WHO WE ARE

Here at Art Barn School of Art, we are a team made up of dedicated individuals who share the mission to bring quality art programs to our community and enrich their lives. We are made up of a committed board of directors, many of whom have been with Art Barn since its founding, devoted staff members and instructors, and many other faithful volunteers who have helped make Art Barn what it is today.

Meet the Team: Meet the Team

MEET THE TEAM

Executive Director

Amy Davis is an established artist in Northwest Indiana and previously served on the leadership team of Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, where she served as the marketing director for 10 years. She brings nearly 15 years of marketing and fundraising experience to the role.

Former Board President Julia Holmaas states, “During this time of growth and transformation, there is no better person to lead the Art Barn than Amy. She is a proven leader with the skills and vision to continue Art Barn’s 40-year history of providing art education and promoting the arts in the Region.”

Program Director

Melissa Washburn is an artist/illustrator/graphic designer based just outside Chicago in Northwest Indiana. She grew up in upstate New York, but has lived in the Midwest since 1996. She creates expressive illustrations in both digital and traditional media, endlessly inspired by things that run, fly, and grow.

An avid hiker and birder, in 2019 she earned her Indiana Master Naturalist certification through Gabis Arboretum and the Indiana DNR and now serves on the Marketing and Communications committee of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust.

Operations Director

Liz Marler is a native of suburban Chicago and relocated to Northwest Indiana 6 years ago. Her studies include an emphasis in Psychology from UCCS in Colorado Springs, Colorado and an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology from Fox College in Tinley Park, Illinois. After her career in the veterinary field as a Vet Tech she started in the office management area and most recently spent a little over 3 years as the Executive Assistant for the Mayor of Michigan City. In her free time she is an avid reader, and loves being outdoors hiking, fishing, or spending time with her two dogs Ranger and Bear at the beach. Liz resides in Chesterton with her husband and step daughter.

Development Coordinator

Rebecca Weber brings over twelve years of nonprofit experience, with a background in a variety of skills, from program management to event planning. She earned a Master of Science in Management and Leadership with a concentration in Human Resources from Purdue University Global and a Bachelor of Business from Purdue Northwest with concentrations in Business Management, Organizational Leadership, and Supervision. She is excited to be a part of a place where creativity is encouraged, and everyone has a chance to participate.

Marketing Manager

Katelyn Kazakevicius is a recent Purdue University Dean's List graduate, she has a B.S. in Marketing & Management and is currently working towards earning her MBA in Data Analytics. She volunteers for Lake County Historical Society in Merrillville, IN and is also part of her universities Career Center which supports students during their professional journey. Her experience with non-profits started during her internship with Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, Michigan

where she became passionate for community outreach.