MAC Board Member Spotlight: Teissia Treynet

This month's highlighted board member jumped right in to head our Fundraising Committee and has only been on the board about 6 months! Teissia is very passionate about the arts and has a lot of first-hand experience of the power they can have on a person's life.

1. What is your connection to the arts? Are you an artist yourself or do you have a particular interest in the arts?

The arts have always been the backbone of who I am. I began in theater as a child, performing with Santa Fe Performing Arts, then went on to study acting at Idyllwild Arts Academy and earned my BFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. My love for storytelling, emotional connection, and visual composition eventually led me to a career in event planning and design—where I discovered a new stage and a new medium. I founded and ran a multi-office event design company with locations in Los Angeles, New York City, and Jackson Hole, creating immersive, meaningful experiences around the world. Over the course of 13.5 years, I was honored to be recognized as a top planner and designer by Vogue, Brides Magazine, The Knot, and Harper’s Bazaar. Whether through performance or design, I’ve always been driven by the transformative power of the arts to connect people and bring beauty and meaning into everyday life.

2. What is your favorite art medium and why is it your favorite?

Theater remains my favorite art medium because of its unmatched ability to move people emotionally and challenge them intellectually. There’s something powerful about sitting in a shared space, experiencing a story unfold in real time, and feeling that collective emotional response—whether it's joy, grief, discomfort, or inspiration. Theater invites us to see the world through someone else’s eyes. It sparks empathy, provokes thought, and often holds up a mirror to society, encouraging us to reflect on the state of the world and our place within it. That ability to both stir the heart and awaken the mind is what makes theater so vital and so important to me.

3. If you could learn any arts medium, what would it be? Why?

If I could learn any art medium, it would be sketching. I’m not naturally the most artistically inclined when it comes to visual art, but I love the idea of sitting quietly and losing myself in the simple, meditative act of sketching. It feels like a wonderful way to slow down, observe the world more closely, and tap into creativity in a hands-on, personal way. I’d love to develop that skill and see the world through a new lens.

Surprisingly, my experiences with the art and wine classes at MAC have unlocked far more of my artistic potential than I ever expected. Exploring a variety of mediums—from pottery and painting to fiber arts and printmaking—has not only expanded my skills but also deepened my appreciation for artistic expression. This journey has inspired me to keep exploring and growing creatively, with sketching as the next exciting step.

4. What is your favorite part of your role as a MAC Board Member?

My favorite part of being a MAC Board Member is helping to strengthen the role of the arts in our rural mountain community. In a place where outdoor adventure is such a big part of life, I believe it’s just as important to nurture creativity, imagination, and cultural expression. Art doesn’t just decorate our lives—it shapes how we think, feel, and connect with one another. It’s especially important that children have access to the arts, and I’m proud that MAC makes that possible through its many school programs throughout the county. I love being part of an organization that supports local artists and provides opportunities for the entire community to engage with the arts.

Along with my role on the board, I am also currently the Chair of MAC’s Fundraising Committee. We’re especially excited to be planning our very first MAC Gala—save the date for October 18, 2025! We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help keep MAC alive and thriving. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to me at teissia.treynet@monoarts.org. We’d love to have you join us!

5. Why do you think the arts are so important right now?

The arts are incredibly important right now because they offer a vital space for connection, reflection, and healing in a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced. Through storytelling, visual expression, music, and performance, the arts help us process complex emotions and experiences that can be difficult to articulate otherwise. They foster empathy by allowing us to see life from diverse perspectives, which is especially crucial in times of social and political division.

Moreover, the arts inspire creativity and innovation—qualities that are essential as we face global challenges and strive for progress. They remind us of our shared humanity, encourage critical thinking, and provide hope and resilience. In a moment where so much can feel uncertain or overwhelming, the arts give us a way to pause, connect, and imagine a better future.