GALA has recently become a 501 (c) (3) organization. We are excited to introduce our Board of Directors.
This page is still in the process of being developed, thank you.
Executive Board Members
President - Barbara Solomon
Barbara, an acupuncturist and retired
RN, became a member of the Gresham Art Committee (GAC) in 2016. She became Chair in 2017 and helped keep the group together during the pandemic hiatus. She feels honored to be part of the creation of the Gresham Area League for the Arts ~ GALA and is excited to to be part of it's growth and expansion.
Vice President - Gail Johnson
Gail is a recovering engineer and now spends time painting in watercolor. After getting masters degrees in math and instructional design and 20 years working for Silicon Valley tech companies, she has happily abandoned high tech for the arts.
Before the pandemic, she participated in several shows presented by GALA's predecessor, Gresham Art Committee. Now, in addition to showing her paintings, she enjoys meeting artist and art lovers and helping with the GALA shows and business.
Treasurer - Dale Ricklefs
Secretary - Katherine Toft
Katherine Toft grew up in the Pleasant Valley community and attended Centennial High School. She worked at Gresham’s Glass Butterfly during its early years before attending the U of O to study community service/public affairs and journalism. After moving around the state to live in Eugene, Bend, Stayton, and Sherwood, she and her husband have returned to the area to live near their daughters. They have been fortunate to travel to various European countries, but her favorite trip was to Chandigarh, India, a city planned using the signature concrete and raw materials of its designer, the brutalist architect Le Corbusier. It is also the location of Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, a noted example of outsider art. She has been a grateful breast cancer survivor for over twenty-five years. By contributing her time to GALA, Katherine is happy to renew the interest in the history of art and architecture that she enjoyed as elective study during college. Katherine is not an artist but finds a creative outlet in photography and gardening.
Dale is both an amatuer artist and cofounder of the nonprofit Round Rock (Texas) Arts (2010). She joined GALA in October 2023 after she moved to Gresham in July 2023.
Her first painting, without formal instruction, was done when she was 11 years old. She also attended weekend art classes at the Art Institute of Chicago when she was 15 years old. Art teachers selected two students from each high school. When she wanted to go to college and major in art, her mom counselled her to get a degree that was practical. She retired as the Round Rock Public Library Director in 2010 at the age of 57, a goal that she says gave her time to focus on her painting, art quilting, and embroidery.
Today, her special power is adding paint to raw fabric. She also looks forward to seeing GALA grow as an independent organization, bringing the love of visual art in all its forms to children and adults throughout eastern Multnomah County.
At Large - Cindy Lenig Cossu
As an artist, teacher and long time former member of GAC, we are thrilled to have Cindy back with us as our At Large Board Member.
Committee Chair Board Members
Finance - Nadine Phoenix
Dr. Nadine Phoenix is an accomplished educator and researcher, currently serving as a Committee Chair Board Member for GALA.
She holds a position as a Biology Professor at Mt. Hood Community College and previously contributed significantly at Portland State University, where she was a Teaching Assistant Professor, Faculty Senator and an active member of various university committees. Her extensive research includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine, focusing on placental physiology through maternal exosomes, earning her several prestigious awards.
Dr. Phoenix received her Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a specialization in underwater adhesion using Chemical Engineering.
As a first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about mentoring and supporting students, particularly in navigating the challenges of higher education.
In addition to her scientific and academic pursuits, Dr. Phoenix is a talented creative writer and artist. Her work in the arts not only showcases her diverse talents but also enhances her approach to teaching and mentoring, offering a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.
Dr. Phoenix's unique blend of scientific rigor and artistic creativity makes her a vital asset to the GALA, embodying the spirit of interdisciplinary excellence.
Marketing/Communications - Mary Chase
Mary is an artist and former teacher who
joined our group in February 2023.
Curator - Heather McGeachy
Artist and former gallery owner Heather joined GALA in 2024, and brings a wealth of experience with her.
Volunteer Committee - Open
We have an available space for a Volunteer Committee Chair but do have members on this Committee.