all about
damfino arts
We connect artists of all genres with art lovers through performances, exhibitions, cross-collaborations, education, and community projects
Who we are
We are a team of artists and art enthusiasts.
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We endeavor to connect artists of every discipline with art lovers in the Seattle area through performances, exhibitions, cross-collaborations, education, and community works.
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We support artists by providing them with opportunities to pursue their own creative endeavors and by inviting them to collaborate on a variety of innovative projects. Each interdisciplinary productions is brought to life thanks to the many incredible creators throughout the Seattle area.
Damfino Arts grew out of SeaPertl Productions, a sister and brother team consisting of Sydney M. Pertl and Miles Pertl, that focused on collaboration between visual arts and dance. However, as these works began to encompass more and more artists, we felt that the transition into a nonprofit would better serve the needs of our wonderful community.
We hope to see you at our next art show, performance, or event!
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The ones who make it happen
Sydney M. Pertl is a visual artist who has shown in galleries across the country. From murals, set and costume design, cinematography, to sculpture, she is happy to explore any depending on the project at hand. She has also co-founded a number of social and business endeavors, including a long running pop-up art gallery with a focus on revitalizing an empty downtown in Appleton, WI, as well as a nonprofit with the dual mission of educating local US schoolchildren about Ghanaian culture and delivering donated school supplies to rural Ghana. She is also the cofounder of SeaPertl Productions, and she believes that an artist is only as successful as the community which surrounds them.
artistic director
co-chair of the board
Miles Pertl is currently a dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he has danced for the past six years. He has also worked for Stuttgart Ballet in Germany as well as for Het National Ballet in the Netherlands, and has toured around the world, including countries all across Europe, Asia, and South America. His main passion is the exploration of movement through his many choreographies, as well as building connections and collaborating with enthusiastic dancers, emerging artists, and anyone willing to explore the language of dance. He is the cofounder of SeaPertl Productions, and strives to bring new stories and methods of dance to the forefront of the Seattle arts scene.
artistic director
co-chair of the board
Sydney and Miles, working within very different fields within the arts, have realized that by combining their multiple artistic skillsets results in a far stronger finished product than if one were to work alone. Their goals are to create an all inclusive community of artists, musicians, dancers, choreographers, costume designers (and every artistic practice in between) where the idea of cross collaboration is valued above all, and each artist can shine in their own respective fields.
Social media manager
& media relations
Isabelle Hsieh has been deeply passionate and involved in the Seattle hospitality industry for over 10 years (mbar, Girin, Meet Korean BBQ, Frank’s Oyster House). Isabelle, or Izz, believes that food brings communities together and restaurants help to nurture these memories and connections. Working in hospitality management has helped her foster relationships with local farmers, local distilleries/breweries and collaborations with other local Seattle businesses. Joining Damfino Arts is an exciting new journey of connecting local artists with the local community of which she is thrilled to be a part.
public
event specialist
Leah Terada is currently a Corps de Ballet member with the Pacific Northwest Ballet where she has danced for the past six seasons. She received her dance training at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and briefly with the Royal Danish Ballet. She has also participated in workshops hosted by Regional Dance America, Vim Vigor, Batsheva Dance Company, and the Movement Invention Project among others. Leah enjoys teaching personalized approaches to creative movement both through her many choreographic works as well as in dance studios and classrooms across the United States. She has recently worked as the front of house manager for Skid Road Gallery as she is committed to understanding and helping artist realize their true worth in our community.
Communications
Specialist
board member
Iris Picat is a communications specialist with over ten years of experience working for and with the communities she lives in. Her work ranges from large-scale event planning and interpretive wayfinding to leading public engagement on several Seattle mega-projects, including their public art projects, and environmental and construction outreach. She is especially interested in creating connections and developing and fostering community partnerships.