Board Members

Linda Middlebrooks, born in Seattle, raised in Wenatchee, came back to Seattle for college at Seatttle Pacific.  Following her graduation, she started teaching and enjoyed doing that for 30 years.

She enjoys volunteering in the Community and has done so in many areas for many years.  

One of her favorite Allied Arts Events is the wonderful quality of the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra playing here in Renton at RHS's Ikea Performing Arts Center every October. (IPAC).

I was born and raised in Burbank, California. I lived in various places around the San Fernando Valley until I moved to Renton in 1989 with my husband, Steve, and daughter Calandra. I worked as a special education teacher for the L.A. Unified School District for eleven years. After moving to Renton, I taught special ed for a couple of years and then went into substitute teaching. I was also a Reading specialist, which was my favorite job.

I have always been creative. When I was young, I made most of my clothes but I don't sew anymore. Later, I began to take studio art classes at community college in the evening. I learned drawing, watercolor painting, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, and printmaking, Finally, making fabricated jewelry using an acetylene torch became my passion for years. I even sold some of my work. I got away from my art hobbies for some time and only recently began drawing again. I work in graphite and charcoal and enjoy drawing my favorite musicians and actors. I'm obsessed with birds and films. I like to cook. 

" I grew up in the Seattle area, hiking, sailing, and gardening. I am inspired by the landscapes and memories of growing up in the Pacific Northwest. My artwork has been featured at Gage Academy, the Grants Pass Museum of Art in Oregon, “Kent Creates,” online, as a solo art exhibit at Renton Technical College, and Merrill Gardens in Burien, WA. Acrylics work well for me because of the bold colors and versatility of this medium. "

 After retiring in 2018 from the Kent School District, Andrea began painting with acrylics and mixed media, and took many classes in various media and using different techniques. You will find much more about Andrea on her website http://www.andreameld.com. 

Maybe you can tell from my profile picture that I enjoy having fun. (In that picture I was dressed to play a character in a very informal Shakespeare reading)   For me, helping people energizes me. That’s why I serve on the Advisory Board for the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center and as secretary of  Allied Arts of Renton.  Doing things with family and friends, like my upcoming pumpkin carving party, is creative and fulfilling.  Singing, writing, playing ping pong, and learning to play pool are definitely rewarding for me.   Dancing with my husband,  especially to rock’n’roll numbers, is great fun.   I hope that all who find us on this page find enjoyment and opportunities.

Art, in its many forms, enriches our lives and lifts our spirits.  Supporting creativity in our community is what our organization is about.  That is why I feel privileged to serve as secretary of this great, active, talented, nonprofit organization, Allied Arts of Renton.  

Kit Ofsthus came to Renton from Rainier Valley in 1983 to attend beauty school and never left. In 39 years, she worked at 3 hair salons in Renton and has since retired. She now focuses on friendships, gardening, travel, her dogs and creating art at home. What inspired her to join Allied Arts of Renton is when her 3 children attended Sierra Heights Elementary School, she had the opportunity to be an art docent for 9 years. She loved how exposure to art classes made some of the students just come alive and many of the parents who volunteered at first said "I am not an artist, I wouldn't know what to do.”  But when shown how fun and accessible it was to learn, play and experience art, they enjoyed it too. 

Sierra Heights was a recipient of a generous grant from Allied Arts to support the art classes with supplies for which she is grateful as well.  

She hopes more community members can enjoy access to various forms of art through the support of Allied Arts of Renton and is looking forward to working towards that goal with this group of volunteers.  
 

 Marianna Spiritakis has lived in many locations all over the United States & Europe, having served in the United States Air Force. Marianna moved to Renton in 2011 & she calls this her forever home. Her interest in creating various art mediums started in her 30s. Marianna is a landscape & macro photographer, and she enjoys creating mixed media art, collages & altered art. She has recently gotten involved in teaching art classes at the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center & hopes to be involved in other city art events.