Who We Are
Christine Destrempes, Founder and Director
During a brief encounter with higher education, Destrempes majored in fine arts, then worked for many years in the graphic design, marketing, and publishing industries as a designer, consultant, and illustrator. She then began working as a freelance designer and illustrator, which afforded her the flexibility to paint and make monotypes. In June of 2009, she completed her first public-participation installation, 13,699, after working on it for almost two years. She enjoyed the experience so much that she started Art for Water.
Noel Greiner, Production Manager
Manufacturing engineer from the advent of the computer industry, Noel has seen it all. Veteran Navy Seabee, world traveler, wine connoisseur, lumberjack, and sculptor, Noel is always available to help with the engineering, heavy lifting, and transportation needs of Art for Water. The first person to guess Noel’s age correctly, will receive a free River of Words Stream of Conscience T-shirt.
Paul Hertneky, Program Manager
As Program Manager, Paul Hertneky handles communications, project development, marketing, events, curatorial assistance and occasional levitation for Christine Destrempes. He is a career freelance writer for magazines, newspapers, websites, radio and television. His journalistic work centers on food—as it relates to culture, history, health, travel and the environment. His features, essays, and stories also appear in anthologies, have won two James Beard nominations and a Solas Award for travel writing. For 15 years, Paul has taught environmental journalism and other writing courses at Antioch University New England.
William Kennedy, PhD, Corporate Liaison
Biochemist/biophysicist; mammalian fertility scientist; computer game and education software pioneer; journalist; tech-publications editor-in-chief; best-selling tech book author; mobile-robotics entrepreneur; semi-retired after recent company acquisition; artist wannabe. Finding new adventures in Art for Water.
Sheryl Fletcher, Studio Assistant
Sheryl Fletcher has worked for Christine Destrempes in many capacities – design, production, studio, and office – for more than 20 years. A fiber artist, who grows and harvests materials to mordant and dye natural fibers organically, Sheryl creates woven and sewn mixed media work. She and her husband, Jordan, operate a 5-acre organic farm and are raising 2, above-average children.
Eleanor Drury, Development Volunteer
A Harrisville, NH resident, Eleanor Drury, by trade, consults to charitable organizations raising capital for building and endowment. Completely lacking artistic talent, Ms. Drury is an ardent advocate of New Hampshire artists and craftspeople, environmental and historic conservationists. She especially applauds the potent application of art for political and social awareness. Art for Water's River of Words Stream of Conscience has been an adventure and demonstrated success in mobilizing thousands to voice the value of a prized natural resource and the importance of best practice.