Our Staff:

Madera County Arts Council’s staff is here to help! Whether you’re calling with a question or visiting the gallery, our team is available Tuesday–Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM to assist you. Stop by or give us a call—we’re always happy to connect!

Marcel Bourdase: Interim Executive Director

Marcel brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, administration, and community engagement, His expertise in organizational management will be invaluable as MCAC continues to promote and support the arts in Madera County. Marcel has a Master’s in Public Administration as well as his undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism from Fresno State. In 2015, he received the top distinction among Association Executives, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.

Areej Latif: Director of Programs and Operations

Areej Latif is the Director of Programs and Operations at the Madera County Arts Council (MCAC), where she champions arts education and community engagement. Born in Los Angeles, Areej was raised in the United Arab Emirates, where she cultivated a deep appreciation for the arts and gained experience working with nonprofit organizations such as the Sharjah Art Foundation. Since moving to Madera in November 2020, Areej has brought a global perspective and a passion for community-building through the arts. Her professional journey with MCAC began as a teaching artist and evolved into key roles including Gallery Manager and Outreach Coordinator, ultimately leading to her current leadership position. In addition to her work with MCAC, Areej served as an Art Teacher with the Madera Unified School District, where she furthered her commitment to arts education by fostering creativity and artistic expression among students. Areej holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of Sharjah and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs from Grand Canyon University. Her work is driven by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, connect, and empower communities.

Penelope Montemayor: Administration

Penelope Montemayor has been an Assistant Administrator at the Madera County Arts Council for two years. She holds an Associate for Transfer in Studio Arts and Art History and is starting toward her Bachelor’s. She has lived in Madera County all of her life and loves to travel whenever she can. Every week she volunteers in local organizations and enjoys bringing her love for the arts out into the community! Penelope started out at MCAC through an internship program and eventually got a job as Administration Assistant after high school. From there, she has worked diligently in all things Madera County Arts Council whether that be through marketing, social media, outreach, or anything in and out of the gallery! Additionally, Penelope works alongside the Teen Arts Council (TAC), helping our Madera County teens grow in leadership and community involvement!

Jesus Ortiz: Administration

Meet Jesus Ortiz, the Assistant Administrator at the Madera County Arts Council. Jesus began his journey with the gallery in 2024 as a volunteer, motivated by a desire to try something new and immerse himself in the world of art. What started as a simple curiosity quickly grew into a true passion. He believes that art is more than something to observe — it’s something to connect with and feel. For Jesus, art invites us to see the world through a different lens, to reflect, and to appreciate beauty in all its forms. Outside the gallery, Jesus enjoys watching movies, films, and anime, as well as exploring new cuisines and cultures. He approaches life with curiosity and a love of learning — always open to new experiences and perspectives.

Contact Us:

Location: 424 N. Gateway Drive, Madera, CA 93637

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10a-6p

Phone: (559) 661-7005 Fax: (559) 661-7901