Board of Directors
- Cindy Salem | President
Cindy Salem – President of the Deison Arts Council.
Cindy and her husband Steve live in Denison. Steve and Cindy moved to Denison in 2006 and fell in love with the art community there. Steve developed the Fairway Estate Development and in 2009 purchased and remodeled 517-519 W Main street to Retail and Loft Living
Prior to retiring in 2020 I worked in Healthcare. I received a Bachelors in Nursing from University of Central Oklahoma Nursing then completed a Masters in Healthcare Administration. After working 20 years in acute care I transitioned to Cardiovascular and Stroke Research with Roche Genentech
After retiring she joined the Denison Arts Council and is proud of their accomplishments to promote the Denison Cultural Art District, Arts related Tourism and support the many collaborations with our community partners both in Denison and Grayson County. Also active in Grayson County Junior League, on the Denison Convention Visitors and Tourism Board as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
When not volunteering she loves to travel, cook and be with friends and family.
- Mark Nagel (Owner of Sparrows Gallery) | Director
Having lived in the area since 1977, I have spent most of my work career in customer service and retail. I owned and operated Nagels Paint in Sherman for 28 years, doing custom framing and design work as well as teaching classes on faux finishing. I also spent several years managing an organic farm and cattle operation and 3 years as Quartermaster of the tall ship Compass Rose on Lake Texoma in Denison. I brought my framing experience to Sparrows Gallery when Tamie Odom opened it in 2016 and purchased the gallery from Tamie in 2022.
I have served as a board member with Sherman Arts Festival, Lakefest Regatta, Trinity Lutheran Church and Sherman Symphony Orchestra. I served two terms as President of Sherman Symphony Orchestra and am currently on the Advisory Board. I am an active member and Usher Team Lead for Legacy Bible Church and host a men’s bible study at Sparrows Gallery on Friday mornings. My wife and I currently live in Sherman and enjoy art, theater, music and all things creative!
- Jessica (Grimes) Gissler | Treasurer
Born and raised with roots in the Texoma region, Jessica (Grimes) Gissler brings a wealth of vision and experience to her seat as Treasurer of Denison Arts Council. Between the ages of 18 to 31, Jessica moved around sampling much of what life has to offer while studying Finance and Entrepreneurship in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and International Business in London. She started her career-life in South Florida, Maryland, and Atlanta before returning home to Denison, Texas to raise her son with her husband, Tom. Her home and office are filled with art from her travels and any loud, bright treasures she couldn’t live without! She trends toward the maximalist style, seeing any empty wall space (and often floors and ceilings as well) as possible opportunities to display her favorite pieces. She hopes to expand her philosophy of “Life is a gallery” to the entire city, filling the walls, streets and windows with inspiring and beautiful art! Jessica owns Balancing+Act, offering an elevated bookkeeping and business consulting experience to local and nationwide clientele located in the heart of downtown.
- Mathias Scott Bardwell (MATH ART) - Outsider Artist
Mathias Scott Bardwell, widely known as MATH ART, is a versatile outsider artist based in Denison, Texas. With deep family roots in Denison and the Texoma area, Math has become a vital part of the local art scene. His creative repertoire spans across a variety of mediums, including acrylic paintings, murals, clothing and shoe design, tattoos, sculptures, and installation art. As a multi-instrumentalist musician, poet, actor, and self-proclaimed buffoon, his work embodies a unique blend of humor, emotion, and raw creativity.
Math is a left-handed artist whose unconventional approach breaks the mold and challenges traditional perspectives. His commitment to the arts extends beyond his personal creations, as he plays an active role in the Denison Arts Council and contributes to the city’s Design Committee. His involvement in Historic Downtown Denison reflects his dedication to enriching the community and fostering a vibrant cultural environment.
Whether he’s transforming canvases, clothing, or urban spaces, Math brings a distinctive vision to everything he touches, making him a true asset to Denison’s artistic landscape.
- Full Board of Directors List
Cindy Salem, President
Jimmy Smith, Vice President
Jessica Gissler, Treasurer
Alissa Ledebour, Director at Large
Kimber Bosse, Gallery Director
Matt Bardwell, Director at Large
Abe Marin, DIA Chair and Puppet Lead
Mark Nagel, Director
Alexis Taylor-Baker, Director
