Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Announces New Festival Co-Chairs and Welcomes Incoming Board Members

TAMPA, Fla. - EntSun -- The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA) is proud to announce the appointment of its 2026 Festival Co-Chairs: Rebekah Lane, Alyvia Jansen, and Scott Olson. These three dedicated individuals will lead the all-volunteer team behind one of the nation's top juried fine arts festivals, held annually in downtown Tampa.

Each Co-chair brings a unique blend of passion, talent, and community spirit:

Rebekah Lane is a full-time artist, creative entrepreneur, and arts educator. She is the founder of Rlane Studios and a fine arts instructor with the MacDonald Training Center. Rebekah's work is rooted in the belief that creativity fosters understanding and connection. A mother of three and an advocate for nonverbal individuals, she is currently completing her dissertation on "Communicating with Color." Rebekah's leadership is driven by her mission to use creativity, perseverance, and color to promote beauty and self-expression.

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Alyvia Jansen is currently pursuing a degree in Event Management at the University of Central Florida. A familiar face at GFA, Alyvia has volunteered with the festival for the past three years, contributing her enthusiasm, organization, and love for the arts. Her new role as Co-chair reflects her commitment to continuing the tradition of excellence and inclusion that defines GFA.

Scott Olson is entering his fourth year as a GFA volunteer, bringing with him a deep well of technical expertise and creative energy. As Director of IT and ISSO at RCMA, Scott plays a key role in the festival's technical operations and innovation. He is also an accomplished electronic musician who has performed at the festival, blending his talents in technology and the arts to help create a dynamic and engaging event experience.

In addition to new Festival leadership, GFA is pleased to welcome the following individuals to its Board of Directors:
Ana M. Abdo
Melissa Amish
Nikki Keys Armstrong
Terri L. Hall
Brian Hoover

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Shari Wilcox Martinez
Sabrina Pollard
Billie Valloreo

Each summer, GFA elects new board members to guide the organization's mission and impact. As an all-volunteer nonprofit, GFA relies on its board for strategic leadership, community engagement, and operational support.

The organization also extends sincere appreciation to the following board members who left the board in 2024-25: Bernadette Casey, Kimberli Cummings, Eileen Goldenberg, Rebecca Hagen, Charlie Kemmerer, Tara Knaus-Wilga, and Karen Price, whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting legacy.

About Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is one of the premier juried fine arts festivals in the United States, attracting top artists and tens of thousands of attendees each year. With a mission to create opportunities for artists to thrive, support arts education, and expand access to the arts for all community members, GFA has celebrated the arts in Tampa Bay for over 50 years.