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 - Open
Secretary - Tamiko Doyle
Tamiko is a Boston native who migrated to Portland, Oregon in 2015. Professionally working
as an IT Consultant, she has embraced the PNW with support for local artisans and woman-
owned businesses. She enjoys trekking the mountain ranges, whitewater rafting, and
exploring her creative abilities as a self-published poet, artist, and chef.
As a volunteer, Tamiko has been involved with Forest Park Conservancy, Paying It Forward
Store, Randall Children's Hospital, and Every Child PDX. She was an annual Run Foster PDX 5k
participant in memory of her godmother, a life-long foster parent fostering siblings and children with complex
behavior.
Tamiko came to GALA in 2024 as an emerging artist. As a board member, she hopes to empower local voices with a
creative community and provide space for healing through the arts.
Treasurer - Dale Ricklefs
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.