Tri-Valley Art Nonprofits, PAL and LAA, Introduce New Leadership

The successes of the Tri-Valley arts initiatives over the past few years have been steadily growing and a new team of leaders have stepped up to continue raising the visibility of the sector.

The Pleasanton Art League (PAL) has appointed Meghana Mitragotri as President and the leadership team includes Vice-President George Garbarino, Treasurer John DeVilliers and Secretary Jan Loomis.

In her first official message to members via the Portfolio publication, Ms Mitragotri said “At PAL, it is a privilege to work with creative minds every day, and a Board that always guides and encourages new ideas. With utmost gratitude to LAA (Livermore Art Association) and DAC (Dublin Arts Collective), our partnerships have made us stronger, together! I am truly honored to take on this new role and serve alongside brilliant officers, chairpersons, volunteers, and partners. Our unique skills will help us lead the way into exciting opportunities as we continue to build on existing processes focused on efficiency and inclusiveness. Our goal is to create an engaging environment across ages to establish artist connections by exchanging best practices. It is an honor to volunteer for an organization that has been catalytic in building my art career from a hobbyist to a professional. This can be a reality for other aspiring artists too.

I have very big shoes to fill! I am incredibly grateful to Beth Okurowski and her leadership team. Beth is an asset and has been a perfect mentor. Thank you all for your continued support and participation. Let’s make scope for art abundant and accessible, irrespective of the times ahead! My best wishes to you all for an exciting 2022! “

A resident of Livermore, Ms Mitragotri is a Watercolor Artist that draws inspiration from quaint countryside landscapes, flowers and birds. Lighthouses and windmills are also among her favorite subjects. Her style is often realistic, and sometimes impressionistic.

Meghana was born in a family of scientists and grew up in Kalpakkam, a township in southern India. Growing up in a diverse community elevated her creative interests in Art, Languages, Classical Music and Dance. While in grade school, she took art classes and was introduced to media like colored pencils, pastels, watercolors, acrylic, and oils, however, watercolors became her choice of medium.

Meghana is also a crafter and owner of the company “DaintlyMade”. She is actively involved with participating in numerous Art & Craft shows and Fine Art events and competitions throughout the East Bay year-round. She has also received awards and accolades for her work and enjoys teaching watercolor lessons online.

The Livermore Art Association (LAA) has appointed Christine Watters as President, Judy Rice as Secretary and Joyce Moulden as Treasurer – the position of Vice-President is currently vacant.

“In the 5 years that I have been part of LAA, 4 of them on the Board” said Ms Watters, “I have grown to appreciate LAA's depth of history and the dedication of long-standing members. The last two years have pushed us in directions that we never thought we would go, and that is a good thing. As with any growth and change, it has not always been easy but the results have been worth it. We have enthusiastic members with energy and ideas that will help us move in new directions. 2022 is our 65th anniversary. I would like to honor what member artists have built by making it a year to remember… in a good way. In the next year, my focus is on our members and increasing the opportunities to socialize, learn and share their wonderful work. As Georgia, our membership chair says, to “show and grow”. I hope you are willing to join in and help make it happen. This is going to be fun.”

Christine Watters is a textile and mixed media artist living in Livermore California. She has expanded into mixed media as a result of her explorations in using fabric and thread in non-traditional ways. Her work focuses on ordinary life, interpreting the moments that bring connection and joy. Ms Watters loves to share what she does and introduce others to the incredible, versatile world of textile arts.

The first joint PAL/LAA/DAC General Meeting is open to the public and takes place online on January 10 at 7:30pm. Photographer, Lisa Rigge will be presenting “An Historical View of Cameras and the Art of Hand Colored Photographs.”

Find out more about PAL and LAA memberships on their websites.