Maria Bell
Growing up in Southern California, I was lucky enough to be exposed to the arts in my public high school. That experience opened up a whole new world to me where all the arts, but particularly visual art, would change my life. It would lead me to major in art history in college and follow that up with a commitment to arts education in philanthropy. I have served on nonprofit arts boards large and small, from PS Arts to MOCA in an effort that others could have similar eye opening experiences with the arts.
My involvement with Americans for the Arts reaches back to 2002 when I came to the National Arts Awards as a guest. I loved that this event not only brought together artists of every discipline but teachers and philanthropists and unsung heroes as well. I became the chair of this event in 2006. I serve on the board of Americans for the Arts because I felt that the work of Americans for the Arts provides a voice for all the nonprofit arts organizations across the country and for all the artists seeking to be heard. It also gives a larger voice to the parents and students who hope to see the arts return or remain in their schools. Americans for the Arts is an essential organization for everyone who cares about the arts in our nation, and I'm proud to be even a small part of its advocacy.
