staff
361.884.6406
DIANNA BLUNTZER SHERMAN
Executive Director
Ext. 207
Dianna began volunteering at the Art Center in 2009, shortly after she moved back to Corpus Christi. In the 30 years prior, she had opportunities to work in revered art institutions such as the Dallas Museum of Art, Gloria Luria Gallery (Miami), Sotheby’s (New York and London), and Sotheby’s affiliate Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate (Bedford Village, NY). Dianna was selected as Executive Director for the Art Center in 2011. She immediately focused on invigorating programs and building a team of professionals who are equally devoted to the creative community.
SHEILA GRITTE
Operations Director
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Sheila Froelich Gritte was born and raised primarily in West Texas, relocating to Corpus Christi, Texas in 1990. The first indication that she would one day become an artist was at the age of five, when she dropped out of kindergarten over artistic differences with the teacher regarding the proper color to use for grapes. She would later continue her arts education by completing an Associates degree in Art Education from Del Mar College in 2005, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi in 2007, and a Master of Arts, with a focus in printmaking, from Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi in 2010. She was an active volunteer of the Art Center of Corpus Christi for many years prior to becoming the Administrative Manager in 2019.
ADAM HANEY
Clay Studio Tech
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Adam is an explorer of the human condition, using the arts to delve into what defines us and how we can evolve collectively. He reignited his passion for ceramics in 2016 at The Art Center of Corpus Christi, following an elective course at Del Mar College in 2012. Adam gained valuable experience and knowledge working with local artist William Wilhelmi, which led to opportunities at The Art Museum of South Texas. Graduating with a BFA in 2023 after returning to TAMUCC in 2020, Adam now co-manages a ceramics business with his partner, specializing in utilitarian wares sold at art fairs and local markets. As a wheel throwing instructor at The Art Center of Corpus Christi, Adam has found his niche, sharing his passion for ceramics and finding fulfillment in teaching others.
AUGUST LEMUS
Education
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Always in search of new experiences, August is passionate about creativity and connection. As the Education Coordinator, they design hands-on art activities, organize field trips, and coordinate classes that inspire the students and families of Corpus Christi to explore the world of art. With a love of art and a commitment to making it fun and accessible, August brings a spirit of curiosity and excitement to everything they do. Art is for all, and August has made it their mission to unlock the artist in everyone.
Outside of the Art Center, August spends their time finding adventure through creative pursuits like painting, reading, and exploring interactive media. When they’re not immersed in the creative world, they dedicate their time to rescuing and fostering animals, giving pets a second chance to find loving homes.
BRIANA SANDOVAL
Donor Relations
Ext. 203
Briana Sandoval, a Corpus Christi native, completed her undergraduate studies at Baylor University, where she majored in Philosophy. She loves spending time with her son, exploring the city's attractions, from local parks to hidden gems. When she's not out and about, you can find Briana tending to her house plants and creating a lush indoor jungle. Her curiosity and love for discovery inspire her approach to life and creativity.
ERIN L I C H T E R
Bookkeeper
Born and raised in Kansas, Erin moved to Corpus Christi in 2014 with her now husband after graduating with a Business Finance & Marketing degree from Washburn University. To help a friend, she worked as an art camp assistant at the Art Center in the summer of 2015. By the end of it, Dianna asked her to stay on as an employee and 11 years later the rest is history! She has gone from exhibits manager, to office manager, to bookkeeper and does a little bit of everything. Unfortunately, she clicked her heels and went back to Kansas in July of 2021 to raise her growing family where she continues to work for the Art Center remotely.
JOANNA PITMAN
Community Relations
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Joanna brings diverse expertise in healthcare, education, and nonprofit work to her professional endeavors. Raised across Texas and Oklahoma before settling in Corpus Christi in 2005, she earned her BS in Biomedical Science and MS in Secondary Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
She spent nearly eight years in medical aesthetics before transitioning to nonprofit work in 2020. During the pandemic, she demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative by founding Pickled by Pitman. Her academic foundation in biomedical science, combined with practical experience in healthcare and education, provides a unique perspective on scientific applications and community engagement.
Joanna maintains active interests in culinary arts, photography, and creative pursuits, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and exploration.
KAILEY AMAN-DIAZ
Exhibits Coordinator
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Kailey Aman-Diaz is a multidisciplinary creative based in the Coastal Bend.
She is most often inspired by natural forms, reclaimed materials, and her own curiosity. Her work frequently incorporates a recycled element, from lino cuts on repurposed/recycled paper to the upcycling of broken frames and decor.
Raised in a home of historically trained artists, this influence can be seen in her many of her design choices, such as replicating the look of beaten iron through clay.
TERESA PRIOUR-FERRO
Administrative Assistant
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Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Teresa has always been a part of the arts. Growing up, she participated in several art competitions and exhibitions that propelled her to work outside the sketchbook, and onto the canvas. Once she graduated high school, Teresa went to study at TAMU-CC to study Fine Arts with a minor in Psychology. She specializes in painting and drawing, focusing on the human form through traditional portraits and life drawing studies. In the past two years, she has worked extensively on commissioned portraits of people and their pets. After receiving her BFA in Painting, she began working at the Art Center of Corpus Christi helping out during art camps and private events. In 2023, she was accepted to study abroad for a Masters in Fine Arts in Italy and resided in Rome for a year, enrichening her studies in the arts and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. In 2024, she moved back to Texas where she was hired once again at the Art Center, where she now works as Administrative Assistant helping with tasks in any department that needs help.
When she is not working or making art, Teresa loves listening to music, making her various cups of coffee, going to the gym, or hitting the thrift stores in town.
2026 Board of Governors
Judith Cutright, Chair
Pat Eldridge, Incoming Chair
Ramon Rios III, Treasurer
Liz Dumas-McMullan, Secretary
Dr. Anne Matula, Parliamentarian
Helen Vela
Dr. Larry Lee
Laura Orchard (Member Elected)
Jin Sun Kim (Member Elected)
Andi Mullen (Member Elected)
Armand "Fritz" Schumacher (Member Elected)
Mark Brodeur
Heather Loeb
Dr. Jose M. Gomez
Charles A. Durham
Elena Rodriguez
Thank you to all Board members, both past and present!