Art Uplifts Humanity
We Uplift Art and Artists All Across Pinellas County
As Pinellas County’s non-profit local arts agency, we provide funding and support to artists of all kinds throughout the county, and we connect businesses, tourism and the public with the arts community.
Our mission is to foster and sustain a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative arts community across Pinellas County. We provide support, connection, and opportunities to artists, organizations, and the public in order to grow and sustain the area as an internationally recognized arts and cultural destination.
Our Values
Inclusive
Our work includes all mediums of art from all over the county and we prioritize equitable representation across identities.
Collaborative
We are better together and we strive to make connections that will drive our mission and expand our impact.
Accessible
Art should be accessible to all and we endeavor to increase availability of and access to art experiences in everything we do.
Involved
We are enthusiastic participants in the arts, always searching for ways to support our community and co-create the arts and culture scene.
Contemporary
We are creative in our approach and flexible in our thinking, allowing space for divergent ideas and unconventional actions.
Meet the Board of Directors
Jason Hackenwerth, Board President & Artist
By JasonHackenwerth
Jason Hackenwerth is a professional artist with an extensive exhibition history spanning more than two decades. He was named a prestigious alum from his undergraduate, as well as graduate, universities of Webster University and Savannah College Of Art And Design…. Read More
London L. Bates, Board Vice President
By Creative Pinellas
I am a fifth generation native of Florida. I live in delightful Dunedin, which is also the town that I was raised by my parents, Bill and Barbara Bates. By… Read More
Pantelis Klonaris, Board Second Vice President
By Creative Pinellas
As a fourth-generation Floridian, Pantelis Klonaris is deeply invested in the stewardship of our local resources. He employs a unique perspective to refining systems honed both in his profession as… Read More
Learn More About the Creative Pinellas Board of Directors
Meet Creative Pinellas
Margaret Murray, CEO
By Creative Pinellas
Margaret Murray, a native Floridian, has worked in the cultural sector not only in Florida, but in New York City, Amsterdam, and Washington, DC. Murray’s career in the arts began… Read More
Todd Wellman, Director of Grants
By Creative Pinellas
Todd Wellman, Director of Grants, loves working with the creative communities of Pinellas County. Inspired by his studies in and experiences with music, liberal studies, writing, community service, human resources,… Read More
Beth Gelman, Senior Director of Arts and Cultural Programming
By Creative Pinellas
Elizabeth Gelman spent decades as an artist and arts educator before transitioning into the museum world. Moving from work in the classroom to museum education, she has held leadership positions at… Read More
Roman Black, Director of Marketing and Communications
By Creative Pinellas
roman.black@creativepinellas.org | (727) 582-2811 | “I am thrilled to join the team at Creative Pinellas and expand my love of the arts throughout the region.” … Read More
Freddie Hughes, Gallery and Facilities Engagement Manager
By Creative Pinellas
With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles within hospitality, tech, and creative workspaces, I have come to understand the value of human connection and empathy. As a leader,… Read More
Ketsy Ruiz (Sketzii), Marketing Associate
By Sketzii
Ketsy ‘Sketzii’ Ruiz, a painter, digital illustrator, & muralist, conveys her ethnic identity and culture in her art. Growing up in the Puerto Rican diaspora of the United States greatly… Read More
Kimberly DiVito, Director of Tourism Product Development and Strategy
By Creative Pinellas
I’m an empathetic futurist who truly believes in the potential of humanity. As the Director of Tourism Product Development and Strategy at Creative Pinellas, I get to apply this mindset… Read More
Sheila Cowley
By Sheila Cowley
Sheila Cowley is a playwright and audio producer based in St. Pete. She leads the Sparks Collaborative Ensemble, a working group of artists diverse in age, gender identity, ethnicity, ability… Read More
Cindy Stovall, Arts Ambassador
By Cindy Stovall
I am a career nurse, manager and corporate educator turned journalist. In nursing, my particular expertise was in the areas of critical care, pediatrics and post anesthesia care. I have… Read More
Shanna DiNobile, Martech
By Shanna DiNobile
Shanna DiNobile is the martech associate for Creative Pinellas. Whether it is reading the Arts Coast Magazine, applying for a grant, learning about local artists, or shopping for a unique… Read More