Board of Directors

“It is an honor to be part of Art Explorers and to get to know the artists and those involved with the creation of this outstanding program. The Art Explorers’ studio is a place where each individual is given opportunities to explore their artistic voice and where all aspects of creativity are nurtured. As a result, the artwork developed in the studio is diverse, wide-ranging and holds wide appeal in our community. It is a great privilege for me to be a part of Art Explorers.”

Chris Hagie moved to Fort Bragg in 2017, after retiring from a 23-year career as a professor in the Department of Special Education at San Jose State University. For 20 years prior to SJSU, she worked as a teacher of students with disabilities of all ages in public schools, employment sites and with families in their homes. Currently, she is an artist with the collective, Edgewater Gallery in Fort Bragg. She holds a Ph.D from University of California in Berkeley, a Masters in Education from the University of Washington and has taken many, many art courses over the years.

“I am pleased to have been a part of Art Explorer’s formation and daily operation for over 20 years, and now look forward to witnessing the program’s new growth and expansion by serving on the Board of Directors. I know first hand the magic that happens in the studio – where students find the joy of self-expression and true camaraderie – where staff members encourage and nurture each student with skill, patience and love – where visitors feel the excitement of the place while they delight in the amazing artwork.  Art Explorers is a vital asset to our students and also to our community; life is richer and kinder because of it.”

“ I’ve been a great admirer of the artists at Art Explorers ever since I moved to the area. They are so original, brave and creative, and the program is such an inspiring and important part of our community here.”

Kristin Suratt moved to Fort Bragg in 2005 to work with Living Light Culinary Arts Institute as chef/instructor and later marketing director until 2017. A board member of the Mendocino Film Festival in the early years, she was also film festival marketing director for two years prior to the pandemic, and served as events coordinator for the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce for four years.

She has lived many places in the world including Portland, Oregon, British Columbia, New York City, New Orleans, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Paris, France, and now loves living here on the beautiful Mendocino coast.

Adele Horne is passionate about helping artists fulfill their visions and share them with the wider world. In addition to being a documentary filmmaker, Adele brings her experience as California Institute of the Arts faculty member (2005-2017) and as a non-profit arts administrator at Houston Center for Photography, where she organized workshops, hung exhibitions, and wrote grants (1992-1994). Adele has lived in Fort Bragg since 2017,  working with her wife Colleen Hennessey to run a ceramics business, Colleen Hennessey Clayworks.

Tracy Daly brings a broad range of business experience garnered from a career in product development, management and merchandising for apparel and accessories brands. Having worked with artists and designers professionally during her career, Tracy has an appreciation for creative processes and an affinity for art of all kinds. Tracy’s experience volunteering with differently-abled people and her enthusiasm to be a helper in our community have come together to serve the Art Explorers program.

“My daughter has been attending Art Explorers for over 20 years.  Her four days there are the highlight of her week. Not only has the program provided her with artistic and creative skills, but also a rare social opportunity.  I greatly admire the dedicated staff.  They are always so sensitive,  patient  and caring towards the needs of each participant.  Their dedication is inspiring, their program a valuable asset to our coastal community.”

I have long admired Art Explorers and am honored to be a new board member.  I teach at the Transition Learning Center in Fort Bragg, a program helping young adults with disabilities learn life skills, social skills, and how to become a strong, independent part of the wider community.  So many of my students eagerly attend Art Explorers and blossom artistically and socially. Most importantly, their sense of achievement and self-confidence flourishes in ways I have never seen before.  Plus, the art they create is fantastic, and I eagerly shop the gallery for gifts for myself and others.

I have been a Special Educator for 20 years, teaching in the Bay Area and locally. With a Masters in Education, credentialed in both mild/moderate and moderate/severe Special Education, I am currently honing my leadership skills in a program for Teaching Administration.

Born and raised on this beautiful coast, and the daughter of longtime Mendocino High school teacher Bill Brazil and teacher and musician Julie Brazill–the importance of art is an essential part of who I am.

I live in Westport, play music solo or with my band, and enjoy my chickens and dog.  It is an exciting time on the Mendocino Coast.  I greatly admire the burgeoning art scene in Fort Bragg, which radiates from Franklin Street’s heart: Art Explorers.