Board of Directors

Gus Shea
President

Gus Shea didn't grow up loving art, but he sure got smarter about it once he married an artist. Good to know those many museum and exhibit visits had an impact. His appreciation and support for the arts has grown significantly, and he's very happy to be able to join the team at Art Bias. Gus says, " I look forward to helping Art Bias expand the art community, and to provide opportunities for all artists on the Peninsula to express themselves."

At one time Gus owned a restaurant and some retail spots in Colorado, but he soon realized that he didn't want to work that hard for 40 years. So he moved to the Peninsula and worked in tech for 30 years, in Corporate Finance, Audit and Risk Management. When he's not fulfilling his duties as an unpaid intern for Deborah Shea Studios, he enjoys riding his bike, reading, and cooking.  You can see his Linked In profile here. 

Alan Hart
Treasurer

Alan joined Art Bias in 2022 as a photographic artist, whose studio is now completely out of wall space for hanging more images.  Art Bias has provided him with the environment to enhance his creativity, being surrounded by so many inspiring artists!  He is looking forward to applying his business experience to the Art Bias mission of positive community impact through support of the arts.

As a photographer for 50+ years, he first focused (pun intended) on documenting mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada, then moving to capturing explosive waves on the north coast of Kauai – and all forms of nature in-between. Along the route as digital photography evolved, he developed a destination photography workshop alternating between Monterey, CA and Poipu, Kauai, HI, resulting in dozens of students with new found skills and passion for photography.

Professionally Alan worked in the semiconductor industry, serving in roles from design engineer to director to general manager in multiple technology companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, Verigy, Maxim Integrated, and Advantest.  Unbeknownst at the time, his work resulted in automation of chip design and creation of non-volatile memories, and today the latter is used as the primary storage technology in digital cameras and mobile phones.  Alan has a BS Electronic Engineering from UC Berkeley and a MS in Solid State Physics and Semiconductor Simulation from Santa Clara University.  Alan serves on a climate mitigation advisory council at UC Berkeley and is a member of the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, CA.  His photographic portfolio can be viewed in his webstore at: https://alan-hart.pixels.com/  and his career experience may be seen on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/alan-h-5438914

Erika Adkins
Secretary of the Board

Erika Adkins creates two-dimensional works in both acrylic and encaustic. Her pieces rely on layering colors, textures, and meanings, often the result of multiple paintings on a single surface.

As a third-generation artist, Erika grew up assuming everything can be viewed for its aesthetic merit. Recently, her work has explored conflict: between humans and the environment, between her cats, or between history and individuals. Her current subject matter centers on books, belonging, and censorship.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA and now based in Half Moon Bay, CA, Erika holds a degree in Fine Art from Yale University and an MBA from Santa Clara University. She regularly shows at Madrone Arts in Pescadero, Mirada Art on Main in Half Moon Bay, and 7.3.1 Designs in Pacifica.

You can find her work online at: https://www.erikaadkins.com/
and on Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/erika.h.adkins/

Kimberly Abbi
Director

Kimberly says, “I’m excited to support strategic planning in marketing and fundraising, bringing my passion for art and its power to connect people. I look forward to helping raise awareness for the organization.”

Kimberly brings over a decade of marketing experience, having held key roles at leading companies including Colgate-Palmolive, Estée Lauder, SEPHORA, as well as several emerging, female-founded startups. A native of New York City with a lifelong appreciation for the arts, Kimberly owned a creative entrepreneurial venture, designing custom rhinestone and jewelry pieces for celebrities such as CeeLo Green, Madonna, and Jimmy Fallon.

She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology and currently resides in Redwood City with her family. Deeply committed to her community, Kimberly actively volunteers through local initiatives—including church meal service programs, neighborhood cleanups, and her children’s school—where she serves as a key leader on the PTO fundraising committee.

David Jacobson
Director

David Jacobson, founder of Inkflow Communications, is a writer, writing instructor, and strategic communications consultant to social-impact organizations in the areas of youth development, sports/fitness, and DEI efforts. David’s work is rooted in a journalism career that started at age 15 in 1979 and has included thousands of articles, op-eds, blogs, and media placements for his employers and clients.

He has self-published Az der Papa (a YA coming-of-age novella), At the Cookout: A White Man’s Journey in Black America (memoir), and The Man Behind the Mask (collaboration with American Ninja Warrior athletes Flip Rodriguez and Noah Kaufman). David’s service in the arts also includes terms on Redwood City’s Racial Equity Mural Steering Committee and the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation Art Advisory Work Group, plus his ongoing work on the lost art of the mid-range jump shot.

Aaron Alvarez Mendoza
Director

Aaron Alvarez Mendoza is a photographer and visual artist passionate about the power and beauty of nature, digital photography, traveling to remote locations, community and his family.

Aaron has been a part of nonprofit organizations for the past 20+ years, for example, as Visual Art Director at the Riekes Center, and he is currently the official photographer for four different private magazines. Aaron says, “As an artist, I joined Art Bias because it was an opportunity to grow my network among artists, art collectors, art enthusiasts and supporters.  Now Joining the Art Bias Board will build my leadership skills to the next level.“

If you don't find Aaron working at this Art Bias studio #221, you might find him working at his new small gallery space, Silk and Stone, at 714 Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. You are invited to stop by and introduce yourself!

Dr. Yifan Xu
Director

Dr. Yifan Xu is an arts management scholar with specializing in arts policy, administration, and the sustainability of arts organizations. She holds a Ph.D. in Arts Administration, Education and Policy from The Ohio State University and has professional experience as an arts marketer and administrator in community-based arts organizations in both Columbus, Ohio, and San Francisco, California. Now based in Redwood Shores, Yifan is building a home with her husband and energetic toddler while launching a research consulting practice that supports artists and arts organizations. Her work bridges academic research and real-world practice to strengthen the resilience of local arts ecosystems.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Yifan volunteers as an English language tutor at public libraries, supporting immigrant communities. A passionate amateur pianist and dancer, she has personally experienced the healing power of the arts and is committed to advancing creativity, mental well-being, and community solidarity through her service. Yifan joined Art Bias to help ensure its long-term sustainability and to contribute to its mission of empowering artists and creative communities—especially during times of change and uncertainty.

Staff

Suyin Nichols
Programs & Operations Manager

Suyin joins the Art Bias team as the new Programs & Operations Manager. Suyin has over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, both as a volunteer and as an employee. Before her role with Art Bias, Suyin worked for eight years as Resident Services Coordinator for HIP Housing, creating and facilitating activities in three apartment complexes housing 280 senior residents in total. She was introduced to Art Bias in 2023 and helped build the art program collaboration between the two organizations that still exists today. 

Suyin is an artist with a focus on nature photography and floral design. Nature is her muse. She is also an accomplished writer, gardener, and life coach. A lifelong resident of San Mateo County, Suyin loves her community and enjoys collaborating with artists to develop programs that spark imagination, offer healing through art, and bring a sense of play to people of all ages.

Advisors

Jeanette Karthaus
Former President of the Board

Jeanette Karthaus is a seasoned brand designer who is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and branded touchpoints. She is particularly inspired by initiatives promoting positive social change in favor of our environment and humanity. Her ability to create real outcomes through human connection and collaboration constitutes the true reward of her chosen career path.

Her 15 years of experience have seen her hold various positions in design, sales, marketing, and publishing, ultimately leading to her own design partnership catering to several companies and organizations locally in the Bay Area, nationally, and internationally. During this time Jeanette led various commercial endeavors such as the launch of a paper product company that earned national acclaim and representation in retail outlets such as SFMoMA Museum Store and Neiman Marcus. Her foray into textile design has been featured in the New York Times Style section, and Design Within Reach.

Jeanette holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University and lives in Sausalito.