Check Out Katie Chidester’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Chidester.

Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I grew up in Fullerton and have been involved in supporting the arts for about 25 years now. I studied theatre at USC for my undergrad and went on to earn my MFA at University of North Carolina Greensboro, at an incredible program that taught me so much. And really deepened my understanding of how storytelling works across different forms.

I’ve been with the City of Brea and the Brea Gallery for almost a decade, where I get to create exhibitions and programs that connect people through art. It’s incredibly rewarding to serve our city by providing access to thoughtful and intentional art experiences for our citizens.

Alongside that, I also work as a stage director — that’s actually where my love of storytelling began. Over time, I started to see how visual art and performance really intersect — both build empathy, invite dialogue, and deepen our sense of shared experience.

I feel really lucky that my work allows me to collaborate with so many talented artists and bring new perspectives to Orange County. It’s a mix of creativity and community — and that’s exactly why I love what I do!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not always smooth! Like most people in the arts, I’ve had to learn how to juggle a lot — limited resources, big ideas, and the constant balancing act between artistic vision and logistics. But those challenges have taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and the importance of teamwork. At the end of the day, seeing artists and audiences connect makes every bit of effort worth it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I lead the Brea Gallery, a contemporary art space that showcases innovative visual art, and I also direct for the stage. Both roles really let me explore storytelling, connection, and the overlap between visual and performance art. People are often surprised that I do both, but to me, they’re closely linked — each feeds my artistry in different ways. What I’m most proud of is creating spaces — whether in the gallery or on stage — where artists and audiences can come together and share something meaningful.

I’ve been directing theater all over Los Angeles and Orange County and have worked with a number of art spaces along the way, which has really shaped how I see the cultural landscape here in Southern California. I also serve on the board of the OC Theatre Guild and was recently invited to be a Resident Artist at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, which has been an exciting new chapter.

I think what really defines my work is a curiosity about connection — how one art form can spark another, how process and concept feed each other, and how storytelling can be transformative. I’m always fascinated by the way we, as humans, look for meaning and narrative in everything around us. And for me, collaboration is where that all comes together — it’s how individual creativity becomes shared experience and builds a stronger sense of community.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely. The Brea Gallery team is incredible — nothing we do happens without their dedication and creativity.
Kathleen Fenstermaker, Kennelyn Deloach, Endria Leyva Suarez, Kimberly Macias make this job a dream every day.
I’ve also had mentors and colleagues who showed me what compassionate leadership looks like, and artists who constantly inspire me with their passion and experimentation.
My sister, Kelly Chidester is the Executive Director of MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center and I am so grateful for the times she’s provided perspective and shared her insight. She is my most trusted resource and best place to share ideas, but she is also my biggest cheerleader.
It really does take a community, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive one!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.breaartgallery.com
• Instagram: breagallery
• Facebook: breagallery
• Youtube: breagallery

Image Credits
Photos by Ryella Zar, Austin Bauman, and Francis Gacad.