Donor Spotlight: Cheryl and Jeffrey Selman

How did you learn about Art Bias and begin making art? 

Cheryl: I first discovered Art Bias when I began searching for a space to paint with oils outside my home. I studied art in both high school and college and later earned an MS in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy. While art has always been an important part of my life, it often took a back seat to raising my three children.

During the pandemic, with our three college-aged kids unexpectedly studying remotely from home, I found myself craving a space of my own. I came across Art Bias while looking for somewhere—anywhere—other than my kitchen table to paint. Art Bias is—a vibrant, supportive community unlike any other.

What compels you and your husband, Jeffrey, to donate to Art Bias?

Cheryl: My husband Jeff has supported the arts his entire adult life.  When I met Jeff, he was already deeply engaged in the San Francisco art scene. As a lawyer, he has provided pro bono services through California Lawyers for the Arts. He was also active in the Contemporary Extension auxiliary program at SFMOMA, which fosters connections between younger art enthusiasts,collectors, and contemporary art.

For me, Art Bias has been so much more than just a studio space. It’s given me access to a network of talented, generous, and supportive artists who continually inspire me and have helped my own art evolve in exciting new directions. Supporting Art Bias feels like giving back to a community that has given us so much.

Do you support other nonprofit organizations?

Cheryl: Yes. We support several organizations dedicated to increasing access to the arts and art education, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (the de Young and the Legion of Honor), SFMOMA and Filoli.

Beyond the arts, we support numerous charitable organizations, including locally, Second Harvest Food Bank, One Life—which provides low-cost or free counseling services and food support for mothers and children in need, Samaritan House, LifeMoves, the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, as well as our local public schools, where Jeff spent many years serving as outside legal counsel to the education foundations School Force and Carlmont Academic Foundation. We are also supporting members of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City.

What do you wish everyone knew about the artists at Art Bias?

Cheryl: The artists at Art Bias are a wonderfully diverse and generous group of people. They give their time and energy not only to their craft but also to supporting each other and the broader community. Many people find it difficult to make new friends later in life, but through Art Bias, I’ve found an entirely new circle of friends—people who enrich my life far beyond art itself.

How do you see that Art Bias benefits artists?

Cheryl: Art Bias offers endless opportunities for growth. Artists here can learn from one another, explore new ideas, share their skills, and give back to the community—all while building meaningful friendships with people who share their passion.

What do you wish everyone knew about the work Art Bias does with community groups?

Cheryl: I think many people would be amazed to learn just how much time and talent Art Bias artists contribute to the community. I am constantly humbled by their generosity—whether it’s teaching adults with developmental disabilities through One Step Beyond, supporting individuals facing housing challenges through HIP Housing, or mentoring local students at Sequoia High School.

One of the most inspiring examples is the Laurel Street mural project in San Carlos, a testament to the skill, dedication, and community spirit that define Art Bias.

In addition to several donors who wish to remain anonymous, Art Bias thanks the following 2024 donors who make our programming possible:

Individuals

Fred Aaron

Erika Adkins

Aaron Alvarez Mendoza

Federica Armstrong

Lilia Babe

Betsy Beier

Ann Berlijafa

Karen Cox

Yao Du

Michael Endicott

Susan Epstein

Natalie Esfahanian

Corinne Foley

Terra Fuller

Tara de la Garza

Alan Hart

Lindsay Hogue

Ellen Howard

Yelena Joy

Jeanette Karthaus and Pierre Vachon

Marianna Kiraly

Eilish Lancaster and Nosherwan Minwalla

Sylvia and David Lichtenger

Linda Manes Goodwin

John McDowell

Beth Mostovoy

Neil Murphy and Juliana Fuerbringer

Amy and Andrew Rattner

Cheryl and Jeffrey Selman

Rupali Sharma

Deborah and Gus Shea

Amber and Chris Smith

Jim Stinger

Cindy Stokes

Yoko Tahara

Inna Zatulovsky

Sophie Zhu