MEET THE BOARD | Artworks Westfield

ArtWorks Westfield is a nonprofit local arts & cultural organization promoting the rich and talented diversity of Westfield and surrounding communities.

95% of all funding ArtWorks receives is returned to the community through free art and cultural experiences, contributing to the excitement, vitality, and vibrancy of our city. Our revitalization activities and community-building initiatives focus on downtown Westfield.

OUR MISSION

The ArtWorks mission is to create and promote the widest variety of cultural arts, literary arts, musical events and performing arts for the Westfield community and to collaborate with businesses and invested groups to develop and maintain opportunities for presentations and performances. We aspire to bring together creators and community to engage inform, inspire, empower, educate, and entertain in the heart of downtown Westfield.

Meet The ArtWorks Board

The ArtWorks team is dedicated to provide uplifting cultural experiences for the city of Westfield.

Where art thrives, community thrives!

Bill Westerlind

President

Bill Westerlind, a retired Category Development Analyst with decades of experience in retail merchandising, marketing, and store operations at C&S Wholesale Grocers and CVS Health, is the Founder and current President of ArtWorks Westfield. For the past decade, Bill has guided ArtWorks with patience, vision, and heart - growing a creative community that continues to flourish. His leadership remains a cornerstone of the organization and a lasting gift to Westfield’s arts community.

Thomas Sawyer

Board Chair/Music Coordinator

Thomas Sawyer is a retired clinical social worker whose career centered on connection, compassion, and community well-being. Today, he brings that same spirit to the arts. As ArtWorks Westfield’s Music Coordinator and Event Collaborator, Tom curates live performances and fosters creative partnerships throughout the city. He currently serves as Chair of the Board

Cheryl Crowe

Board Member

Cheryl is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran whose dedication to service has long extended into her community. A founding member of ArtWorks Westfield, she served as Treasurer for the organization’s first ten years, helping to establish its foundation and guide its growth. Cheryl also serves on the City of Westfield Planning Board. Known for her strong connections and steadfast strength, Cheryl has been a vital part of building the vibrant arts community we celebrate today.

Jackie McDowell

Secretary

Jackie McDowell is a retired Dean and Professor of Art Education from Berry College in Georgia. She serves as Secretary on the ArtWorks Westfield Board and is also a board member of Grandmothers’ Garden, where her love for creativity and nature often intersect. Jackie teaches art at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, MA. Her wisdom, warmth, and deep commitment to arts education enrich the ArtWorks community and help nurture the next generation of local creativity.

Eric McDowell

Community Liaison

Eric McDowell, retired mathematics professor from Berry College in Georgia, brings his curiosity and care for community to ArtWorks Westfield as community liaison. Beyond ArtWorks, he lends his time and energy to the Amelia Park Children’s Museum and the Council on Aging, always seeking ways to make Westfield a more vibrant, connected place.

Maureen Shea Avery

Board Member

Maureen, a retired Registered Nurse and proud Westfield native, brings her care and dedication to nurturing the arts in the community. She is passionate about expanding creative opportunities for all generations and supporting future artists through scholarships that help dreams take root and grow.

Isabel Morales

Board Member

Isabel Morales, a mediator and retired child welfare consultant, brings her dedication to connection and community to ArtWorks Westfield. Through the arts, she helps create opportunities for people across Westfield to come together and build lasting bonds.

Ellen Westerlind

Board Member

Ellen Westerlind, an award-winning acrylic artist and retired preschool teacher, holds a BFA in art education and brings her love of creativity and learning to the community. She is dedicated to inspiring others through her art and nurturing the next generation of artists.

Kathleen Hillman

Board Member

Kathleen Hillman, a former preschool, elementary, and middle school teacher, has spent her life nurturing curiosity and creativity. She loves bringing art opportunities to the Westfield community and supporting programs that inspire learning and connection. Kathleen also serves on the school committee, the board of Grandmothers’ Garden, and the Westfield Woman’s Club, dedicating her time to making the community stronger and more vibrant.

Derek Folz

Board Member

Derek Folz is a Westfield-based creative whose work is influenced by early animation, classic cinema, and the enduring culture of Halloween. He is the founder of Samhain Oddities, a small horror/punk art brand, and has published two original tabletop role-playing games.

Derek joined the board in 2024, and contributes his energy, imagination, and commitment to expanding artistic opportunities in the community.

Kelly Rose (Burgess) Veilleux

Board Member/Graphics & Social Media

Kelly Rose (Burgess) Veilleux is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer whose work celebrates creativity and community. In addition to creating her own artwork, she manages graphic design and social media for ArtWorks Westfield, helping to share the organization’s mission and inspire others to explore their own artistic voices.

Justin Veilleux

Treasurer

Justin Veilleux, Operations Manager at CVS with 17 years of experience, joined the ArtWorks Westfield board as Treasurer following a year of volunteer work at community events. He brings a spirit of service and leadership to the board, helping to inspire creativity and strengthen Westfield’s arts community.