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Mike Lemos

Visual Arts: Illustration, Other, Painting

Illustrator and graphic designer with over 25 years professional experience and over 15 years experience as a full-time professional freelancer. Specializing in both digital & traditional mediums, character design, with a background working for several industries including toys, apparel and entertainment as well as various other industries over the years.

Linda Livingston

Theatre: Acting, Directing, Other; Artistic Director, producer

Linda Livingston, a member of Artist's Equity, the professional stage actor's union and SAG/AFTRA, has performed across the country, from a staged reading of Marie Antoinette at Chicago’s Goodman Theater, to touring the Pacific Northwest with the Bellevue Rep (Shakepeare in the Grass) and numerous other Seattle area theatres, including Pasquilini-Smith Studios, Shakespeare Plus, and New City Theatre. Rubicon productions include Children of A Lesser God, Murder in the First (with Ted Neeley and Larry Hagman), A Streetcar Named Desire, A Christmas Carol (with Joe Spano and Peter Van Norden) and Love Letters. Linda received an Ovation nomination for her portrayal of Dr. Vivien Bearing In W;t at the Victory Theatre in Burbank. Her many productions with the Santa Paula Theatre Center include Master Class, Dancing at Lughnasa, Doubt (4 star award), Honour (4 star award), Diary of Anne Frank, Cricket on the Hearth (REP Award) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. She has also performed with Flying H Group (Female Transport), as well as Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, a number of stages in Santa Barbara, including Santa Barbara Summer Rep, and as Molly Sweeney with Transport Theatre. Linda has performed in two radio plays that aired on NPR, and is the former TV Host of Your Next Home, which aired on KEYT. Her film work includes the short Brightness, with Eric Idle. Linda is a director as well, and has directed shows for Santa Paula Theatre Center, The Flying H, The Elite Theatre, The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, LA’s Odyssey Theatre, The Backlot Theatre and for Transport Theatre (currently on hiatus), of which she is artistic director. Linda is also a published playwright of O. Henry Holiday, (Eldridge Plays) although admittedly, O. Henry did the heavy lifting.

Chris Longo

Music

Chris became involved in music at the age of 9, playing instruments ranging from trumpet to tuba. It was The Beatles, however, that ignited the desire to learn how to play guitar. Chris had the unique opportunity to see The Beatles perform at Dodger Stadium and he was hooked. While in school Chris was awarded two music scholarships, one of which was to study big band jazz with the Stan Kenton Orchestra at the University of Redlands. He switched to bass and started playing professionally while attending San Jose State University as a music major, playing many of the local clubs , then touring the country for a couple of years before ending up in Hollywood, CA. In 1976 he received a call to audition as the bass player for Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods, renowned for their 1974 #1 hit record “Billy Don’t Be A Hero” and their follow-up hit “Who Do You Think You Are.” He was selected from among 100 other bass players competing for the position. Chris toured the U.S. performing in concerts and TV shows such as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve with Bachman Turner Overdrive before deciding to return to L.A. to start his own band with some Heywoods alumni. His childhood home of Ventura County lured him back in 1983 where he joined a well known local band. During this time Chris also took the plunge into computers and audio recording, producing and recording artists' projects, soundtracks, and jingles. After taking a few years off in the ‘90s to get married and raise triplets, Chris once again found his passion for music. He performs locally with various bands, headlined Ventura’s fireworks show year after year, as well as playing a number of local clubs and corporate parties. Chris has recently rejoined Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods, performing all over the country along with other '60s/'70s artists such as Ron Dante (The Archies), Dennis Trufano (The Buckinghams), and Kyle Vincent (Bay City Rollers).

Susan Lorenzana

Visual Arts: Illustration, Other; Mixed Media Glass Artist

Artists and craftsmen of every kind run in my family, so I grew up surrounded by creativity. Naturally, my parents weren't surprised when I began drawing at an early age. After graduating from high school, my father encouraged me to study Illustration in college. And, thankfully, my husband of nearly 30 years has cheered my artistic journey along every step of the way. Growing up on the California Central Coast near some of the most beautiful beaches, mountains, and countryside in the world, my artistic senses were nurtured. This region is rich in nature, marine life, and wildlife so I would often get lost in thought watching the way light played on the sea, plants cast shadows, and how wildlife appeared and then seemingly disappeared into the environment. My family also includes several musicians, which was highly influential on my creative expression. Frequent references to music genres and instruments manifest in my work. One day, on an unplanned visit to an art glass supply shop in Ventura, CA, I was intrigued and signed up for a stained glass class. It was instantly apparent that I was in my element, and my glass art journey began. Now in my second decade as a working glass artist, I have developed technical knowledge of glass as a medium, finely honed mechanical skills to shape its form/appearance, and infused creative elements to convey storytelling with it.

Patricia Lynn-Strickland

Theatre: Acting, Directing; Private coaching, acting classes

Patti Strickland is a graduate of American Academy of Dramatic Arts West, holds a BA Interdisciplinary Studies from NYIT, an MA Communication & Leadership from Gonzaga University and a Drama Therapy Certification from BYA. Directing & acting credits - over 200 productions throughout Ventura & Los Angeles Counties. 2013 Earth Charter Award - Education and Outreach, 2009 Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator, 2007/2005 City of Ventura Artist’s Fellowship Award directing/playwriting, 2001 REP award Excellence in Performance, 1990 County of Ventura Arts Commission’s Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts, 2011 4 Star Awards - Directing, Set Design and Outstanding Drama. Artistic Director - Elite Theatre Company for 8 years. Taught music and drama at St. Bonaventure High School (15 years), Rubicon Theatre Company - 6 years (still current), Our Lady of Assumption School (music/drama 10 years).

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