About the Fallbrook Art Center
Charissa von Harringa
Exhibitions & Membership Manager
I am an art historian, curator, and writer, with over a decade of experience in teaching, curatorial practice, and community-led public programming. I earned my BA in Anthropology from New York University, then moved to Montreal, Canada completing my MA and PhD in Art History at Concordia University, where I was named Graduate Valedictorian of the Faculty of Fine Arts. Most of my work has been built alongside artists and communities across the circumpolar North. I was associate curator of Tusarnitut! Music Born of the Cold at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, co-curator of Among All These Tundras, an international touring exhibition of contemporary circumpolar art, and co-editor of Arctic Prisms. I have worked on exhibitions, programs, and publications with arts non-profits and museums, including the Inuit Art Foundation, and my writing appears in volumes from Routledge, as well as NAIS: Journal of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association, RACAR and C Magazine.
What draws me to Fallbrook Art Center is for what its scale makes possible. It's an intimate space deeply committed to its artists and to the making practice itself through its proximity of the school, and anchored within a cross-border region of rich artistic exchange.
My own creative sensibilities gravitate towards visual media, photography, and work that channels memory and lived experience — the raw elements of production.
Linda Aviles
Retail Sales Manager
I'm a passionate artist and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a lifelong love for the visual arts. My journey began in childhood and truly took shape at 17 when I won a regional art competition—an experience that confirmed my path as a creative. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching art to a wide range of students, from young children to fellow veterans, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful art can be as a tool for healing, connection, and self-expression.
I hold an Associate Degree in Fine Arts and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Business Marketing. At Fallbrook Art Center, I manage gallery and gift shop sales, and I love helping visitors find artwork that speaks to them—whether it's a one-of-a-kind piece from our exhibitions or a handmade gift from a local artist. Whether I’m supporting our guests, leading a class, or running my paint party business, I’m committed to making art accessible, engaging, and meaningful for everyone who walks through the door.
Colby Schexnayder
Retail Associate
I have always loved the arts since I was a child. I have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, but I have used that to fuel my passion of the arts as I incorporate art and science together. I am glad to be a part of our community's art experience and to be able to immerse myself in the creative culture that surrounds me. Beyond my creative interests, I am a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. In my spare time, I lead the award-winning non-profit, A Cleaner North County. Dedicated to preserving the unique natural ecosystem of our region, our team has successfully removed over 35,000 pounds of litter and debris from our local spaces, ensuring that its vibrancy and vitality thrive for generations to come.
Eden Carsey
Retail Sales Associate
I am a student currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Art History who loves learning about all things art. I am passionate about maintaining a space where art is the focus and where local artists can share their work! At the Fallbrook Art Center, my understanding of the contemporary art world is enriched and I love to connect with visitors in conversation about art in general, various mediums, or a specific artist or style they enjoy.
Karen Trapane
Executive Director, Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc.
I am honored and thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc.—a vibrant collective that includes Fallbrook Art Center (FAC), Fallbrook School of the Arts (FSA), and Art in Public Places (AIPP). At the heart of this role is a vision I believe in deeply: that art is for everyone and art is everywhere. Whether you're an artist seeking a space to showcase your work, a community member eager to experience inspiring exhibitions, or someone who simply loves art—Fallbrook Art Center is here for you. FAC is a place where creativity is shared, appreciated, and celebrated.
While FAC provides the space for art to come alive, our school, FSA, teaches the skills that empower creative expression. And through AIPP, our town’s over 40 public art installations remind us daily that art belongs in our everyday lives. My goal is to cultivate a positive, inclusive environment at FAC and across all our branches, fostering collaboration, creativity, and connection. I’m excited to continue building strong bridges between FAC, FSA, and AIPP, creating a cohesive artistic community where everyone can find inspiration and belonging.
Fallbrook is rich in heart and talent, and I am deeply committed to growing our arts community with love, intention, and a spirit of collaboration. My door is always open. I welcome your ideas, your feedback, and your dreams for the arts in Fallbrook—let’s keep building something beautiful together.
Karen Trapane
Executive Director, Fallbrook Arts, Inc.
I am honored and thrilled to serve as the Executive Director of Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc.—a vibrant collective that includes Fallbrook Art Center (FAC), Fallbrook School of the Arts (FSA), and Art in Public Places (AIPP).
At the heart of this role is a vision I believe in deeply: that art is for everyone and art is everywhere. Whether you're an artist seeking a space to showcase your work, a community member eager to experience inspiring exhibitions, or someone who simply loves art—Fallbrook Art Center is here for you. FAC is a place where creativity is shared, appreciated, and celebrated.
While FAC provides the space for art to come alive, our school, FSA, teaches the skills that empower creative expression. And through AIPP, our town’s over 40 public art installations remind us daily that art belongs in our everyday lives.
My goal is to cultivate a positive, inclusive environment at FAC and across all our branches, fostering collaboration, creativity, and connection. I’m excited to continue building strong bridges between FAC, FSA, and AIPP, creating a cohesive artistic community where everyone can find inspiration and belonging.
Fallbrook is rich in heart and talent, and I am deeply committed to growing our arts community with love, intention, and a spirit of collaboration. My door is always open. I welcome your ideas, your feedback, and your dreams for the arts in Fallbrook—let’s keep building something beautiful together.
Fallbrook Art Center
Tues - Sat
Sun - Mon
10:00am - 4:00pm
Closed
We are closed on major holidays
760-728-1414
© 2025 - Fallbrook Center for the Arts, Inc.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation
Federal Tax ID 33-0504176