Missi Smith, President
Missi Smith has lived in the Methow Valley for 20 years. She comes to the Methow Arts Board after working as the Executive Director at The Merc Playhouse for eight years. With a strong passion for the arts in general, her primary focus through the years has been performing arts. She has been dancing since early childhood, choreographing for three decades, and acting onstage since moving to the Methow. Missi has directed theater productions at The Merc and the Methow Valley Theater and she has taught dance classes in the after school programming at Methow Valley Elementary. She has done artist in residency work with Methow Arts in the classroom, as well as virtually during the pandemic. Check out her instructional videos here.
Ryan Bell, Vice President
Ryan is an award-winning journalist living in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington State. A former cowboy, Ryan specializes in examining how agriculture impacts the natural world. He is a two-time National Geographic Explorer for documentary projects in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. His work on roadkill food harvesting was made possible, in part, with a Passion Project Grant from the Society of Professional Journalists, Washington Chapter. His work has appeared in National Geographic, NPR, Bloomberg, VICE, and many other publications. Follow him on Instagram @ryantbell.
Jonathan Baker, Secretary
Owner/Operator/Designer of eqpd in Twisp, WA, a company that uses the principles of industrial design to create everyday products that respect all people and the environment. As a lifelong artist he feels strongly about supporting art education for all students and helping the art community thrive.
Dorothy Mitchel, Treasurer
Dorothy is originally from the west side spending most of her time in North Seattle. After spending time out of college in Mazama, WA working for Liberty Bell Alpine Tours, Sun Mountain, Duck Brand and the Virginian, she moved back to the west side and pursued a career in the financial services industry retiring after 35 years, mostly serving the West coast. Dorothy earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University while playing soccer and skiing on the Nordic ski team.
You may see Dorothy volunteering at the Recycle Center, biking, hiking, skiing the trails and playing golf. In addition, you can find her leading tours for Discovery Bicycle Tours, working at the Mazama Public House and occasionally at the golf course.
She looks forward to being a part of the vibrant arts community in the Methow Valley.
Livia Millard
Born and raised in the Omak area and on the Colville Indian Reservation, Livia descends from the Umatilla and Colville tribes (Wenatchi and Entiat tribes). As a first general college student, Livia understands educational, and equity needs. Livia is an advocate towards a better world in climate change, sustainable living, eliminating human trafficking, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently employed at Paschal Sherman Indian School.
Betania Ridenour
Craftsperson, Teacher and Student of Ancestral Skills, and Owner of Bristle & Stick Handcrafted Brooms.
Salyna Gracie
Salyna is an independent visual artist with a 30-year background in the performing and visual arts and leadership experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
As the former Executive Director at The Confluence: Art in Twisp, along with art centers in Western Washington, Salyna brings a diversity of experience in arts administration to her board service at Methow Arts.
In her current role of Executive Director at Methow At Home, Salyna integrates creative expression and the arts for seniors in the Methow Valley community. Creative practice can profoundly and positively impact people of every age and background and opening access to meaningful art experiences is at the heart of her passion for the arts.
Salyna is honored to work with the team at Methow Arts growing and sustaining an organization that champions the practice of art, supports a creative economy, and promotes inter-generational arts and cultural opportunities that bring a shared sense of community and connection in Okanogan County.
Ray Johnston
Ray Johnston, FAIA co-founded Johnston Architects with his wife Mary on the belief that the most successful built spaces result from collaboration, effective communication, technical expertise and attention to detail. As founding board chair of TwispWorks, holding that position for 12 years and as an active member of the Methow Community, Ray continues to apply these principals to a wide range of pursuits.
Over his 40+ year career, Rays work highlights the importance of creating and designing highly functional spaces that reflect the character and interests of their users. As a board member of Methow Arts Alliance, Ray is committed to the evolution of the Methow Valley as a vibrant community that supports and nurtures a robust arts scene.
Don Ashford, Board Emeritus
Artist and Owner/Operator of KTRT Methow Radio. Read Don’s artist feature HERE.