OUR
TEAM MEMBERS
Hilary
Elizabeth
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I have been at the Ankeny Art Center as the Director since 2021. I love living in Ankeny, it is such a neat place and I am excited to bring awareness to our little non-profit! I have a Bachelors in Anthropology from Southern Illinois University and a Masters of Arts in Art History from Academy of Art University. My goal for the Ankeny Art Center is to continue the growth that we’ve seen over the past few years.
CLAIRE
HAYS
Education Director
I hold a BFA in painting from MSU Denver and have I been involved in the art community, since 2017, organizing and instructing step-by-step painting classes, creating my own artwork, and assisting with indoor and outdoor art exhibitions and events.
I moved to Ankeny in 2022 where I started as the Curator at the AAC and transitioned to Education Director in 2024. In this position, I am committed to bringing exciting and engaging experiences to the local art scene, providing quality arts education, and striving to make art a part of everyday life.
Claire
Elise
Ceramics Studio Manager
I received my B.A. in Studio Art: Ceramics from the University of Northern Iowa. I have been teaching and running ceramics programs since 2019. I love making pierced sculptural vessels, but I also create functional pots . I have exhibited both bodies of work nationally, and will continue to be an active exhibiting artist.
In addition to being the Ceramics Lab Manager, and teaching at the Ankeny Art Center, I also teach ceramics classes at the Des Moines Art Center, and The Octagon Center for the Arts. I am also an Organizer and Committee Member for the Central Iowa Potters group here in the Des Moines Metro area.
I look forward to being a part of a new ceramics and art community and continuing to maintain and provide a new, informative, and unique outlook in this studio space.
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!