SCAA Board of Directors

Paula Manning-Lewis
President

Paula is the President of SCAA, responsible for overseeing the board and representing the Association. She is a landscape painter rooted in the heart of Southwestern New Mexico, where the untamed beauty of the Gila National Forest serves as her greatest inspiration. For over 30 years, she has explored various artistic styles and subjects, but nature—especially the vast landscapes and towering trees of the Southwest—has always called her back. Through her paintings, Paula captures the untouched serenity of the wilderness, transporting viewers to places that feel pristine and undiscovered. Her art is more than a visual experience; it’s a spiritual journey, reflecting the deep connection she feels with the land. A lifetime resident of New Mexico, Paula finds renewal in the wild places that surround her. When she’s not immersed in her studio, she and her husband of 29 years can be found hiking, camping, and exploring the rugged beauty of the Gila Wilderness.

Vacant
Vice President

If you are a member of the SCAA and would like to volunteer your time for this position, please contact the SCAA! Join our vibrant Board - it’s a lot of fun and you’ll be supporting our organization in a meaningful way!

Kenneth Hadlock
Secretary

Ken is the SCAA Secretary, responsible for organization communications. Ken grew up in the Chicago area and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. And ended up in the San Francisco Bay Area working in Biotech. And writing grants to fund this or that bit of research. Whilst working he obtained his first copy of Photoshop and became immediately fascinated with the possibilities inherent in the dissecting and reassembling of ordinary photographs into brave new worlds. And after the ascent of a significant learning curve Ken managed to become a Digital Artist. Ken eventually found his way to Silver City in late 2019. Currently Ken gets out hiking about as often as he can and continues to try and expand and perfect his particular form of Artwork.

Vacant
Treasurer

Jo Thomas
Gallery Chair

Jo Thomas, Gallery Chair, acts as a liaison between member galleries and the board, coordinates with other SCAA subgroups, and organizes the annual SCAA Weekend at the Galleries. Jo moved from IL to Silver City’s downtown historic district eleven years ago. Her mosaic art, most of which is designed to be displayed outdoors, often reflects the colors and landscapes of the Southwest. Her work is currently shown at the Grant County Art Guild Gallery on Bullard. A firm supporter of local artists and the downtown, Jo is President of the Grant County Art Guild, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to increase art awareness in the community.

Marcia Tinker
Studio Chair

Marcia’s current love is ReImagining used and vintage clothing into new wearable art fashions, fiber-art tapestries, whimsical dolls and home décor. Her formal art training is in fine art photography specializing in alternative processes. Marcia has a BFA in Photography from SUNY New Paltz. She has an interesting career path ranging from retail display and management for Macy’s, industrial photographic sales, downtown development, art teacher, historian, and as a creative use consultant for Kodak and Polaroid to name a few! In 2019 Marcia and her partner, Bryan Hyde, moved to Silver City, a place they love for the arts community. Her photography is now created on her iPhone despite her large camera collection. When not gardening or fixing up a circa 1880 territorial adobe, she can be found in the local thrift stores searching for supplies for her Tinker’s Daughter ReImagined fashions.

Kathleen Koopman
Independent Artist Chair

Kathleen Koopman, Independent Artists Chair, acts as a liaison between the Independent artists and the board, coordinates with other SCAA subgroups, and organizes the annual SCAA Fearlessly Independent Showcase exhibit at Light Art Space Gallery. A recent transplant to Silver City, Kathleen moved here from Tucson attracted by the small town vibe and the thriving arts scene. After a career in book design, illustration, and teaching art, she now devotes her time to being her studio and garden, and putting together all the collections of things she has amassed over the years. Kathleen’s work focuses on boxes, frames, books and constructions, assembling found objects, rust, maps, found paper, vintage photographs, and plants. Her process is to create a narrative with memories and dreams intertwined. She also has been exploring the many metaphors associated with boats and birds, creating dreamlike installations.