Staff |
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Rebecca Gruss
Executive Director Rebecca (Bec) Gruss is the Executive Director of the Valley Art Center. Bec brings to this role her extensive business experience from more than 20 years in public accounting, including 7 years as a partner at Deloitte, as well as over 5 years experience running her own art gallery business in the local Chagrin Falls arts community (formerly be.gallery). In addition to her business and art gallery experience, Bec has held several roles at non-profit organizations including Finance Chair for the Federated Church of Chagrin Falls and previous board member at The Gathering Place, the American Heart Association (Cleveland Chapter), and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) of Cleveland, where she served as President in 2004. Bec holds a BSBA from Bowling Green State University and enjoys creating art, gardening, running, and spending time with her family. Bec lives in Chagrin Falls with her husband, Bill.
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Julie Polsinelli
Assistant Director & Gallery Manager Julie Polsinelli is the Assistant Director & Gallery Manager at Valley Art Center. With an MA in Art History & Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University and a BA in Art History from the University of Akron. Passionate about supporting underrepresented artists and fostering community engagement, Julie has curated several exhibitions at Valley Art Center, including Contemporary Debris and THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW. Her work reflects a deep commitment to making art accessible to all and nurturing emerging talent in Northeast Ohio. Julie lives in Lakewood with her partner Alex and their cat Brad.
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Hannah Bates
Education Program Manager Hannah Bates received an MFA in Craft/Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in Fine Arts at Columbus College of Art and Design. Hannah makes handcrafted objects in glass, metal, and wood that explore the fluid boundaries between the body, raw materials, and the natural world. Hannah has taught within glass programs at VCU and Kent State University. She was an artist-in-residence at ACRE residency, chaNorth, and Sculpture Space. Hannah has exhibited at Waterloo Arts, RoyGBiv in Columbus, Heaven Gallery, and MANA
Contemporary in Chicago. She is the founder and studio manager of Vessel City, an artist-run studio and gallery space in Cleveland, where she teaches metal casting workshops. |
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Grace Trimble
Events Manager and Development Associate Grace Trimble is the Events Manager and Development Associate at Valley Art Center. She comes from the tech world where she worked in marketing, with experience in event planning, content creation, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies from the University of Michigan. In addition to her work, Grace is an avid writer, well-being enthusiast, and big believer in community, which is why she is thrilled to be joining the art center.
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Ali Gemmer
Art/Shop Manager Ali Gemmer is a self-taught, emerging artist who originated in northwest Ohio and has submersed herself in art and creativity since the very beginning. Since graduating from Van Wert High School in 2020, she has plunged into her career as an artist and has had her work displayed in festivals, publications, and exhibitions. Ali’s first exposure to VAC was in the 50th Annual Juried Art Exhibition in which she received the Victoria Welling Award for excellence in drawing and painting. She later volunteered for the gallery and is happy to have relocated to Chagrin Falls and work with VAC!
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Jeni Yonker
Program Manager Jeni Yonker received her B.S. in Textile Science from Michigan State University and continued graduate studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has been both a student and an instructor at the Valley Art Center and has a passion for art and drawing. As a 15 year resident of Chagrin Falls she really appreciates what a great resource and organization the Valley Art Center is for our community. Jeni currently lives in Michigan with her husband and is thrilled to be part of the Valley Art Center team.
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Becky Frazier
Office and Program Assistant Becky Frazier studied art education and painting at The Ohio State University and earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Kent State University. She has worked in public and private schools as an art teacher, a preschool teacher and as a university instructor. Becky has painted all of her life and loves working alongside children and adults who are inspired by art. She is excited to bring her gifts and talents to Valley Art Center!
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