Who's Who

YEAR ROUND Staff

Erin Lavelle
she/her/hers
Artistic Director

Sydney Petersen
they/them/theirs
Production Director

Pamela Vázquez Torres
she/her/ella
Administrative Director

Photo: Syd, Erin and Pamela during the 2025 program

three people take a selfie with big smiles with the shanty village in the distance

SEASONAL STAFF

Karly is smiling while looking through a round window of a yellow shanty. Snow is in the background

Karly Bergmann
she/her/hers
2026 On-Ice Crew

a person wearing heartshaped sunnies and colorful winterwear kneels on the ice

Ches Cipriano
they/them/theirs
2026 Stage Manager

A person wearing a sash kneels next to a kicksled with a sailor doll on the seat

matt regan
he/him/his
2026 On-Ice Crew

Sashi has glasses facial hair wears wintery clothing and holds greenery against a snowy background

Sashi White
he/him/his
2026 On-Ice Crew

Board Members

Art Shanty Projects trustees are guardians of the mission who ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements while also enforcing ethical guidelines. The purpose of the Board is to set general direction for and govern the organization in a manner that fosters positive relationships in the community. Member applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are interested in becoming a board member, get more info on board membership or fill out the interest form.

Katie Edwards and her corgi.
Katie Edwards

she/her/hers

Scenic artist, designer & drafty queen

Tara Henderson
Tara Henderson

she/her/hers

Marketing professional, shanty lover

Nipinet Landsem smiling
Nipinet Landsem

they/them/theirs

Artist of many trades

Michael LoPresti
Michael LoPresti

he/him/his

Educator, theater/film-goer, amateur chef

Darren McGann at the village gate
Darren McGann

he/him/his

Sustainability professional

Katie Ortman wearing a beanie while standing on a beach
Katie Ortman

she/her/hers

Arts administrator

Board Member Jeffrey Sherman
Jeffrey Sherman

he/him/his
Artist, designer, technician

Neal Sorensen wearing a banana shaped hat.
Neal Sorensen

he/him/they/them

Digital accessibility professional, maker, artist

Kate Zellmer on the frozen lake excitedly gesturing at a lawn flamingo wearing a sweater.
Kate Zellmer

she/her/hers
Heath tech professional by day / artist and writer by night

FOUNDERS

Peter Haakon Thompson
he/him/his

David Pitman
he/him/his

Two men stand on a path by Medicine Lake. One wears dark winter gear, the other wears a red jacket and has bare feet.

Peter and David at Medicine Lake, 2012

2026 Open Call Jurors

Alya Ansari
Jen Dolen
Fionna Ek
Emily Janisch
Erin Lavelle
Michael LoPresti
Mia McGill
Katie Ortman

Join the fun!

Interested in being a part of the ‘behind the scenes’ at Art Shanty Projects?