MBCAC Board Members
Robert Aronson
President
John Henson
John has been a high desert artist for the past 12 years, after 30 years as a performing arts producer at UCLA's Royce Hall. He previously volunteered on the MBCAC board for five years and now, after a two year hiatus, has returned for another tour of duty. John is grateful to be able to give back to this creative community that means so much to him.
Vice President/Art Tours Director
A volunteer for the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council since 2010, Marcia's artistic focus is on representational painting. Her subjects range from abandoned buildings in desert ghost towns and old homestead cabins, to local landscapes and desert fauna. She enjoys the camaraderie and friendships that come from living in the thriving artists’ community of Joshua Tree and surrounding areas. Her remote private studio north of Joshua Tree provides the open space, peace, and solitude necessary for her creative inspirations to grow and flourish.
Marcia Geiger
Member
Lisa Rae Black
TreasurerI was born in Glendora California and raised in West Covina. I spent much of my youth visiting my grandparent’s 300 sq. ft homestead cabin on their 5 acres in Morongo Valley, which they acquired as part of the Homestead Act of the 1930s. In March of 2017 my partner and I moved to the property and renovated it. In May of 2024 we moved to Yucca Valley together where I currently live. I have 20+ years as a professional working in the field of accountancy and live event production in and around the Los Angeles area and San Fernando Valley areas. My musical career started when I became a member of ‘The Pandoras’(‘85/86), later working with Madonna and others in the music, film and television industry. I am a songwriter & musician by trade. I play guitar, bass and drums and hope to one day bring brush to canvas.
Sophia Sanchez
Sophia Sanchez is the Membership Director of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council. A Los Angeles native, she has over 15 years of experience as an arts administrator and stage manager across Southern California. After years in the Bay Area and Los Angeles nonprofit arts scene, she relocated to the high desert, where she has lived for the past three years. Her work reflects a deep commitment to community building, grassroots organizing, and the arts as a tool for social change—all rooted in her love for the desert and its vibrant, eclectic community. When not working in the arts, she’s busy road tripping with her husband, kids, and dog.
Membership Director
Laurie works as a Sales/Marketing Coordinator at the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley and has 25+ years of experience as a financial sales advisor in Boston and NYC. She moved to the desert 15 years ago from Cape Cod, making her home in Rimrock with her late husband, Norman Erickson. Laurie has a passion for connecting people and she is actively involved in the community, so it was a natural progression to join the MBCAC as Board Secretary. When Laurie is not on the move, you can find her walking the desert with her dogs, Rock and Scruffy.
Laurie McVay-Erickson
Secretary/Ad Sales Director
Bill Green
Communications ChairWhen he's not busy arting, Bill helps other artists get noticed.
Erika Sessions is a Morongo Basin–based consultant and creative entrepreneur specializing in project management, systems development, and organizational growth. Through Sessions Consulting, she supports small businesses and nonprofits in building su stainable infrastructure and strategic clarity.An active member of the local arts community, Sessions is committed to strengthening the systems that support artists across the region. She joined the MBCAC Board in 2026 and is focused on helping ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the Highway 62 Open Studio Art Tour.
Erika Sessions
Member at large