Staff Spotlight: Get to Know Cassandra, Our Program Manager!

We’re excited to shine a light on Cassandra, the Program Manager who keeps the heart of Sharon Art Studio’s programs beating strong. She schedules your classes and events with all her brilliance and behind-the-scenes details you may never notice. Cassandra truly makes it all possible.

🎨 What does a Program Manager actually do at Sharon Art Studio?

I’ve always enjoyed games like Tetris (Yes, I am a videogame nerd), so it makes sense that I love the game of figuring out how many awesome classes we can run with our fabulous instructors so that our community can enjoy making art! In addition to planning programs in jewelry, fine arts, and specialty workshops in glass and ceramics for the studio, I also help in planning and hosting our studio’s events (like our annual Halloween party and Galentine’s Craft night!). I also help with marketing for our classes and run the studio’s social media. I love showing off the beautiful art that our students and teachers create and take pride in making sure our instructors have everything they need for a lovely class experience.

🌟 What’s your favorite part of helping programs come to life?

My favorite part of bringing programs to life is seeing the joy and creativity that fills the studio once everything comes together. I love supporting our amazing instructors and making sure they have what they need so students can dive into their work and feel inspired. It’s really special to help create a space where people feel excited to learn, make, and connect through art.

💡 What’s a behind-the-scenes detail about running classes or events that might surprise people?

Behind every class or event is a little magic dance of organizing and ordering supplies, moving equipment, and making sure everything (and everyone) is in the right place. It’s a team effort—and believe it or not, planning for all our classes and events all starts about 6 months or more in advance, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

🌱 What program are you most proud of supporting recently?

Lately, I’m super proud of supporting our youth summer camps and our 2025 Artist in Residence program—it's amazing watching artists bring fresh energy into the studio and connect with our community. Oh, and the upcoming Halloween Party and Vintage Pumpkins craft night with Jeannie Ichimura and myself? Let’s just say… I’ve seen some of the costume and decoration ideas. Get ready for some fun! 🎃👻

🎭 What do you love most about working with our members and instructors?

I love the heart our members and instructors bring into the studio. There's so much passion, creativity, and genuine care—it really feels like a big artful family. Being part of that energy every day is the best part of my job.

✏️ Do you have a favorite art form yourself?

I do! I’m personally  inspired by surreal, conceptual, and deeply emotional art—Francis Bacon’s paintings really struck a chord with me early on as did the films of David Lynch. I LOVE video art!!! I’m also a filmmaker and visual artist myself, and I run Dreams For Dead Cats Productions here in San Francisco (a DIY production team led by myself and creative partner Craig Jacobson). I love blending fine art, video, and storytelling to create work that’s a little strange, a little beautiful, and always deeply conceptual and heartfelt."

🌟 What’s a fun fact members may not know about you?

I’ve been a big fan of horror and science fiction films since I was a little kid. I’ve always loved the spooky, the surreal, and the wonderfully weird—and that definitely finds its way into my art and creative life. In fact I recently created a short film called The Return of the Nacken about a water demon who must feast on human souls to survive! You can watch the trailer here.

https://dreamsfordeadcats.com/TEASERS-TRAILERS 

💌 What’s one tip you’d give someone taking their first class at Sharon?

My biggest tip? Come with an open mind and don’t worry about being ‘good’—just be curious and willing to play. Everyone starts somewhere, and Sharon Art Studio is a space where you’re supported every step of the way. You might surprise yourself with what you create!