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
Wellman loves funding and connecting the creative communities of Pinellas County. He holds degrees, certificates, or certifications from St. Norbert College, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Society for Human Resource Management,… Read More
Justine Zitman, Office Assistant
By Creative Pinellas
Justine Zitman brings a burst of creativity and energy to Creative Pinellas in her role as Office Assistant. She began working with the organization as a gallery host in 2022… Read More
Beth Gelman, Senior Director of Arts and Cultural Programming
By Creative Pinellas
Gelman has spent more than 20 years creating and implementing museum-based learning that aligns with and uplifts traditional curriculum in classrooms, online, and in the museum itself. She has held… Read More
Roman Black, Director of Marketing and Communications
By Creative Pinellas
For decades, Roman has been a marketing professional, proudly living in Pinellas County—a place where the arts elevate the human experience and strengthen the community. The combination of the vibrant… Read More
Freddie Hughes, Gallery and Facilities Engagement Manager
By Creative Pinellas
With over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, technology, and creative industries, Hughes brings a heartfelt passion for connecting people and nurturing artistic expression. As the Gallery and Facilities… Read More
Ketsy Ruiz (Sketzii), Marketing Associate
By Sketzii
Ketsy Ruiz’s experience in the nonprofit field is extensive. As a Marketing Associate at Creative Pinellas, she utilizes her marketing expertise to support the organization’s initiatives. She is a multifaceted… Read More
Kimberly DiVito, Director of Tourism Product Development and Strategy
By Creative Pinellas
Kim’s expertise in digital marketing, website content strategy, and creative operations is key to developing tourism products that highlight the rich arts and culture of the region, fostering a deeper… 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
