Our Board of Directors and Staff

Aaron Fritz’s creative journey began in childhood, encouraged by his mother and expressed through drawing and experimentation.

He attended university, built a successful career in business, and established a life centered around family before returning to art in 2004 following a life-changing family event that reshaped his perspective.

Since then, he has painted consistently for over two decades. His work has evolved from landscapes to an impressionistic, figurative style, reflecting his belief that both life and art are always evolving.

Amy Wicks is the Northern Utah Programs Manager for Utah Rivers Council, where she focuses on public policy affecting water conservation and also serves as the Great Salt Lake Waterkeeper. She has 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector with expertise in research and data gathering, program management, community outreach, strategic planning, advocacy, and public education campaigns. She served three, four-year terms as an elected official on the Ogden City Council. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous conservation, transparency, fiscal accountability, art, and public engagement initiatives.

Ashley Wolthuis was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. She holds a BA from Weber State University and a Master’s in Development Studies from Universitat Jaume I in Castellon, Spain. She began her career in Los Angeles, founding Red Sky Media and working in film finance before returning to Utah to launch Element Appraisal, Inc. A top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX Associates – South Ogden, Ashley has earned numerous awards, including the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and Titan Club Awards. She has held leadership roles in appraisal organizations and was the first real estate agent invited to keynote the Utah State Tax Commission’s annual conference. Ashley currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern Wasatch Association of Realtors and enjoys exploring the desert with her family and dog.

Cameron began painting at just eight years old and has been involved in several art events at the Eccles Art Center over the years. Inspired by the Art Center’s ongoing commitment to engaging youth in the arts, he joined the Board of Directors at the age of 20. Cameron studied Architecture at the University of Utah, where he developed a deep appreciation for the role design and art play in enhancing the well-being of the communities they serve. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and going to the movies (sometimes just for the popcorn).

Erich Goeckeritz has been a passionate advocate for the arts in Ogden since being born and raised here. With a career rooted in libraries and higher education, he currently manages programming and exhibits at the Stewart Library at Weber State University. Dedicated to cultivating a vibrant arts community, he emphasizes inclusivity and diverse perspectives in all initiatives. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Wasatch Front, practicing photography, and baking—though his true passion might just be his mild obsession with cats.

Evaline Petersen was born, raised, and educated in Ogden, Utah. Evaline is a lifelong supporter of the arts. She owned and operated The Gallery Etc. from 1994 to 2002, showcasing local talent and promoting art in the community. Passionate about fostering a love for the arts, Evaline is dedicated to encouraging artistic expression within both her family and the wider Ogden community.

Kathleen (Kate) Bideaux leads KB Consulting, where she designs strategic plans, provides professional coaching, develops grant applications and offers event planning to strengthen arts, education, and community-based organizations. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois and an M.Ed. from Weber State University. Kate lives in West Haven where she raised her three children. She balances her professional work with travel, concerts, volunteering, and supporting creative spaces that uplift and inspire the Weber County community.

I am a licensed social studies teacher in the Ogden school district and have grown up a part of the Ogden Community. My family has volunteered at the Art Center since before I was born, with my father and mother living here at the carriage house at one point. I love the arts community and am so happy to support it in any way I can.

Tyson’s appreciation for the arts started in his teens when he took up painting and calligraphy. That appreciation has bloomed as he has become more involved with the local art community of Ogden. A CPA by trade, Tyson enjoys spending time with his bulldog, Daisy, or relaxing with a cup of coffee and a crossword when not crunching numbers.

Picassa is the resident cat and reigning queen of the Eccles Art Center. With her striking black-and-white abstract markings (a nod to her namesake, Picasso), she’s both a living artwork and a beloved fixture of the mansion. At 13 years old, Picassa has perfected the art of lounging in sunbeams, inspecting gallery installations, and graciously accepting treats from her loyal human subjects. As the only full-time resident of the historic home, she keeps a watchful eye on staff and visitors alike.