staff
361.884.6406
DIANNA BLUNTZER SHERMAN
Executive Director
Dianna began volunteering at the Art Center in 2009, shortly after she moved back to Corpus Christi. In the 30 years prior, she had opportunities to work in revered art institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art, Gloria Luria Gallery (Miami), Sotheby’s (New York and London), and Sotheby’s affiliate Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate (Bedford Village, NY). Dianna was selected as Executive Director for the Art Center in 2011. She immediately focused on invigorating programs and building a team of professionals who are equally devoted to the creative community.
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SHEILA GRITTE
Administrative Manager
Sheila Froelich Gritte was born and raised primarily in West Texas, relocating to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1990. The first indication that she would one day become an artist was at the age of five, when she dropped out of kindergarten over artistic differences with the teacher regarding the proper color to use for grapes. She would later continue her arts education by completing an Associates degree in Art Education from Del Mar College in 2005, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi in 2007, and a Master of Arts, with a focus in printmaking, from Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi in 2010. She was an active volunteer of the Art Center of Corpus Christi for many years prior to becoming the Administrative Manager in 2019.
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JOANNA PITMAN
Community Relations
Joanna was born in Germany and grew up in different areas of Texas and Oklahoma before moving to Corpus Christi in 2005. She completed her high school education at Moody High School and stayed in CC to attend university. She has degrees in Biomedical Science, BS, and Secondary Education, MS, from TAMU-CC. Out of college, Joanna worked in medical aesthetics for nearly 8 years. From there, she pivoted to non-profit work in 2020 and during the pandemic she started a small business, Pickled by Pitman. Joanna has 2 fur babies: Molly (dog) and Gus Gus (cat) and many fin babies at home. As hobbies she enjoys cooking, creating & photography. She loves exploring, discovering, learning, science, and watching the Harry Potter films on repeat.
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SOLEIL DAY
Exhibits Coordinator
Soleil Day is a native of Corpus Christi, where she completed a degree in graphic design with a minor in art history. With a passion for authenticity and integrity, Soleil is dedicated to delivering work that upholds the highest standards of excellence. She is very excited to collaborate with the many talented artists of Corpus Christi, contributing to the vibrant local arts community.
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BRIANA SANDOVAL
Donor Relations
Briana Sandoval, a Corpus Christi native, completed her undergraduate studies at Baylor University, where she majored in Philosophy. She loves spending time with her son, exploring the city's attractions, from local parks to hidden gems. When she's not out and about, you can find Briana tending to her house plants and creating a lush indoor jungle. Her curiosity and love for discovery inspire her approach to life and creativity.
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ERIN L I C H T E R
Bookkeeper
Born and raised in Kansas, Erin moved to Corpus Christi in 2014 with her now husband after graduating with a Business Finance & Marketing degree from Washburn University. To help a friend, she worked as an art camp assistant at the Art Center in the summer of 2015. By the end of it, Dianna asked her to stay on as an employee and 8 years later the rest is history! She has gone from exhibits manager, to office manager, to bookkeeper and does a little bit of everything. Unfortunately, she clicked her heels and went back to Kansas in July of 2021 to raise her growing family where she continues to work for the Art Center remotely.
BRIAN ANDERSON
Facility Manager
Brian was born in Frankfurt, Germany but raised in Refugio, TX. This now Corpus Christian started working at the Art Center in 2015 helping with special events. In December of 2021 he became our Facility Manager. When Brian isn't keeping the Art Center looking beautiful or hanging artwork, he loves fishing, gardening and taking care of his cats.
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ADAM HANEY
Clay Studio Tech
Adam is an explorer of the human condition, using the arts to delve into what defines us and how we can evolve collectively. He reignited his passion for ceramics in 2016 at The Art Center of Corpus Christi, following an elective course at Del Mar College in 2012. Adam gained valuable experience and knowledge working with local artist William Wilhelmi, which led to opportunities at The Art Museum of South Texas. Graduating with a BFA in 2023 after returning to TAMUCC in 2020, Adam now co-manages a ceramics business with his partner, specializing in utilitarian wares sold at art fairs and local markets. As a wheel throwing instructor at The Art Center of Corpus Christi, Adam has found his niche, sharing his passion for ceramics and finding fulfillment in teaching others.
2024 board of governors
Dr. Anne Matula, Chair
Helen Vela, Treasurer
Liz Dumas-McMullan, Secretary
Dr. Larry Lee, Parliamentarian
Sierra Bonilla (Member Elected)
Phil Stapleton (Member Elected)
Laura Orchard (Member Elected)
Mark Brodeur
Ramon Ramos III
Pat Eldridge
Dr. Jose M. Gomez
Connie Burns
Charles A. Durham
Elana Rodriguez
Thank you to all Board members, both past and present!