Board of Directors
Ira Katzenstein, President
Head Start Director Ira Katzenstein joined the Board of Directors because, as a musician for over 50 years, he is a supporter of the arts in all its forms, and felt the Arts Council was a worthwhile organization that could benefit from his skill set.
Born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Ira received both his BA and MPA from Rutgers. He and his wife moved to Olean in 1985 to be near her family in western New York. Aside from serving on the CCAC Board, Ira has also served the community as a member of the Olean Board of Education for fifteen years. On his own time, Ira enjoys being with his family, dogs, playing music, jogging, and working in his yard.
Ira explains his motivation for supporting the arts in Cattaraugus County this way: “Hope and people. Hope that the Arts Council helps artists develop their talents, markets their skills, and promotes the arts in the area as a means to enhance the quality of life. People – the artists – are wonderful people.”
Head Start Director Ira Katzenstein joined the Board of Directors because, as a musician for over 50 years, he is a supporter of the arts in all its forms, and felt the Arts Council was a worthwhile organization that could benefit from his skill set.
Born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Ira received both his BA and MPA from Rutgers. He and his wife moved to Olean in 1985 to be near her family in western New York. Aside from serving on the CCAC Board, Ira has also served the community as a member of the Olean Board of Education for fifteen years. On his own time, Ira enjoys being with his family, dogs, playing music, jogging, and working in his yard.
Ira explains his motivation for supporting the arts in Cattaraugus County this way: “Hope and people. Hope that the Arts Council helps artists develop their talents, markets their skills, and promotes the arts in the area as a means to enhance the quality of life. People – the artists – are wonderful people.”
Betsy Matz, Vice President
An Olean resident, Betsy Matz recently retired from her position as an Associate Professor of Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, where she taught accounting for 26 years. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, and lived in Minneapolis nine years before coming to Allegany in 1981. Now that she is retired, Betsy has more time to enjoy her pastimes of basketry and needlework. She started knitting and embroidering as a little girl. In college she expanded to weaving and wove her first basket in 1983. Betsy does all types of needlework: canvas, hardanger embroidery, cutwork, and pulled thread. Betsy has always supported the arts where she lived and worked. She was one of the founding members of Bradford Little Theatre in Bradford, and for over 30 years has served with other organizations that have brought or supported art of one genre or another in the region. At the Arts Council Betsy says, “I wanted to do what I can to support the arts community in the region. When I was asked to join, I thought it was a great opportunity to give some of my time - which I have a lot more of since my retirement - to do that.”
An Olean resident, Betsy Matz recently retired from her position as an Associate Professor of Business Management at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, where she taught accounting for 26 years. She grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, graduated from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, and lived in Minneapolis nine years before coming to Allegany in 1981. Now that she is retired, Betsy has more time to enjoy her pastimes of basketry and needlework. She started knitting and embroidering as a little girl. In college she expanded to weaving and wove her first basket in 1983. Betsy does all types of needlework: canvas, hardanger embroidery, cutwork, and pulled thread. Betsy has always supported the arts where she lived and worked. She was one of the founding members of Bradford Little Theatre in Bradford, and for over 30 years has served with other organizations that have brought or supported art of one genre or another in the region. At the Arts Council Betsy says, “I wanted to do what I can to support the arts community in the region. When I was asked to join, I thought it was a great opportunity to give some of my time - which I have a lot more of since my retirement - to do that.”
John Stevens, Treasurer
Joining the board in early 2015 is John Stevens, Instructor in the Management Department School of Business at St. Bonaventure University and President of JB Stevens Organizational Solutions which provides a variety of training and consulting services to business, industry, non-profit and governmental agencies. He received his Bachelor of Arts.A. in Journalism from St. Bonaventure and a Masters of Arts degree in Business and Policy Studies from the Empire State College division of the State University of New York. He is a past president of the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce, participated in the Western New York Employee Involvement Council, and served for 35 years on the local Workforce Investment Board.
Born, raised and residing in Olean, John hopes “to learn more about the wonderful arts experiences available in this area and do what I can to promote the arts primarily in Cattaraugus County.” He goes on to say, “I believe Art is an important part of the human experience. I enjoy attending arts related events at the Quick Center at St. Bonaventure and the annual Art in the Park in Olean and I would like to see opportunities to enjoy the arts grow.”
Joining the board in early 2015 is John Stevens, Instructor in the Management Department School of Business at St. Bonaventure University and President of JB Stevens Organizational Solutions which provides a variety of training and consulting services to business, industry, non-profit and governmental agencies. He received his Bachelor of Arts.A. in Journalism from St. Bonaventure and a Masters of Arts degree in Business and Policy Studies from the Empire State College division of the State University of New York. He is a past president of the Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce, participated in the Western New York Employee Involvement Council, and served for 35 years on the local Workforce Investment Board.
Born, raised and residing in Olean, John hopes “to learn more about the wonderful arts experiences available in this area and do what I can to promote the arts primarily in Cattaraugus County.” He goes on to say, “I believe Art is an important part of the human experience. I enjoy attending arts related events at the Quick Center at St. Bonaventure and the annual Art in the Park in Olean and I would like to see opportunities to enjoy the arts grow.”
Eileen Weishan, Secretary
Eileen is the Board Secretary and a member artist, participating in events like Art in the Park with her handmade beaded accessories, an enterprise she began in 2014 as Eileen Weishan Designs. Eileen also brings to the board experience from her previous work as Town of Albion and Village of Cattaraugus Clerk and the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board.
Originally from Summit, New Jersey, Eileen graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York where she met her husband, Michael Weishan. Moving to the Cattaraugus County area in 1974, they now live in Cattaraugus, the village where Michael grew up.
Eileen’s enjoyment of needlework, sewing, and beading led her to start Eileen Weishan Designs after her retirement in 2013. She creates handmade beaded accessories – scarves, shawls, bags – and custom design work. Gardening and travel also keeps her busy.
Many forms of art have been important to Eileen all of her life. As a result, she explains, “Being involved with the Arts Council Board gives me a chance to use that interest and expand it to so many people! I want to help increase their capabilities, open doors for current and new artists and open up a door or two to other people who may not know the joys various forms of art can bring to your life.”
Eileen is the Board Secretary and a member artist, participating in events like Art in the Park with her handmade beaded accessories, an enterprise she began in 2014 as Eileen Weishan Designs. Eileen also brings to the board experience from her previous work as Town of Albion and Village of Cattaraugus Clerk and the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board.
Originally from Summit, New Jersey, Eileen graduated from Russell Sage College in Troy, New York where she met her husband, Michael Weishan. Moving to the Cattaraugus County area in 1974, they now live in Cattaraugus, the village where Michael grew up.
Eileen’s enjoyment of needlework, sewing, and beading led her to start Eileen Weishan Designs after her retirement in 2013. She creates handmade beaded accessories – scarves, shawls, bags – and custom design work. Gardening and travel also keeps her busy.
Many forms of art have been important to Eileen all of her life. As a result, she explains, “Being involved with the Arts Council Board gives me a chance to use that interest and expand it to so many people! I want to help increase their capabilities, open doors for current and new artists and open up a door or two to other people who may not know the joys various forms of art can bring to your life.”
Crystal Abers, Director
Crystal Abers is proud to be a member of the Tri-County Arts Council Board, believing as she does that “Arts - any and all - are important in everyday life.” Crystal is interested in many art forms - painting, woodworking, knitting, crochet - as well as being a Master Gardener and creating Garden Art. A lifelong resident of Olean, New York, and a graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, she is the Director of the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism. Crystal explains her interest in supporting the arts in our region as a way to “give the opportunity of art availability to people young and old, and bring out the art in everyone.”
Crystal Abers is proud to be a member of the Tri-County Arts Council Board, believing as she does that “Arts - any and all - are important in everyday life.” Crystal is interested in many art forms - painting, woodworking, knitting, crochet - as well as being a Master Gardener and creating Garden Art. A lifelong resident of Olean, New York, and a graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia, she is the Director of the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism. Crystal explains her interest in supporting the arts in our region as a way to “give the opportunity of art availability to people young and old, and bring out the art in everyone.”
Melissa Curran, Director
Former Manager of Donor Services for the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, Melissa joined the Tri-County Arts Council Board of Directors in the summer of 2016. Originally from Boston, MA, Melissa re-located to the Olean area when her husband became an Assistant Coach at St. Bonaventure University. Melissa graduated summa cum laude in 2015 from St. Bonaventure and is working toward her Masters in English at SBU. Melissa has attended and supported the Arts Council's events since moving here in 2010 explaining, “Art brings me joy and I see it as a critical component to a happy, well-rounded life. I want to be involved in making sure that the arts aren’t neglected just because we live in a smaller, more rural community.”
Former Manager of Donor Services for the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, Melissa joined the Tri-County Arts Council Board of Directors in the summer of 2016. Originally from Boston, MA, Melissa re-located to the Olean area when her husband became an Assistant Coach at St. Bonaventure University. Melissa graduated summa cum laude in 2015 from St. Bonaventure and is working toward her Masters in English at SBU. Melissa has attended and supported the Arts Council's events since moving here in 2010 explaining, “Art brings me joy and I see it as a critical component to a happy, well-rounded life. I want to be involved in making sure that the arts aren’t neglected just because we live in a smaller, more rural community.”
Jack Hart, Director
Jack’s parents were born and raised in Olean, but because his father was a career Army officer, the family lived in many states as well as Japan before returning to Olean when Jack was in high school. Since then, except for the years when Jack was away for school and in the military, Olean has been his home.
Jack has many interests which include enjoying many forms of fine art and participating in public affairs. This has led to what Jack calls “an easy decision,” when invited to join the Board. As he explains, “The work of the Tri-CountyArts Council is important. I think the arts add much to the quality of life in our region, and the Council makes a significant contribution to keeping the artist-community vibrant and growing. Whether by introducing art and artists to the public, offering classes, or by providing artists with quality business support and assistance, our area as a whole is benefited. I am looking forward to my tenure.”
Jack’s parents were born and raised in Olean, but because his father was a career Army officer, the family lived in many states as well as Japan before returning to Olean when Jack was in high school. Since then, except for the years when Jack was away for school and in the military, Olean has been his home.
Jack has many interests which include enjoying many forms of fine art and participating in public affairs. This has led to what Jack calls “an easy decision,” when invited to join the Board. As he explains, “The work of the Tri-CountyArts Council is important. I think the arts add much to the quality of life in our region, and the Council makes a significant contribution to keeping the artist-community vibrant and growing. Whether by introducing art and artists to the public, offering classes, or by providing artists with quality business support and assistance, our area as a whole is benefited. I am looking forward to my tenure.”
Penny Minner, Director
Penny Minner of Salamanca joined the Board in the fall of 2016. As a Board member Penny believes that “the arts are a necessary part of our lives every day and if I can help make a difference in our region - I'm willing do my part for the artists.” Born in Steamburg, NY into a large, talented family of traditional Native artists, she has lived in Chicago, Columbus, Seattle and Cleveland. Penny graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Communications Design, worked in the graphic design field for 25 years and is now a freelance artist. Happily married for 32 years to her high school sweetheart, they have one son and a granddaughter. Penny has many hobbies, largely influenced by her rich Seneca heritage – traditional basket making, beadwork and cornhusk doll making – as well as watercolor and graphic design. Describing the arts in our region Penny says, “There is a vibrant art community in our region, diversity and growth has brought more people together and it is a great feeling to know that in a small way, I'm helping to promote artists on their journey. Meeting some of our local and regional artists at various events is inspirational and motivates me to keep the arts community at the forefront.”
Penny Minner of Salamanca joined the Board in the fall of 2016. As a Board member Penny believes that “the arts are a necessary part of our lives every day and if I can help make a difference in our region - I'm willing do my part for the artists.” Born in Steamburg, NY into a large, talented family of traditional Native artists, she has lived in Chicago, Columbus, Seattle and Cleveland. Penny graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Communications Design, worked in the graphic design field for 25 years and is now a freelance artist. Happily married for 32 years to her high school sweetheart, they have one son and a granddaughter. Penny has many hobbies, largely influenced by her rich Seneca heritage – traditional basket making, beadwork and cornhusk doll making – as well as watercolor and graphic design. Describing the arts in our region Penny says, “There is a vibrant art community in our region, diversity and growth has brought more people together and it is a great feeling to know that in a small way, I'm helping to promote artists on their journey. Meeting some of our local and regional artists at various events is inspirational and motivates me to keep the arts community at the forefront.”
Denise Schneider, Director
Joining the board in the fall of 2016, an Allegany resident of 27 years, Denise Schneider was born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo. She has been married 31 years to her high school sweetheart, Bernard Schneider, DDS and is the CFO of their family-owned dental practice, Family Dental Wellness in Olean. Denise attended Niagara University as a Biology major, then studied Art and Art History at Case Western University and completed her studies at Houghton in Management and Business Administration.
Outside of her work, Denise enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as gardening, reading, doing yoga and creating. She has been an artist most of her life working in oils, collage and mixed media.
Her love of the arts made serving on the Board an easy choice for Denise, as she explains, “I feel the declining emphasis placed on the Arts in our public schools has left a gap in the awareness of and appreciation for the Arts. Tri-County Arts helps to close that gap. We all have an inner Artist hiding within and the Arts Council offers people of all ages the opportunity to explore that. Their support of the many facets of Art, including visual, performing and literary arts is demonstrated by the many programs they offer and support throughout our area. I look forward to more opportunities in the future to help support the awareness of the important work that the dedicated people at Tri-County Arts do.”
Joining the board in the fall of 2016, an Allegany resident of 27 years, Denise Schneider was born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo. She has been married 31 years to her high school sweetheart, Bernard Schneider, DDS and is the CFO of their family-owned dental practice, Family Dental Wellness in Olean. Denise attended Niagara University as a Biology major, then studied Art and Art History at Case Western University and completed her studies at Houghton in Management and Business Administration.
Outside of her work, Denise enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as gardening, reading, doing yoga and creating. She has been an artist most of her life working in oils, collage and mixed media.
Her love of the arts made serving on the Board an easy choice for Denise, as she explains, “I feel the declining emphasis placed on the Arts in our public schools has left a gap in the awareness of and appreciation for the Arts. Tri-County Arts helps to close that gap. We all have an inner Artist hiding within and the Arts Council offers people of all ages the opportunity to explore that. Their support of the many facets of Art, including visual, performing and literary arts is demonstrated by the many programs they offer and support throughout our area. I look forward to more opportunities in the future to help support the awareness of the important work that the dedicated people at Tri-County Arts do.”
Marji Smith, Director
Marji Smith is a Field Assessment Nurse working for Wellcare Health Plans Inc. Marji was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania and grew up in Florida, but spent her summers in the Olean area and completed her last two years of high school at Archbishop Walsh Academy. As a result, she considers Olean her hometown. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, she lived and worked in Boston, Massachusetts and Newport Beach, California as a publicist, before returning to Olean to raise her son and be closer to family.
Smith explains why she joined the board, “I joined the Tri-County Arts Council board because I believe in its mission to make our area a better place to live, work and raise families through exposure to art, arts education and the support of local artists.. I grew up loving the arts. It increased my awareness of the world around me and opened up a world of possibilities through art and creativity. My desire is that my son, family, friends and the community as a whole have the same opportunity to enrich their lives through art.”
Marji Smith is a Field Assessment Nurse working for Wellcare Health Plans Inc. Marji was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania and grew up in Florida, but spent her summers in the Olean area and completed her last two years of high school at Archbishop Walsh Academy. As a result, she considers Olean her hometown. After graduating from St. Bonaventure University, she lived and worked in Boston, Massachusetts and Newport Beach, California as a publicist, before returning to Olean to raise her son and be closer to family.
Smith explains why she joined the board, “I joined the Tri-County Arts Council board because I believe in its mission to make our area a better place to live, work and raise families through exposure to art, arts education and the support of local artists.. I grew up loving the arts. It increased my awareness of the world around me and opened up a world of possibilities through art and creativity. My desire is that my son, family, friends and the community as a whole have the same opportunity to enrich their lives through art.”