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Meet Arts In Motion
- Denise Mimura
Executive Director 
Denise studied music at the University of Washington with a focus on French horn and piano performance. She has over 25 years as a music educator, teaching piano, French horn, theory, vocal and general music at public and private schools and through her own private music school called Music Discovery. Denise's extensive experience helped lay the foundation for Arts In Motion in 2004. In addition, she served as a church musician for many years and as a member of the Seattle Music Teachers Association.
- Keith Curtis
Staff Writer/Editor 
Keith received his Bachelors degree in Music and teaching credentials from the University of Washington. The multi-talented artist and educator comes to AIM with over 15 years of teaching experience; nine of them spent conducting bands, orchestras and choirs, a drama program, plus running the yearbook/journalism programs at Eastside Catholic High School. There Keith also developed curriculum standards and assessment materials that have been shared nationally. A Washington native, Keith has performed and recorded with local musical groups of all kinds for over 25 years. Now writing for AIM, Keith also continues to create popular art, graphic novels, songs, and multi-media experiences.
- Naomi Ruden
Office Manager/Registrar 
Naomi received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Sculpture from the University of Washington, and her studies focused on glass casting, foundry processes, metal fabrication, woodworking, and ceramics. In 2007, she studied glassblowing at the University of Sydney: Sydney College of the Arts in Australia. She first began studying glassblowing at Pratt Fine Arts Center in 2003, where she continues to do most of her work and provides studio assistance to students. Naomi is also a tenor saxophonist and enjoys playing jazz standards. Her professional background includes two local public art commissions, technical work for two art collections, administrative work for non-profit art organizations, and over 15 years of experience in photography and customer service positions.
- Larry Jones
Outreach and Performance Manager 
Larry received his Bachelors degree in Music from Rutgers University. Larry has toured the world several times over as a professional musician, performing on four continents with the popular R&B group, The Platters. A resident of Seattle since 1990, he is a current mainstay in leading clubs and festivals. Known for his spirited, propulsive drumming, Larry is also a talented composer, arranger and bandleader. As co-producer of the Earshot Living Spirit Concerts at Jazz Alley and leader of the Living Spirit Band, he is increasingly sought out for his thoughtful musical commentary and advocacy. Larry brings to Arts In Motion 15 years of teaching and curriculum development of drum and percussion for all levels.
- Natalie Ramsey
Program Manager 
Natalie majored in painting at the University of Washington and transferred to Parson's school of Design in New York where she studied painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Upon returning to Seattle she entered a teacher certification program and later completed her studies with a Masters in Education from Antioch University. Natalie's teaching career includes 15 years of teaching art and interdisciplinary curriculum in public and private schools, museums, enrichment programs, to prospective teachers in certification programs and as professional development for educators. At her studio in the Central District, Natalie paints architectural portraits of the urban environment and writes and illustrates children's books.
- Benjamin Hunter
Marketing/IT Director 
Ben graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Music. In addition to instructing AIM music students, Ben also offers his abundant energies and abilities toward generating a successful and self-sustaining marketing program for Arts In Motion. Friendly, social and knowledgeable, Ben enjoys meeting and talking to new people and organizations, whether it's merely sharing ideas, helping facilitate valuable partnerships, or recruiting new faces to help expand those ideas. Also in charge of marketing at Ballard Outdoor, Inc., a local start-up company, Ben's marketing skills shine with natural enthusiasm, warmth and diligence as he contributes to AIM's mission.