Arts Faculty

David Oxton, Fine Arts Department Chair; Photography
Boston University; Massachusetts College of Art; Rockport College, M.F.A.
Appointed in 1992, David Oxton is our Department Chair and a working commercial and fine art photographer. His images have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Newsweek magazine. For the past several years, David has been working on a project in which he has taken over 500 portraits of strangers on the street. He also teaches at the Maine Photographic Workshops during the summer.

Paul Wann, Drama
University of Minnesota, B.A.; Tufts University, M.A.
Paul was appointed to the faculty of the Academy in 1985, and he teaches both English and acting classes, while directing two seasons of Afternoon Drama. He performs in plays in Newburyport and Boston, and has recently tackled such roles as Friar Laurence in 'Romeo and Juliet', the father in Nikki Silver's 'Pterodactyls,' Willy in 'Happy Days,' and Hamm in 'Endgame.'

Irina Okula, Ceramics
Fontbonne College, B.A.; Southern Illinois University, M.F.A.
Irina came to the Academy in 1987, where she has taught ceramics and even coached the girls tennis teams. A well-known Potter from Ipswich, MA, Irina has traveled the world in pursuit of the art of ceramics for over 40 years. From Japanese teapots to Mayan ruins, from Chinese workshops to Native American wood firings, Irina has dedicated her life to learning about pottery, and teaching it to others.

Geoff Brace, Visual Art; Drama
University of Wisconsin, B.S.; Lesley College, M.Ed.
Appointed in 1999, Geoff Brace teaches courses in Film, Art, and directs one season of Afternoon Drama. He is also involved in a joint effort between youth groups of Lawrence, MA and The Governor's Academy, as they share in the joy of creative exploration.

Joe Repczynski, Technical Theater
University of New Hampshire, B.A.
Joe was appointed to the faculty of the Academy in 2002 after having worked as a professional stagehand in the entertainment industry for many years. He has worked on many national productions, such as Blue Man Group, and has served as Technical Director for North Shore Music Theatre's 'Summer Stages' programs. Joe also recently founded a photography company and has shot many weddings across the region, and even as far away as Scotland.

Christopher Drelich, Choral Director; Music; Performing Arts Facilities Manager
University of Massachusetts, Lowell, B.M.E.
Appointed in 2003, Chris directs the choral ensembles and teaches music electives here at the Academy, and serves as the manager of the Wilkie Center. He has written many choral arrangements for local and regional performing groups, and is an avid local historian, serving on the Town of Newbury's Historical Commission and also on The Governor's Academy 250th Anniversary Committee. Chris is also chair of the Newbury Cultural Council.

Belle Struck '94, Visual Art
Arizona State University; Portland State University; Lesley University, BFA
Belle Struck, 1994 graduate of the Academy, was appointed in 2006 to teach visual art and media classes. She is a working painter and printmaker, and has exhibited works in Boston, Europe, and the North Shore. She is currently working on her Masters in Art Education at Lesley University. In January 2011, one of her etchings was accepted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Jeffrey Miller, Instrumental Director; Music; Private Lesson Coordinator
The Hartt School of Music, B.M., M.M.; Eastman School of Music, D.M.A.
Appointed in 2011, Jeff has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges, including Stonehill, Nazareth, and Lesley, and taught at Avon Old Farms School from 2000-2006, where he served as Instrumental Director and also Director of Performing Arts. He has guest conducted for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and has been a featured performer and recording artist on guitar, bass, and mandolin throughout New England.