About |
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Staff
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Rebecca Gruss
Executive Director Rebecca (Bec) Gruss is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Valley Art Center effective July 1, 2021. 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 A lifelong creative and learner, Julie Polsinelli recently graduated with her master’s degree in Art History and Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University. Before this, she earned her bachelor’s in Art History from the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art and Williams Honors College at the University of Akron. She went on to work at the Akron Art Museum and other cultural institutions before deciding to return to graduate school. When not traveling Northeast Ohio for art events, Julie is also an avid amateur baker and vintage enthusiast.
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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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Erinn Grube
Office and Event Manager Erinn Grube brings a decade of experience as a professional event planner who has managed large meetings and tradeshows throughout the United States and internationally. She loves events which bring people together to celebrate the community spirit. She is excited to bring her talents to help the Valley Art Center continue to bring high quality events to the Chagrin Valley. Erinn lives in Chagrin Falls with her husband and three children.
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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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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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