Lin Inlow, president, begins her second term at the head of Avondale Arts Alliance, where she has served as a member of the board for five years. In addition to her leadership role, Lin has coordinated Avondale in Bloom and contributes to each of AAA’s sponsored events. She and her husband, George, collect indigenous art from their travels. They enjoy “digging in the dirt,” and they often entertain in their spacious and beautiful garden. Lin works with the Consortium on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at Georgia State University’s College of Law.
Anne Moran, treasurer, is a native Atlantan. She and her husband Kevin have lived in Avondale for seven years, and Anne has been involved in the community either volunteering or hosting events since her arrival in Avondale. She says getting involved is a great way to get to know your neighborsall while having fun and bringing the community together. Anne and Kevin’s personal art collection includes work by local artists Robert Griffis, Kathy Woolf and Greta Mattingly. The Morans are big dog lovers and usually look for a dog depicted in the art. Anne’s favorite picture in her home is called Moon Doggie by local artist Robert Griffis.
Jane McMullan Howe, secretary, a native of Avondale Estates, purchased her childhood home 10 years ago and became a “recycled resident.” Jane enjoys decorative arts, is a lover of the visual and performing arts, but her passion is writing. She has been involved with words and communication throughout her life. She is the founder of CoachAtlanta, and is an executive and personal coach working with professionals, leaders and teams to achieve their goals.
Don Connelly received a fine arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1969 with emphasis in graphic design. He began his art career in the newspaper industry, working with the Athens Banner Herald and Daily News, The Marietta Daily Journal and the New Era Publishing Company. He began his own design firm in 1975 and is still active in that venture. Don has lived in Avondale Estates since 1973 and has been an active volunteer since. While design is his profession, he enjoys calligraphy and painting.
Christina Steiner, marketing chair, brings her talents in marketing and communication to the AAA Board, where she is responsible for promoting all AAA events and accomplishments, as well as ensuring consistency in AAA branding. Christina and her family have lived in Avondale Estates for over 7 years, and she has been involved in various community organizations, events and committees including the Christmas Tour of Homes, the marketing committee for the DDA, Avondale AutumnFest and the Museum School. Christina has a 18+ year career in marketing and is currently an independent marketing consultant..
Marghe Means attended The Atlanta College of Art and has been an active member of the Atlanta art and design community for 20+ years. An art consultant with some of Atlanta’s most notable companies and organizations, her clients have consistently benefited her artistic sensibilities and a sincere gratification in seeing art become a part of people’s everyday lives. Marghe has been involved with Habitat for Humanity Birdhouse Auctions and Art Care and served as the cultural arts chair at Westchester Elementary in Decatur. Recently, she was invited to be a juror for both the Decatur Arts Festival and The Brookhaven Arts Festival. Marghe and her husband Bob own the art complex, Little Tree Studios, on Franklin Street.
Susan Merritt is an arts educator who believes that the arts help build healthy, happy communities and schools and are essential to a complete education. She is founding president of the Georgia Coalition for Arts Education which advocates for increased access, equity and quality in arts education for all Georgia students. She became fine arts coordinator for Gwinnett County Public Schools after teaching choral music in Kentucky, New Jersey and Georgia. She was most recently vice president for education for the Atlanta Symphony. In her spare time, she is passionate about gardening—which in her mind is another art form.
Jody McFerren grew up in the small farm town of Waynesboro, Pa., and knew he was an artistic individual and took many classes that provided him with the skills to further his creative endeavors. After moving to Atlanta in 1996, McFerren became involved in the Decatur community serving on many festival committees. He provided the logo and promotional designs during those years and created the sign and logo for the Brick Store Pub located in Decatur, as well as the logos for Thinking Man Tavern. HeI created designs for PEZ Candy, which hang on the walls in the PEZ museum in California. In 2005, he became co-owner of Our Way Cafe located in Avondale with partner Eva Roswall. The theme for his new exhibition focuses on emotions from color and texture from the eyes of a gay man titled "Evolution of a Gay Man."
Scarlett Sears’ passion for gardening led her to her role on the Arts Alliance Board, where she served as co-chair of the 2009 Avondale in Bloom. Scarlett has enjoyed serving on the board because it has enabled her to make friends, and participate in creative artistic experiences in our community. She ushers at the Fox Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as avenues to get a heavy dose of theater, dance and music. Scarlett has lived in Avondale Estates just over two years. When not pursuing her artistic endeavors, she sells Global Services for IBM, where she has worked for 27 years.
Jen Singh brings her artistic talent to the AAA Board this year. She has been a freelance illustrator and graphic designer for more than 15 years. Jen’s business, Jen Singh Creatively, specializes inprint work for nonprofit organizations. Her mixed media work is full of rich layers of color and texture where subjects are drawn from feminine themes and whimsical characters set against ethereal backgrounds. She is inspired from origami, Japanese paper and her travels to Greece, Spain, India and Ecuador. Original work is being shown at Decatur Market & Gallery. To learn more visit www.jensingh.com.
