The Arts Commission is a powerful group of Hayden neighbors with a love for Art & Culture. This commission serves as a supporting group for the Arts & Events Director, Rachel Wattles.
If you have any questions about this commission, please reach out to Rachel: 970-276-0504 or email her.
Rachel moved to Hayden in 2010 with her husband Ryan to raise their newborn daughter on the family ranch. Since then, Rachel and Ryan have added 3 children and many animals to the ranch. With a background in Art & Visual Culture and a passion for the arts and community, Rachel has taught art in Routt and Moffat County and is excited to further her passions for the Town of Hayden!
Bill Doolin, born and raised in Hayden, CO, currently works at the Hayden Heritage Center and in guest services at the Hayden Center in Hayden, CO. He is on the board of Friends of Perry-Mansfield. As a dance artist in the 80’s through the early 2000’s, Bill danced and choreographed in San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Boston, New York and Miami. As an arts administrator, he has worked for Pentacle ( a dance service organization in New York), Harvard Summer Dance Center, Bates Dance Festival in Lewiston, Maine and Florida Dance Association (2000 – 2014), the last 6 years as Executive Director, producing such events as the annual Florida Dance Festival, FDA Young Dancer Workshops throughout the state and co-producing danceAble (a physically integrated dance program and workshop) with Tigertail Productions. Bill loves Mexican Food!!!
Susan moved to Hayden in 1995 with her husband, Karl, their 3 daughters, and fourteen years of art teaching experience after graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 and earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming in 1991. From 1996 to 2006 Susan taught a variety of adjunct classes for CMC and CNCC before taking a job as an Art Teacher with the Hayden School District, a position she enjoyed for the past sixteen years. With experience teaching art to all age levels and expertise in a broad variety of media, Susan is excited to apply her skills and knowledge to help develop high quality art facilities, programming, and course offerings that serve the needs of all community members. Whether a timid beginner or an accomplished artist, Susan envisions the Hayden Center as a place where everyone, yes, even her husband, can find their inner artist and then partake of educational experiences that support continued growth on their artistic journey!
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Cassie and her husband are new to residents to the Hayden area as of 2021. Cassie is very excited to be part of a small community and to be a part of the Hayden Art Commission. She has been involved in visual and musical arts from a young age and is looking forward to bringing new programs and events to Hayden. When not working on an art project, Cassie, her husband and two dogs can be found enjoying all of the amazing outdoor activities that the valley has to offer.
Bonnie Girton has lived in the Yampa Valley since 1977. She enjoys cooking, making delicious coffee for beloved customers, and hanging with her dog, Desi. Bonnie’s background in the arts is wide ranged from playing piano in jazz band, singing with multiple groups, set design, participation in community theater, and implementing art across curriculum while teaching first and second graders. She appreciates all forms of art especially dance and performance art. She is passionate about seeing the arts protected and empowered in education as well as in the community at large.
The Council meets …
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