Board of Directors
Dwight Watson
Board Member
Dwight is Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and currently a Professor of Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies. He is a former provost, dean of education, and department chair. His research focuses on literacy development, multicultural education, and administrators of color. He has published widely and presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences. He lives in Whitewater and enjoys reading, movie viewing, Bible study, cooking, and riding his bike throughout town.
Heather Ruenz
Board Member
Heather joined the board to be more involved in spreading the good feelings that she received while doing a story on the Studio. Heather is a journalist with Southern Lakes Newspaper.
Kris Eaton
Board Member
Kris has her BA in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University of Michigan. Over the years she has worked as a support and service coordinator, case manager, a shelter advocate and crisis unit counselor. She now devotes her time to being the best guardian supporting the needs for her niece and nephew who are both on the autism spectrum.
Margaret Wheeler Bawden
Board Member
Margaret comes to us with a love of dance and works at UW-W as the Immigration Specialist, Affirmtive Action Program Coordinator. She is the mom of an artistic young man on the autism specturm.
Rebecca Burda
Board Member
Becca is a clinical therapist and studied at George Williams College of Aurora University.
Staff
Ben Kelly
Director
Ben has his masters in Social Work and started out as a volunteer during his college years. His outside the box creative skills and brainstorming abilities helps keep the studio running at high speed.
Karina Pittro
Artistic Mentor
Karina is currently a senior at UW Whitewater working towards her BFA.
Lynnette Gmur
Artistic Mentor
Lynnette comes to us with a teaching background in special ed. She's active in her community and also works part time at Dales Bootery.
Deborah Blackwell
Founder
Deborah received her BFA and minor in arts management from UW-W in 2008 and in 2009 she opened Studio 84. Her passion for sharing her gift in the arts with others was the driving force behind Studio 84. She retired in March of 2024 and now enjoys working in her garden, riding e-bikes and traveling with husband to Europe and around the United States in their camper.