Meet Our Leadership
Chris Lattanzio
Artist | Founder
Chris is a Dallas-based sculptor who paints with light waves using technology that creates art in a style reminiscent of his artist heroes, James Turrell and Dan Flavin. Chris has vast experience in large-scale public art installations and pop-up immersive exhibits. He has coordinated teams of professional artisans and vendors during his 20-plus year art career.
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Lattanzio discovered his love of art through woodworking. He invented a bold style of 3D line sculptures, creating his works of depth and shadow basked in white automotive paint. The outcome was the subtle marriage of simple lines and complex wavelengths of light. Lattanzio was selected as an Olympic artist representing the United States for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. His piece, “Spirit of the Downhill” was an Official Selection for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. He describes himself as a “site specific artist.” His creations are often “painted” with LED light, both embedded using clear acrylic as flat base, and ‘beamed’ to the piece from above. His goal is for each piece to take on a different personality depending on its environment and manipulate viewers’ senses to evoke emotions—not so much through the image—but primarily through light, color and sound.
Lattanzio’s mentor was artist John Nieto (1936-2018). Both were selected as designated artists for the 2006 Olympics. Unfortunately, in October of 2002, Nieto suffered a massive stroke, and his family gave his paints, brushes, and canvases to Lattanzio. In 2005, Nieto underwent surgery and experienced a miraculous recovery and began to paint vigorously again. Mr. Nieto said, “In my experience, there are two qualities that are very important for an artist: a strong work ethic and a valid personal vision. Chris Lattanzio has them both. The language of his art allows for a wide range of expression and his feelings dictate his aesthetic focus on each project. When I look at his art, I feel like I’m learning a new language.”
Sharon Pruitt
Secretary
Sharon retired after 30-plus years as a public service attorney. Married for more than 34 years, she has raised two children and has been committed to serving others through scouting, community service and nonprofit work since 2011. Now, Sharon has a little more time and walks her bulldogs a lot, travels with her family and enjoys seeing live music entertainment.
Advisory Board
Katie Dimmitt Garrison
President | Dimmitt Garrison Foundation
After graduating from Baylor University, Katie taught elementary school before retiring to raise her two wonderful children. She continues her love of educating by volunteering at schools, churches and outside programs designed to help young mothers stay in school on their way to getting a degree.
The Dimmitt Garrison Foundation is focused on protecting children and helping those in need. She and her husband love to travel and recently, she has discovered the joy spending a great amount of time with her grandchild.
Mike Geisler
Founder | Managing Partner | Venture Commercial Real Estate
Geisler opened Venture Commercial Real Estate in 2000. Mike is Managing Director for a team of 30-plus real estate brokers and salespeople while continuing to grow his personal brokerage businesses. Mike draws on more than 35 years of experience as one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s top real estate brokers and more than 30 years spent leasing specialty and lifestyle centers, including the Plaza at Preston Center, Park Place and Berkshire Court.
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Community Involvement:
- The Real Estate Council Foundation (Board Member, Dallas Catalyst Project Chairman)
- Jesuit College Preparatory School
- SMU Folsom Institute
- Holy Cross Catholic Church (Finance Committee Member)
- The Cedars Union, A 501(c)3 Nonprofit Artist Incubator (Board Member)