Hailing from the Mid-west, Patty Volner was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and glass from the University of Minnesota it was on to Vermont College where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy. Upon moving to Santa Barbara in 1979, she ran the art program at the Laurel Springs Institute, and over the years, she’s used her education and experience to bring art to people of all ages, working with the Children’s Creative Project; adults in day treatment and in-patient community mental health programs; patients in St. Francis Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit; and participants in SBCC’s OMEGA program, among others. In her many volunteer roles with non-profit organizations, she’s had the opportunity to hone skills in administration, communication, organization, and publicity, most recently serving as Executive Assistant to the Quire of Voyces and publicist for the American Choral Director’s Association Western Division conference. Patty’s an avid genealogist, hiker, cook, and baker, and she’s always on the lookout for great works of art and her next exciting travel adventure!