Casa del Herrero Welcome New Board Members

Monica Safapour & Nathan Vonk

SANTA BARBARA, CA, July 25, 2024 – Casa del Herrero is thrilled to announce the addition of two esteemed members to its Board of Trustees, effective August 1, 2024. The new trustees bring a wealth of experience and passion for the arts and education, strengthening our commitment to preserving the rich history and legacy of Casa del Herrero.

Monica Safapour, Region President - Senior Managing Director, Northern Trust Santa Barbara

Monica Safapour brings extensive expertise in wealth management, fiduciary services, and legal affairs to Casa del Herrero. As the Region President and Senior Managing Director at Northern Trust Santa Barbara, Monica oversees the region's integrated investment, corporate fiduciary, wealth planning, and private banking businesses. She is known for her strategic vision, community engagement, and excellence in client relations.

Before her current role, Monica served as Regional Manager for Estate Settlement at Northern Trust in Los Angeles, where she led business development efforts and enhanced client experiences across the West Region. Her previous positions include Senior Fiduciary Advisory Specialist and Wealth Planner at Wells Fargo Private Bank, and Principal Attorney at her own law firm.

Monica holds an LL.M. in Taxation with Distinction from Loyola Law School and a Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She completed her undergraduate studies with a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. An active community leader, Monica is a member of the Iranian American Women’s Foundation and has held leadership roles in the Iranian American Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco.

Nathan Vonk, Owner and President, Sullivan Goss Gallery

With over 15 years in the art world, Nathan Vonk is a highly experienced arts professional known for his significant contributions to gallery management, exhibition curation, and art criticism. As the Owner and President of Sullivan Goss Gallery since 2016, Nathan has been instrumental in curating noteworthy exhibitions and fostering relationships with artists, collectors, and the community. Prior to this role, he served as the Curator of Sculpture at Sullivan Goss Gallery and as an Art Critic for the Santa Barbara Independent.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Nathan has a robust background in volunteerism, serving on the board of the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative since 2008, including terms as Board President and Vice President. His dedication extends to the ARTS District and the City of Santa Barbara’s Arts Advisory Committee.

Nathan holds an MA with Honors in Critical Theory in English Literature from Sussex University, United Kingdom, and a BA in English Literature from Reed College, OR. His publications include several monographs on artists such as Oskar Fischinger (coming in 2025), Patricia Chidlaw (coming in 2024), and Leon Dabo (published in 2014).

About Casa del Herrero

Casa del Herrero, located in Montecito, CA, is a National Historic Landmark, renowned for its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and meticulously preserved gardens. Built in the 1920s, this historical house museum stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship for the early 20th century. Casa del Herrero offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, with its authentic furnishings, art collections, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Our mission is to preserve and share the beauty and history of Casa del Herrero, enriching the community through education, conservation, and cultural engagement.

For more information, please visit our website at www.casadelherrero.org or contact us at 805-565-5653.

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