Modoc County Arts Council

Terry Miller

​ A resident of Cedarville and a member of the Modoc County Arts Council for around 40 years. In the early 80s he had a photo shop in Alturas, primarily doing portraits, weddings and special events. Over the years I’ve had a number of my more artistic portraits published, most recently in the February 2025 issue of Black & White Magazine.
In 1986 he became a full-time math and science teacher at Surprise Valley High School. In addition to teaching all the high school level math and science subjects, I taught a photography class that was quite popular. Some of those students went on to develop their own photo businesses.
I’m presently retired but still engage in photography but mostly using digital cameras, even though I still maintain a functional darkroom.

Richard Mackey 

​Life long resident of Modoc, he was born and raised on the Canyon Creek Ranch just outside of Alturas. Today, he lives and manages, the same Mackey ranch he grew up on, "the hoe of catfish, cattle, and clay." He credits his third grade teacher, Mrs. Sprague, for the first introduction to clay, a learning experience that would stay with him and eventually call him into a lifetime of work with clay. He received his BA from the University of the Pacific in 1974. This included an apprenticeship where he studied at Tamba Pottery Tachikul in Japan. He has taught intoductory, Raku, and Advanced Ceramics at The Art Center. In 1975 he established his studio, Canyon Creek Pottery. His work has been exhibited at the Oakland Museum of Arts and Crafts, the Klamath falls Artc Council building, the Cliff Sharf Gallery, Wild Women of the West, and the Art Center. 

Nicole Addison

 A dedicated mother, artist, and proud resident of Alturas, where she has called home for nearly two decades. Her passion for the arts began early in life and continues to evolve across a wide range of creative forms. From drawing and painting to sculpting and most recently digital design, Nicole finds joy and purpose in artistic expression.
With deep roots in the Modoc community, Nicole is committed to fostering creativity and accessibility to the arts for all. She believes in the power of art to inspire, connect, and uplift individuals and communities. As a board member of the Modoc County Arts Council, she is honored to support its mission of enriching lives through diverse artistic opportunities.
Nicole brings a unique blend of hands-on artistic experience and heartfelt community engagement to the council. Her goal is to help ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of Modoc County's cultural landscape-today and for future generations.

Rody Stains

​​​Grew up on a ranch and went to a small country school on a horse, and in the winter went on cross country ski adventures. In college his ski team was invited to compete in the 1960 winter olympics cross country tryouts. He started The Art Center in the late 60's and is proud it is still running today. In the 80's he decided to learn how to become a comedian and moved to Hollywood for a few years, before returning to Modoc, and The Art Center. and built a home on the old family ranch. After a few different professional attempts, he eventually ended up becoming a woodworker and sculpture, a professional ski instructor, and a comedian. For money, he did custom remodeling and one of the highlights of that was being asked to manage the site development for the first Ozark Mountain Folk Festival. 

Ken Franklin

​Grew up in San Diego, CA he was active in scouting, running track, and surfing. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors in Arts, and then began taking courses with Robert Watts learning graphic design. During that time he married his wife Norma, and later relocated to Northern California, where he studied wildlife art with Ken Michaelsen. In 1982 he moved to Alturas when I accepted the Arts Council Director position which he ran for 35 years, helping inspire and provide creative outlets more Modoc residents of all ages. 

mission & vision

The mission of the MCAC is to plan, coordinate, and implement programs and policies that foster art and art-related activities; to stimulate enthusiasm for artistic endeavors that become self-perpetuating; and t to support local artists and programs that inspire and bring forth appreciation for artistic culture throughout Modoc County. 

Meet Our Team

programs & events

In partnership with the Alturas Art Center, MCAC funds art instructors to teacher classes to local residents. MCAC organizes the annual Missoula Children's Theatre, bringing professional theatre experiences to local youth. MCAC implements Poetry Out Loud, a national high school competition. The council is responsible for the creation and maintenance of public art murals throughout the county. MCAC sponsors and brings live music performances offered free or at low cost. 

Willie Hagge

​​Chief Legal Counsel ensures we are represented in Washington.

Tanja Ramming

​​Her family heeded the call of the mountains and has been living in Fort Bidwell since 2017. Her days are divided between developing economic mobility through Advancing Modoc initiatives, designing programs for the Warner Mountain Indian Health Clinic, and being a mom. It's more than a job-it's a joyful fusion of her core beliefs and passions: equity, health, wealth, and happiness. Art is a powerful tool for good! Embracing the ethos of "radically rural," she's committed to propelling our community forward with joy....through art!

Sadie Camacho

​​​​His background in social media helps us reach people one tweet at at time.

KRISTIN CHAMBERS - Executive Director

Born and raised in Alturas, Kristin comes from a family of artists and problem solvers. Following her parents footsteps as an educator, she has been teaching for 18 years, currently teaches art at Modoc High School. Before returning home in 2018, she developed an art program and taught high school art at Heritage High School in Menifee, California. She has earned her Bachelors of Art in Graphic Design and Art Education from San Diego State University in 2007, and earned her Masters in Art Education from the Art of Education University in 2025. 

Our History

our partners

MCAC is funded by  and operates within the guidelines of the California Arts Council's State and Local Partnership Program. MCAC, is also part of a network of Upstate agency partners through the California Creative Corps, coordinated by the Nevada County Arts Council.  The MCAC collaborates with local businesses, organizations, to fund and maintain public art projects and provide assistance to local art organizations and individuals artists in Modoc. 

Bonnie Sherer 

​Our Chief of Development makes sure we're where people need us.

1982 - Ken Franklin began Modoc County Arts Council as a non-profit organization through the California Arts Council. 

1985- MCAC's first Missoula Children's Theatre Event. 

2014- Kristin Chambers is hired as the new Executive Director of Modoc Arts Council

2024 - Kristin Chambers is hired as the new Executive Director of Modoc Arts Council

the Board of Directors