Creating a Productive Space for Artists

Who

MISSION

The Sammons Center for the Arts grows the arts by providing a welcoming home for artists and arts groups to innovate, collaborate, and thrive, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Continue reading to learn more about Sammons Art Center.

VISION

A dynamic and inclusive community where artists are valued and empowered.

We Believe That

  • The Arts should be accessible to all.
  • The Arts ecosystem needs both small and large organizations.
  • The Arts can help build community and provoke new thinking.
  • The Arts are a core asset of any thriving economy.

How

We are often called an "Incubator," but prefer the term "Greenhouse." A greenhouse cultivates and protects young, tender plants by providing a stable environment and the resources they need to grow. Similarly, local arts groups rely on the Sammons Center for a nurturing space and vital resources. The artistic energy these groups create is unlike any other — it's the warm, "family" feeling you get when you step through our doors.

18 resident arts organizations create and work out of the Sammons Center. These are small and midsized arts nonprofits that tell stories through adventurous, unique work and represent culturally rich communities. Another 100+ groups use our building for rehearsals, performances, and meetings year-round.

Performing arts groups at the Sammons Center benefit from shared administrative and technology resources, as well as subsidized rent, professional development opportunities, and proximity to other arts organizations. All these and more help build an artistic home, providing the stability they need to continue creating great art.

Learn More

Donate & Grow the Arts
Learn About Our Historic Building

Services for Local Performing Arts Groups

  • The only provider of low-cost office, rehearsal, performance, and meeting space.
  • Copy, fax, automated mail services, express mail, package receiving, and postal lock boxes.
  • Free notary services.
  • Library and information center with books on fundraising, arts management, marketing, arts administration, etc.
  • Computer and technology center with computer equipment and software programs such as Word, Excel, desktop publishing, and internet access.

Resident Groups

Academy of Bangla Arts & Culture

African American Repertory Theater

Beckles Dancing Company

Cara Mía Theatre Co

Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition

Dallas Swing Dance Society

Dance Council of North Texas

Fine Arts Chamber Players

Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra

King Creative Arts Expressions

Lone Star Wind Orchestra

The Mexico Institute

New Arts Six

New Texas Symphony Orchestra

Soul Rep Theatre Company

Turtle Creek Chorale

Voices of Change

The Women's Chorus of Dallas

Learn More About Our Resident Groups

MEET THE STAFF

Executive Leadership Team

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Joanna St. Angelo

Executive Director

Joanna St. Angelo
Executive Director
Position Endowed by Sammons Enterprises

I grew up in frigid Duluth, Minnesota and am the oldest of seven children.

I can’t sing, dance or act, but I can cook. I won a purple ribbon on my cherry pie at the county fair when I was 12.

I have had my dream job as Executive Director of the Sammons Center for more than 30 years.

I am a dog person and currently have a crazy German Shorthaired Pointer named Sundance who I have nicknamed “Wild Thing.”

Joanna's Bio
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Michael Cook

Assistant Director

Michael Cook
Assistant Director

Howdy! I’m Michael. I was born in Kansas, grew up in Houston, and I’ve been in Dallas since 1994. I have a lot of unusual hobbies; I’ve devoted immense amounts of time to silk reeling, tablet weaving, and two-step dancing, and I’ve given a good college try to everything from knitting to silverpoint. I’ve written articles on fiber-arts techniques for several national publications, and I travel and teach from time to time. I’m an out-and-proud weirdo; I make my own soap and study lucid dreaming.

I live in Oak Cliff with my husband Chris, four little dogs, a cat, and a big organic garden full of fascinating nature which I enjoy studying and photographing. We used to have chickens but need to re-cooperate after an attack of raccoons.

I’ve been with the Sammons Center since 1999, and I’ve seen a lot of growth and change here over the past twenty years!

Michael's Bio
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Claire Mock

Director of Advancement

Claire Mock
Director of Development

Hi there! I'm Claire. I am delighted to champion the work of the Sammons Center for the Arts as the Director of Development. 

I have lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area for over twenty years! I love North Texas and want to help make our community a better, more inclusive, and vibrant place now and for future generations. 

I love the performing arts, although I fancy myself more as a patron than a performer. While I enjoy attending live performances like musicals and concerts, I am also happy to listen to a good playlist on my patio. 

My husband and I have an adorable and energetic daughter named Ellis. We enjoy spending time with our three rescues (Izzy, Ike, and Ivan), being outside, gardening, cooking, watching some of our favorite shows (Wheel of Fortune, Big Brother, and Survivor), building LEGO sets, and eating out!

Claire's Bio
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Patricia Stewart-Gordon

Director of Finance

Advancement Team

2

Karisa Coe

Institutional Giving Manager

Karisa Coe
Institutional Giving Manager

Hi! My name is Karisa Coe, and I’m very excited to be part of the Advancement team at the Sammons Center for the Arts. With a background in grant writing and an appreciation for many forms of creative expression, I am especially grateful to advocate for the people and organizations who bring the Sammons Center to life.

My passion for philanthropy began while studying marketing and nonprofit management at Texas A&M University. Since then, I have worked with mission-driven organizations across sectors ranging from animal welfare to community development, continually seeking to foster meaningful partnerships through impactful contributions.

Outside of work, I am a proud pet parent to a sweet, scruffy little dog named Otter and two friendly cats named Moon and Luna. I enjoy attending hockey games and concerts whenever I can, and I’m always drawn to a good story — whether through a book, podcast, movie, or deep dive down the YouTube rabbit hole!

If you’re reading this, I would love to learn from you and hear your ideas for advancing impact through the Sammons Center. I look forward to supporting the creativity and authentic sense of care that make this community so special!

Karisa's Bio
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Marica Cruz

Marketing Manager

Marica (muh-REE-kuh) Cruz
Assistant Office Coordinator

Hello there,

I began my journey at the Sammons Center in Spring 2017 as a music business intern through Cedar Valley College. Since then, the Sammons Center has not only nurtured the arts lover in me, but has also played a key role in shaping the early stages of my career.

My passion for connecting people with cultural experiences only deepened while I pursued my degree at the University of North Texas, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences.

In my personal time, I enjoy playing piano, watching DIY videos, and spending time with my energetic Australian shepherd/border collie mix, Milo.

This place has supported my growth and aspirations, and I’m proud to be part of a team that genuinely cares—both about the arts and the people behind each organization we serve.

Marica's Bio

Programming & Creative Leadership Team

Arlington-Jones_RSAngelo

Arlington Jones

Sammons Jazz Artistic Director
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Rebecca Cordes

Sammons Cabaret Artistic Director

Keron Jackson

Director of Special Projects

Operations & Facilities Team

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Tasha Morris

Office Assistant
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Andrew Kochie

Event Coordinator
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Jaime Torres

Building Supervisor
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Ruben Rojas

Assistant Building Coordinator
Charles-Ragsdale

Charles Ragsdale

Assistant Building & Event Coordinator

Board of Directors

Officers

Joshua Black, President
Zaida Basora, IAIA, Vice President
G. Timothy Hardin, Secretary
Christopher A. Poinsatte, Treasurer

Directors

John Alvarado
Seema Deshpande
Jeff Kempf
Mark Williamson

Emeritus Board

Brian Eliot Williams, Chairman
Gayle Z. Halperin, Member
Salvatore J. Olimpio, CPA, Member
Tracy E. Fulton, Member

Advisory Board

Lori Bensing
Christopher Cree
Trammell S. Crow
John A. Cuellar
Daniel L. Curry
Cole S. Davis
Clara Hinojosa
Jo Kurth Jagoda
Rodger Kobes, MD
Lucas LaChance, CPA, CIA
Jay W. Lorch, SIOR
Astrid Merriman
Michael L. Riddle
Frank E. Stevenson II
John & Bonnie Strauss
Tom Timmons

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