Candidates and Voting

President: Linda A. Olson M.F.A.
I currently teach as a full professor of studio art at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. I came to rock art through an interest as an artist who might use my ability in the documentation of rock art sites, using my skills to share documentation techniques with students and others at every opportunity. For many years I have created detailed, accurate documentation of rock art sites for the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service among others, and taught the same concentrating on minimizing site impact. Several of my illustrations have been included in publications. There is no better life than to figure out what you have a passion for doing, and then to have the privilege of sharing that with others who are interested. I have done that for over 30 years. I look forward to putting my knowledge and skills to work in service to ARARA.

It is an honor to serve an organization that brings together persons with a common interest to benefit rock art conservation and preservation. I am interested in serving as ARARA’s president to forward the organization’s mission of rock art management, conservation and preservation. I would be privileged to continue an active role in an organization in which I have long participated, having delivered my first ARARA presentation in 1991. I will encourage participation and teamwork by ARARA members in ARARA business.

Vice President: Peter Anick
Having joined the ARARA board just in time for the pandemic, my primary focus has been on bolstering our social media presence. Our monthly online lecture series remains popular, and more than 660 have subscribed to our YouTube channel, where there are now over 40 talks available for viewing. With over 4000 Facebook followers, we have an opportunity to translate the growing interest in rock art into a broader and more active ARARA membership.

This year, I will be organizing a newcomers’ breakfast for the conference to make first-time conference attendees feel welcome, as well as to introduce them to the activities of our committees. As Vice President, I would like to see us take advantage of virtual connections to make ARARA more relevant to rock art researchers and enthusiasts worldwide, especially in eastern US, Canada, and Central and South America. I welcome any ideas that will foster a stronger sense of community among rock art researchers, hobbyists, archaeologists, and indigenous groups.

Secretary: Karen Steelman
For the past 20 years, I have utilized the techniques of radiocarbon dating and spectroscopy to study prehistoric rock art.  Currently, I am the Science Director at Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center. I presently serve on the ARARA Board as Secretary (2020-2024), and would be honored to continue in that position.  I have also served on the ARARA Board as an at-large director from 2015-2019 and as Chair of the Education Committee from 2019-2021. ARARA is a place where people with varied backgrounds can come together to learn more about rock art. As Secretary, I hope to increase communication among the Board and ARARA Members.  I am especially interested in liasioning with the Archives Committee to help with our organizational records.  I am a proud member of ARARA and love this organization.  I find that serving and volunteering for the organization keeps me connected to those people that I respect and value with like-minded goals of preserving and studying rock art.

Treasurer: Troy Scotter
I have served on the ARARA Board as a Director (an ad-hoc member of the Board) for four years and have served on the Board as Treasurer for two years. I also manage the website and am responsible for membership. Many, many years ago I was a professional accountant in Canada. I gave that up when I moved south of the border and became interested in rock art. But those dusty memories come in handy for the current job.

I wear a lot of hats within ARARA. I'm happy to take any of them off and hand them over to another person. Developing a strong and diverse base of leadership and skills is important in any organization. But I am also willing to serve the organization and its members.