Our Team

Why Art in Common? Why me?

Aimee Jette, Executive Director, Art Therapist “I wanted to create a way for people to be seen, to be witnessed; the creative process engenders seeing each other rapidly, it transcends language.” Why me? “If I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem. There is much work to do. ”

Mark Krantz, Chairman of the Board, Producer “Given the opportunity to reach people, especially children, through art therapy is a worthy and fulfilling goal. Why me? “Also easy. The team is awesome. The goal is awesome. The results will speak for themselves.”

Alex Wattles, Treasurer, Pilot “Because of their dynamic combination of art and social justice. Why me? “Because I want to be part of the change that needs to happen.”

  • Aimee Jette, LPC, ATR, CLAT

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ART THERAPIST

    Aimee founded Art in Common, Inc. in early 2016 after spending much of her life in the corporate world as a producer and designer. She served as a mentor for recently resettled refugees with the resettlement agency, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants in Bridgeport, CT and helped launch Refugee Resettlement Ridgefield in her hometown. She quickly realized that the most effective way to connect when there is a language barrier is through art.

    She was awarded a month-long artist residency in Laugavatn, Iceland in July 2016 where she focused on techniques to bring back to the work she does here in the States. In March 2018, she spent time abroad studying with Expressive Arts Ireland. Aimee holds a Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Hofstra University and is currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at Western Connecticut State University. She is an Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and practicing artist.

    Her dream is to open a welcoming, healing art space in Danbury, CT, with satellite programming, offering creative programming to marginalized populations, furthering initiatives centered on anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.

  • Holli Levy, EdD

    Holli Levy, EdD

    Director of Education, Art Teacher

    Holli Levy was an elementary teacher for 29 years. During her tenure Holli received a masters degree in Technology Integration, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Western Connecticut State University.

    When Holli retired from her years as an elementary teacher she had the time to devote to her other passion, art. She began her artistic journey as a mixed media artist. In recent years she has shifted her focus to Encaustic Painting where she uses her mixed media and photography skills in her encaustic work.

    Holli brings her passion as an educator, and as an artist, to Art in Common. In addition to teaching classes in our studio, Holli runs the education arm of AIC, organizing classes and supporting our teachers.

    hollilevyart.com

  • Lilah Heyman Social Media Manager

    Lilah Heyman

    Social Media Manager, Art Teacher

    Lilah Heyman graduated from Fairfield University in 2021 with a BFA in Studio Art and minors in Graphic Design, Marketing, and Education. In 2023, she graduated from Western Connecticut State University with an MFA in Painting.

    Lilah is primarily a painter, focusing on contemporary still lives and interior scenes in both oils and acrylics. She also creates through drawing, printmaking, and embroidery. Lilah uses her marketing and graphic design background to manage Art in Common’s social media accounts. She is passionate about creating community through engaging social media content.

  • Mark Krantz

    CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, PRODUCER

    Mark Krantz is President of Mark Krantz Productions, a New York-based entertainment and media company.

    He is a creator of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize and The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. His credits include several episodes of “In Performance at the White House” (PBS), Richard Pryor’s“I Ain’t Dead Yet!” (Comedy Central), Elaine Stritch at Liberty, George C. Wolfe’s “Harlem Song (Apollo Theater),” The President’s Summit For America’s Future, The Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremonies and “Little Kids Rock” fundraising Galas.

    Mark produced, for the David Lynch Foundation, a gala concert at The Kennedy Center. Mark was a creative consultant to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY, for their opening celebrations and consulting to NYC City/Parks and Summer Stage for their virtual 2020 Gala. Clients include Little Kids Rock, The ADL, and Gilda’s Club. He serves on the board of Comedy Gives Back and Art In Common. Mark is developing various projects with writer-producer Tom Leopold (Seinfeld, Will, and Grace). He resides in Redding, CT.

  • Alex Wattles

    TREASURER, PILOT

    Early in Alex’s career, he routinely flew Angel Flight Mission’s with his aircraft. This entailed picking up and dropping off of life-critical medical care. He spoke, raised money, and served on the board for Angel Flight. From 1997-2001 Alex was a trader on Wall Street. His interests lie in cars, sculpture, airplanes, motorcycles. He resides in Ridgefield with his wife and 3 dogs.

  • Mary Hayes Phelps

    Board Member, Licensed Realtor

    ‘Positive’, ‘Enthusiastic’, ‘Responsive’ and ‘Knowledgeable’ are just a few of the adjectives former clients have used to describe their experience of working with Mary. A Realtor since 2009, Mary has worked with many buyers and sellers bringing their transactions to a successful conclusion. Her strengths are in nurturing relationships and delivering excellent customer service, negotiating and marketing. She is energetic, professional, creative, attentive-to-detail and dedicated to her clients. She has experience with residential home sales in all price points from starter homes to multi-million dollar estates.

    Mary is a Diamond Level Award Winner, a Five Star Award Winner for customer service and has been a consistent top producing agent in Ridgefield and Fairfield County. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the CT Association of Realtors and the Northern Fairfield County Association of Realtors. She earned an AAS in Advertising & Communications and a BA in English Literature.

  • Kim Pine Dougharty

    Board Member, Art Therapist

    Kim Pine Dougharty is a visual artist, art therapist & educator. She's a firm believer in the power of art to elevate the human experience as well as the need for access and experiences in the arts for everyone. She has a Master of Arts in Art Therapy Counseling from Hofstra University as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching coursework, and a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Studio Art from the University of Puget Sound. Kim has worked as an art instructor with people of all ages and abilities in casual and therapeutic environments. She's excited about the mission of Art In Common and thrilled to be part of the board.

  • Carmell Clark

    Board Member, Transformational Coach, Life Artist

    Carmell is a master transformational coach and founder of the Center for Transformational Influence. CTI is her brainchild for coaching and training self-actualized practices in relationships, leadership, influence, and personal fulfillment across the globe.

    She leads groups in her flagship programs, takes influencers on international adventures, and works directly with executives and entrepreneurs. Carmell is an author with multiple books in the publishing process and a riveting speaker and trainer who moves audiences into a transformational experience. She is also an oils artist who presents abstracts and unique figures in her work.