ABOUT
THE CREATIVE GUTS TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura Harper Lake
Co-Founder &
Co-Chair
Laura Harper Lake is an interdisciplinary artist, with a prime focus on painting, illustration, printmaking, and mixed media. She graduated with a degree in Studio Arts from Chester College of New England in 2007. Laura has exhibited her work in various New Hampshire, Maine, and Boston, MA galleries, as well as had her work included in publications. Laura is a permanent artist represented at the Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery in Exeter, NH, and works under the name Artful Harper Studios. Laura is also the graphic designer and a business advisor for the Regional Economic Development Center, a non-profit focused on creating opportunities for small businesses in New Hampshire. Laura and her smoldering husband, Geoff, live in a quaint town in the New Hampshire seacoast with a plucky pup, named Max, and an omniscient feline, Rainer Maria.
Becky Barsi
Vice-Chair
Becky Barsi is a multimedia artist whose background is as varied as the artwork she creates. Coming from a family of artists and creatives, she approaches creation with experimentation and play. In addition to maintaining a studio at Art Up Front Street in Exeter, NH, Becky is the Chair of the Visual Arts Program at the Derryfield School in Manchester, NH, and is on the Executive Board of Directors for the New Hampshire Scholastic Art Awards.
Sarah Wrightsman
Co-Founder &
Co-Chair
While not a fine artist in the traditional sense, Sarah Wrightsman is a writer and storyteller who dabbles in embroidery and printmaking. By day, Sarah is the Community Engagement Coordinator at New Hampshire Housing. Sarah was selected for the Class of 2020 40 Under Forty by Union Leader; featured in New Hampshire Magazine’s 2019 “It List”; named a 2019 “10 to Watch” winner by Seacoast Media Group and Catapult Seacoast; and won the 2018 Civic Leader of the Year by Stay Work Play NH and NH Public Radio. Sarah is a graduate of the Leadership NH Class of 2020 and the Leadership Seacoast Class of 2019. Born and raised in Nottingham, Sarah is a lifelong resident of New Hampshire’s seacoast and a devoted lover of the Granite State. In her free time, Sarah loves hiking NH's mountains and playing ultimate frisbee with Seacoast Ultimate. Sarah lives in Newmarket with her husband and their pet rabbit, Luna.
Karla Dillon
Treasurer
Karla Dillon brings over 20 years of accounting and finance experience to the team and her creative superpowers include the orderly capture and clear presentation of financial data. She is a passionate and active supporter of local art and her community. Karla is also well known by dogs and birds for providing affection, treats, and kind words to all.
Mike Durkee
Durkish Delights is Mike Durkee: a muralist and graphic artist based in New Hampshire. His work consists of vintage color palettes, photo collage, and often addresses social issues. Durkish Delights’ unique spin on collage incorporates images sourced from his collection of old books, found photographs, and snapshots from Google Earth.
Angie Lane
Angie Lane serves as the Executive Director of Red River Theatres, a nonprofit independent cinema in Concord.
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in communications, Angie brings significant experience in development, community relations, event creation and management, and marketing. Past roles include stints with New Hampshire Public Radio, the Concord Monitor, SiverTech, and Company C.
Actively engaged in community efforts, Angie currently serves as a director for the New England Foundation for the Arts and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and. She likewise serves on advisory boards for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Currier Museum of Art, and The Concord Coalition.
In 2016, Angie was named Concord Young Professional of the Year and in 2018 was honored as part of the New Hampshire Union Leader's Forty Under 40 initiative.
Angie grew up in Pembroke, N.H. and currently lives in Manchester with her partner Will and the cat of her dreams, Finn.
SPECIAL ASSISTANTS
Max
Never has such a lovable and plucky pup lived. He assists with boosting moral during stressful times.
Rainer
She would prefer you address her as "The Queen". She overseas everything and is paid in cat treats.
Luna
The official podcast guest greeter. She is perfect in every way, except for the one small flaw of a strong desire to nibble on cords.
