SB Museum of Art Women’s Board 2025 New Members: Now Including Men for the First Time Since Inception

For the first time since being established in 1951, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Women’s Board (SBMAWB) is now fully DEI with its first men members introduced alongside new women members at its annual January Luncheon.

I attended the luncheon held on Thursday, January 23, at the University Club. Presiding was SBMAWB President, Paula Farrington. She welcomed everyone and acknowledged the new members, the 20-year members and the passing of member Mary Garton, “We are a remarkable group united by our shared passion for art, culture, and community. This board makes a meaningful impact by its fundraising efforts to sustain and enhance our museum. Let us celebrate the journey ahead and the legacy that inspires us to move forward.”

The SBMA Women’s Board 20-year members are Lilyan Cuttler, Linda Ring,and Lois Rosen, and were presented with special pins by Jeanne Fulkerson, Sustainer Liaison for the board. [Cuttler was not present.]

Kathy Wenger, VP of Membership, introduced the new members:

Rossa Christensen holds the title as First Male Member of the SBMAWB in its 74-year history. He is a CPA with interests in drawing and writing, and admires the work of Austrian actor Christoph Waltz, who began his career in Vienna.

Reilly Clark is an art historian and art appraiser and has done underwater archaeology. He worked at Christie’s and Heritage House in Los Angeles. Clark moved to SB in 2024 to get his PhD in Art History at UCSB, where he is presently a student. 

Linden Doss is an Ophthalmologist and an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon. He has worked in international medicine in Chad, Africa. He has a deep love of art museums, particularly the Met NYC. 

Kirsten Ellis isan attorney with offices in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. She serves on the board of the University Club SB, is a member of the SB Housing Authority, drives the Meals on Wheels for Garden Court in L.A., and serves as an Elder and Deacon for her church.

Linda Kollofski worked in brand management and is a fiber artist since 2008. She volunteers with SB Craftivisits for Change.

Sally Lecomte moved to our town from Portland in 1956 and first worked at the Harbor Master’s office. She has lived in France with her college sweetheart (now husband) of 50 years. They have homes here and outside of Paris. Lecomte speaks five languages, and is an art and fashion aficionado.

Evelyn Savage has traveled all her life. She is involved with the SB Historical Museum, does walking tours of SB with the Architectural Foundation SB, and helped develop the cancer hotline at UCLA.

Jamie Wight is a SB native and grew up in a George Washington Smith house. She holds a BA in Art History from UCLA. She creates art from acrylic and vintage Lucite with a laser cutter. 

This year’s Member Luncheon was dedicated to the memory of Mary Garton. Mary passed away unexpectedly in August 2024. She was a very active sustainer and was honored just last year for her 20 years of membership. Mary served a term as SBMA Women’s Board President. 

411: www.sbma.net