The Arts Council of Placer County is proud to celebrate 40 years of bringing more art to more people in Placer County! As a part of the celebration of this milestone, we are proud to share with you the fourth in our series of recognizing 40 icons of art who have had a significant and important impact on Placer County arts and culture.

Enjoy meeting these amazing honorees in our emails.

Give them a "like" on our social media as well, and congratulate them!

These marvelous people and places are shared with you in no particular order, and this list is only a small representation of all who create and make the arts thrive. Please join us in congratulating these icons and

all those who contribute to our community.

ANTHONY MAKI GILL is an artist, art advocate, education and community builder. His notable community collaborations include the renovation along with Larry Ortiz of the 10,000-square-foot building in downtown Auburn, which was the first home for ARTcetera (now General Gomez Event Center, as well as working the Auburn Art Walk, the Tule Lake Tea Project (part of the Standing Guard project at Sierra College) and the Art of Real Food cookbook. He provides technical and teaching support for the Art and Design Gallery Programs at Sierra College.

BARBARA BURGE - Current CEO of the Arts Council of Placer County, Barbara Burge is a certified interior designer, creative arts consultant, arts & culture social media influencer. Before joining the Arts Council board in 2015, she volunteered for nine years with the Arts League of Lincoln, including serving as vice chair for four years. During that time, she set up the gift shop and curated several exhibits, including the popular Pure Imagination show that attracted artists from throughout the U.S. An entrepreneur at heart, Barbara’s passions include art exhibit curating, serving as a juror for multi-media shows, sales management, public speaking, mentoring, leadership and relationship-building.



UNNI STEVENS - Co-founder of Persimmon Art Gallery in Auburn, Unni grew up in Norway and has traveled extensively, including a year in Japan where she studied art. Her art is inspired by the shape and color of her travels, including the Japanese sumi-e paintings, ceramics and wood block prints. While attending the Laguna Beach School of Art, she co-owned the Artist Alley Gallery. Since relocating to Placer County, she has been hosting painting workshops and classes. Her work has also been featured at numerous art shows and exhibits throughout Placer County. She painted the artwork for Placer Land Trust’s Bruin Ranch wine label as well as Ciotti and DiStefano wine labels.

GENERAL GOMEZ ARTS - General Gomez Arts, a 10,000-square-foot building in downtown Auburn, was the first home for ARTcetera (now Arts Council of Placer County). In 1996, then executive director Larry Ortiz and ceramic artist Anthony Maki Gill renovated the space. It served as headquarters for ARTcetera for four years. It continues to serve as a hub for creative arts in the region with its large art gallery and provides working space for seven resident artists.

Celebrating 40 years of bringing more art

to more people

Stay tuned for the announcements of more amazing icons of art this month!

Arts Council of Placer County is proud to be the state and local partner of California Arts Council and Placer County