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STAFF and Board

The Staff

Diann Thomson

Executive Director
860-276-1581

Office Hours: 12pm – 5pm
Appointment Suggested
Photo of James Brunelle

James Brunelle

All Access Art Director
860-276-1581

Office Hours: By appointment only
Photo of Jhenea Gooden

Jhenea Gooden

Operations Manager
860-276-1581

Office Hours: By appointment only
Photo of Robert Riggs

Robert Riggs

Pottery Director
860-276-1581
860-329-5780

Office Hours: By appointment only


Contact Andrew directly to develop your vocal skills and schedule your sessions.
andrewjlove.com/teaching • Phone/Text (646) 305-4032 •  https://www.facebook.com/andrewjlovestudio/

Mary DeCroce - Founder & Visionary

The Southington Community Cultural Arts Center began as a dream by Artist and Founder Mary DeCroce. A long-time Southington artist installing large-scale community murals throughout central Connecticut. Please view the slideshow representing images of Mary paintings, the Murals, and the before and after images of the Gura Building housing SoCCA. Mary’s passion for the arts will continue to live on within the walls of the Arts Center.

SoCCA Board of Directors

Dawn Miceli – Chair Person
John N. Barry – Vice Chair
David DeCroce – Treasurer
Barbra Shanley – Secretary
David Zoni
Diana Sheard
Taylor Deegan
Peter Veronneau
Kathryn Elliott
Teresa Soltys

Diann Thomson

Diann has been an artist for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Indiana, she grew up drawing and working with clay, paint, and pastels. Diann studied art and graphic design at Ball State University and moved to CT in 1990, where she met established illustrator Bill Thomson.

She was drawn to Mary DeCroce due to their shared love of art and became involved with SoCCA from its inception. Diann served on the board as Vice President, contributing her time and talents to the center’s success. She became Executive Director in April 2022 after the passing of her friend and founder, Mary DeCroce.

Diann retired from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) after over 16 years as Marketing Coordinator of Design and Publications. Her expertise in marketing and communications and her experience with fundraising have enhanced SoCCA’s financial sustainability. Before CCSU, she worked as an art director for major ad agencies and ran a successful freelance design studio.

Diann has contributed creatively to local agencies, including the logos for SoCCA and the Southington Public Library. She has been involved with various committees and organizations to advocate for design and support people with facial differences.

Under her leadership, SoCCA has expanded its art experiences, including classes, workshops, exhibits, and events in the historic Gura Building. Diann is dedicated to carrying on Mary’s vision of creating a welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to engage with the arts.

James Brunelle

James Brunelle, Jr, All Access Director has been employed by SoCCA since 2017. His responsibilities with the All Access Art Program as Director and as lead Arts Instructor include being responsible for weekly instruction, coordinating activities with partnering organizations, and implementing activities for representing the artwork of the program participants in gallery exhibits and gallery inventory.

James has an administrative employment history working with regional non-profit art centers, museums, public and private schools in outreach education, administrative program coordination, and studio management. He’s received grant funding for individual fellowships, implemented partnership projects through NEA-funded programs, and has received awards for his works in ceramics, printing, and painting from museums, arts organizations, and art festivals.

Jhenea Gooden

The art process is truly inspiring. The ability to express and bring to life ideas and feelings that resonate with others is powerful. My passion for art and people has driven me. It’s a true blessing to have a fulfilling career working as a k-8 art teacher and administrator at SoCCA. I felt called to provide a safe space for young students to be exactly who they are, beautiful humans! I am a lifelong learner. Much of which I credit to my students who brighten and enlighten me every day. I envision a world where imaginations run wild and free in everyone. Where a heartfelt dream is realized. Where there is always something even when you feel there is nothing. Where all people understand they matter and bring tremendous value wherever they find themselves. Art is everywhere and the materials to create it are too. Even when you say you’re not an artist, I see the possibilities in YOU.

Robert Riggs

Robert Riggs has been working with pottery since high school and has over 25 years of experience as a ceramic artist. Riggs, a Marion, CT resident, runs the pottery studio and teaches pottery classes at Southington Community Cultural Arts in Southington, CT.

Previously, Robert not only was the Wesleyan Potters’ Assistant Studio, Facility and Studio Manager for over 17 years but also taught pottery class. Riggs’ love for pottery is evident not only in his own work but also his involvement with fellow artist by participating in community, workshops and supporting his fellow artist in the field. His involvement from his various experiences has enabled him to develop different ways of producing unique and creative pieces.