About Us
The Associated Arts of Ocean Shores was incorporated in 1974 to:
-
Promote and organize the visual, literary, and performing arts
-
Promote arts education
-
Inform the community about arts events
-
Sponsor arts programs and activities
-
Lead and assist in the development of arts programs
​
The mission of Associated Arts is to lead and assist individuals and organizations in providing diverse arts education programs and events in our community.
​
Board Members
President
Open position
Lesli Zielke - Vice President
Lesli is retired and loves living at the beach. In 2001, Lesli moved from Colorado to Kirkland, Washington, and in 2015, to Ocean Shores. Lesli enjoys reading, knitting, cooking, exploring beaches and riding her scooter. Currently, Lesli is manager of the Tim Rossow Watercolor and Associates Art Gallery where she learned to enjoy and appreciate art.
Sharon Gochoel - Secretary
Sharon is a glass fusion artist and has lived in Ocean Shores for 13 years. She studied art in college, various art classes and workshops. Her art began in oil, pottery, watercolor and then glass. She found glass in 2006 and has loved working with it. Sharon is a long time member of Associated Arts of Ocean Shores. Her art is displayed at Palette by the Sea in Seabrook, Sidney Museum and Art Gallery in Port Orchard, and Alder Grove Gallery in Aberdeen. Her art can be seen in various festivals throughout the State of Washington. She participates in the Art Splash Studio Tour.
Treasurer
Open position
Karen Fox - Board Member
Karen is an oil painter. She started painting in 1997 when she took a "plein air" landscape class from the Art Students League of Denver. In 2000, Karen moved from Colorado to Vashon Island, Washington, and in 2021 to Ocean Shores, Washington. "I chose oils as my medium because I love the way they smell and their buttery softness; I like the way it feels when I spread paint on a canvas and I enjoy the feeling of that stretched canvas as it first gives to the pressure of my hand and then gently springs back as I pull my hand away.”
Scott Johnston - Board Member
Scott is a freelance writer reporter, camera man and glass fusion artist. He was born in Seattle and moved with his family to Louisville, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Missouri before moving back to Washington in 2006. He then moved to Ocean Shores in 2009 with his wife. Scott began volunteering for our local radio station KOSW. He did a jazz and interview show with the late artist Joan Lohr, called “Captured Live.” He was host on KOSW for a monthly show where he interviewed an eclectic array of Grays Harbor artists. Scott became an AAOS member to support the art and artists of Ocean Shores. He presently is a team member of the Arts & Craft Festival for the 2023 Festival.
James West - Board Member
Jim has been an avid photographer for over 50 years. He won his first photography award in the early seventies while studying with local professional photographers and printmakers. His love of darkroom processes and alternative printmaking led to his first job in the industry. Since retiring and moving to Ocean Shores Jim has been involved in the local art scene and has shown his work in a number of galleries.
​
Board Member
Open Position
​
​
Board Member
Open Position