12 questions with Serafina Palandech
Getting to know the director of Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Serafina Palandech has been on the job as director of Sebastopol Center for the Arts for five months. Now that the newness has worn off—and the art center is on a firmer financial footing—we thought we’d check in to see how things are going with this energetic entrepreneur, who is also the founder of several businesses including, most recently, Luminarium, on Main Street.
1. What values were emphasized most in your home when you were growing up?
My mom was determined that I would never be a housewife. Both of my parents stressed education, the arts, and travel. They always encouraged me to be an independent thinker and to work very very hard.
2. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I wanted to be an artist. My dad was an oil painter and I admired his work and was heavily influenced by visiting museums throughout my youth. I also read voraciously.
3. What did you think you were going to be when you were in college and why?
In college, I majored in fine arts and women’s studies. I’ve always been socially conscious and passionate about the arts. I wasn’t sure what I would do after college.
4. If you could be or do anything else - what?
Right out of college I got a job working for AIDS walk San Francisco. At the time HIV and AIDS was rampant, and the government wasn’t responding appropriately. I have always been an activist, and this work allowed me to apply my creativity, determination and drive to raise money for people living with HIV and AIDS. It also taught me how to work with very little resources, how to organize community and how to get corporate sponsorships. I spent the next 12 years directing mass participatory fundraising events all over the country.
Then I decided to create a chicken nugget brand called Hip Chick Farms. I wanted to bring a better offering for busy families. The company took off like wildfire, and I spent the next seven years as a founder of a high-growth start up.
I own several other businesses. Building a brand allows me to utilize my creativity, create community, do good work.
Coming to the center for the arts feels like a perfect marriage of my skills and passions. I am doing what I want to do most.
5. What is your favorite time period in art history and why?
Honestly, I am very influenced by the impressionist movement due to my dad’s influence. What I think is most interesting is the feminist art movement that was happening in the 80s and 90s. Today I am influenced by immersive and interactive art, for example, team lab.
6. Do you make art yourself -- what medium and how would you describe it?
I draw and paint. But I really do think of my job is executive director as creating art. My shop, Luminarium Curated, is another example of the art I can create.
7. What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Creative
8. What one word would your friends use to describe you?
Hard-working
9. What are you most proud of?
My beautiful daughter
10. What's the one thing about you few people know - or that would surprise them if they did?
I meditate every morning for 30 minutes for the last 15 years.
11. What do you like most about your job at SebARTS?
I love learning about artists and seeing their work. I’m ridiculously excited to bring forward strong fiscal responsibility and infrastructure to the center. And finally, I love the community.
12. What's the hardest part of the job?
The center for the arts has nine programs, thousands of volunteers and 31 years of history. The hardest part of the job is trying to understand all of that. I am in month five and I’m just beginning to understand.
SebARTS’ North Star Gala is taking place next Saturday, Nov. 4. It’s already sold out, but you can still bid on auction items here.
This short concise article covered a lot of ground, Thanks.
Ernieman
Serafina is an incredible lady! Not only a creative, entrepreneurial, committed leader, but also an incredibly generous person who volunteers at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.