Behind the Scenes
MEET THE BOARD
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President
RACHEL HAWKINSON
I am Rachel Hawkinson and the current President of The Casper Artists’ Collective. I have a Bachelors in Fine Arts from the University of Wyoming, was awarded the Visual Arts Fellowship through the Wyoming Arts Council and have exhibited my work in many group and solo exhibitions throughout the state and region.
I am passionate about the arts and helping others succeed. I have had amazing mentors in the past and feel a responsibility to pass that on myself. Seeing artists grow into confident visual story tellers is the most rewarding part of being president of this incredible organization. The Collective is an inspiring group of artists that I am proud to be a part of and I can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish as we grow.
Board Member
JAN LINDSAY
Jan is a wife, mother, grandmother and all around supporter of the arts! Throughout the years, she has mentored many artists in Casper and has helped shaped our artistic community. Jan is known for her intricate 3-D watercolor works that celebrate Wyoming's rich heritage.
Jan always goes above and beyond for the Collective. Her knowledge and love of the arts make her an indispensable asset to our board of directors.
Exhibit Chair
CASEY A. HANSON
I am a professional photographer, as well as an acrylic paint artist, and jewelry maker. I graduated from Casper College with an AFA in Photography in 2017/with Phi Theta Kappa honors. I have had several group and solo exhibits and am a member of the Works of Wyoming Gallery in Laramie, Wyoming. I am a contributing writer/photographer for Brutal Planet Magazine, and the house photographer for the Ford Wyoming Center. I am honored to be on the board of directors of the Casper Artists Collective. The multitude of talent with this group of artists is inspiring to me. I love to run and am a member of the Windy City Striders. Fishing and rock hunting are also two of my favorite things to do. I am always up for a great Wyoming adventure, whether it be in the prairie, the mountains, or on the water!
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Workshop Chair
KATIE LIJEWSKI
I am the workshop coordinator for the Casper Artists' Collective. I was a teacher for 17 years and enjoy seeing kids and adults learning new skills. I am co-owner of It's All About, LLC. We are a group of artists that work with epoxy resin, painting, wood working, sewing polymer clay, and whatever else we find of interest and can become good at or incorporate within our specialties.
I grew up around the arts, learning leather work, pottery, lapidary, painting, drawing, sewing and my favorite music. I am a pianist and singer having sung at many weddings, funerals and church services, as well as recording a CD. I am currently learning how to make jewelry with resin and gemstones as well as different types of rocks, which has interested me for many years.
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Volunteer Chair
PAT FONNESBECK
I have had a love of art since I was a young girl. I took art classes in school and found that I had an artistic eye. I didn’t really get serious about it until I attended college. I took some classes from Harrison Groutage, a Utah artist and educator, at Utah State University, in Logan, Utah. He sparked my interest in drawing and oil painting. I married while in college and worked to help support my husband with his education and we started a family. I took some classes here and there and after moving to Casper where I managed to find time to work on my craft while mothering six children. I took drawing and portrait classes from Richard Jacobi at Casper College and he inspired me to do more, especially after our children grew to adulthood. I retired from the school district after 18 years and joined the Casper Artist’s Guild when it was behind Albertsons on CY. From that time to the present, I volunteered, took classes and served on several of their boards over the past 10years. Even though art hasn’t been a career (family was my focus), I have enjoyed supporting the arts in Casper, and developing my artistic talents. I have met many dear friends that share my interest in supporting the arts in our community.
Secretary
TIJANA NIKOLIC
I am Tijana Nikolić and currently our secretary and have been with the Casper Artists' Collective for almost two years. Besides my secretarial duties, I run the Artist Corner segment for our newsletter. I absolutely enjoy interviewing our members, getting to know them and if lucky, seeing their creative spaces. We truly have some amazing artist in our community! I care about art, love and appreciate the arts, support our artists and believe in our mission. I am proud to be a part of the collective and to be surrounded by an amazing group of humans and artists, whom are passionate about the arts, our artists and our community. I am really proud of how much we have accomplished thus far. I can't wait to see us grow and blossom even more. Honored to be here and do my part.
I have lived in Casper for 24 years now. I am self employed and when I am not doing my duties for the collective, in my other free time, that I don't have, you may find me at a show, taking road trips, making jokes, spending as much as time outside as possible. You will find me walking my dog and taking sunset photographs and of nature in general. It is something that brings me lots of joy and serenity.
Events Coordinator
LORI KLATT
I'm Lori Klatt, proud native of Casper, Wyoming. Art has been my lifelong passion, and I pursued it formally by earning an Associate's degree in Fine Art from Casper College. Painting is my preferred medium, whether it's with oils, acrylics, or pastels; each stroke on the canvas tells a story close to my heart. Beyond my artistic endeavors, I'm an active member of the Rotary Club of Casper, where I enjoy contributing to the community. In my personal life, I'm a mother to two wonderful grown sons and share my home with three cherished feline companions. Life is a canvas, and I strive to paint it with colors of love, creativity, and community spirit.
Marketing Chair
SARAH DERRICO
I am a local Casper Realtor, and Artist who loves to work with a variety of mediums ranging from acrylic painting, charcoal drawings, and refurbished furniture. My passion for art started at a very young age. i believe that art is a powerful medium that can transform lives and bring hope to those who need it. Through my work, I aim to inspire people to pursue their dreams and embrace their own creativity. This hope has lead me to the humble position as a member at the Casper Artists Collective where we all share similar values and strive to make this concept a reality.
Treasurer
AMANDA DISNEY
Amanda Disney works as a Commercial Strategists with IHG Hotels & Resorts and has 18 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining as the Treasurer for Casper Artists’ Collective, she has served on the Board of Directors with the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance, Laramie Kiwanis, Wyoming FCCLA, Associated General Contractors of Wyoming, & Powering Up Wyoming. She is the former Treasurer for the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as their Vice Chair. Amanda also enjoys volunteering and has volunteered many hours helping Laramie Kiwanis, Casper Rotary, and Jason’s Friends Foundation.
Amanda is passionate with being involved in the community and enjoys helping non-profits prosper. She says she may not have a creative bone as an artist, but she loves art and is a creative solutionist in the fields of revenue management, direct sales, direct marketing, and relationship management. Amanda looks forward to supporting the arts that Casper has to offer and helping The Collective grow, she appreciates the Mission and is enthusiastic about the possibility to develop a little artistic ability herself.
Amanda is a true Wyomingite and has lived in Cheyenne, Sheridan, Lander, Laramie , and currently resides in Casper with her Husband (Justin), Son (Braxton), Daughter (Braelynn), 15yo Pit Bull (Lily), & 6yo Golden Retriever (Maui). She enjoys doing anything and everything, as long as it includes making memories with Family & Friends.