Fall 2014 – L/A Arts Adds Three New Board Members

L/A Arts has started off the fall season by working fulfill an organization goal, to round out it’s board with cross sector members of the community who are passionate about L/A Arts and willing to add their distinctive expertise.

The organization proudly welcomes these following new members:

John Blanchette: September, 2014

L/A Arts is delighted to announce the addition of new board member John Blanchette to the organization.  John has deep roots in the L/A community, and brings an outstanding combination of business and arts related experience. “He knows and cares greatly about the arts and culture in the Twin Cities, is well respected, and will be a big asset for us,” says Board Chair Judy Vardamis.  Born and raised in Lewiston, John is a graduate of Lewiston High School.  He obtained his BA from Bates College, majoring in Psychology with a minor in French, and he then obtained a second degree in Mathematics as well as his Masters Degree in Education from USM.   In 1997, he became a commercial insurance producer for Champoux Insurance, where he has worked for 17 years.  He is now a Certified Insurance Counselor and he especially enjoys educating all clients, but especially arts-related groups, on their very particular commercial insurance needs.  Well-known in the LA Arts community, John has over 30+ years of experience in theater, having worked with several local community and high school theater programs.  He is probably seen most often either acting or directing at LA’s Community Little Theatre. Other artistic endeavors include coaching the Bates College Competitive Ballroom Dance Team and being the owner/instructor for Two To Tango Ballroom Studio, here in Lewiston-Auburn.

John Blanchette – Born and raised in Lewiston, John is a graduate of Lewiston High School.  He obtained his BA from Bates College, majoring in Psychology with a minor in French, and he then obtained a second degree in Mathematics as well as his Masters Degree in Education from USM.   In 1997, he became a commercial insurance producer for Champoux Insurance, where he has worked for 17 years.  He is now a Certified Insurance Counselor and he especially enjoys educating all clients, but especially arts-related groups, on their very particular commercial insurance needs.  Well-known in the LA Arts community, John has over 30+ years of experience in theater, having worked with several local community and high school theater programs.  He is probably seen most often either acting or directing at LA’s Community Little Theatre. Other artistic endeavors include coaching the Bates College Competitive Ballroom Dance Team and being the owner/instructor for Two To Tango Ballroom Studio, here in Lewiston-Auburn. 

Denise Scammon – October 2014

L/A Arts is delighted to announce the addition of new board member Denise Scammon to the organization.  “Denise’s strong background in marketing, design and journalism will be great assets for our organization,” says Board Chair Judy Vardamis. “Her spirit of volunteerism with the many events and non-profits she is part of in the area are a tribute to her passion for L/A.  We are elated to have her.”

Denise serves as the special sections editor for the Sun Journal’s advertising department and entertainment editor for its newsroom.  She has worked in marketing communications, design and journalism for 15 years, including four years in the marketing department at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College.  She has volunteered as historian, grant writer, fund raiser and publicist for the Woman’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County and also acts as tour guide at the historic Foss Mansion and hostess of Bunco and prom gown-giveaway events. She has a bachelor’s degree in the Arts & Humanities from USM LAC. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, cooking, writing, fishing, playing corn hole, genealogy and history.  Scammon lives in Auburn with her husband.  They have two adult children and two Himalayan cats.

Scammon will work with the board to increase audience engagement between L/A Arts and the community, and also fund raise for its various programs which include: Arts in Education, Artwalk Lewiston/Auburn, Ice Festival L/A, Arts and Culture L/A, and its Public Art Sculpture Project.

Rene Minnis: November, 2014

L/A Arts is excited to announce that it had added its third new board member this fall with the addition of Rene Minnis to the organization.  “We have made it a priority to grow our board with members of the community from across sectors who are passionate about the direction we are going in, and Rene is a perfect fit for us,” says Board Chair Judy Vardamis.  “Her background as a successful small business owner in the arts coupled with her interest in the value of Arts in Education will assist us in many ways, and we are elated to have her.”  Rene Minnis is a full time professional photographer.  She has been in business since 1998 and provides commercial photography services for many businesses and organizations in Maine.  She also specializes in high-end portraiture and wedding photography.  Rene has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Southern Maine and is looking forward to using this knowledge to promote the Arts in the Lewiston and Auburn communities.  In her free time Rene enjoys meeting new people, being out and about, knitting, and spending time with friends and family.  She currently resides in Sabattus with her dog Cubby.

L/A Arts is looking for additional board and committee members to support its core programs: Artwalk L/A, Ice Festival L/A, Arts in Education, Arts and Culture L/A, and its Public Art Sculpture Project.  Looking for more information or interested in becoming a part of this growing organization?  Go to: www.laarts.org, call 207-782-7228, or email: mail@laarts.org.