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.
Chris Ewan is a photographer specialize in capturing the often-overlooked beauty of the natural world, focusing on colors, shapes, and textures. As a band director for over 30 years, Chris has spent his life sculpting sound with tones. A photo is similar. He use the camera to help create the “musical score” and then through the digital darkroom is able to sculpt the light to create his vision of the print. See his work and sign up for his newsletter on his website.
Tammy Koolbeck began as Executive Director of the Iowa State Center in August 2015 and currently serves as Executive Director for Stephens Auditorium. Prior to coming to Ames, she served as Chief Marketing Officer/Senior Vice President for the VenuWorks corporate office overseeing several venues across the country. She lives in north Ames with her husband, Mike. Their son, Tyler is a 2017 Iowa State graduate. Family vacations keep her sane and she loves a good road trip whether it’s for a concert, national park or baseball game.
Tracey P. Stewart is the manager of the High Resolution Microscopy Facility on the Iowa State campus. As an artist, she enjoys creating nature themed watercolors.
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.
