BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Board
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President | Anthony Aramendia
Anthony Aramendia was born and raised in Miami. A resident of Casselberry since 2005, Anthony was Vice-Chairman of the City’s Planning & Zoning Committee and chaired Casselberry’s Housing Task Force. He is currently a Casselberry City Commissioner, focusing on politically moving the city forward. He remains committed to community involvement and serves as Casselberry Friends of the Park Vice-President and Earth Fest Chair (from 2011-2017.) A strong advocate for the arts, Anthony works to expand Casselberry’s arts offerings through the City of Casselberry Art House and is a member of the Florida Sculptors Guild. He is also fluent in Spanish, French and Swedish. |
Vice President | Dr. Stephen Summers
Stephen Summers was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH to parents who urged their children to sing and learn to play musical instruments. In his academic life he studied the Sciences, earning Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, but his love of the arts led Dr. Summers to participate in on-stage productions throughout college as well as sing in multiple choirs to the present. Previous board service has included serving as Board Chair for The Orlando Chorale, Inc. from 2007-2010 and serving as Board Chair for Central Florida Community Arts from 2019-2021. Along with his ongoing service on the Seminole Cultural Arts Council, he also serves as an ex officio board member for the Orlando Science Center. He currently is a performing artist with both the Central Florida Community Arts Choir and Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra. Stephen Summers has seen firsthand the positive effects of the Arts in people’s lives, and he enjoys his role as the Associate Vice President of Arts & Sciences at Seminole State College where it is his responsibility to support and promote Seminole State’s Arts & Culture offerings in the community.
Stephen Summers was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH to parents who urged their children to sing and learn to play musical instruments. In his academic life he studied the Sciences, earning Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, but his love of the arts led Dr. Summers to participate in on-stage productions throughout college as well as sing in multiple choirs to the present. Previous board service has included serving as Board Chair for The Orlando Chorale, Inc. from 2007-2010 and serving as Board Chair for Central Florida Community Arts from 2019-2021. Along with his ongoing service on the Seminole Cultural Arts Council, he also serves as an ex officio board member for the Orlando Science Center. He currently is a performing artist with both the Central Florida Community Arts Choir and Central Florida Community Arts Orchestra. Stephen Summers has seen firsthand the positive effects of the Arts in people’s lives, and he enjoys his role as the Associate Vice President of Arts & Sciences at Seminole State College where it is his responsibility to support and promote Seminole State’s Arts & Culture offerings in the community.
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Treasurer | Steve Nelson
A graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Steve Nelson retired after a career as Senior Manager with Lucent Technologies and the Project Management Masters Program at the AT&T School of Business. Known as “Mr. Logistics” for his ability to multi-task with several non-profits at a time, Steve is Past-President of SCAC, Co-Founder and board member of the St. Johns River Festival of the Arts in Historic Sanford, Florida, Co-founder and Past-Officer of the Red River Festival of the Arts, Shreveport, Louisiana and Past-Officer and board member of the Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts, Lake Mary. He currently serves on the board of the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, and the Advisory Board of the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands where he and his wife, Victoria, spend part of each year. |
Secretary | Abby Sanchez
Abby Sanchez has been a resident of Central Florida since 1999. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Florida State University, has twenty-six years' experience teaching elementary-aged children and was the recipient of the "Beginner Teacher of the Year" in Tallahassee in 1992. She has been married to her husband Bo, a civil engineer, for many years and has three children who have attended Seminole County Public Schools. Abby currently lives in Sweetwater Oaks with her husband, her two dogs, and three cats. While being a mother, wife, and teacher, Abby has been an active member of the Seminole County community. She is a long-time member of PTA/PTSA of her children's schools including seven years as president of Lake Brantley's PTSA, and currently serves as Vice-President in charge of legislative matters. She was selected and served on the SCPS Superintendent Search Advisory Committee in 2011- 12, and has worked tirelessly for various charitable organizations throughout Seminole and Orange Counties. Abby has served in several positions of Pop Warner programs for a number of years including fund manager, cheer coordinator and coach. Abby has helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research while serving as a member of the Cattle Baron's Ball Committee and a board member for the Norma DiMarco "Tee Up for Life". Staying true to her roots of growing up in rural Davie, Florida, Abby enjoys riding horses and caring for her therapy horse, "Gator", who helps military veterans cope with PTSD. She volunteers with many organizations including serving on the Board of Trustees for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, BASE Camp, Ali’s Hope, League of Women Voters, Ritz Theater Education Committee, Florida School Board Association Advocacy Chair and Equity Committee. She currently serves as the District 3 member of the Seminole County School Board where she has served as Chair and Vice Chair.
Abby Sanchez has been a resident of Central Florida since 1999. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Florida State University, has twenty-six years' experience teaching elementary-aged children and was the recipient of the "Beginner Teacher of the Year" in Tallahassee in 1992. She has been married to her husband Bo, a civil engineer, for many years and has three children who have attended Seminole County Public Schools. Abby currently lives in Sweetwater Oaks with her husband, her two dogs, and three cats. While being a mother, wife, and teacher, Abby has been an active member of the Seminole County community. She is a long-time member of PTA/PTSA of her children's schools including seven years as president of Lake Brantley's PTSA, and currently serves as Vice-President in charge of legislative matters. She was selected and served on the SCPS Superintendent Search Advisory Committee in 2011- 12, and has worked tirelessly for various charitable organizations throughout Seminole and Orange Counties. Abby has served in several positions of Pop Warner programs for a number of years including fund manager, cheer coordinator and coach. Abby has helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research while serving as a member of the Cattle Baron's Ball Committee and a board member for the Norma DiMarco "Tee Up for Life". Staying true to her roots of growing up in rural Davie, Florida, Abby enjoys riding horses and caring for her therapy horse, "Gator", who helps military veterans cope with PTSD. She volunteers with many organizations including serving on the Board of Trustees for the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, BASE Camp, Ali’s Hope, League of Women Voters, Ritz Theater Education Committee, Florida School Board Association Advocacy Chair and Equity Committee. She currently serves as the District 3 member of the Seminole County School Board where she has served as Chair and Vice Chair.
Board of Directors
James Brendlinger
James Brendlinger has a long and distinguished career in theatre. He served as Chairman of Arts & Communication at Lake Howell High, teaching Stagecraft, Acting, and Directing for 21 years while producing over 260 plays and musicals. He has served with Central Florida Theater Festival, FL State Junior Thespians, Thespian groups in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler & Lake Counties, and through Penguin Point Productions, has produced plays at the Orlando International Fringe Festival for more than 15 years. He provides costumes, props and set-building resources to schools, theaters, and churches statewide. James received a scholarship in 2014 to study at the Globe Theatre in London, a 2017 scholarship to study Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has been the recipient of numerous theatrical association and community service awards. James has previously appeared on Rollins College WPRK 91.5FM as radio host ‘Jimmy Popular’. He current teaches drama at Oviedo High School in Seminole County.
James Brendlinger has a long and distinguished career in theatre. He served as Chairman of Arts & Communication at Lake Howell High, teaching Stagecraft, Acting, and Directing for 21 years while producing over 260 plays and musicals. He has served with Central Florida Theater Festival, FL State Junior Thespians, Thespian groups in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Flagler & Lake Counties, and through Penguin Point Productions, has produced plays at the Orlando International Fringe Festival for more than 15 years. He provides costumes, props and set-building resources to schools, theaters, and churches statewide. James received a scholarship in 2014 to study at the Globe Theatre in London, a 2017 scholarship to study Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has been the recipient of numerous theatrical association and community service awards. James has previously appeared on Rollins College WPRK 91.5FM as radio host ‘Jimmy Popular’. He current teaches drama at Oviedo High School in Seminole County.
Dr. Rosalie Cook
Rosalie Wright Cook was born and raised in the Historic Goldsboro community of Sanford. She attended Crooms High School, FAMU and UCF. Dr. Cook counseled 1st-generation African-American students for 8 years at UF, and was a guidance counselor for 22 years in Seminole County Public Schools. Dr Cook sat at the feet of family members and church elders to soak up stories about her heritage and culture. She developed a passion for the study of history, maps and nature, which led her to the art of storytelling in the voices of her elders. She has volunteered her time with Social Action of Sanford, Delta Sigma Theta, Seminole County Historical Society, and the Historic Evergreen Cemetery. She loves the arts, culture and history, and connecting with creative minds.
Rosalie Wright Cook was born and raised in the Historic Goldsboro community of Sanford. She attended Crooms High School, FAMU and UCF. Dr. Cook counseled 1st-generation African-American students for 8 years at UF, and was a guidance counselor for 22 years in Seminole County Public Schools. Dr Cook sat at the feet of family members and church elders to soak up stories about her heritage and culture. She developed a passion for the study of history, maps and nature, which led her to the art of storytelling in the voices of her elders. She has volunteered her time with Social Action of Sanford, Delta Sigma Theta, Seminole County Historical Society, and the Historic Evergreen Cemetery. She loves the arts, culture and history, and connecting with creative minds.
Bob Dallari, Seminole County Commissioner
Bob Dallari currently serves on the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners representing District One. He was first seated in November 2004, re-elected in 2008, and ran unopposed for a third term in 2012. He resides in Oviedo, where he served for eight years on the Oviedo City Council (four years as Chairman). He is a native of New York City and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed by Walt Disney World. Commissioner Dallari is known to be a strong supporter of the arts, greenways and trails, the preservation of county and state natural lands and wilderness areas, and excellence in public schools. His community involvement includes Four H, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Kids House of Seminole, Meals On Wheels, Oviedo/Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, and the Seminole County Extension Overall Advisory Board.
Bob Dallari currently serves on the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners representing District One. He was first seated in November 2004, re-elected in 2008, and ran unopposed for a third term in 2012. He resides in Oviedo, where he served for eight years on the Oviedo City Council (four years as Chairman). He is a native of New York City and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed by Walt Disney World. Commissioner Dallari is known to be a strong supporter of the arts, greenways and trails, the preservation of county and state natural lands and wilderness areas, and excellence in public schools. His community involvement includes Four H, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Kids House of Seminole, Meals On Wheels, Oviedo/Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Relay for Life, and the Seminole County Extension Overall Advisory Board.
Lisa Holder
Lisa Holder is the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Sanford and has been serving the city since 2011. A U.S. Navy veteran with more than 25 years of experience in government relations, Lisa brings creativity and innovative energy to her work. She leads the city’s communications and marketing initiatives, including the Citizens Academy, Mayor’s Youth Council, and managing all aspects of the city’s growing Public Art Program. A passionate storyteller and connector, Lisa is the creator and host of the City’s Sanford Says podcast and Sanford Soundstage platforms that showcase city programs, local talent, and community stories. She is currently leading efforts to bring a Poet Laureate Program to the City of Sanford. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Public Administration, is a founding board member of the Florida League of Cities/Florida Municipal Communicators Association, and a graduate of Leadership Seminole. She recently served on Seminole County’s 250th Semi quincentennial Subcommittee as Vice-Chair. Dedicated to creative public service, Lisa builds meaningful connections that raise awareness and educate the public about local government while celebrating Sanford’s unique character and growth.
Lisa Holder is the Communications and Marketing Manager for the City of Sanford and has been serving the city since 2011. A U.S. Navy veteran with more than 25 years of experience in government relations, Lisa brings creativity and innovative energy to her work. She leads the city’s communications and marketing initiatives, including the Citizens Academy, Mayor’s Youth Council, and managing all aspects of the city’s growing Public Art Program. A passionate storyteller and connector, Lisa is the creator and host of the City’s Sanford Says podcast and Sanford Soundstage platforms that showcase city programs, local talent, and community stories. She is currently leading efforts to bring a Poet Laureate Program to the City of Sanford. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Public Administration, is a founding board member of the Florida League of Cities/Florida Municipal Communicators Association, and a graduate of Leadership Seminole. She recently served on Seminole County’s 250th Semi quincentennial Subcommittee as Vice-Chair. Dedicated to creative public service, Lisa builds meaningful connections that raise awareness and educate the public about local government while celebrating Sanford’s unique character and growth.
Barbara Hughes
Barbara Hughes is a native-born Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg, and resides in Sanford. She received her BS from Texas Tech and MS from Oklahoma State University. She taught high school in El Paso, TX prior to a 38-year career as an Agriculture Extension Agent and then County Extension Director through the University of Florida/IFAS and Seminole County Government. During this time, she was ‘on loan’ to the US Dept. of Agriculture to head up the Human Capacity Development Project for the South African Dept. of Agriculture, empowering youth and families to build healthy lives and achieve social and economic success. She has long volunteered through Rotary Club, helping with polio immunizations in India, and as Team Leader taking young professionals to Uruguay for a group study exchange. Barbara is a long-time supporter of SCAC and arts and culture and has served on the SCAC grant review committee. She is the proud grandmother to her son’s three fabulous daughters.
Barbara Hughes is a native-born Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg, and resides in Sanford. She received her BS from Texas Tech and MS from Oklahoma State University. She taught high school in El Paso, TX prior to a 38-year career as an Agriculture Extension Agent and then County Extension Director through the University of Florida/IFAS and Seminole County Government. During this time, she was ‘on loan’ to the US Dept. of Agriculture to head up the Human Capacity Development Project for the South African Dept. of Agriculture, empowering youth and families to build healthy lives and achieve social and economic success. She has long volunteered through Rotary Club, helping with polio immunizations in India, and as Team Leader taking young professionals to Uruguay for a group study exchange. Barbara is a long-time supporter of SCAC and arts and culture and has served on the SCAC grant review committee. She is the proud grandmother to her son’s three fabulous daughters.
Kenna Henry
Kenna Henry holds a BS in Business and Information Management and is currently working as a Special Projects Manager at the City of Casselberry, managing multi-million-dollar, federally funded transportation projects. She has over 25 years’ experience in program and project management, budget and financial analysis, federal and state grant management, strategic planning, operational leadership, administration, and governmental processes and procedures. Ms. Henry has also served her country in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Electrician during which time she received a distinguished Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. She is an avid supporter of the arts and culture programs in the City of Casselberry and has deep roots in history and culture. Ms. Henry is a graduate of Leadership Seminole Class 29, is a board member of the Seminole State Alumni Leadership Team, and also serves on several Seminole Cultural Arts Council subcommittees.
Kenna Henry holds a BS in Business and Information Management and is currently working as a Special Projects Manager at the City of Casselberry, managing multi-million-dollar, federally funded transportation projects. She has over 25 years’ experience in program and project management, budget and financial analysis, federal and state grant management, strategic planning, operational leadership, administration, and governmental processes and procedures. Ms. Henry has also served her country in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Electrician during which time she received a distinguished Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. She is an avid supporter of the arts and culture programs in the City of Casselberry and has deep roots in history and culture. Ms. Henry is a graduate of Leadership Seminole Class 29, is a board member of the Seminole State Alumni Leadership Team, and also serves on several Seminole Cultural Arts Council subcommittees.
Melanie A. Mucario, Esq.
Melanie Murcario is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, and is part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Prior to joining the AG’s Office, Melanie was in private practice. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 1998 with a BS in Political Science. She obtained her juris doctorate and MBA from Stetson University College of Law in December 2001. Melanie is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, Federal Court in the Middle District of Florida and Federal Bankruptcy Court. Melanie was born in Elizabeth, NJ, but spent a good portion of her childhood in Lake Mary, Florida and is a graduate of Lake Mary High School.
Melanie Murcario is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida, and is part of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Prior to joining the AG’s Office, Melanie was in private practice. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 1998 with a BS in Political Science. She obtained her juris doctorate and MBA from Stetson University College of Law in December 2001. Melanie is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, Federal Court in the Middle District of Florida and Federal Bankruptcy Court. Melanie was born in Elizabeth, NJ, but spent a good portion of her childhood in Lake Mary, Florida and is a graduate of Lake Mary High School.
Sarah Reece
Sarah Reece was born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida. She moved to Orlando in 1968 after high school and continued her education by attending Orange Memorial School of Nursing. Sarah graduated cum laude in 1986 from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Sarah began her career with Orange Memorial Hospital, now Orlando Health, in 1972. During her nursing career, she was a Dialysis RN, Assistant Nurse Manager of the Burn Unit, Head Nurse of the Progressive Care Unit and Senior Systems Administrator in the IS Department. Sarah retired in 2023 after 51 years of service. Sarah has resided in Altamonte Springs since 1977 and was elected to the Altamonte Springs City Commission in 1999. In the past, she has served as a member of the Altamonte Springs Health Facilities Board as well as the Tri-County League of Cities Board. Between her career and raising three boys, Sarah found time to be very active in her community. Sarah has over 25 years of volunteer experience with the Babe Ruth Baseball League and the Spring Lake Elementary, Lake Brantley High School and Seminole County Council PTAs. Sarah also served as the Altamonte Springs Babe Ruth Baseball League President for six years and helped the City host the Bambino World Series in 1995. In 2016, Sarah was inducted into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame and currently serves as the Babe Ruth Assistant State Commissioner. Sarah also serves as the President of the Central Florida Bambino Buddy Ball League, a baseball program designed for players with special needs, including children in walkers, wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Sarah Reece was born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida. She moved to Orlando in 1968 after high school and continued her education by attending Orange Memorial School of Nursing. Sarah graduated cum laude in 1986 from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Sarah began her career with Orange Memorial Hospital, now Orlando Health, in 1972. During her nursing career, she was a Dialysis RN, Assistant Nurse Manager of the Burn Unit, Head Nurse of the Progressive Care Unit and Senior Systems Administrator in the IS Department. Sarah retired in 2023 after 51 years of service. Sarah has resided in Altamonte Springs since 1977 and was elected to the Altamonte Springs City Commission in 1999. In the past, she has served as a member of the Altamonte Springs Health Facilities Board as well as the Tri-County League of Cities Board. Between her career and raising three boys, Sarah found time to be very active in her community. Sarah has over 25 years of volunteer experience with the Babe Ruth Baseball League and the Spring Lake Elementary, Lake Brantley High School and Seminole County Council PTAs. Sarah also served as the Altamonte Springs Babe Ruth Baseball League President for six years and helped the City host the Bambino World Series in 1995. In 2016, Sarah was inducted into the Babe Ruth Southeast Region Hall of Fame and currently serves as the Babe Ruth Assistant State Commissioner. Sarah also serves as the President of the Central Florida Bambino Buddy Ball League, a baseball program designed for players with special needs, including children in walkers, wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Sandra Rivas-Cole
Sandra Rivas-Cole is an art teacher from Orlando, FL. She holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) focused in Art Teacher Education from University of Central Florida. She has taught at Lake Howell High School since 1998. She has taught Art 2D, Art 3D, Drawing 1 and 2, Painting 1 and 2, Digital Photography 1-4, Traditional Darkroom Photography, Film Studies, Stage Craft, Humanities 1 and 2, Advanced Placement Art History, and Advanced Placement Studio Art. She also serves as the Junior Class Sponsor, one of the School Wide Mentor teachers, National Art Honor Society Co-Sponsor, and the Varsity Club Co-Sponsor (the school spirit club). During the 2011-12 school year, she was honored with the title of 2013 Teacher of the Year at her school and at the end of the 2012-13 school year, she was honored with the Principal’s Award. She is happily married to her husband Justin, and they own a very fat cat named Simone.
Sandra Rivas-Cole is an art teacher from Orlando, FL. She holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) focused in Art Teacher Education from University of Central Florida. She has taught at Lake Howell High School since 1998. She has taught Art 2D, Art 3D, Drawing 1 and 2, Painting 1 and 2, Digital Photography 1-4, Traditional Darkroom Photography, Film Studies, Stage Craft, Humanities 1 and 2, Advanced Placement Art History, and Advanced Placement Studio Art. She also serves as the Junior Class Sponsor, one of the School Wide Mentor teachers, National Art Honor Society Co-Sponsor, and the Varsity Club Co-Sponsor (the school spirit club). During the 2011-12 school year, she was honored with the title of 2013 Teacher of the Year at her school and at the end of the 2012-13 school year, she was honored with the Principal’s Award. She is happily married to her husband Justin, and they own a very fat cat named Simone.
Bonnie Sprung
Bonnie Sprung earned an Associates of Fine Arts degree at Valencia Community College and a Bachelor’s of Art from Hofstra University in New York, with a major in Theatrical Production and a minor in Graphics Design. She specialized in makeup and set design and trained in perspective drawing, 2-and-3-dimensional design, drafting, layout and photography. Ms. Sprung worked on several magazines as both a photographer and writer, and as photography became a passion, she mastered the art of theatrical photography, actors’ head shots, and capturing bodybuilders on film, which led her to the art of bodysculpting with iron. She was an accomplished National Competitor in the field. She has done set design, scenic painting, make-up and stage management for over 300 shows in Orlando and New York. She worked as Set/Scenic designer for the BCC Summer Fine Arts and the JCC Center Players. Stage Manager, Sound and Graphics for Southern Winds Theatre. She has also designed for Florida Theatrical Association, The Ensemble Company, SparKyl Entertainment and many more. Some of her nominated designs include, The Flick, Bat Boy the Musical, Torch Song, Clybourne Park, Perfect Arrangement, Three Days of Rain, Hysteria, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf. She has over 30 years' experience in curating and judging art exhibits and high school thespian competitions, and is a past-president and member of the Florida Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art. In addition to designing sets and art exhibitions, Bonnie Sprung art studio/gallery is located at Faith Arts Village Orlando (FAVO). The Seminole Cultural Arts Council named her Seminole County's Artist of the Year in 2024.
Bonnie Sprung earned an Associates of Fine Arts degree at Valencia Community College and a Bachelor’s of Art from Hofstra University in New York, with a major in Theatrical Production and a minor in Graphics Design. She specialized in makeup and set design and trained in perspective drawing, 2-and-3-dimensional design, drafting, layout and photography. Ms. Sprung worked on several magazines as both a photographer and writer, and as photography became a passion, she mastered the art of theatrical photography, actors’ head shots, and capturing bodybuilders on film, which led her to the art of bodysculpting with iron. She was an accomplished National Competitor in the field. She has done set design, scenic painting, make-up and stage management for over 300 shows in Orlando and New York. She worked as Set/Scenic designer for the BCC Summer Fine Arts and the JCC Center Players. Stage Manager, Sound and Graphics for Southern Winds Theatre. She has also designed for Florida Theatrical Association, The Ensemble Company, SparKyl Entertainment and many more. Some of her nominated designs include, The Flick, Bat Boy the Musical, Torch Song, Clybourne Park, Perfect Arrangement, Three Days of Rain, Hysteria, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf. She has over 30 years' experience in curating and judging art exhibits and high school thespian competitions, and is a past-president and member of the Florida Chapter of Women’s Caucus for Art. In addition to designing sets and art exhibitions, Bonnie Sprung art studio/gallery is located at Faith Arts Village Orlando (FAVO). The Seminole Cultural Arts Council named her Seminole County's Artist of the Year in 2024.
Staff
Dr. Deborah Bauer, Executive Director
Dr. Bauer is a historian whose main area of expertise is Florida History. She is a part-time faculty member at Valencia College in Orlando. She holds a doctoral degree from the University of South Florida in history and two Masters degrees from the University of North Florida and University of Central Florida. She is a proud alumna of Seminole State College. Bauer is a published author, having written several articles and book reviews about the history of Florida in such publications as The Florida Historical Quarterly, Florida Studies, and Southeastern Archaeology Bauer has served as the president of the Central Florida Anthropological Society since 2019. She has served on the Seminole County Historical Society Board of Directors since 2016 and is the founder and president of the Society for Historic Casselberry. Bauer was appointed to serve on the Seminole County Historical Commission in 2023 and was reappointed for a second two-year term in 2025. Bauer has been a mentor in the Take Stock in Children Program with students from Seminole County Public Schools since 2020. She also serves as a member on several volunteer boards, including the Programming Committee for the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools. She maintains a keen interest in helping to support many arts and cultural initiatives in Seminole County with a specific emphasis history, archaeology, education, and the written word.
Dr. Bauer is a historian whose main area of expertise is Florida History. She is a part-time faculty member at Valencia College in Orlando. She holds a doctoral degree from the University of South Florida in history and two Masters degrees from the University of North Florida and University of Central Florida. She is a proud alumna of Seminole State College. Bauer is a published author, having written several articles and book reviews about the history of Florida in such publications as The Florida Historical Quarterly, Florida Studies, and Southeastern Archaeology Bauer has served as the president of the Central Florida Anthropological Society since 2019. She has served on the Seminole County Historical Society Board of Directors since 2016 and is the founder and president of the Society for Historic Casselberry. Bauer was appointed to serve on the Seminole County Historical Commission in 2023 and was reappointed for a second two-year term in 2025. Bauer has been a mentor in the Take Stock in Children Program with students from Seminole County Public Schools since 2020. She also serves as a member on several volunteer boards, including the Programming Committee for the Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools. She maintains a keen interest in helping to support many arts and cultural initiatives in Seminole County with a specific emphasis history, archaeology, education, and the written word.
