To contact Board Members or Committee Chairs, please email:  southartspitt@gmail.com   Subject:  Committee or Event 

Diane Murray

President Advisor

Esther Waltz

Secretary

 Melissa Davis

 Digital Accounts Administrator

Melissa Davis is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who earned her BS in Nutrition Science from the University of Arizona and her MS in Nutrition Science from the University of St. Joseph in Connecticut. She is also a graduate of the Arizona LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) program. She was formerly head of the Nutrition Department at the non-profit Children's Clinics for Rehabilitative Services in Tucson, Arizona.

After more than 30 years of dedicated service caring for some of our most medically complex and vulnerable populations, including children with complex medical needs and the elderly, Melissa retired from her career in clinical nutrition. Throughout her career, she developed a special interest in creative approaches to nutrition, including preparing whole-food-based tube feedings to support improved health outcomes.

Melissa's creativity extends well beyond the kitchen. She has completed several college-level art courses and has exhibited her printmaking and oil paintings in multiple art galleries in Tucson, Arizona.

After relocating to Pittsburgh with her husband four years ago, Melissa discovered South Arts Pittsburgh and quickly became an enthusiastic member of the arts community. Through Open Studios and art classes, she enjoys exploring new creative experiences, developing her artistic interests, and connecting with fellow artists.

In September 2026, Melissa joined the South Arts Pittsburgh team as Newsletter Editor & Publisher. She recently joined the Board of Directors, where she serves as Digital Accounts Administrator, overseeing the organization's Google Accounts, and digital communications.

Melissa is excited to contribute her organizational skills, creativity, and enthusiasm for the arts to help South Arts Pittsburgh continue to grow and connect with its community.  

Francine Smith

Webmaster

Lauren Miller

Historian/Archivist*

Lauren earned degrees in History and Library and Information Sciences at the University of

Pittsburgh. She worked in a variety of libraries throughout her career, including Chatham

University, Pepper Hamilton, LLP, and C.C. Mellor Public Library.

Upon leaving her career in librarianship to grow her family, Lauren unlocked her passion and

creativity for collage art. In 2021, she collaborated with a fellow artist friend, and together they

started a business named Half Hour Gentlemen, LLC. They participated in local shows including

the “I Made It!” Market, Shadyside Arts Festival, Handmade Arcade, and the Three Rivers Arts

Festival, receiving the Three Rivers Honors in 2022.

Lauren now works independently in her home studio. Her work leans towards surrealism, and

has been described as dreamlike. She enjoys exploring unconventional scale and the

juxtaposition of vibrant color against grayscale. She follows her whimsy and allows the materials

to guide her process.

Committee Chairs

Class & Event Coordinators

Keith Bastianini

Communications/Public Relations
OPEN POSITION

Email Monitor

OPEN POSITION

Figure Drawing Liaison
Ms. Dale Gregg

Galleria Show Coordinator
Kathy Finch

Hospitality 
OPEN POSITION

Membership
Francine Smith 

Newsletter

Melissa Davis

Press Releases

Christine Koeppelle-Dugan

Scholarship Liaison

Christine Koepelle-Dugan

Schoolhouse Gallery Art Exhibit Corrdinators

Ieva Levkus and Sue Ralston

Schoolhouse Artist Markets Coordinator

Alex Baratta

Social Media

Francine Smith

Website Editor/Webmaster

Francine Smith / assisted by Melissa Davis

*Do you have some fun history of our association ... Our Historian, Lauren Miller is collecting old photos, programs, flyers, documents and special memories.

Have something to share?  We'd love to hear from you.     

Email:  southartspitt@gmail.com  (Subject):  Historical