People
Debbie Kizer
Executive Director
debbie@imaginart.net
I am the founder and Executive Director of Imagine Art. I was born and raised in Houston and later moved to Austin after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in 1989 from Sam Houston State University. After working 3 years in a rehabilitation setting I developed a career in the field of supported employment ~ creating tailored jobs for persons with disabilities. In 1996, I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and I recognized decades of addiction to both alcohol and drugs. As a result, I entered into the AA community and my sobriety date is September 1, 1997. I found myself unemployed, ready for a new beginning. Imagine Art developed in this period as I explored my own talents, skills and desire to serve. I became a Christian in 1998 when I experienced the love, power and saving grace of Jesus Christ. My life changed at this point ~ I will never be the same. I realized what God had done in my life and what He wanted to do through my life ~ through Imagine Art.
Fourteen years later I continue on a journey of restoration. I am married to Brad and have two awesome children, Jesse (18) and Julie (4). I am an artist, exploring painting and mixed media. I enjoy creating whimsical little treasures, games, story cards and paper things
Tish Young
CPA
tish.young@me.com
I am the accountant for Imagine Art. As a member of the team it has been my pleasure to participate in the great mission of Imagine Art and to see all of the people that it is affecting on a daily basis. I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee and went to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania where I received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in 1998. After graduation – as they say, “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could!” I married a Texan and have lived in Dallas, Houston and now Austin over the last 12 years. We have two beautiful daughters and it is our honor to teach them about the love of Jesus and how He can make a difference in their lives each day.
John Michael Wall
Art Director
Board Member
mike@imagineart.net
I have been serving as an Imagine Art Board member for over three years. I have served as Director of the Fine Arts studio for one year. I also direct our Daily Lunch and Pantry Program. I was born and raised a Texan, and have lived in Austin for almost thirty-five years. I am a self-taught artist and enjoy working in a variety of mediums, including color pencils, acrylics, and oil bar. I have also had many varied employment experiences, including designer for a jewelry manufacturer, unit manager for a residential psychiatric facility, vocational trainer at the Texas State School for the Blind, Owner/Operator of my own catering business, freelance Graphic Designer, Operations Manager for a commercial call center, and Personal Attendant for several disabled individuals. I have found that elements of all these different experiences have prepared and enabled me for my various roles at Imagine Art. Throughout all my jobs I have always found the most fulfillment when working with people and assisting them in reaching their personal and professional potential, and in this regard, my work at Imagine Art has proven to be my dream job. I can’t imagine a better place to work. I have been married to Diane for almost 23 years and we have two wonderful children, Callie, 15, and Elijah, 12. I accepted Jesus at the age of 15 and have served the church as a leader and elder for over 20 years, mostly in the area of pastoral care and the arts. I enjoy cooking, reading novels, creating paintings that communicate biblical truths and prophectic messages, and spending time with my family and friends..
Alison Talbert
Program Director
alison@imagineart.net
I am the Multimedia Services Program Director at Imagine Art, providing teaching, tutoring, mentoring, and graphic design services to artists with disabilities. I’m originally from California but grew up in Pennsylvania and Texas and have lived in Austin for the past three years with my husband Alan. I have a B.S. in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration as well as a B.A. in Fine Art from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. My professional background is in fine art, advertising, product development, and marketing. I enjoy cooking, reading, and hiking with my husband and our dog. I am so blessed to be a part of the vibrant and talented community at Imagine Art where I see God at work every day.
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Tony Hyden
Art Director
tony@tonyhyden.com
As a Studio Assistant I work in the fine art studio at Imagine Art, helping artists reach their goals while providing friendship and encouragement. I moved to Austin for my first job in 1999 and have been here ever since. I initially became involved with Imagine Art through the Austin House of Prayer which shares the facility and later became a volunteer. I have an Associated in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Dallas and my professional background is in educational animation and design for children, the military, and the hospitality industry. I enjoy working with my hands and working directly with people. In my free time I enjoy walking, fishing, good food and friends. Imagine Art has given me an opportunity to be a part of building community through prayer and friendship.
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Board of Directors
Curt Voelkel
Board Member
c_voelkel@hotmail.com
Janice Sharp
Secretary
jsharp@austin.rr.com
Mike Wall
Ex-Officio Member
mike.wall@gmail.com
Mike Meleski
Treasurer
mikemeleski@yahoo.com
Robert Adams
Board Member
Roberthe3rd@yahoo.com
Alex Villareal
Board Member