Hopewell Valley Arts Council welcomes four new members to board

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Susie Henkel (left), Lynn DeClemente Losavio (center), Stephen Webb (center), and Grant Peterson (right)

The Hopewell Valley (HV) Arts Council has announced four new leaders to its board of directors.

The Arts Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing art awareness and appreciation in the greater Hopewell Valley, while creating opportunities to showcase and support local artists.

“These accomplished professionals bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for the arts, enriching HV Arts Council’s mission to foster creativity and cultural engagement in the community bringing “art in the everyday,” the release said.

Stephen Webb is the co-founder of Aspire Studios in Pennington, where he channels his passion for accelerating the process of building interest, connections, and relationships between clients and their audience through impactful visual storytelling.

With over 20 years of video production experience, Webb has worked in diverse venues ranging from the Winter Olympic Games to narrative and documentary film sets, small businesses, international enterprises, and universities.

His expertise in team leadership, adult learning theory, sales behaviors, and instructional design enables him to quickly identify and focus on key issues to creatively address them, delivering tailored stories that benefit his clients.

Before co-founding Aspire Studios, Webb worked in global corporate retail, historic universities, and donor-driven non-profits, bringing a wealth of experience and lifelong learning to his current role as creative director and producer.

He takes pride in leading his team from inception to completion, ensuring clients’ creative needs are met with excellence.

Lynn DeClemente Losavio is a non-profit executive, curator, and collaborator with a profound background in the arts.

Holding a master of fine art from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, specializing in Textiles and Social Practice, DeClemente Losavio’s career has been shaped by her passion for the intersection of art and community.

As chief legacy officer for The Seward Johnson Atelier, DeClemente Losavio plays a pivotal role in steering major short- and long-term planning decisions, preserving and promoting the legacy of Seward Johnson.

She adeptly manages the comprehensive history and future direction of The Seward Johnson Atelier, ensuring strategic initiatives align with the organization’s vision.

A key communicator with the board of directors, DeClemente Losavio oversees the narrative, sales, and exhibitions of Seward Johnson’s work, contributing significantly to the appreciation and recognition of his artistic contributions.

Notably, DeClemente Losavio has curated exhibitions celebrating the philanthropic and artistic journey of the Johnson family, showcasing her expertise in presenting compelling narratives.

Susie Henkel is a seasoned graphic designer with over 25 years of experience, having graduated from the University of Delaware’s Visual Communications program.

She began her career in New York, working with major accounts such as Penguin Books, American Express, Agfa Film, and the New York Yankees.

Transitioning to her own business, Codrington Design, Henkel focuses on brand identity, helping numerous small businesses establish themselves through logos, websites, and collateral materials.

Her work extends to major pharmaceutical companies and local non-profits, where she combines innovative thinking with marketing expertise to produce powerful, effective designs. As one of the founding members of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, Henkel brings valuable experience and a fresh perspective to the board.

Grant Peterson has cultivated a distinguished career in photography and music.

Beginning his education in photography with notable mentors such as Peter Bunnell, Lisette Model, George Tice, and Phillip Halsman, Peterson opened his first studio in New York at 26, pioneering a highly narrative and lyrical approach to still-life photography that defined a generation of photographers.

Renowned as “The Sun King” by Photo District News, Peterson has shared his expertise globally through lectures and teaching engagements at prestigious institutions.

Beyond photography, Peterson is a versatile artist who has contributed his musical talents to off-off Broadway productions and regularly performs in the Hopewell, Lambertville, and Princeton area.

Peterson has been instrumental in Hopewell Tour Des Arts since 2017 and has his studio at the Highland Design Farm. With his wealth of experience and artistic insight, Grant Peterson brings invaluable contributions to the Hopewell Valley Arts Council board of directors, enriching and promoting the arts in the community.