Artist Boat
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Karla Klay, Executive Director Karla Klay currently serves as the Executive Director of Artist Boat. She has 15 years of experience integrating the sciences and the arts. She has worked as an artist in residence for the Texas Commission on the Arts and an environmental educator for Texas A&M University at Galveston and the Galveston Bay Foundation. She earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Drawing from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. She is an American Canoe Association (ACA) kayak instructor and is certified in 1st aid and CPR. |
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Rani Henderson, Director of Education Rani Henderson joined Artist Boat as a Science Interpreter in January of 2005 and currently serves as the Director of Education. She is experienced in “hands-on, feet-in” outdoor education in marine science, having worked in several educational outreach programs with Texas A&M University at Galveston. Rani earned a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston. She is a certified CPR/1st aid provider, and she is an ACA certified kayak instructor. |
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Lisa Reznicek, Eco-Art Program Coordinator Lisa Reznicek was a Washington Conservation Corps member in the Pacific Northwest, where she worked on stream restoration projects, taught about local environmental issues, and helped to remove invasive species. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Anthropology from the University of Houston. She is an accomplished lifeguard, is certified in CPR and First Aid, and has obtained certification as an ACA kayak instructor and an NAI national interpreter. Lisa has served Artist Boat as an Eco-Art Educator since September of 2006. |
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Nicole Ekstrom, Eco-Art Program Coordinator Nicole Ekstrom recently finished her Master’s Degree in Marine Resource Management from Texas A&M University. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and she’s done research on various marine issues and fisheries. Nicole is a talented photographer, avid surfer, certified wildlife rehabilitator, and an ACA certified kayak instructor. In January of 2007, she traveled to California to become an NAI national interpreter. Nicole has served Artist Boat as an Eco-Art Educator since September of 2006. |
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George Lee, Administrative & Marketing Coordinator George Douglas Lee was born in Galveston many years ago when there was more sand and a taller seawall. He graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1974 with a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree in Graphic Design and minor in journalism. He worked for Brown & Root in Houston, Texas, as a technical illustrator, then went on to become an audiovisual specialist and director of the graphics department before leaving in 1987. George then started his own business, GD&L Productions, which evolved into ACT NOW Productions and THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, which he owned and operated. There he produced his original plays, and taught acting, art and music to children, teens and adults. In 2000, George moved back to Galveston following a stint as advertising director for Cross Country Land Services in Sugar Land. He worked as a freelancer for a number of clients including the UTMB School of Nursing, UTMB School of Allied Health Sciences and several other companies until he began working full time for Galveston Island Target as a sales floor manager. George has continued to write plays, music and perform as a singer and comedian. He and his wife, Brenda, have one son, Colin. George joined Artist Boat in August of 2008 |
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Ross Wood Studlar, Eco-Art Educator Ross Wood Studlar has completed an MFA-level cartooning program at The Center for Cartoon Studies (Vermont). His thesis was a graphic novel project featuring sea turtles. Ross also has a BA in Studio Art from Denison University (Ohio). Additionally, Ross is a seasoned environmental educator. In 2007, he was a Park Ranger at Crater Lake National Park, where he guided boat tours. In 2004 and ’05, he was an educator-deckhand intern on the Schooner A. J. Meerwald. He sailed the Delaware Bay and taught about its ecology. Ross joined Artist Boat in January of 2008. |
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Aliece Die, Eco-Art Educator Aliece Die graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of North Texas (2006). She brings with her a background in the arts and education. Past experiences include working as a framer and frame shop manager and a sculpture shop assistant. As an artist, Aliece has done drawing, painting, sculpture, puppet making, and hat design. Aliece joined Artist Boat in October of 2007. |
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Theresa Flaherty, Eco-Art Educator Theresa graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology. She has years of experience working with children in a variety of environments including a supervisor position at the Children’s Museum of Houston, experience as a camp counselor for the Sea World Adventure Camp in San Antonio, and as an Assistant Site Coordinator for Fort Bend I.S.D. She greatly enjoys sharing her passion to help the environment and wildlife with children. Theresa joined Artist Boat in June of 2008. |
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Laura McCalla, Eco-Art Educator Laura McCalla is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University at Galveston and will graduate in December of 2008. She has been involved in numerous educational programs such as the Houston Zoo’s Golden Lion Tamarin Free Range Exhibit, Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Exposition, Texas General Land Office Adopt a Beach program, and the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. In addition, Laura spent two years assisting in graduate-level research through NOAA on the bite force mechanics and feeding kinematics of Loggerhead sea turtles and methods to reduce interactions & mortality with longline fishing gear. Laura joined Artist Boat in June of 2008 |
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