Virgina Chabre

My involvement with the Frank Bette Center for the Arts began in the winter of 2008, when I participated in the annual Alameda On Camera event. It didn’t take me long to realize that the FBCA was an organization that was uniquely supportive of its artists. And the appreciative artists were, in turn, keeping their Center thriving by volunteering in amazing numbers.

When I suddenly became unemployed in the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to become a member of this exceptional army. My background as a legal assistant gave me the ability to lend a hand in a wide variety of tasks. I started with organizing: I cleaned out closets; I threw away stuff; I had yard sales; I began the process of cataloging and archiving Frank Bette’s large body of artwork. I found that I really enjoyed working with Debra -
she would tell me what needed to be done and then leave it up to me to accomplish whatever task was required.
She encouraged me to use my social skills to the advantage of the Center and began sending me out into the
community to forge relationships with people who might be able to help us.

When I finally found employment after over a year of existing on unemployment insurance, it was with regret that
I told Debra that I would no longer be able to continue my schedule with the Frank Bette. It was at that point that
Debra asked me to think about becoming a Board Member. I gave it a lot of thought, realizing that this was a large commitment. In my soul searching -- and with Debra’s encouragement -- I came to understand that my abilities to reach out into the community could truly serve to enhance the FBCA Board. I am grateful for the opportunities afforded me in this capacity to help our Center get the visibility in our community that it needs and that it deserves. Ultimately, we need to broaden our sponsorship and get the funding needed to support our many valuable programs. And while on this Board, I intend to do everything I can to accomplish that goal so that the Frank Bette Center for the Arts can continue to thrive.

Julia Park Tracey

As a writer, I am both an artist and a supporter of the arts. I’ve reviewed the various arts, from visual, musical, literary or theatrical, for many years in regional media, and
have met many passionate people creating unsung and unheralded works. Helping
artists raise their profiles is one of my passions, and helping other writers hone their
skills is another. New forms of access to the arts, from e-books to social media, and
bringing youth into the artist community are other areas where my experience and
interest lie. I look forward to the energy, creativity and spirit of working with and for the Frank Bette Center for the Arts.