In the coming months we’ll be shining a spotlight on some people who are central to our work here at the Arts Commission–our Commissioners.

The Governing Commission consists of a board of fifteen members, including one chairperson, appointed by the Governor of Arizona. Commission members are chosen for their demonstrated ability, good judgment and experience in arts-related fields. In addition, they are selected to ensure geographic and ethnic representation of all areas of the state. Commission members attend quarterly board meetings, chair review panels, award grants and formulate policy consistent with enabling legislation.

While our appointed Commissioners come from a diverse range of backgrounds, they share one essential trait: they each have a deep, personal passion for the arts.

PamHallDr. Pamela Hall is a professor and chair of the Art Department at Glendale Community College. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Maryland, and taught courses at the Smithsonian Institution, the American University, the University of Maryland, and Trinity College. She is a regular lecturer to docents at the Phoenix Art Museum, and past district coordinator of the Art Masterpiece Program for the Madison Elementary School District. Dr. Hall previously served on the Arts Commission, with an appointment in 2000 by Governor Jane Dee Hull. She lives in north central Phoenix with her husband; their two daughters are in college in California and Colorado.

Recently, we asked Dr. Hall to recognize an arts event that she believes is important to her community. She suggested we look at the Dance Motion Performing Company’s upcoming May 8-9 production “Backstage USO” as an example of a nonprofit arts organization that not only provides high-quality arts experiences for youth but also ensures that those experiences build character and a strong sense of community responsibility.

Directed since 1987 by Kevin and Meri Bender, Dance Motion Performing Company focuses on Arts in Education and community arts projects. “Backstage USO” takes audiences on a trip back in time and behind the scenes with a youth cast preparing to perform a USO show for the troops. The production is dedicated to veterans and their families and discounted tickets are available for active duty military personnel and veterans.

According to director Kevin Bender, “Not only do we want our students to excel as dancers, we want them to excel as people. Giving back to our community is part of that lesson.”

To learn more about Dance Motion Performing Company and the May 8-9 “Backstage USO” performances, visit www.dancemotion.com.