Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee (overseen by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts) is dedicated to enhancing community spaces through the promotion, creation, and preservation of public art in Newport
Purpose:
* Foster cultural enrichment and community pride by integrating art into public spaces.
* Support the creation of artworks that complement the natural beauty, diverse identities and history of the region.
* Serve as a resource for local artists, civic leaders, and community members seeking to develop public art projects.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and oversee public art projects, ensuring alignment with community and OCCA values.
* Manage the selection and commissioning process for new artworks.
* Advocate for public art funding and partnerships with local organizations and the City of Newport.
* Coordinate conservation and maintenance efforts for public art in Newport.
Membership:
* The committee consists of artists, community members, and representatives from Newport and surrounding communities.
* Members are selected for their expertise, dedication to the arts, and commitment to community development.
(Special thanks to Jeremy Burke for headshot photography)
Susan M.G. Tissot (Committee Chair)
Susan is a retired museum professional with 35 years of experience, including 22 years as an Executive Director at five different organizations in the western United States. She holds a master’s degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, and Forest Recreation Resources, and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Oregon State University. Susan has developed 60 museum exhibits, raised over $5 million, and won six state-wide awards for her programs. She taught Public History at Washington State University Vancouver, held numerous board positions at national, state, and local levels. Susan is married to Dr. Brian Tissot and has two grown children, Alexandra and Kalani.
Sachiko Otsuki
Sachiko is a curator at the Lincoln County Historical Society, an instructor of Visual Arts at the Oregon Coast Community College. She studied art history, art education, and museum studies at Kanazawa College of Art. After her Ph.D. program, Sachiko has worked at educational institutions like schools and museums in Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Rebecca Hooper
Rebecca is a full-time artist and founder of Gypsea Weaver Studio, where she creates woven art from reclaimed commercial fishing gear to honor Newport’s maritime heritage. She holds a master’s degree and brings over 20 years of experience in tribal and city government, including grant management and service on regulatory committees. Rebecca is passionate about connecting art, environment, and community through meaningful public art.
Bill Posner
Bill is an Oregon-based photographer, image creator, and storyteller whose work is rooted in the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. His children’s mystery adventure books invite young readers to unplug, explore their imaginations, and rediscover the joy of storytelling. Now expanding into short fiction for adults, Bill continues to pair his love of nature and keen eye for detail to craft visual and written narratives that inspire curiosity and connection.
Robert Emond
Robert has been an artist all his life, from stage and screen to visual arts to writing. As a member of the Newport City Council, he hopes to continue supporting the arts.
Khara Ledonne
Khara is a professional artist with a background in murals and signage. Her current work interprets the coastal bioregion. She is part of For Artsake Gallery, teaches at the Newport Visual Arts Center, and is a board member of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts.
Chasse Davidson
Chasse serves as director of the Newport Visual Arts Center where she curates an average of 22 exhibits a year. Davidson is a multi-disciplinary artist with an emphasis in ceramics and has been contributing to the Public Arts Advisory Committee for the past 2 ½ years.
Carol Shenk
Carol is an artist living in Newport. In addition to creating mixed media art and textile assemblages, she works as an illustrator and has led multiple workshops and taught courses in drawing and other media with both children and adults. Carol currently serves as president of the Coastal Arts Guild, and she is a member of the Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee, and regularly volunteers with the Newport Visual Arts Center. Carol earned her BA in Fine Arts from the University of Oregon and her Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Washington.
Anne Armstrong
OMSI Camp Gray Coastal Discovery Center Manager
Jason Holland
Executive Director, Oregon Coast County for the Arts
Willow Ryan
Willow is the Beautification and Tourism Program Coordinator for the City of Newport. In this role, she supports tourism planning, stakeholder engagement, beautification initiatives, and the development of long-term strategies that strengthen Newport’s as both a visitor destination and a sustainable local economy. She is excited to work with the Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee to support local artists and public art initiatives.
Taunette Dixon
President, Newport Fishermen’s Wives