staff

	Michele L. Hiegel was appointed Executive Director of the art center in August 1992. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education at Ohio State University in Columbus. She paints in watercolor and her work has appeared in a number of local and regional exhibits, winning several awards. She also enjoys calligraphy, the art of ornamental writing. She instructs classes for all age levels in a wide range of mediums. She also trains volunteers for art appreciation programs sponsored by the art center at the elementary school level. Michele is available for speaking engagements and guided tours of art center exhibits.

	Kay R. Sluterbeck, Administrative Assistant, is a graduate of Art Instruction Schools, Minneapolis, Minn., with a Certificate in Commercial Art. She also studied cartooning under Leo Stoutsenberger (Connecticut), and has studied various aspects of fine art techniques with a number of instructors. She has been associated with the Van Wert County Art Club and the art center in various volunteer capacities for over 25 years, and has been actively employed by the art center since 1991. She has won awards in art competitions around the nation. Her cartoons have appeared in a number of publications, and she is editorial cartoonist for the Van Wert Times-Bulletin. She also does graphic design work (cartoons and art stamps) for rubber stamp companies nationwide. In her spare time she enjoys painting in acrylics and watercolors, printmaking, and drawing in pen and ink.

	Cara Apperson, Office Manager/ Receptionist, has been employed with the art center since 1995. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters degree in Education. Cara has a lifelong interest in the arts, music and literature. An enthusiastic art collector, she enjoys acquiring pieces in all media which appeal to her. Her collection includes both original work and prints signed by the artist at the time of purchase. She is also involved with several vocal music groups and does volunteer work for a number of charitable organizations.
	Pat Rayman, an art teacher, works on Saturday afternoons at the art center. She also makes many of the center's posters and teaches classes for children and adults at the center.