About Us

Art Access builds an inclusive and diverse arts community in Utah through creative opportunities for people with disabilities and other marginalized communities, and through public engagement in the arts.

Art Access has supported people with disabilities having access to the arts since 1984. Our programming has changed over the years, but we have always focused on making art accessible for all. 

Shandra is a social worker, disability rights advocate, trumpet player, and art enthusiast from Seattle, WA. She is a graduate of the University of Washington Masters of Social Work Program and has worked alongside and served many different communities including individuals with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, immigrants, refugees, and native and indigenous people. Most recently, Shandra worked as the head of fundraising at the Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services, while also serving on the City of Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities, and the Legal Voice Violence Against Women Task Force. She is proud to identify as a person with a disability, as a member of the Deaf community, and is thrilled to be able to bring her experiences working toward equality and equal access, non-profit development and fundraising to Art Access and Salt Lake City. Shandra joined Art Access as executive director in January of 2017 and received the Salt Lake Mayor's Artist Award in 2020.

Kerry loves supporting Art Access by managing the Partners program, assisting Shandra with Breaking Barriers and wrangling the 300 Plates fundraiser with Erin. Her past work with a variety of arts, disability and civic engagement organizations informs her appreciation for what Art Access is accomplishing to increase accessibility in the arts. She also has years of experience in communications and marketing and strong project management skills. Originally from North Carolina, she has lived in Utah since 1999. She and her family are loving their new Covid dog.

Erin previously worked as the controller at the Salt Lake Art Center and is amply qualified to manage the fiscal aspects of our organization. Erin attended both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah and majored in fine arts with an emphasis in painting. In addition, she has over 20 years of accounting experience in a variety of industries. Erin has lived along the Wasatch Front her entire life, currently residing in downtown Salt Lake City with her husband and daughter. She loves the arts in general and has a particular fondness for the visual arts.

Our board of directors includes a broad representation of community members including artists, advocates, and those with disabilities.
Mary Rendon Giles | Christine Giordano | Tara Olson | Katherine Nix | Jennifer Ortiz | Megan Diagneau | Kelie Hess | Stacy Sanford

Art Access has been supporting the intersection of art and accessibility in Utah since 1984. While 2020 has brought drastic changes to our programming, including closing our gallery, we will soon be adding information here to honor all the amazing things our community has accomplished over the years.

If you have any memories you would like to share, please email connect@artaccessutah.org.