Meredith is a lifelong artist hailing from Vermont and Alaska. She began painting and photography at a young age and has incorporated both into her entrepreneurial career. Currently, she is an Art Adviser with plans to open an art gallery in Whatcom County, and she is the Executive Producer for her commercial video and photography brand, Buck the Cubicle. She is greatly inspired by both nature and by discussing art with friends and strangers.

Brian Grote has been with Allied Arts since February of 2022, filling the ENORMOUS shoes of Judy Taylor. He enjoys Washington state immensely, as he is from Ohio. He enjoys long walks to Mordor and kittens. He is not a good self promoter so this bio has been ghostwritten by Nairb Etorg. 

Grant is an animator and designer who left the corporate marketing industry to try to do some actual good in the world. He likes to paint, make videos, and synth music, and has a hard time resisting new hobbies. When he’s not staring at a computer screen, he’s either mushroom hunting or napping with his cats.

Seth Thomson is pretty sure he’s the greatest thrift store aficionado the world has ever seen. That claim is unverifiable, but there’s no doubt that he is a nerd, actor, comic, teacher, and most definitely a tea drinker. He came out of early retirement to bring some extra life to Allied Arts, and find new friends along the way.

Scott has been a professional artist since 1999. His oil paintings and illustrations have appeared in venues across the country. Prior to moving to Bellingham in 2016, he served as Director of Community Life for Magnolia UCC, President of Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, founder of Magnolia Art Experience and Executive Director of the Historic Fairhaven Association. Presently, he is the Director of Community Life at First Congregational Church, directs the a cappella group One Accord, and co-owns Cozy in Fairhaven with his partner Cameron. Still, somehow, he finds time to paint!

Rachel has been an Art Educator for 10 years, currently a business owner of Rachel’s Whimsical Arts, and a Professional Artist for 12 years. A local to Bellingham, WA, she’s lived here since she was a child, and has traveled across the PNW and abroad to Europe, which gives her a diverse experience in global cultures and art. While she was a student at Whatcom Community College (2007-2010) and at Western Washington University (2007-2013), she volunteered with Allied Arts, and worked with the Children’s Art Walk. She’s also been head chair of the Queer Straight Alliance at WCC while she was a student, helped create their drag show, and put on fundraisers. Many other volunteering experiences have been a part of her life, such as  Bellingham Pride, the Bellingham Roller Betties, fundraisers, and community based art projects and art shows. Rachel is passionate about the arts, artists, art education, and the community.

Guy is a Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organization industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting,

Coaching, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship. Strong business development professional and graduate from Western Washington University.

Kimberly is an educator and artist who has spent the past ten years leading a child-centered, art-based elementary program. Kimberly currently works at the Whatcom Museum, designing curriculum and delivering arts education programs to learners of all ages across the community. With over twenty years of experience teaching, she specializes in alternative learning, arts education, and inclusive, community-focused programming.

Vin brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience as the former Executive Director of the Jansen Art Center. A Whatcom County resident since 2012, he has a deep passion for the arts and a strong background in financial oversight, community engagement, and strategic planning. Vin is dedicated to advancing Allied Arts’ mission and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape in our community.

Mary works in marketing and communications and is a writer herself. She is the community relations manager for the Whatcom County Library System, which includes being part of the team that plans and markets Whatcom READS. Her work and volunteer experiences include Village Books, the Chuckanut Writers Conference, the Bellingham Farmers Market and more. Mary believes “the arts build community by creating opportunities for discussion, reflection and inspiration.”

Marisa is a reader, writer, artist & art lover. She is a two-time graduate of WWU, where she studied art history, journalism & education. In her free time, she’s often dragging the people she loves to museums, caring for her family’s gaggle of geriatric pets, eating copious amounts of pasta & writing cozy stories to make readers smile. As the Director of Marketing at Peoples Bank, she is proud to lead their marketing, advertising & sponsorship strategies. Marisa is passionate about the arts and how they bring communities together.