ABOUT CHERYL FONTANA

I was born in rural Bucks County, Penna. A county filled with American history, culture, and beautiful farmland. My interest as a young child was drawing from nature for its delicate beauty in detail and color. My mother was an activist and my father a curious inventor, he taught me to analyze in detail and create or fix anything, as he built our family home from the ground up. He was instrumental in inventing electronic components for the very early aeronautic space program. My mother showed me what it was like to help those less fortunate in our rural community by being head of the March of Dimes and other civic organizations. I credit my parents for my analytical and mechanical acuity and my aesthetic awareness. My education took this childhood experience to the next level to incorporate these traits towards my career paths, my work, and civic interests in beautiful Santa Barbara for over 44 years.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

As an adult and living in Santa Barbara it was only natural to contribute to my community in a number of ways to non-profit fundraising organizations by designing and creating promotional materials for a few organizations such as these: The Food Bank – Annual Empty Bowls fundraising event, Gaviota Coast Conservancy, SCAPE – Southern Californian Painting for the Environment, The Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation, Santa Barbara Ski & Sports Club, Rebuild Roosevelt School campaign.

EDUCATION

My college education started at Bucks County Community College, PA, with professional instructors from all over the world. Then to Syracuse University, NY for classes in medical illustration and design and further development of my skills at Temple Tyler, PA. 1970 – 1975. In California I attended adjunct program from Redlands University CA getting my BA in Business Administration, emphasis in advertising and marketing. Continuing education at SBCC Architectural Design & CAD, additional computer skills in industrial and residential design development : 1980 – 2018.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • Guest instructor at Santa Barbara Junior High – 14 years
  • Guest instructor at Santa Barbara City College, both in graphic design and building materials design – 5 years
  • Art instructor K – 6th at Mountain View Elementary School – 4 years

ART EXHIBITIONS

SCAPE, Southern Californian Painting for the Environment art shows from 2009 – 2019
Beneficiaries include: SB Maritime Museum, Gaviota Coast Conservancy, Heal the Ocean, SB Botanic Garden, Phoenix House, UC Reserves, Surfrider Foundation, SB Parks & Recreation, SB Land Trust, and more.

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