Marcus V. Thorne

Executive Director

Marcus V. Thorne brings over twenty years of experience in arts administration and non-profit leadership to his role as Executive Director of CONQUEROR ARTS AND TRAINING. With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and a background in community development, Marcus has dedicated his life to making creative education accessible to all. He is known for his strategic vision and his ability to build strong partnerships with local organizations and donors. Marcus believes that the arts are the heartbeat of a community and works tirelessly to ensure that the organization remains a stable and innovative force in the region. His caring approach and open-door policy have made him a beloved figure among students, staff, and parents alike, as he consistently goes above and beyond to support the needs of every individual. He often spends his evenings attending student performances, offering words of encouragement and reflecting on the progress each individual has made since their first day. Beyond his administrative duties, Marcus is a mentor at heart, often leading seminars on the business of art and the importance of leadership in the creative sector. He has a unique ability to translate high-level artistic concepts into actionable community goals, ensuring that our mission is always moving forward. Under his leadership, the organization has seen unprecedented growth in both program variety and community outreach. Marcus is a firm believer that the Executive Director should be a servant-leader, and he can often be found helping to set up for events or cleaning the studios after a busy day. His passion for the Hollister community is evident in everything he does, as he works to ensure that CONQUEROR remains a beacon of hope and creativity for many years to come. He is a frequent speaker at local civic events, advocating for the importance of arts funding and the transformative power of creative expression.

Sarah L. Jenkins

Creative Arts Lead

Sarah L. Jenkins is a renowned visual artist and educator who serves as our Creative Arts Lead, overseeing the curriculum for all drawing, painting, and mixed media programs. With a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and a portfolio of award-winning work, Sarah brings a wealth of technical knowledge and creative inspiration to the classroom. She is passionate about helping students find their unique voice and believes that there is no such thing as a “mistake” in art, only opportunities for growth. Sarah’s warm and encouraging teaching style has helped countless students overcome their creative blocks and achieve levels of mastery they never thought possible. She is deeply committed to the success of her students and is always looking for new ways to challenge and inspire them through innovative projects and techniques. Her classes are known for their vibrant energy and the deep sense of camaraderie she fosters among her students. Sarah also spends a significant portion of her time researching new pedagogical methods and art materials to ensure that our visual arts program remains at the cutting edge. She believes that a teacher must also be a perpetual student, and she regularly participates in international workshops to bring fresh ideas back to our Hollister studio. Sarah is particularly skilled at adapting complex techniques for younger students, making high-level artistic concepts accessible and fun. She has a keen eye for talent and works closely with our most advanced students to prepare them for gallery showings and art school applications. Her dedication to the craft is matched only by her dedication to her students’ emotional well-being, as she often acts as a confidante and cheerleader for those navigating the ups and downs of the creative life. To Sarah, art is a lifelong journey, and she is honored to walk that path alongside her students.

David R. Chen

Technical Training Coordinator

David R. Chen oversees the technical and digital media programs at CONQUEROR ARTS AND TRAINING, bringing a high level of expertise in sound engineering, video production, and graphic design. With a background in the professional music industry and a passion for technology, David ensures that our students have access to the latest tools and training needed for modern creative careers. He is a meticulous instructor who values precision and technical excellence, yet he delivers his lessons with a patience and clarity that makes complex subjects accessible to everyone. David is dedicated to preparing the next generation of creative professionals, providing them with the practical skills and industry insights they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. His mentorship has been instrumental in helping many of our students transition into successful careers in the technical arts, and his former students can be found working in studios across the country. David’s approach to technical training is rooted in the belief that technology should be a servant to creativity, not a master. He teaches his students how to use software and hardware as extensions of their own artistic vision, emphasizing the importance of creative problem-solving over mere button-pushing. In his role as coordinator, he is constantly upgrading our technical suite, ensuring that our equipment meets the highest industry standards. He also organizes “tech talk” sessions where industry professionals share their experiences with our students, providing a valuable bridge between the classroom and the professional world. David is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to troubleshoot even the most complex technical issues with a smile. He is a dedicated advocate for digital literacy and works to ensure that our students are not just users of technology, but creators and innovators who understand the underlying mechanics of their tools.

Elena M. Rodriguez

Community Outreach Director

Elena M. Rodriguez is the driving force behind our community engagement and partnership initiatives, serving as the primary link between the organization and the families of Hollister. With a background in social work and a lifelong love for the performing arts, Elena excels at building relationships and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. She is responsible for organizing our community events, managing our volunteer programs, and ensuring that our services reach underserved populations. Elena’s compassionate nature and deep understanding of the needs of our community make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is committed to ensuring that CONQUEROR ARTS AND TRAINING remains a diverse and inclusive space where everyone feels they belong and have a voice. Her tireless work has resulted in dozens of successful collaborations with local businesses and schools, further embedding our organization into the social fabric of the city. Elena is also the architect of our scholarship program, working with donors and foundations to ensure that every talented individual in Hollister has the chance to train with us, regardless of their financial situation. She spends much of her time out in the community, listening to the needs of families and looking for new ways that our programs can serve them. Whether she is organizing a neighborhood mural project or a community-wide talent show, Elena brings a sense of joy and purpose to everything she does. She is a master of logistics and a champion of people, possessing a rare ability to mobilize resources and inspire action. Her office is always full of people, and she is known for her ability to solve problems with a combination of empathy and efficiency. Elena believes that the arts are the ultimate tool for community building, and she lives that belief every single day in her work at CONQUEROR.