2022 Judges

Dara Rosenwasser is a practicing Central Coast artist and educator with a background in strengthening community through visual storytelling and interdisciplinary projects. She received her MFA in Photography from the San Francisco Art Institute and has worked as a professional artist since 2005. She continues to exhibit her work on a national level and serves on the board of directors for the SLO County Arts Council. She currently owns and operates D.LEA Studio in Avila Beach, offering arts-based classes in Photography, Wearable Design, Mixed Media Art, and Histories & Processes.

David Limrite is an experienced teacher, mentor and professional working artist. During the past 35 years, he has devoted well over 10,000 hours to fostering, motivating and inspiring students of all levels. His skill as a professional artist is undeniable, and his generosity in sharing his insights is unparalleled. He understands the challenges that artists face and can help them meet these challenges head on with his aesthetically critical eye and laser-focused guidance. Born in 1958 in Salinas, California, and working for 30 years in Los Angeles, he currently lives, creates, writes, mentors and teaches in Central California. David has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree in Illustration from Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He is the author of the book, “Create Anyway” and co-founder of the Create Anyway Collective.

Rev. Mark F. Sturgess is the son of a Presbyterian minister, raised in the small church tradition of rural Missouri. Mark graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, where he received Bachelor degrees in Computer Studies (B.A.) and Pipe Organ Performance (B.M.). At Northwestern, Mark specialized in 19th and early 20th century French organ repertoire and period keyboard technique of the Baroque era.

Mark’s gifts and passions for ministry include preaching, teaching and worship; coaching traditional congregations to spiritual health and vitality; post-modern biblical interpretation; and advocacy for full inclusion of LGBT Christians in the life the church. He has recently published essays in “Connections: a Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship” from Westminster John Knox Press, and reflections on the relationship of beauty and ministry in the Austin Seminary Faculty Journal, Insights. Mark also happily serves as household staff for his two cats: Buddy and Molly.