People
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Debbie Kizer, Executive Director I am the founder and Executive Director of Imagine Art. I was born and raised in Houston and later moved to Austin after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in 1989 from Sam Houston State University. After working 3 years in a rehabilitation setting I developed a career in the field of supported employment ~ creating tailored jobs for persons with disabilities. In 1996, I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and I recognized decades of addiction to both alcohol and drugs. As a result, I entered into the AA community and my sobriety date is September 1, 1997. I found myself unemployed, ready for a new beginning. Imagine Art developed in this period as I explored my own talents, skills and desire to serve. I became a Christian in 1998 when I experienced the love, power and saving grace of Jesus Christ. My life changed at this point ~ I will never be the same. I realized what God had done in my life and what He wanted to do through my life ~ through Imagine Art. Fourteen years later I continue on a journey of restoration. I am married to Brad and have two awesome children, Jesse (20) and Julie (6). I am an artist, exploring painting and mixed media. I enjoy creating whimsical little treasures, games, story cards and paper things. |
| Tish Young, CPA tish.young@me.com I am the accountant for Imagine Art. As a member of the team it has been my pleasure to participate in the great mission of Imagine Art and to see all of the people that it is affecting on a daily basis. I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee and went to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania where I received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in 1998. After graduation – as they say, “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could!” I married a Texan and have lived in Dallas, Houston and now Austin over the last 14 years. We have two beautiful daughters and it is our honor to teach them about the love of Jesus and how He can make a difference in their lives each day. |
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Renee Greene, Operations Manager |
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Ahna Phillips, Art Program Director |
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Alison Talbert, Marketing/Media Contractor I’ve been involved with Imagine Art for over three years and have had the opportunity to get to know the artists, staff and volunteers that make up this vibrant community. I love getting to share their inspiring stories and work through Imagine Art’s website, blog, and print materials. I’m originally from California but grew up in Pennsylvania and Texas and have lived in Austin for the past 6 years with my husband Alan. My professional background is in fine art, advertising, product development, and marketing. |
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Tony Hyden, Studio Facilitator As an Art Director I work in the fine art studio at Imagine Art, helping artists reach their goals while providing friendship and encouragement. I moved to Austin for my first job in 1999 and have been here ever since. I initially became involved with Imagine Art through the Austin House of Prayer which shares the facility and later became a volunteer. I have an Associates in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Dallas and my professional background is in educational animation and design for children, the military, and the hospitality industry. I enjoy working with my hands and working directly with people. In my free time I enjoy walking, fishing, good food and friends. Imagine Art has given me an opportunity to be a part of building community through prayer and friendship. |
Board of Directors
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Robert Adams, Chairman of the Board |
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Vice Chairman This position is Open. |
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Mike Meleski, Treasurer “Come visit Imagine Art, something pretty cool is happening there”. A friend of mine told me that several years ago and I became the treasurer and an advisor shortly afterward. I was born and raised in Austin. I attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA and earned a BA in Economics and Mathematics in 2002. In 2010, I earned an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. In between degrees, I started a retail business called Intellibed, which is still running. The experience of owning and directing a business was fantastic and very educational. After the MBA program, I worked in finance for two years with Symantec in California. I recently relocated back to Austin. My family has several artists, one being a professional artist. I have always loved the way art allows people to communicate with one another and express ideas. The artist community at Imagine Art includes people with mild to severe disabilities and the empowerment the artists get through their artwork is awesome. Come visit us! |
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Secretary This position is open. |
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Curt Voelkel, Board Member |
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Susan Crites, Board Member |