A B O U T U S !
BE PART OF THE
SWRMA and ART CENTER NOW
About The Museum
Top L to R: Christopher Saxman, Lucy Whitmarsh, Claude Smith III
Seated L to R: Diane Kleiss, Chery Fenley, Victoria Chick
Not Pictured: Craig Wentz
Welcome! These pages give a hint of experiences awaiting you when SWRMA completes its fund - raising and BUILDS a great fine art museum in Silver City.
Our Board of Directors
Claude Smith III: Professor Emeritus; Past-Chairman of the Expressive Arts Department, Western New Mexico University; B.S. Art Education, Iowa State University; M.A. Ceramics, University of Iowa; M.F.A Ceramics/Drawing, University of Iowa.
Craig Wentz: B.F.A. Fine Art, University of New Mexico; Retired electrical contractor specializing in solar energy installations; artist
Chery Fenley: Attended Institute of American Indian Art; Design team member for book Air-Powered Art published by Random House; Painter
Diane Kleiss: B.FA. Art, Minors in Art History and K-12 Art Education, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Retired Art Educator; Encaustic artist
Lucy Whitmarsh: B.A. Social Science, Westfield State University; M.S. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Springfield College; Director of Sales and Marketing, Murray Hotel; Project Coordinator, Silco Theater Renovation
Christopher Saxman: B.A. Montana State University, M.F.A Architecture, Montana State University; Architect, Author, Retired owner of architectural firm; Retired contractor
Victoria Chick: Painter, Writer, Art Collector; B.A. University of Missouri at Kansas City; M.F.A. Kent State University; University of San Diego, Lecturer; Palomar College, Instructor Art History, Painting, and Life Drawing; Who’s Who in America inclusion 2022-2023.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
Sherry Haynie: Art historian, researcher
David Demars: Retired corporate lawyer
Lee Gruber: Retired business owner; Executive Director, swnmACT
Jeff Haynie: Art entrepreneur; digital animation work as art director, concept artist and illustrator for the entertainment industry including for Stephen Spielberg, Dreamworks, and Pixar Studios, and illustration for major corporations.
Ralph Johnson: Retired contractor, sculptor, fine art glass collector
ADVISORS
Lee Gruber: Executive Director; swnmACT
Vladimir Gnilozubov: CRPC, Edward Jones Financial
Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center
is a registered non-profit corporation in the state of New Mexico and designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations are tax-deductible. Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center is a grassroots project developed to be a lasting contribution to the preservation and exhibition of American art and to the development of artists and art appreciators. It is governed by a Board of Directors that is, in turn, guided by written By-Laws and ethical standards.
Employees and volunteers involved in the daily operation of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center will be guided by written policiesthat may be amended as the Museum and Art Center grows. All Directors are art lovers, some are artists, and some are business owners. All Directors are committed to following sound business principles so the Museum and Art Center’s many benefits will continue to serve the public into the next Century. Southwest Regional Museum of Art and Art Center is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
Learn, Explore, Be INSPIRED!
JOIN US!
Click here to make a secure online donation to the Building Fund
or mail your donation to:
Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center (SWRMA-AC)
PO Box 1284
Silver City, NM 88062
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
