About US
Aroostook Partners in the Arts
Help when you can, where you can.
We are volunteers who understand a busy lifestyle.
Our Members
We appreciate all of our volunteers and the gifts they bring to the table. Your time, talents, and creativity are always welcome here.
Voting Members
Members at Large
New Members
To learn more about APA you can check out our Facebook page. If you are interested in becoming a member at any level, please contact us or join us at our next meeting.
Our Board
Halina Herzog
Vice President, Member since 2015
Positions held: Secretary, VP
Profession: I’m an educator – for me it means I try to create learning situations for my younger and older partners and myself. I love to be challenged, and I think everyone deserves to be challenged to reach their full potential.
Passions: I love spending time with other people and learning from them by doing something together: traveling, playing games, cooking, discussing, working. I also enjoy reading :).
Why APA: All of the personalities of the APA members, their talents and dedication are extremely inspiring. I love the energy of the group and am thrilled to be a small part of it.
Shelby Pelletier
Member since 2019
Profession: Art Therapist & Mental Health Counselor, Artist, Owner of The Aroostook Common & The Common Gallery.
Website: thearoostookcommon.com
Passions: I feel called to using art as a catalyst for personal growth & empowerment as well as a way to bring awareness to ideas that deserve focus in order to support change where needed, both individually and collectively. I enjoy painting, photography, sculpture, theater arts, gardening/landscaping, mindfulness practice including meditation & yoga, and above all, experiencing life with my family and friends. I am passionate about supporting the growth of the arts and artistic community collaboration in Aroostook County.
Why APA: I am passionate about supporting the accessibility, growth, and enjoyment of art in Aroostook County, and APA does just that, in many ways!
Jennifer Crandall
President, Member since 2020
Positions held: Vice President, President
Profession: Clinical Director/Mental Health therapist
Passions: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy dabbling with many art mediums such as fiber arts, clay/pottery, and the performing arts.
Why APA: I am passionate about contributing to the access of art in all its forms to our community and especially to our youth. As a mental health professional, I believe that engagement in the arts is beneficial to our individual health and the health of our community.
Amy Schwartz
Treasurer, Member since 2022
Positions held: Treasurer
Profession: Accountant with a background in Communications/PR, Nonprofits, and Fundraising. Artist and Crafter. Website: www.facebook.com/amyscustomart
Passions: Spending time with my family, gardening, giving back to my community, volunteering, and creating (whether that be cooking, crafting, drawing, painting, or learning a new medium).
Why APA: I was drawn to the APA by their mission to support arts enrichment for children in Aroostook County. Additionally, the APA’s fundraisers, sponsorships, and community events expose the County’s children and adults to a variety of art through theatre, art, music, and more. The board understands the importance of art and giving back to their community.
Suzanne Hews
Member since 2018
Profession: I currently spend my days in the garden, playing pickleball, practicing yoga, traveling, and am an avid reader.
Passions: When traveling, my husband and I almost always visit the local botanical gardens and art museums.
Why APA: Art programs in schools are often those cut in times of financial difficulties and we need to be strong supporters of the arts to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Annie Swanson
Member since 2020
Passions: Spending time with my dogs, Oleander and Oscar, family and friends, traveling, outdoor activities.
Why APA: Helping to advocate and provide arts programming in a rural area is so needed and I want to channel my energy to grow this endeavor!
Beth Cummings
Member since 2019
Passions: Metalsmithing, enameling, fusing glass, stitching reading, my children
Why APA: As an art educator, I value the idea of making the arts visible and available to people of all ages. I enjoy interacting with the creative and dynamic board members developing and hosting fundraising opportunities.
Heather Harvell
Member since 2007
Passions: I am passionate about being an art advocate and active community member. I enjoy the feeling of being creative.
Why APA: APA is a unique organization that both creates creative opportunities in our community and supports creative opportunities in our schools by raising funds at the creative community events. I have seen what the arts can do to enhance people’s lives and we need to keep the flame burning in Northern Maine.
Gretchen Violette
Member since 2009
Profession: Household Engineer.
Passions: I love to try something I’ve never done. Succeed or fail, I’ll enjoy the journey.
Why APA: Aroostook County has so many creative children. These kids need encouragement and support to continue their artistic journey. APA values and supports the groups and individuals who provide creative opportunities for our youth.
Judy Kenney
Member since 2006
Profession: Retired teacher, volunteering, babysitting grandchildren, working in my garden, having fun with friends
Passions: Arts, crafting, reading
Why APA: As a retired teacher, I am anxious to have students have art enrichment/activities/opportunities and want to help fundraise to make this happen.