We are proud to share with you these next four amazing icons of art. The eighth in our series of recognizing 40 icons of art who have had a significant and important impact on Placer County arts and culture. The Arts Council of Placer County is proud to celebrate 40 years, and to honor these people as a part of this milestone.

These are shared with you in no particular order, and this list is only a small portion of those who create and help make our community thrive.

Thanks to everyone who helps bring more art to more people!

“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.”

Anonymous

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J ROSS PARRELLI - A successful Indie artist, emcee, poet and lyricist, J Ross Parrelli has won multiple competitions throughout the U.S. As a result of her global community work and interest in the education system and reform, she co-founded Beats Lyrics Leaders and co-created a Hip Hop curriculum that is now being piloted in schools, after school music programs, foster youth gatherings and on Native American reservations. She is one of the featured artists for Hip Hop Congress, Inc., an international organization connecting diverse people from around the world to change lives through the power of education, art, music, dance and true social engagement. She serves as a teaching artist/program director/youth advocate/mentor/artist for the Auburn Hip Hop Congress and is a member of the Auburn Union School District Board of Trustees.

JOANNE NEFT - Author and business owner Joanne Neft opened the first Foothill Farmers’ Market in Auburn in 1989. Its popularity quickly expanded with farmers now selling high-quality fruits, vegetables, meats and wines at markets throughout Placer County. In cooperation with PlacerGROWN, the organization that oversees the certified farmers’ markets, Neft has organized a number of events, including an art show inviting artists to create sculptures using vegetables and fruits as the medium. She commissioned an art show, “Auburn 2005: Portraits of a Place,” which featured portraits of local leaders for display at Auburn City Hall. Neft partnered with Laura Kenny, a chef specializing in cooking local and seasonal food, to create the popular cookbook, “Placer County Real Food.” Her second cookbook, “The Art of Real Food,” features artwork by three Placer County artists. She is an advocate for the Auburn Symphony, the Auburn State Theater and the Placer Artists Tour.

ANGELA TAHTI - Executive Director of Arts Council of Placer County from 1997 to 2008, Angela Tahti collaborated with artists and community volunteers of all ages, public officials and business leaders to improve Placer County’s quality of life through the arts. She also collaborated with Americans for the Arts to produce two surveys to determine public interest in the arts.

TOMMIE MOLLER will be remembered for her public art, which included bronze sculptures and paintings representing Native American life in Northern California. She received numerous public art commissions throughout her career. Her most notable commission is the sculpture, “Maidu Family,” created in collaboration with Florence Bird and located in front of the Maidu Community Center in Roseville. A lifelong lover of poetry and oral recitation, she also wrote and illustrated several children’s books. (D-2022)

40 years of bringing more art

to more people

Additional honorees being announced, watch your email!

Arts Council of Placer County is proud to be the state and local partner of California Arts Council and Placer County