May we introduce ourselves?
Staff
Ames Community Arts Council Director - Jennifer Brockpahler
After graduating with a degree in interdisciplinary studies (music, education, business) from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, Jennifer went on to earn a master's degree in Community Arts Management with a non-profit emphasis from the University of Illinois -Springfield. Jen spent over 10 years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as the Arts/Special Events Coordinator, where she was instrumental in numerous projects that were intended to build audiences and strengthen community. Upon re-locating to Ames to be closer to her family, she is thrilled to put her passion for community building, outreach, and creative collaboration to work for the community and the artists of Ames.
In addition to serving as the Ames Community Arts Council Director, Jennifer works for the Critical Materials Institute of The Ames Laboratory.
After graduating with a degree in interdisciplinary studies (music, education, business) from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, Jennifer went on to earn a master's degree in Community Arts Management with a non-profit emphasis from the University of Illinois -Springfield. Jen spent over 10 years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as the Arts/Special Events Coordinator, where she was instrumental in numerous projects that were intended to build audiences and strengthen community. Upon re-locating to Ames to be closer to her family, she is thrilled to put her passion for community building, outreach, and creative collaboration to work for the community and the artists of Ames.
In addition to serving as the Ames Community Arts Council Director, Jennifer works for the Critical Materials Institute of The Ames Laboratory.
Officers of the Board of Directors
The Arts Council Board of Directors includes artists, business and community leaders, and other supporters of the arts. Board members serve three year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms. For more information about serving on the Arts Council Board of Directors, please contact the President. If you would like to talk with any of the current board members, please use the contact form.
President - Stan Rabe
Stan Rabe is retired and lives and breathes all things Ames Community Theater (ACTORS). Stan served on the Ames Community Arts Council board for six years, and after taking the required break returned to us in July of 2022, and we could not be more thrilled!
Stan Rabe is retired and lives and breathes all things Ames Community Theater (ACTORS). Stan served on the Ames Community Arts Council board for six years, and after taking the required break returned to us in July of 2022, and we could not be more thrilled!
Vice President - Erin McCollum
Erin McCollum is a Student Activities Specialist at the Iowa State University Memorial Union, where she is primarily involved with The Workspace.
Erin McCollum is a Student Activities Specialist at the Iowa State University Memorial Union, where she is primarily involved with The Workspace.
Treasurer - Sara Compton
Sara Compton is a former K-12 music teacher, music copyist, church choir musician, Outreach Manager at the Iowa State Center and Ensembles and Administrative Assistant in the ISU Department of Music and Theater. Recently retired, she advocates and supports students and adults – whether their interest is in participating or enjoyment of the performing arts – through her work and volunteer activities wherever and whenever she can.
Sara Compton is a former K-12 music teacher, music copyist, church choir musician, Outreach Manager at the Iowa State Center and Ensembles and Administrative Assistant in the ISU Department of Music and Theater. Recently retired, she advocates and supports students and adults – whether their interest is in participating or enjoyment of the performing arts – through her work and volunteer activities wherever and whenever she can.
Additional Board Members
These Board Members provide crucial support and much needed skills!
Maureen Burke is an encaustic painter. She received her BFA from Iowa State University in 2009. She is a member of the Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA), where she has a painting studio and has been a past member of the board. She and her husband have lived in Ames for 20 years and they have three grown sons.
Lynn McElrath has been employed at Pyle & Associates since 1998 and is also employed part-time at Reiman Gardens. Lynn has served on the board of directors at ACTORS and while her ACTORS board membership has expired, she continues to be involved with the organization. Lynn is also a die-hard Cyclones fan. She received her love of the arts from her mother and her love of sports from her father. She enjoys being on the Ames Community Arts Council board of directors and working with the other arts organizations here in Ames.
Beth Weninger is a mixed media artist drawing on inspiration from her family, nature, and her love of craft. Beth received her BFA in Sculpture and Paper from the University of Maryland and has exhibited her work in Iowa, Maryland and New Mexico. She loves to create mixed media collage, family portrait puppets, and books in her studio. She has been teaching art to children and adults for 30 years, and is currently Education Director at the Octagon Center for the Arts.
Would you like to join us? The Arts Council is always looking for new Board or Committee members.
If you're interested, just drop us a line at [email protected].
If you're interested, just drop us a line at [email protected].
Internship Positions
The Arts Council is pleased to offer internships to capable, interested students. These unpaid positions provide experience in marketing (including social media) and event management. Click here to see a position description. Contact Jennifer Brockpahler at [email protected] for an interview.
The Arts Council is pleased to offer internships to capable, interested students. These unpaid positions provide experience in marketing (including social media) and event management. Click here to see a position description. Contact Jennifer Brockpahler at [email protected] for an interview.
