Our Team
The Tamaqua Community Arts Center relies on volunteers for everything from daily office help to organizing, preparations and program logistics. With a small staff, it truly is this team of dedicated individuals who make us unique, keep many programs low cost and allow us to offer a tremendous amount of events every week.
Kyle Whitley
Arts Center Director
kyle@tamaquaarts.org

Kyle Whitley is the Director of the Tamaqua Arts Center, where he leads with a deep belief that the arts are essential to building a strong, connected community. His journey with the Arts Center began many years ago as a dedicated volunteer, giving him a grassroots understanding of the organization and the people it serves.
Before stepping into his current leadership role, Kyle was a co-organizer of the Tamaqua Has Heart Project, a transformative public art initiative that brought large 3D heart sculptures renewed civic pride to downtown Tamaqua. That project helped solidify his passion for visual storytelling, placemaking, and the power of creativity to bring people together.
Kyle possesses a natural instinct for marketing, branding, and audience engagement. Many of the Arts Center’s flyers, brochures, posters, and promotional materials are either created or inspired by his vision. With a strong grasp of social media and digital storytelling, he works to ensure the Arts Center remains accessible, welcoming, and visible to both longtime patrons and new audiences.
Even as Director, Kyle remains hands-on—often volunteering his time behind the scenes in The Stitch sound booth, supporting performances, exhibitions, and community events. He values collaboration and believes the best ideas come from listening, encouraging feedback, and inviting others to help shape the future of the Arts Center.
Above all, Kyle is committed to fostering an inclusive, creative environment where people of all ages and backgrounds feel inspired to create, learn, and connect. If you have ideas, feedback, or simply want to say hello, he genuinely wants to hear from you.
Sophia Tenisci
Arts Center Events Coordinator
sophia@tamaquaarts.org
Sophia Tenisci serves as the Events Coordinator at the Tamaqua Arts Center, where she plays a key role in shaping the dynamic and ever-evolving calendar of programs and experiences offered to the community. She joined the Arts Center in April of 2024 and quickly became an integral part of the team.
Sophia brings a strong skill set in discovering new artists, instructors, and creative events that help keep the Arts Center fresh, engaging, and responsive to community interests. With a keen eye for opportunity and a passion for connecting people through the arts, she works to introduce programming that appeals to both longtime patrons and new audiences.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, Sophia manages the coordination and booking of classes, workshops, performances, and special events with care and precision. Her behind-the-scenes work ensures that each event runs smoothly, allowing artists, instructors, and patrons to focus on what matters most—creating and enjoying meaningful artistic experiences.
Sophia values collaboration and community involvement. Anyone interested in suggesting a class, proposing an event, or volunteering at the Arts Center is encouraged to reach out to her directly.
Our Team