About the Director

Growing up in San Diego, Dan Evers was introduced to the arts and crafts by his parents at an early age. There were always exciting projects going on in the backyard shop, from stained glass to wood carvings and furniture. While serving in the US Coast Guard, Dan spent weekends and spare time helping raise funds and assisting in the construction of Rancho Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. When his military service was completed, Dan began studying art and architecture at San Diego State. While attending school, Dan was an active volunteer with P.R.I.D.E., working with at-risk youth in San Diego's toughest neighborhoods.

In 1972, Dan moved to Chico, California and began a woodworking and decorative glass business from a two car garage. This grew into a thriving enterprise, with factories in California, Mexico and Kentucky. The brands that Dan had created continue to be sold throughout the world. Dan's role had become primarily administrative, and in a desire to return to the crafts and work with youth, in 2000 he sold his share of the company he founded, and returned to San Diego. From his studio in Barrio Logan, he founded Farallon Design, which specializes in handcrafted, personalized gifts and awards.

With his new business, Dan was able to offer his services to causes and organizations that benefitted children and the environment. Dan now designs and fabricates awards for such groups as Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and the Water Keepers Alliance, directed by Bobby Kennedy Jr..

This work was noticed by Bob Langhorst of Optimist International, who invited Dan to supervise children in the making of a tile mural at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Diego. The Children's Rainforest Project has grown from this simple introduction.

Dan with Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson Kennedy