwined her close affiliation with Casa Rondeña Winery, alongside her husband, artist and winemaker, Joshua Franco. When Colleen steps away from her computer, she turns to clay, treating her studio as a sacred space that reflects her deep love for New Mexico.

Martha Rajkay

Painter using acrylic on canvas. Bachelor of Fine Arts from MICA. Masters degree in Art Therapy. Masters degree in Social Work. Behavioral Health Therapist at Presbyterian Medical Group. She was born in Hungary and comes from a family of painters. Have participated in several studio tours over the years. Sits on the Board of CSA. Has enjoyed being a Board member of the NVST and working with a lively group of artists who are creative, energetic and devoted to making art.

David Pagani

David is a representational painter and draftsman, drawing inspiration from the people and places around him. He holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and has been an award-winning commercial artist for over 25 years, promoting some of the biggest entertainment and sports brands. A lifelong learner, David's passion for his craft is evident in his work with the North Valley Studio Tour, where, as a founding member, he designs and manages the brand, overseeing everything from print materials to the website.

Interested in becoming a board member?

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2024 Marketing Accompishments

CUMULUS MEDIA

❑ Email Blasts

➢ August 20th

➢ September 20th

❑ Social Media Advertising

➢ September 1 - 22

HUTTON BROADCASTING

❑ 10 Day Campaign: September 12 – 21, 2024

➢ Radio Ad

Campaign Schedule

3 STATIONS 90 total Commercials