Team - Wickford Art Association

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brendan McCarthy, President

Originally from Ireland, Brendan moved to the United States in the 1990s and has called Rhode Island home since 1998. With a background spanning manufacturing engineering, product management, business development, and sales, he and his wife, Edith, purchased East Greenwich–based Crestar.Art in 2022. Combining his expertise in manufacturing and retail with a passion for the arts, Brendan leads a team of seven creative professionals dedicated to helping people preserve art and treasured objects through custom framing. Outside of work, he enjoys restoring his Pearson 36 sailboat and hopes to spend more time sailing it.

Victoria Bishop, Vice President

Victoria is a watercolor artist known for her bold abstract style, expressive use of color, and emotionally driven work. A self-taught artist and classically trained singer, she turned to painting after losing the ability to sing, channeling the same depth of feeling and storytelling into her art through color and movement. She exhibits throughout New England and is actively involved in several Rhode Island art organizations, including serving as our Vice President.

Patrick Tucker, Treasurer

Patrick is a North Providence resident with a background in finance and retail banking, bringing strong skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving to both his professional and volunteer work. A member for the past two years, he currently serves as Treasurer. Patrick enjoys art, travel, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, and values integrity, kindness, and lifelong learning while remaining committed to making a positive impact in his community.

Diane Heilig, Secretary

Diane is a watercolor artist based in North Kingstown whose work is inspired by New England landscapes, architecture, and travel. Working in both the studio and en plein air, she captures shorelines, florals, foliage, and historic buildings with rich color and texture. Originally trained in medical illustration, she transitioned from that career to become an independent artist and now also creates commissioned house portraits and murals for local schools. She has participated in the Wickford Art Festival for nearly six years.

Jesse Hashagen

Driven by a passion to inspire the next generation of artists and collectors, Jesse creates thoughtfully crafted paintings that reflect a lifelong dedication to art. From early work replicating video game covers to a current focus on plein air painting in New England fields, his journey centers on capturing the beauty of the world around him. Working primarily in oil, he continues to explore techniques and materials that bring fresh perspective to familiar scenes, with a growing portfolio of exhibitions, awards, and commissioned work rooted in nature and creativity.

Larisa Martino

Larisa was born and educated in Central Asia (formerly the USSR), where she developed an early passion for art and earned a BS in Design from the University of Textile Industry in Tashkent. After moving to the United States in 1995, she worked in business while raising a family before returning to her artistic practice. She is primarily an easel painter working in mixed media, often focusing on fantasy, fashion-inspired themes, expressive portrayals of women, and abstract work for corporate and healthcare spaces. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

John Pitocco

John is a long-standing member, having served as former President of the Board of Directors and head of the Photographic Arts Group. He earned a Certificate in Digital Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2008 and has received numerous awards for his work in fine art shows throughout New England, along with several private exhibitions. He works as a portrait and event photographer and was recognized with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award, presented at the North Kingstown Volunteer Winners Award Ceremony.

Sheila Ryan

Sheila has worked in the arts throughout her life, including photography, landscape design, graphics, visual merchandising, store design, and home interior design. After retiring, she returned to painting following many years of waiting “until there was time.” She studied art at Rhode Island College and the Rhode Island School of Design and now primarily works in soft and oil pastels, inspired by a deep appreciation of nature and beauty. Her goal is to share the natural world through her artwork and bring that sense of connection into others’ homes.

Mia Thompson

Mia has been an art teacher at North Kingstown High School since 2002 and is recognized for her leadership in art education. She is known for her strong creativity, willingness to collaborate with colleagues, and deep commitment to the students of the district. Mia teaches Art and Design and is dedicated to fostering student growth through innovative and engaging instruction. In 2021, she was honored as both North Kingstown District Teacher of the Year and Rhode Island Art Educator of the Year.

STAFF

Linda Impagliazzo, Executive Director

Linda is an experienced nonprofit leader with a long career in community-based organizations. She spent many years as an Executive Director in the domestic violence field before relocating to Maine, where she led a substance use organization while she and her husband owned and operated a bed and breakfast. In addition to her nonprofit leadership roles, Linda currently provides consulting support to other nonprofit organizations. While not an artist herself, she has a deep appreciation for artists, their creativity, and the important role the arts play in bringing people together and enriching communities. She is committed to supporting opportunities for artists to thrive and for the community to engage with and enjoy the arts.

Shari Weschler, Gallery and Education Coordinator

Shari, branded as Sumo Bunni, is an internationally exhibiting figural narrative painter with over 100 solo and group exhibitions to her credit and is widely published. A MICA alumna, Shari has a multi-disciplinary background spanning painting, art history, drawing, printmaking, and gelatin silver photography. She is a versatile arts professional whose experience includes curating, jurying, youth arts education, and professional picture framing (PPFA trained). She previously founded and directed Newport’s award-winning Coastal Contemporary Gallery and currently balances her active studio practice with private artist consulting and her role as Gallery and Education Coordinator.

Heather Schold, Event Coordinator and Festival Director

Heather brings with her an events career spanning over 20 years and across multiple event categories from traditional to experiential. Her career began in the non-profit sector and evolved to owning her own company, working for large companies such as She is driven by the opportunity to bring people together and unite them through a shared experience.

Heather returned to Rhode Island in 2024, residing in North Kingstown, and is excited to bringing her experience, skills and creativity to the Association and her local community.