The Foundry Art Centre Board of Directors has announced recent leadership changes at the not-for-profit arts center in Historic St. Charles, Missouri:
Melissa Whitwam has coordinated nearly fifty exhibitions at Foundry Art Centre since 2013 as Exhibition Manager, a role she will continue to lead as the new Executive Director. Melissa received a B.A. in Literature and a B.F.A. in Fiber Arts from Truman State University, earned a M.F.A. from Arizona State University, and now resides in St. Charles, Missouri. As an artist, she exhibits her work throughout the country and is a member of many local art organizations, including Missouri Fiber Artists, Surface Design Association, Women’s Caucus for the Arts – St. Louis, and is a supporting member of Craft Alliance, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Art St. Louis, and the St. Louis Artist’s Guild. Since accepting the role of Executive Director of the Foundry Art Centre in November 2015, Melissa has striven to connect the Foundry to the community, establish relationships and connections to local businesses and organizations, and elevate the Foundry’s role in the arts community.
Event Manager – Melanie Sanders
Melanie Sanders was hired as Event Manager of the Foundry Art Centre in 2015 and is currently enrolled in the New York Institute of Art and Design earning a certificate in Event Planning. A graduate of St. Louis Christian College, she earned a B.S. in Education and was a children’s programming director for six years in Streator, IL, followed by a ten-year career as Merchandise Manager and Event Manager at Barnes & Noble. She is excited to bring her love of event organization to the Foundry Art Centre and has already coordinated many successful events and concerts. Melanie lives with her family in St. Peters, Missouri.
Education Manager – Annie Spiller-Campbell
Annie Spiller-Campbell graduated from Lindenwood University in 2009 with a B.A. in Studio Art (emphasis in Drawing, Painting and Art History). Attendance of the Summer Camp programs at the Foundry Art Centre has doubled within her time as Education Manager and she continues to cultivate the educational programming for children and adults. She has worked as a program director in nonprofit arts for six years and is passionate about educational outreach. Annie established the Kaleidoscope Program for high-functioning mentally disabled children at Art Unleashed, formerly Chesterfield Arts.
Media Coordinator – Logan Rohlf
Logan Rohlf studied at Florissant Valley Community College and has worked as a freelancer for Lee Allen Advertising. Upon graduating in 2014 with a graphic design degree, Logan accepted the role of Media Coordinator at the Foundry Art Centre where his skillful designs are utilized to brand the facility’s events, programs, and exhibitions. Along with design, Logan’s other interests are drawing and painting, writing music, and his two cats.
Administrative Coordinator – Jillian Schoettle
Jill Schoettle is the new Administrative Coordinator at the Foundry Art Centre, attending to the facility’s bookkeeping and focusing efforts on their marketing and social media. Jillian graduated from Lindenwood University in 2012 with a B.F.A. in Studio Art, illustrates and hand-letters as freelance, and lives in Saint Charles with her husband, Jacob. From 2010 to 2014, Jillian worked as the Foundry’s Media Coordinator and is now revitalizing the FAC’s connection with the community through social media and local partnerships in her new role.
Exhibitions Assistant – Bruce Alves
Bruce Alves grew up in the St. Louis area and received his B.F.A. and B.S.E. from Missouri State University in 2006 and his MFA from Texas Tech University in 2012. Bruce is involved in the Saint Louis arts community as a ceramic artist, working primarily on sculptural assemblages, a ceramic instructor at St. Louis Craft Alliance, and as Exhibitions Assistant at the Foundry Art Centre.
Facility Manager – David Helling
David Helling has nearly a decade’s worth of experience as the Foundry Art Centre’s Facility Manager. From gallery lighting and installation assistance to administering the numerous receptions, fundraisers, and corporate events held at the center, David’s acute attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the center is key to maintaining the highest quality and reputation the Foundry is known for.
For additional details regarding the leadership changes at the Foundry Art Centre, please contact Melissa Whitwam at 636-255-0270.
The public may also visit their website at www.foundryartcentre.org for more information on arts classes and educational opportunities, as well as exhibitions, concerts and other events at the Foundry Art Centre.