Jasper Arts Commission meeting; first report from new Visual Arts Coordinator Erin Stenftenagel

The saying “you can’t go home again” isn’t true. Just ask Erin Stenftenagel who just joined the Jasper Arts Center Staff as the new Visual Arts Coordinator.

Stenftenagel gave her first report to the Board in Tuesday afternoon’s monthly meeting and spoke about meeting with the visual arts committee about upcoming artist series to be showcased in the Krempp Gallery at the Arts Center.

She is a Jasper native, and a 2009 graduate from Jasper High School. She graduated from DePauw University in May with a degree in Studio Art.

She was an intern at the Jasper Arts Center in 2011, which has helped her get up to speed quickly on the expectations of her position.

When her predecessor, Emily Colucci, resigned, Jasper Arts Director Kit Miracle called Stenftenagel to see if she would be interested in applying for the position.

The job was publicly advertised and Stenftenagel was interviewed along with other candidates. She was offered the position after all the candidates had been interviewed according to policy.

This (position) covers a lot of ground…you’re taking care of the gallery and you’re working with the Art Ventures,” Stenftenagel said, “and I’ve worked here before, so it was kind of perfect.

Stenftenagel will work closely with each member of the staff, especially Program Coordinator and Technical Assistant Corina Mack, who heads up the Chalk Walk program and helps with Birthday events at the Arts Center.

Speaking of Mack, she told the board on Tuesday that the Chalk Walk on May 11 was a big success in spite of cooler temperatures than expected and having to reschedule after the first weekend choice was rained out.

Mack also reported to the board that she is preparing to develop plans for the Strassenfest Parade float and is kicking around some ideas for a theme.

Arts Director Kit Miracle told the Board that the new season guides will be available on Wednesday of next week. She also talked to the board about the success of the Concert series and how affordability allows local citizens to enjoy a wide variety of musical styles at an affordable price.

Miracle said that the same artists performing in large cities command a much higher price per ticket than patrons pay here. “There are some artists that will just never be in our ballpark,” she explained, “but we want to bring the best performances that we can into Jasper and you know, drive across town. Here we are. You’ve got something great.”