Allison Hunt

Director of Education

Time at Perkins: Almost 10 years

Fun Fact: "I'm a visual artist with a background in metalsmithing and jewelry!"



What is your favorite Perkins program?

"I've been really enjoying collaborating on programming with The Folklife Center. Some of the classes and school programs offered have been Basketweaving, Sumi Brush painting, Mandala making, sewing, and Afro-Caribbean drum and dance. So many gorgeous art forms to explore beyond traditional drawing and painting!"

O'Sheila Eural

Education and Camp Manager

Time at Perkins: Almost 5 years

Fun Fact: "My 1st and Middle names have songs written about them, but my parents don't know either song, so they actually didn't name because of either."



Why do you like what you do?

"As a creative myself, I love being immersed in all things art - visual, musical, and movement as well as working with extremely talented artists. I also love how supportive our students and community participants we serve are, showing how valuable the arts are for us all."

Marion Jacobson

Director of Folklife

Time at Perkins: Just under 2 years

Fun Fact: "I'm a professional folklorist. Folklorists study how we make meaning in life and how we connect to ourselves and others. And yes, that is a real job."



What would you like the Perkins Community to know about Perkins?

"Many people don't realize that Perkins is home to one of only five (5!) Statewide Regional Folklife Centers funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. It speaks volumes about Perkins that we were chosen to host a Center. Taxpayers have entrusted us with the task of documenting, presenting, and celebrating folklife. Folklife is interwoven into all the art forms and music we've been offering at Perkins for nearly 50 years. It's part of the social fabric we weave together every day, often without realizing it. Folklife is hardcore!"

Emma Villalon-Iglesias

Folklife Center Coordinator

Time at Perkins: Close to 2 Years.

Fun Fact: "I am a backpacker!"



What do you like about your job?

"I love my work because I understand its value. What I do results in hands-on folk art experiences for the diverse communities of South Jersey. I couldn't be happier to bring folk artists to the forefront of our work at Perkins."

Sharon Kiefer

Curator of Exhibitions

Time at Perkins: Just under 3 years

Fun Fact: "I live on a farm and raise sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats."



What is your favorite Perkins event or program?

"Being the curator, I love all of the artist exhibitions at Perkins. I also think we do a great job presenting an incredible variety of exhibitions, Folklife performances, musical performances, lessons, and classes. There is truly something for everyone."

Tina Schofield

Conservatory Manager

Time at Perkins: 1 Month

Fun Fact: "I love gardening. My kids and I are working on a Monarch waystation in our front yard."

Which upcoming program are you most excited about?

"I'm super excited to be piloting Perkin's first Mini Musicians class this October for children (ages 0-4) and their caregivers in both our Moorestown and Collingswood centers. Stay tuned for more information!"

Marcos Fernandez Montana

Grants Manager

Time at Perkins: 4 Months

Fun Fact: "I play the trumpet."



Which upcoming event are you most excited about?

"The new Perkins House Concert Series!"

Julia Slater

Office Manager

Time at Perkins: 7 months

Fun Fact: "I took classes at Perkins as a teen, my kids took classes and attended camp throughout their childhood and now I work here!"



What do you like about working at Perkins?

"Working with so many creative minds who truly care about the community and one another."

Katie Miller

Registrar

Time at Perkins: 8 months



What's your favorite Perkins program?

"Our Art for Veterans classes and our Folk & Traditional Arts at Home."

Maia Fernandez Montana

Digital Marketing Strategist

Time at Perkins: 6+ months

Fun Fact: "My favorite artistic medium is print-making!"



What upcoming Perkins event are you most excited about?

"I'm thrilled about the upcoming fall/winter events! This season is packed with exciting happenings such as our new House Concert Series, workshops, Collingswood Porchfest, captivating artists' receptions, and a plethora of other amazing experiences. I can't wait to share these moments with our community!"

Kathy Casper

Pottery Technician Collingswood

Time at Perkins: 2 years

Fun Fact: "I love to read SciFi comic books."

Why do you love what you do?

"I love clay, I love people and serving and growing the community involvement through art."

David Gamber

Pottery Technician Moorestown

Time at Perkins: 25+ years total

2 years as Pottery Studio Technician

Mandee Hamill

Receptionist

Time at Perkins:

Just shy of 2 years

Fun Fact: "I love interior design and architecture."

What upcoming Perkins event are you most excited about?

"I'm very excited for our upcoming November/December exhibiting artists. I am particularly drawn to the architectural elements and three-dimensional construction present in Phil Rychert and David Gootnick's work."

Sara Renner

Receptionist

Time at Perkins: Almost 6 months

Fun Fact: "I have been playing the piano since I was 9."



What is your favorite Perkins event?

"My favorite event is the artist reception because it enables artists to converse with those who wanted to come into the gallery to see and appreciate what they've created, as well as to meet other artists and discuss their work and experiences together."

Lilly DeFrank

Receptionist

Time at Perkins:

1+ year

Fun Fact: "I am a musician, henna artist, and fiber artist."



What is your favorite Perkins event?

"The world stage series because I love learning about other cultures, especially their music".

Greer Sampson

Receptionist

Time at Perkins:

10+ years

Lexia McNeill

Receptionist

Time at Perkins:

5 months

Allison Seibel

Receptionist

Time at Perkins:

Brand New

Kahra Buss

Executive Director

Time at Perkins: 5+ Years

Fun Fact: "I'm an avid outdoorswoman and have been known to water ski and "Aussie rappel" when rock climbing..."



What is your favorite Perkins program?

"I'm not sure I can pick just one. The beauty of Perkins lies in the diversity of its programming. The breadth and depth of the programming here mean there is something for every member of our communities. Any individual can choose to engage with the arts as actively or passively as they would like. Perkins is a very special and welcoming community that supports lifelong learning and creativity. By providing a forum for creative engagement, we nurture our community."

What do you want people to know about the Perkins community?

"The Perkins Board, Staff, and Faculty give 1000% effort every day and rely on the engagement of our community. Serving the public is a great honor and reward, and we appreciate the ongoing support of the individuals and organizations that make our work possible."

Perkins Center for the Arts Board of Trustees serves as the governing body and arts advocacy arm of the organization. The Board of Trustees represents the Burlington, Camden, & and Gloucester County service area and is comprised of business and civic leaders from the region. Perkins Center for the Arts consistently strives to reflect and improve the diversity of its board, staff, contracted faculty, and student body. Perkins' Trustees support a community-responsive organization that serves South Jersey through impactful arts experiences, and who support resource development to further this work.