Board Members & Staff - Orange City Arts Council

Orange City Arts Board Members & Staff

Lisa Johnson

President

Lisa is the current library director at the Orange City Public library. Before her appointment, she was a professional librarian at the Naperville Public Library, where she served as administrator for the home delivery services. She leads with an organizational vision that encourages the exploration of ideas, the discovery of new solutions, and the generation of results. Lisa resides in Orange City.

Joanne Gamble

Treasurer

Joanne moved from San Diego to Orange City in 2017 when her husband, Ken, was asked to work at a local business for several years. Joanne has been on the Orange City Arts board since 2018 and enjoyed feeling a part of the community through this work. Although not an artist, she's always enjoyed music and the artwork others create. She’s found it to be a fun and educational few years and looks forward to 2023 Onstage performances.

Mary Fernow

Vice President

Mary has lived in Orange City since 1977 and has worked in sales at Staples Promotional Products since 1990. “I have always enjoyed the Arts. What piqued my interest the most was OnStage in the summers. The variety of music we have for all ages”. Mary is the current Vice President and has been a member since 2019.

Sharon Vermeer

Secretary

Sharon came to Orange City via Northwestern College. After graduating, she spent many years away teaching before returning to the area with her family. She has had a wonderful time being involved with Orange City Arts for several years. “I love the variety of arts we can bring to Orange City. We have everything from Regional Art Shows to African and other cultural music, fun children’s shows, and classical music like Boston Brass. Not only do I enjoy it myself, but I love exposing my grandchildren to such a large variety of art.”

Dr. Juyeon Kang

Board Member

Juyeon Kang, a Korean-American concert pianist and professor of music at Northwestern College in Orange City since 2003, has had the privilege of performing on four continents and in over a dozen countries. She made her debut recital at Carnegie Weill Hall in New York City and has had three of her CDs published. Having spent two years in Vienna, Austria on various research projects, she has been a part of the OC Arts board since 2021, where she has been able to use her expertise to contribute to the community through her performances and by helping to plan for the season.

Amy Sharar

Board Member

Amy came to Orange City for a K-8 art teaching position for MOC-FV Schools. She has a variety of interests, including making glass mosaics, face painting, and balloon sculpture. Amy enjoys her 7 fur babies, her grandchildren, and exploring the visual arts. She has been a board member since 2022.

Brian Keepers

Board Member

Brian grew up in northwest Iowa (Spencer) and is a graduate of Northwestern College (Orange City). Art has always been an important part of his life. Brian believes that art has the power to connect us to one another and can help an entire community flourish. He has loved serving on the Orange City Area Arts Council. Brian is the lead pastor of Trinity Church (Orange City) and is married to Tammy. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Chloe Tschetter

Junior Board Member

Chloe is a senior at Northwestern College, studying Applied Design and Entrepreneurship. “I've enjoyed my art classes here and did a study abroad in Florence, taking fashion courses. I have a passion for sewing, both fashion-related and costuming. My dream job would be to own my own creative business.”

Justin Lansink

Board Member

Justin and his wife Blair are band instrument repair technicians, and they moved to Orange City in 2021 to be closer to their family and friends. Playing various saxophones in the Orange City Community Band and lead tenor in Hollander Jazz, Justin has been involved in local performances since 2015. He joined the OC Arts Council in 2022, and is proud to be part of our community. In his free time, Justin enjoys baking, repairing computers, and is learning to play the accordion.

Dennis Rockhill

Co-Director

Dennis and his family moved to Orange City in the summer of 2005. Before that, he had served as a worship pastor in Orange City and 3 different churches in the Chicagoland area for over 25 years. After retiring from Sekisui Aerospace, he has returned to his first joy, the arts, by serving alongside some "great people" on the Orange City Arts Council. Dennis continues to serve in a local church, with much of that service being in the area of music, singing, and playing guitar. Another passion of his is black & white photography. Dennis is married and has two grown daughters.

Duha Lee

Board Member

Duha Lee grew up in Taiwan in a family where everyone is an artist. Influenced by her family, Japanese comics, and Studio Ghibli’s films, she studied digital painting, advertising, and graphic design in college. From Taiwan to New Jersey and to Orange City, Iowa, Duha now lives with her husband and two children in Alton, Iowa. She likes putting her kids in her illustrations and loves to share the culture of Taiwan and her journey. The first children's book she illustrated, Sleepy Baby Samurai and the Magic Painting, was published in June 2021. Duha has been a board member of OC Arts since 2021 and enjoyed serving with these creative people.

Emie Andrulewich

Co-Director

Emie brings her experience in non-profit program management with a passion for the arts. Creatively, she has over 20 years of art experience, including teaching art, showing and selling work, and designing jewelry. "I am honored and thrilled to be involved in planning and facilitating what happens at Orange City Arts and excited to bring great programs and artists to the community and beyond." She resides in Alton with her family.