Tukwila Arts Commission

The Tukwila Arts Commission consists of seven resident representatives and one student representative.

The commission’s mission is to:

• Represent the City of Tukwila’s interests in art matters, be the spokesperson for art matters in the City, and keep the Mayor and City Council informed on such matters.
• Be a central body to whom art organizations, artists, and anyone interested in the cultural advancement of the community may come for information or assistance.
• Encourage and aid programs for the cultural enrichment of Tukwila residents.
• Coordinate and strengthen existing organizations in the field of art and develop cooperation with schools and regional and national art organizations.
• Explore ways and methods of obtaining private, local, State, and federal funds to promote art projects within the community.

Want to speak to the commission or need our assistance? Send us an email: TukwilaArtsCommission@tukwilawa.gov

Meet The Art Commissioners:

Pat Bako
Commission Chair

Position 1

Term Expiration:  3/31/2027
Appointed: 8/15/2022 

Pat is the Executive Director of Pacific Bonsai Museum, which focuses on the living art of bonsai. She has served the local arts community for the past 15 years through work as a leader at organizations such as Pilchuck Glass School, Cornish College of the Arts, Pratt Fine Arts Center, and more. She moved to the Pacific Northwest after receiving a BFA in glass sculpture at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She worked as a visual and teaching artist before shifting to arts leadership.

Sheila Coppola
Commission Vice Chair

Position 2

Term Expiration: 3/31/2027
Appointed: 5/16/2016 

Beginning in 1982, after graduating with a BFA in painting, Sheila Coppola has been printing for many different artists. She’s founded two print shops for artists and currently operates out of Sidereal Fine Art Press in Tukwila. She’s also pursued her own art practice using a combination of materials and processes: collage, printmaking, stitching, and painting. She’s passionate about the arts and hopes to share that passion with all the people she meets!

Pinky Estell

Position 3

Term Expiration:  3/31/2025
Appointed: 03/18/2019 

Pinky Estell moved to Tukwila in October of 2017. He graduated from Cornish College of the Arts (BFA) and UNCSA (MFA) in Technical Direction (TD). He has worked as TD for ACT San Francisco, Merola Opera, National Black Theater Festival, and the Cornish Playhouse. Currently, he is the Director of the Cultural Facilities and Events at Cornish College of the Arts. Pinky serves as the President of the UpTown Arts & Culture Coalition District Board in Seattle, Washington, in addition to the Tukwila Arts Commission. Pinky is also the Co-Founder and current Managing Director of Otter & Penguin Makerspaces. In addition to his work in the performing arts, he has remained active as an installation artist focused on community engagement.

Verna Seal

Position 4

Term Expiration: 3/31/2025
Appointed: 8/15/2022 

Verna is an art advocate who hopes to work with others to ensure that the City of Tukwila continues to encourage participation in the arts, promote art projects, and have a voice in art-related expenditures.

Cynthia Chesak

Position 5

Term Expiration: 3/31/2025
Appointed: 2/18/1992 

Cynthia Chesak has been a long-time resident of Tukwila for the past 44 years. She taught theatre and English at Foster High School for 34 years before retiring. She has a B.A. from La Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City with a double major in English and drama. After relocating to El Paso, Texas, she earned her Masters in theatre with an emphasis on children’s theatre from the University of Texas at El Paso. After coming to Tukwila, she attended the University of Washington to earn her teaching certificate in English and theatre. As a community activist and arts advocate, Cynthia has worked on several state arts education committees.

Kamla Kakaria

Position 6

Term Expiration: 3/31/2026
Appointed: 11/4/2024

Shawn Belyea

Position 7

Term Expiration: 3/31/2026
Appointed: 11/18/2019 

Shawn is a theater artist, actor, director, and producer! His goal is to find and support more interesting and exciting ways for the community to express itself through all art forms.

Angeline Peralta

Student Representative

Term Expiration: 6/30/2026
Appointed: 11/4/2024

Angeline is a junior at Tukwila’s Foster High School. She has been active in the school’s theatre program for two years. She enjoys listening to what people have to say, thinking about the community no matter what, and often participating in anything related to art!