Staff
Board
Kent spent his early childhood in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His family moved to California and he spent most of his school and college years in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning A.A, B.A. and M.A. degrees in art in college, Kent moved to San Benito County to teach studio art at Gavilan College. His 35 year career at Gavilan shifted from teaching to serving as a dean during the last 17 years, until his retirement in 2002. He is currently an elected member of Gavilan's Board of Trustees.
A former member of the San Benito County Art Commission in the 1980s, Kent joined the Board of the San Benito County Arts Council in early 2009.
Kent continues to produce artwork in a variety of media, but his primary focus is pottery, producing wheel-thrown and sculptural stoneware and porcelain ceramics. He also works with wood and metal sculpture and oil painting. He resides in Hollister, where he operates Sally Street Studios with his wife, oil painter Kathy Sheridan.
Cesar Flores, a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), has over 30 years experience with El Teatro Campesino.
His most recent theatrical endeavors include La Pastorella (El Teatro Campesino), Rain of Gold (Western Stage Company), and The Late Henry Moss (Magic Theater, SF). He has also been involved in numerous television and film projects.
Sylvia Sahagun Gonzalez an immigrant from Mexicali Baja California, Mexico. She first came to Hollister, California and graduated from San Benito Join Union High School. Sylvia started pursuing acting and singing in Mexico and continue with her craft after moving to California.
Sylvia has worked with El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista and the Latin American Theater Artists (L.A.T.A) and Rainbow Theater in San Francisco. She has also worked with the Mission Cultural Center, ACT, Latina Theater Lab and BRAVA, as well as in independent films and as a voice over artist in film and documentaries.
B.A., UC Davis, Major, English, Minor, Art practice
M.Ed. University of Utah
I have been interested in the arts throughout my life. As an educator I have used my art experience in the classroom, as a teacher and as a parent volunteer. As an artist I have explored painting, printmaking, fiberarts. It has been a great benefit to my life and to my shared experience of art with others. Being a member of SBAC has added dimension to that experience: community involvement and support for the arts.
Jane Rekedal is a professional potter and long time resident of San Benito County, having moved from Minnesota in 1975. She teaches ceramics at Gavilan Community College and maintains her own studio, Family Gooey Pottery, in a rural setting in Aromas. She hosts her own studio opening twice annually and participates in art events throughout the area. Jane also currently serves as a director on the Executive Board of the Aromas Hills Artisans.
Jane produces stoneware and porcelain pottery that is both sculptural and functional, inspired by historical ceramics, yet contemporary in character. Recent sculptural work focuses on a series of animals including sea otters, horses, birds, dogs, and cats.
