Amanda Maishman is an artist and community builder inspired by creativity, nature, and a sense of everyday magic.

As Board President, she is devoted to nurturing an inclusive, supportive guild that connects artists and art lovers while strengthening creative opportunities through shared space, collaboration, and hands-on art experiences.

Living, working, and playing in Rutherfordton, Shannon Bird is committed to fostering a vibrant, connected community. With a background in public service, she champions programs that bring people together. She values family time, enjoys mountain adventures, and delights in exploring historic towns—always seeking ways to support and celebrate the people and culture around her.

Russell Knight considers himself an avid consumer of the arts, but not an artist per se. Russell’s experience in grants, education and nonprofits fuels his passion for giving back to the community.

He and his partner Jim are the owners/innkeepers of the Carrier Houses Bed & Breakfast and are invested in helping Rutherford County thrive.

Pam McLeod enjoys helping others achieve their potential, whether it be running a business or creating the perfect sour dough loaf. A lifelong learner, she spent most of her career developing training systems for organizations with 3 letter names. Retirement has given her the freedom to indulge her love of reading, pottery, hiking, and camping, all from a round house on a mountain she shares with her handyman husband and their three Siamese cats.

Kris Willing is deeply committed to community, creativity, and meaningful connection. With a background in education and partnership-building, she enjoys supporting initiatives that help people learn, grow, and feel seen.

Kris finds joy in creative writing, watercolor painting, gardening, and engaging with local arts and culture.

Carol Jacunski is dedicated to celebrating creativity in all of its forms by supporting contributing artists in the community. Her career in education helps her value and promote art education.

She resides in Rutherfordton and enjoys gardening, reading and attending local performances.

Willard Whitson is Executive Director of KidSenses Children’s Museum. He is dedicated to community service and is a member of multiple local and county nonprofit boards and agencies. An exhibiting artist and former arts educator, Whitson has been creating educational environments and programs in museums and children’s museums for over forty years. He believes that people are naturally inquisitive; he tries to see the world through their eyes and create learning environments that foster exploration.