Our FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

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Bettina has been a full-time artist for the past eight years, following more than four decades as a part-time artist after earning her degree in Fine Art and Interior Architecture/Design. In 2019, she and her husband, Jim, relocated to Saint Simons Island, Georgia.

Shortly after arriving, Bettina noticed a distinct gap in the local art scene—most galleries and shops in the area lacked original modern and abstract expressionist artwork. Over time, particularly after the COVID-19 shutdown, it became clear that there were indeed talented artists on the islands and the mainland working in this genre, but their creative voices were largely underrepresented.

A natural connector and leader, Bettina has long enjoyed bringing like-minded individuals together around shared passions. Drawing on her experience managing teams and leading committees in her corporate career, she began laying the groundwork for something new in the summer of 2023. She initiated conversations with fellow abstract artists and local arts organizations to explore interest in forming a collective, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. At the time, support for abstract art in the area was minimal, with few classes offered and limited exposure for artists in the genre—but that was beginning to change.

By the end of 2023, a core group of four artists—including Bettina—and our advisor, Kevin Pullen, formally established CAAGA: Contemporary Art Alliance of Georgia. With its vision, mission and objectives in place, CAAGA launched its first website in May 2024.

The organization’s official debut took place on the evening of November 14, 2024, at a beautiful private home and was a resounding success—14 works of art were sold during the launch event. Since then, CAAGA has continued to grow in both membership, its support for artists through continued education and its commitment to giving back to our community. Our future is bright.

To learn more about supporting CAAGA, please contact Bettina at 912-602-9635. There are several ways you can contribute and help further our mission and goals.

Kevin Pullen, renown southeast artist has been CAAGA's advisor since 2023. Kevin has extensive experience in the business of Fine Art and in teaching art. We welcome Kevin to our board!

Kevin’s love of art began as a child in Plainfield, NJ. His passion was fueled by childhood visits to the nearby art museums in New York City. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Hampton University, where he studied painting, design, drawing, metal and sculpture.

FROM KEVIN:

"When I was in preschool, my favorite time of day was when I was allowed to draw and paint. As I got older, this love never faded and eventually I went to college to study art."

"I use several different media, such as clay, acrylic paints, and pastels. I believe that working in a variety of media enhances creativity and allows the message to speak with different voices in my artistic process. Each idea manifests in its own individual style."

"I enjoy hiking in my spare time and many of my pieces are directly influenced by these hikes in nature. I love recreating plants and wildlife in my work."

Peggy Wilson comes to CAAGA with experience and contacts that crosses many genres. Ms. Wilson has been a business owner in New Mexico and Arizona as well as involved with the National Football League for over 20 years. She and her three brothers run her families charitable foundation in Atlanta. Ms. Wilson is an art lover and an art collector. She resides on Saint Simons Island in Georgia.

FROM PEGGY:

"I have watched Bettina and CAAGA work very hard over the past couple of years. I know what this organization needs to continue to thrive and become even better. I told Bettina recently I want to help in any way I can!"