WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER: Blake Gifford
- Roth Preap
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Meet Blake Gifford, one of the newest
members of the York Art Association’s (YAA) Board of Directors.
Blake is an architect and design project manager with the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, where he oversees complex public building and historic preservation projects from inception to completion. He is also the founder of York Architecture Illustrated, a creative and educational initiative that explores York’s built environment through drawings, walking tours, and public programs. His work blends design, storytelling, and community engagement, with a focus on practical and sustainable approaches to preservation.
Blake’s interest in design began early on, sparked by behind-the-scenes illustration books for films like Star Wars and Godzilla, which revealed how entire worlds are imagined and constructed. That fascination with world-building never went away. Today, while he still enjoys fantasy art and story-driven video games, architecture and preservation have become his way of shaping worlds in real life.
Blake’s background in architecture, along with his personal artistic pursuits, inspired him to join YAA’s board. “Joining the board felt like a natural way to give back to an organization that actively supports artists and makes creativity visible in the community, while also allowing me to continue pursuing my passion for historic preservation and facilities stewardship through my role as a trustee,” Blake said.
YAA’s educational programs and their impact on the community resonate strongly with Blake. He values the meaningful connections that form when new students attend classes, workshops, and lectures, and he believes deeply in making the visual arts accessible to everyone.
We are thrilled to welcome Blake to the board and look forward to his insight and stewardship as YAA continues to transform.
Written by Michaela Shaffer, YAA Marketing Committee Member
Interested in joining YAA's Board or a volunteer committee.
Contact the office at 717-755-0028 or at office@yorkartassociation.org
