Staff
Celeste Carpenter, Gallery Liaison
Celeste Carpenter is an artist and educator who’s passionate about cultivating a love of art in everyone. Graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Art Education, they enjoy promoting local art and encouraging others to explore their own creative abilities. They serve as the gallery liaison for the Franklinton Arts District’s Bridge Gallery and help facilitate the monthly exhibits.
Celeste Carpenter is an artist and educator who’s passionate about cultivating a love of art in everyone. Graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Art Education, they enjoy promoting local art and encouraging others to explore their own creative abilities. They serve as the gallery liaison for the Franklinton Arts District’s Bridge Gallery and help facilitate the monthly exhibits.
2023 Board of Trustees
The Franklinton Arts District (FAD) Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the organization. Board members are responsible for executing all aspects of the organization's events, arts programming/education, and other initiatives. FAD is a 501(c)(3) organization and the members of the Board of Trustees are not compensated for their contributions.
Board Officers
Board Officers
Colleen Rosshirt, President | Artist; Attorney & Mediator (Franklinton Resident)
Colleen Rosshirt is a highly accomplished attorney and a dedicated advocate for social justice. With over a decade of experience working to improve the justice system, she has become known for her innovative and inclusive approach to education. She works tirelessly to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Colleen is also and enthusiastic stained glass artist who teaches introductory glass classes and makes art out of her studio in the Franklinton Arts District. As a founder of Franklinton Fridays, Colleen has a deep connection to the FAD community and hopes to meet you soon at one of our upcoming events! |
Sophie Hess, Vice President | Kiefner and Associates, Inc. (Franklinton Resident)
Sophie Hess is an accomplished professional in the energy industry. As an engineer with Kiefner and Associates, Inc., she oversees the delivery of innovative and effective solutions to clients in the oil and gas sector. She is known for her ability to develop and implement successful programs that enhance safety and reliability. Sophie is an active member of the Franklinton community, where she resides with her family. |
Michael Amerine, Treasurer | Heartland Bank
Mike Amerine has been active personally, professionally and creatively in the Franklinton neighborhood for the better part of the decade. As a commercial loan officer with Heartland Bank, he has helped support small business growth, the lifeblood of any vibrant community. To that end, Mike also serves as the president of the Franklinton Board of Trade. Mike first got to know the Franklinton area by DJing and providing music production support for the Franklinton Arts District's Scrawl. Since that time, he has been passionate about ensuring that the arts and artists remain a cornerstone and driving force in the neighborhood's development. |
Stephanie McGlone, Secretary | Jorgensen Farms
Stephanie McGlone is an arts advocate, typically causing creative chaos in Franklinton. While teaching in art museums, studios, and other non-traditional education spaces, Stephanie gained the skills to develop art engagement in countless ways, leading to her start at 400 West Rich Studios in June of 2018. Her role as Community Director of 400 Square allowed her to develop programs for artists to connect with the community through special exhibitions, workshops, and events. As of May 2022, Stephanie has served as Community Engagement Director at Jorgenson Farms Event Center. |
Board Members
Rasheedah Crawley, Marketing Chair | Franklinton Market
Rasheedah Crawley is a qualified, goal, and profit-driven creative with expertise in marketing and retail brand management. Ms. Crawley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a focus on African American Studies, Communication, and Journalism from The Ohio State University while participating in the CELIA Jardin des Culture Accelerated French Language and Culture Program. Rasheedah has driven increased profits, brand recognition, and client relationships, both in person and online, for Magnolia Records, Fringe Boutique, Now It's Dark Publications, Dale Enterprises LLC, and Epsilon. As the Support Services Coordinator with Epsilon since 2013, she oversees 60 marketing associates and has earned 13 Pass It On recognitions spanning all available categories. She currently serves as the Act as Initiate committee lead, community outreach lead, and brand advocate. In 2022, Rasheedah and her business partner Tamieka Cobb opened Franklinton Market, the District's first convenience store. Her interest in advocacy is inspired by her mother who encouraged philanthropy and volunteer work from an early age. |
Craig Diaz, Development Chair |
Craig Diaz is a passionate community leader who has raised millions of dollars in funding to support non-profit missions across Central Ohio. He served as the Senior Director of Development for Equitas Health, a non-profit community healthcare system in Ohio focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community, those affected by HIV/AIDS, and medically underserved people. Craig enjoys building authentic relationships to bring people together to raise critical funds, uplift the important work of non-profit organizations, and help all those in need. He is excited to be involved in the remarkable impact that FAD continues to make for artists and creative spaces in Franklinton and across the city. Craig is the proud father of his 4-year-old daughter Izzy and enjoys taking her to COSI, the Columbus Zoo, and adventures throughout Columbus. |
Tina Eisenbrandt, Franklinton Fridays Chair | Artist; Galls, LLC (Franklinton Resident)
Tina Eisenbrandt is a Franklinton community member and artist, with a passion in landscape photography but her adventurous nature leads to exploring different mediums. It is with this mindset that she hosts a podcast exploring photography history and its influence on our culture. Tina’s ultimate mission is to engage and encourage creative art within the youth urban community. |
Erin Gibbons | Franklin County Board of Elections (Franklinton Resident)
Erin Gibbons is a fourth generation Franklinton resident with a passion for improving her community through art, volunteerism, and public service. Erin currently serves as the Executive Manager of the Franklin County Board of Elections and previously served as the Director of Community Engagement for Columbus City Council. Erin spends her free time walking her dog, Rosie, and volunteering for events, such as Urban Scrawl, Franklinton Litter League, and is a patron of the arts in Franklinton. |
Kris Howell | Artist & Fabricator (Franklinton Resident)
Kris Howell is a talented fabricator and artist based in Franklinton, Ohio. With a passion for creating unique and innovative pieces, Kris has built a reputation as a skilled craftsman in the local community. His work includes everything from furniture and lighting to sculpture and mixed media installations. Kris's background in industrial design has given him a strong foundation in the principles of form and function, which he incorporates into all of his pieces. His attention to detail and use of high-quality materials ensure that each project is not only visually stunning, but also built to last. Kris is a proud member of the Franklinton Arts District and is dedicated to contributing to the growth and development of the arts community in his hometown. Whether collaborating with other artists or working on solo projects, Kris's passion for his craft shines through in every piece he creates |
Dean Monnin | Jones Lang LaSalle
Dean Monnin is a project manager and regional market leader for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global real estate consulting firm. Dean’s passion for the arts was sparked while attending the University of Cincinnati College of Design Art Architecture & Planning (DAAP) and continued to grow while working as an interior designer in Washington, D.C. Eventually, his passion found a home 19 years ago when he moved to Columbus and discovered a vibrant arts community. He has previously been involved with FAD as a volunteer for Scrawl 15 & 16 and has supported other non-profit organizations through volunteering. When not at work or enjoying the city, you can find him rowing on the Scioto River with the Greater Columbus Rowing Association. |
Lynette Santoro-Au | Ohio Attorney General, Charitable Giving Section (Franklinton Resident)
Lynette Santoro-Au, former Gallery Director Roy G Biv, has been working in the arts for over thirty years. Her goal is to showcase innovative contemporary art by emerging artists, both local and global impacting the community by supporting neighborhood activities and arts groups, hosting outside organizations in Roy’s gallery space, and collaborating with other arts institutions on events and promotion. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a BA Degree in English. She serves as an emeritus member of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association and volunteers with the Columbus Arts Festival. She has juried art shows for the City of Kettering, Seigfred Hall Gallery at Ohio University, Grandview Lazy Daze Festival, Y Bridge Festival, Easton Art Affair, Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibit, Winterfair, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Scrawl, 934 Gallery, Art for Life, Cultural Arts Center, and the City of Upper Arlington’s Concourse Gallery. A Columbus Tourism Ambassador, graduate of Leadership UA, and Next Generation Leaders, Lynette uses her connections in the community to build partnerships to make the arts a part of everyday lives. In her role, she is working with other Creatives in the Franklinton Arts District to create opportunities for the emerging artists we champion. |
Josh Weiker, Scrawl Lead | Wolf's Ridge Brewing
Josh Weiker is an avid art and music enthusiast. He has previously written about the art, music, and entertainment scene in Columbus for three local publications. Additionally, he has helped plan, promote, and host a number of festivals and parties across the city. Josh is currently in sales and marketing at Wolf's Ridge Brewing. |