Staff and Board
OUR
Claire
Hays
Program Director
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from MSU Denver and have been actively engaged in the arts community for over a decade. I am passionate about creating meaningful, engaging experiences that connect people with the arts and with one another. Through high-quality arts education, innovative programming, and community events, I strive to make the arts accessible, inspiring, and an integral part of everyday life in Ankeny and the surrounding communities.
Allyson
Fillmore
Ceramics Studio Manager
I have been working with the Ankeny Art Center since the summer of 2025. I have a B.A. in Art Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a B.F.A. in Art and Communication Studies from Luther College. I spent 7 years as a public-school art teacher. In 2020 I started my own pottery studio in my basement with the interest in functional wheel thrown work. Find me working as the studio manager or teaching pottery here at the art center.
Nicole
Ahrens-Stigers
Gallery Curator
I have lived and worked in the Des Moines area since 2018, and am excited to be part of the Ankeny art community!
I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa State in 2015, thriving most as a creative both personally and professionally. Although I’ve always loved painting, in recent years I have found a particular passion for working with oils. I now work as the Ankeny Art Center's Gallery Curator, collaborating with the local community and artists to share and enhance the arts. I also create and promote my own artwork within the local metro area.
I believe strongly in the connection between art and community and the positive impact it can have on our daily lives, and look forward to extending that excitement to others!
Ankeny Friends of the Arts DBA Ankeny Art Center
2026 Board of Directors
Executive Board
Steve Van Oort—President
​Retired | Civic Leader, Broadcast Professional
Bill Catrenich—Vice President
Retired | Construction Manager
Don Zuck—Treasurer
Retired | CFO, DMACC
Jennifer Bowersox — Secretary
Engraving Artist | Self-Employed
Directors
Larry Overton
Retired | Non-Profit Arts Professional
Victoria Mock
Network Engineer | Hy-Vee
Ryan Harkema
Recreation Superintendent | City of Ankeny
Macy Vollmer
Paralegal | Kinney Mason
Meredith Lamberti
Lawyer, Vice Chair of Parole Board | Iowa Board of Patrol
Julie Mangels
Agency Owner, CEO | Juls Design Agency
Agnieszka Pieta
Gallery Owner | Pieta Gallery