WHO WE ARE
For over 40 years, the Grinnell Area Arts Council has been the heartbeat of our local creative community. As a non-profit dedicated to the belief that art is essential, we work to enrich our city by fostering creative expression in all its forms. From the classroom to the stage, we provide a vibrant home for arts programming that welcomes neighbors of every age and background to explore, learn, and connect.
We are proud to support and host a family of local programs, from the Grinnell Community Theatre and Music in the Park to the Turlach Ur Pipe Band and Grinnell Community Band. Our mission comes to life across two Broad Street locations: the Grinnell Arts Center, our hub for gallery exhibitions and performances, and The Stew Makerspace, our hands-on center for creation. Whether you’re here to learn, watch, or make, our doors are open.
Staff
Lauren Emge
Youth Education Coordinator lauren@grinnellarts.org
Lauren Emge is an Iowa native, recently returned to Grinnell. She received her degrees in Art History and Painting from St. Ambrose University in 2018 and has worked in gallery settings and as a traveling art class instructor. She currently also serves as a market manager for the Grinnell Farmer’s Market.
Craig Gibbens
Program Manager craig@grinnellarts.org
Craig (he/him) is a Kansas native and Grinnell College alum (Psychology) who has lived and worked in the area for over 20 years. In addition to performing in Grinnell Community Theater shows, his background includes customer/donor relations, marketing, program development and administration, and process evaluation.
Alesia Lacina
Graphics & Education info@grinnellarts.org
Alesia holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, as well as an MA in Drawing and an MFA in Painting. She has led arts education for children and adults in the area for many years, including leading the Studio 6 Afterschool Arts Program and instructing painting at Grinnell College. Alesia has created costumes and sets for community theater in Grinnell for 30 years.
Monica St. Angelo
Executive Director monica@grinnellarts.org
After seven years with the Grinnell Area Arts Council, Monica (she/her) was honored to be named Executive Director in 2025. A classically trained dancer who studied with the Kansas City Ballet and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Monica also brings a background in academic development and small business ownership to her role. Since moving to Grinnell in 1999 with her partner, Mark Levandoski, she has worn many hats—from raising two children and teaching ballet at Grinnell College to owning a local yoga studio. When she isn’t championing the arts in Grinnell, you’ll likely find her spending time with family and friends, practicing beginner songs on the piano or riding her bicycle.
Board of Directors
Kabenla Armah
Software Developer, Rancho Biosciences
Sig Barber, Treasurer
Professor of German Studies, Emeritus, Grinnell College
Kate Baumgartner, Secretary
Assistant Technical Director, Grinnell College Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
Chris Hunter
Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, Grinnell College
Alicia Carradus
Art and TAG Teacher, Grinnell High School
Tom Lacina, President
Attorney, Charnetski, Lacina & Follette, LLP
Jane Mertens
Library Cataloging Assistant, Grinnell College
Nancy Rempel-Clower
Associate Professor of Psychology, Grinnell College
Mary Lindberg
Financial Assistant, Cirks Financial
Lee Smith
Textiles Instructor, Artist Market Manager
Bill Menner, Vice President
CEO, The Bill Menner Group