Art Center Sarasota names Clara Reynardus de Villanueva to its board

Clara Reynardus de Villanueva, director of development for the University of South Florida Foundation’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, has been named to Art Center Sarasota's board of directors. 

Founded in 1926, Art Center Sarasota is the oldest visual arts organization in Sarasota. It doesn't charge admission for its juried regional art exhibitions and solo shows that allow artists to sell their works, relying instead on donations and membership fees to fund its operations.

Image courtesy of Matthew Holler

A first-generation Cuban American mostly raised in Puerto Rico, Reynardus de Villanueva is an ardent advocate for expanding access to the arts, education and social services for underserved communities.

“We are excited to welcome Clara to our board,” says Ramsey Frangie, Art Center Sarasota board president. “Her dedication to community arts advocacy, coupled with her extensive nonprofit experience, will be instrumental in advancing Art Center Sarasota’s mission and ensuring its continued impact on Sarasota’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

Reynardus de Villanueva is the board chair for CreArte Latino Cultural Center, serves as an advisory board member for the Sarasota Ballet and is a volunteer with the Child Protection Center.

She is pursuing an MBA and a graduate degree in nonprofit management, both from USF, and has been recognized with several leadership awards.

“I’m honored to join the board of Art Center Sarasota, an organization integral to our community’s cultural development,” said Reynardus de Villanueva in a statement. “I look forward to collaborating with a talented team to help the center maintain its leadership in the arts, inspire creativity, and support artists from all backgrounds.”