Profiles in Giving

 

When she was a teacher in Taiwan, Lynda Fairly had a memorable encounter with a student, a creative boy who was not thriving in school. She made him honorary art teacher for the class, and from that moment on, he excelled. “Children need to develop their creative abilities for many reasons,” Fairly says. “It helps them learn to make choices, to solve problems in unique ways. It helps develop motor skills, recognize patterns, create stories and music, and find beauty in the world around us.”

A lifelong educator and passionate advocate for creativity, Lynda Fairly has left an extraordinary mark on the Carpinteria Arts Center and the community it serves. After retiring as Vice President of Adult Education at Santa Barbara City College, Lynda moved to Carpinteria and was disheartened to find few art opportunities for children. Inspired to help, she joined the Carpinteria Arts Center’s board and quickly became a driving force behind the transformation of the Center into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. 

Lynda’s extraordinary $1 million gift—and her pledge to match every dollar toward the $3.1 million campaign goal—made the dream of purchasing and renovating the former Cajun Kitchen building a reality. Her leadership inspired others to give generously, and her impact continues through her volunteer work as a former Board Member, on committees, as a gallery host, and as an Angel of the Arts.

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to philanthropy and her dedication to community, Lynda was named the 2024 Carpinterian of the Year at the Carpinteria Community Association's 66th annual Carpinteria Community Awards Banquet. 

Lynda and her husband, Richard Finkley, have included the Carpinteria Arts Center in their estate plans, ensuring their legacy of creativity and community will live on for generations.

(November 15, 1924 – November 22, 2024)
Charles Lo Bue was a devoted champion of the arts whose generosity, leadership, and service left a lasting legacy. As a longtime Carpinteria Arts Center board member, Charles served on both the Leadership and Planning Committees during pivotal moments of growth and vision. His love for art—as a collector, admirer, and community patron—was evident in everything he did.

A proud volunteer across many causes for more than 30 years, Charles gave selflessly to organizations like Catholic Charities, the Food Bank, and the Masons, earning awards at local and national levels, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award. His passion for service extended into his estate planning—Charles included the Carpinteria Arts Center as an Angel of the Arts, continuing his legacy of giving well beyond his lifetime. His generosity will forever be remembered and cherished by the community he so deeply enriched.

Amanda McIntyre is a true advocate for the arts, combining creative talent, deep community roots, and heartfelt generosity. A graduate of Smith College with a degree in Studio Art and English, Amanda has always believed in the power of the arts to uplift and connect. Her leadership was key in the Carpinteria Arts Center’s "Building a Home for the Arts" Capital Campaign, where she helped the organization reach its $3.1 million goal.

Her background in advertising, education, and community advocacy—such as co-founding the Rape Crisis Hotline in Los Angeles—reflects her lifelong commitment to making a difference. In addition to having served as a docent at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and a board member of Carpinteria Friends of the Library, Amanda actively volunteers with the Carpinteria Arts Center and continues to fund major projects that will help the Arts Center provide maximum impact in our community. Amanda has included the Carpinteria Arts Center in her estate plans and invites you to join her, “The Carpinteria Arts Center ignites creativity in the wide variety of arts, exhibits, and music programs offered - come be an Angel and enrich the Center and especially the children.”