Press Room

Arts Council, Artists to Benefit from New Staffers

From Brookings Arts Council Staff

There are two new friendly additions to the Brookings Arts Council staff.

Linda Bliss of Brookings is the new gallery assistant.

Her duties include arranging exhibits, helping work with and organize volunteers, as well as various administrative duties.

"I like the arts. I always have. I took a lot of art classes in college. I also like working with the public," she said. "I am able to make a little extra money and have fun doing it," said Bliss.

In her free time she likes to paint, cross-stitch, and travel. Bliss is also the secretary for SElect High in Brookings.

She and her husband, Paul, have two grown children, Ryan and Leah.

Victoria Riggs, Arlington, works as clerical assistant and media specialist.

She said writing press releases is a perfect fit for her as she is working on finishing her SDSU journalism degree. Riggs said keeping exhibit details in order and coordinating informational mailings are important for successful exhibits. Riggs came to the Brookings Arts Council as a result of a partnership with Experience Works.

"I like the variety here. Every day brings something new and different to work on," she said. "It is interesting to be involved in the center of the art community here. There is some amazing talent in this area."

Riggs has three grown children and three grandchildren. She spends as much spare time as possible with her grandchildren as well as reading, sewing and expressive writing.

Vicki Schuster, Brookings Arts Council Director, looks forward to having the new help on staff, and said the two will greatly help streamline the services the Arts Council provide to artists.

"I am happy to have acquired the talents and abilities of these two wonderful individuals,” she said. “They will be great assets to our growing organization."