Who We are
The Sausalito Center For The Arts (SCA) began in 2021 when a consortium of city organizations including the Sausalito Art Festival Foundation, ICB Arts Association and Marin Open Studios, along with dedicated community, business and art leaders worked together to imagine and prepare an RFP recommending the best usage of the former and unoccupied Bank of America building in downtown Sausalito.
From its inception, the Mission of SCA was to enrich the cultural experience of Marin and unite our community through diverse artistic expression for the benefit of all. Our programs are meant to build connections, create dialogue, and transform our community through understanding, inclusion and acceptance.
Sausalito, California, boasts a rich artistic heritage that has evolved over the decades. Known for its picturesque waterfront, charming houseboats, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Sausalito has long been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians.
In the early to mid-20th century, Sausalito became a magnet for bohemian artists and writers seeking an alternative lifestyle. The town's unique atmosphere and natural beauty attracted creatives looking for inspiration.
The natural beauty of Sausalito, with its rolling hills, waterfront views, and scenic vistas, has been a continuous source of inspiration for artists. This connection to nature is evident in much of the local artwork, which often reflects the stunning surroundings.
Efforts to preserve and celebrate Sausalito's artistic heritage are ongoing. Organizations like the Sausalito Center For The Arts play a crucial role in supporting the arts and ensuring that the town's creative legacy continues to thrive.
It is with this background in art that we understand and revere its ability not only to bring beauty to the world, but to drive cultural change in various profound and interconnected ways. Art serves as both a mirror reflecting societal values and a catalyst for transformation
Art often brings attention to social issues, injustices, and cultural dynamics that might otherwise be overlooked. By provoking thought and eliciting emotional responses, art can inspire people to question the status quo and consider new perspectives.
Through storytelling and visual representation, art allows individuals to experience the lives and struggles of others, fostering empathy and understanding across different cultures and communities. This shared emotional experience can bridge cultural divides and promote inclusivity.
Through “diverse artistic expression for the benefit of all, SCA aims to continue the artistic beauty and legacy of art in our community while allowing it to challenges societal norms and conventions, pushing boundaries and encouraging progressive thought.
Executive Director
Shiva Pakdel
shiva@sausalitocenterforthearts.org
Shiva grew up in Abadan, Iran during the 60s. Abadan was one of the most liberal cities in Iran which offered a modern western lifestyle in a land of history and tradition. This exposure to both east and west and growing up with an artistic mother, provided Shiva with great appreciation and enjoyment for the art, culture, history, and poetry of Iran, as well as the art and culture of the West.
Shiva is an artist, artist advocate, art curator, and collector, with many years of marketing and advertising experience with Fortune 500 companies. Shiva currently serves on the board of Marin Open Studios, and has served on the board of Marin MOCA, Shiva is a member of the Auxiliary of the Fine Art Museum of San Francisco, and continues her work as an artist.
Board of Directors
Ron Albert
Ronald P. Albert has practiced law since 1983, and founded his own law firm in 1994. Mr. Albert engages in a transactional, advisory and preventative law practice, with an emphasis on commercial real estate and estate planning matters. Mr. Albert advises clients in all aspects of transactional real estate, including acquisition, development and transfer of interests in real property including preparing purchase agreements, loan documents, development agreements, construction contracts, ground leases, tenancy-in-common agreements and tax-deferred exchange agreements.
Tom Anderson
Tom Anderson is a long term Sausalito resident who has watched the town grow and evolve for over 30+ years. As a senior account director for a media/entertainment company, Tom has consulted with creative artists and producers and managed projects throughout the Bay Area. His contacts with creative artists and audio/visual companies will be an asset to the centers engagement with the community.
Louis Briones
Louis’ diverse portfolio of professional experiences includes Founder, CEO, and investor, as well as Advertising and Marketing titles and Board of Directors memberships. Louis has a long history of involvement in the arts including extensive experience in operating the Sausalito Arts Festival Foundation and Sausalito Art Festival with emphasis on marketing, artist interaction and event management.
Kay Carlson
As a celebrated artist, Kay brings her experience of gallery, festival, and art management to the team. She has an extensive background in the art world having founded, developed and managed the annual Marin Open Studios event, now in the 28th year, and has been executive director for 6 years.
Dan Christ
Dan is an experienced financial executive with extensive financial, operational, and administrative backgrounds. He has successfully led regional financial operations for record growth in volume and profits in large public companies.
Monica Finnegan
An executive in commercial real estate, Monica will advise on property operations, tenant improvement, financial impacts on property ownership and management. She has re-developed historical landmark buildings to higher and better use, leased, financed and managed properties. Her organizational skills will bode well for the structuring, funding and on-going management of the Sausalito Center for Arts. As a member of EDAC she has exhibited a strong emphasis on community building and projects that benefit the city.
Raylene Gorum
Raylene is a Bay Area based artist who works primarily with intricately cut vinyl, acrylic, mirrors and wood to create installations and flat work that blur spatial boundaries through the use of reflective and transparent materials. She has a Bachelors of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and through the Ecole d'Architecture in Paris. She also studied Experimental Printmaking at Central St. Martins while living in London and Advanced 3D studies at Cooper Union in NYC.
Her works have been exhibited in San Francisco, New York, London, Milan, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, and Brazil and included in lots for the Whitney Art Party and Phillips du Pury. Her largest installation to date occupied 165' x 16' of window across the street from MOMA NY on 53rd Street. Her next largest work will occupy a 4,000 sf concrete pier in a park being built in the Bayview area of San Francisco with SFAC and SF Recs + Park.
Kit Hayes
Kit's an organizer and marketing leader who has launched 3 non profits (Walk Free, Peers, and the School of Social Change), Google's first Environmental Report, Google's first advocacy effort for People with Disabilities and Youtube's first Mental Health Initiative. She's passionate about fueling a creative renaissance in Sausalito, with the SCA at the center. She currently works as a wellbeing coach for changemakers.
Jessica Rogers
As the first Chair of the Sausalito Economic Development Advisory Committee, Jessica has advocated for the Sausalito Center for the Arts since its inception. Her background is in branding and marketing, having led multi-million dollar visual identity updates for global companies including Coca-Cola and Samsung throughout her 20+ year career.
Jack Sherwood
Jack has 30 years of restaurant and event planning experience. He helps identify potential clients; works with them in curating a bespoke experience; manages the flow of the event – incorporating outside vendors, food and beverage offerings, staffing, and all other needs. Jack is also involved in multiple Sausalito and Bay area non-profit work.
Bryan Vitale
Brian currently serves as the Parks and Recreations Director for the City of Sausalito. Brian has an extensive background in out door activities management and is responsible for the development, planning, promotion, instruction, and supervision of a variety of sports and recreation programs, classes, camps, and special events of all types.