Our Mission
To joyfully inspire every resident, visitor and passer-by through the acquisition, preservation, and presentation of visual arts stimulating
the imagination of both young and older, encouraging aesthetic appreciation and community involvement, and enriching the
downtown and surrounding areas.
Meet THE Council MEMBERS
Jeff Stillson
Abby Morganthaler
Jeff Stillson
The artist and photographer who agreed with Mayor Phil that Nappanee was ready for an arts council to spearhead beautifying the bucolic area for its residents, workers, and visitors. Jeff Stillson is not only full of creative ideas but is capable of bringing them to life in an utmost effective and efficient way by working in harmony with
The artist and photographer who agreed with Mayor Phil that Nappanee was ready for an arts council to spearhead beautifying the bucolic area for its residents, workers, and visitors. Jeff Stillson is not only full of creative ideas but is capable of bringing them to life in an utmost effective and efficient way by working in harmony with the Parks Department and City officials. Once the graphic artist at Amish Acres and Pletcher Furniture Village, Jeff began branching out back in 2007 when he and Angie incorporated Stillson Studio of Advertising and Design. He is available for high quality, professional commissions of murals, paintings, logo design, signage, interior design, exterior consultation - basically anything and everything that calls for artistic flair and integrity. See examples on the Stillson Studio Facebook page and call him at 574.354.2477.
Jenny Shaw
Abby Morganthaler
Jeff Stillson
Jenny Shaw's name is synonymous with ART in Nappanee and the WaNee community. She graduated from NWHS and became an art teacher here for 33 years. In fact, Jeff Stillson was one of her shining stars when she taught at Central School – her classroom being in the cafeteria. Jenny and Linda Daumen established a thriving homeschool program at NAC that continues now in the hands of Rachel Yoder.
Abby Morganthaler
Abby Morganthaler
Abby Morganthaler
Abby Morganthaler moved to our community in 2016 and taught art at NothWood Middle School for eight years. Abby is originally from Huntington, Indiana, and has a Bachelors in Art Education from Purdue University Fort Wayne. She also was enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design summer program. She loves spending time with her family and creating art on her own, specializing in printmaking.
Menessah Mullet
Menessah Mullet
Abby Morganthaler
Menessah Mullet is an artist who believes creativity should be equal parts relaxing, messy, and possibly edible. When not sketching or designing, she can be found in the garden where her plants are either thriving or plotting mutiny.
Her work often begins as a drawing, but thanks to her restless curiosity, it occasionally escapes the page
Menessah Mullet is an artist who believes creativity should be equal parts relaxing, messy, and possibly edible. When not sketching or designing, she can be found in the garden where her plants are either thriving or plotting mutiny.
Her work often begins as a drawing, but thanks to her restless curiosity, it occasionally escapes the page and morphs into real-life forms.
Fueled by coffee, occasional baking experiments, and an endless supply of colored pencils, Menessah’s art celebrates whimsy, detail, and the joy of seeing what happens when you put too much imagination in one place.
Micheala Leemon
Menessah Mullet
Micheala Leemon
Micheala Leemon loves being part of the Nappanee community, both through her work at the library and by volunteering around town. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her reading with a cup of coffee or working on a new creative project.
Angie Stillson
Menessah Mullet
Micheala Leemon
Angie Stillson (aka Sum's mom/Cyb's mom) is involved with NAC behind the scenes. She likes to think her opinions count, even if not asked for, by husband and Arts Council President, Jeff Stillson.
"My favorite thing about having this community workspace and retail gallery is meeting the people whose intrigue brings them through the front
Angie Stillson (aka Sum's mom/Cyb's mom) is involved with NAC behind the scenes. She likes to think her opinions count, even if not asked for, by husband and Arts Council President, Jeff Stillson.
"My favorite thing about having this community workspace and retail gallery is meeting the people whose intrigue brings them through the front door when the green light's on.
And then there's the Art Path! And the downtown beautification projects! To have this board of directors coming up with BIG ideas that honor Nappanee's heritage and increase foot traffic is so very exciting and inspiring. The cooperation and collaboration between individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and departments is the best. What a model for the world."
Cybil Stillson
Cybil Stillson
Cybil Stillson
Cybil Stillson knew she needed community service on her resume when it came to applying to universities. The timing was right for her to attend the inaugural meeting of Nappanee Arts Council held at Amish Acres in Stillson Studio's loft office suite alongside Jenny Shaw, Hannah Kirkwood, and others. She is a recent Butler University gradu
Cybil Stillson knew she needed community service on her resume when it came to applying to universities. The timing was right for her to attend the inaugural meeting of Nappanee Arts Council held at Amish Acres in Stillson Studio's loft office suite alongside Jenny Shaw, Hannah Kirkwood, and others. She is a recent Butler University graduate where she was a member of the golf team and continues her role as a board member and contributing artist while applying to professional sports teams and companies within the fashion industry to see what's next.
Emma Henderson
Cybil Stillson
Cybil Stillson
Emma Henderson considers herself lucky to have grown up in Nappanee. You'll recognize her when you
shop K.E.Y. Boutique.
"I spend most of my time outside of work reading and with my family." This is our first sister duo (Emma - Micheala) to be part of the Nappanee Arts Council.
Abby Slabaugh
Cybil Stillson
Abby Slabaugh
Abby Slabaugh is a proud 7th-generation Nappanee native and a 2019 graduate of NorthWood High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art in 2023 from Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. During her college years, she spent her summers working at the Nappanee Center, deepening her connection to the co
Abby Slabaugh is a proud 7th-generation Nappanee native and a 2019 graduate of NorthWood High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art in 2023 from Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. During her college years, she spent her summers working at the Nappanee Center, deepening her connection to the community. Abby now teaches 4th grade at Nappanee Elementary School. In her free time,
she enjoys golfing, crafting, and spending time
with her sister, Ally.
Jon Darling
Jon Darling
Abby Slabaugh
For Indiana artist Jon Darling, art is more than creating something beautiful. It’s about capturing emotions, telling stories, and bringing meaningful moments to life.
Jon’s love for art began in childhood, tracing Looney Tunes characters on his grandmother’s living room floor. Encouraged by parents who even allowed him to paint on his bed
For Indiana artist Jon Darling, art is more than creating something beautiful. It’s about capturing emotions, telling stories, and bringing meaningful moments to life.
Jon’s love for art began in childhood, tracing Looney Tunes characters on his grandmother’s living room floor. Encouraged by parents who even allowed him to paint on his bedroom walls, he dreamed of someday becoming an artist.
Life, however, took him in another direction. Becoming a father at just 16, Jon put his artistic ambitions aside to focus on raising his family. Although his passion for art never disappeared, it wasn’t until his four children were grown that he returned to creating seriously.
After sharing a painting on Facebook, Jon began receiving commissions, leading to the creation of Jon Darling Art.
Working in acrylics, oils, charcoal, stained glass, and sculpture, Jon enjoys exploring different mediums and challenging himself creatively. He often imagines himself within his subject’s story, allowing emotion to guide his work.
Although Jon sometimes wonders where his artistic journey might have taken him had he pursued it earlier, he wouldn’t change the path that brought him here. He believes raising a family and navigating life’s joys and challenges gave him something no classroom could fully teach: a deeper understanding of human emotion.
It’s that understanding he hopes to bring to every piece he creates.
Jon dreams of becoming a full-time artist, opening his own studio and gallery, and inspiring others through art. As a Nappanee Arts Council member, he volunteers his time and talents to support the local arts community.
For Jon, this isn’t simply a return to an old passion. It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Follow his artistic journey on Facebook at Jon Darling Art or visit jondarlingart.com.
Members Continued
Branden Hochstetler
Branden Hochstetler
Branden Hochstetler
Branden Hochstetler was and raised here in Nappanee. He has been drawing things ever since I was little. "My mother never put the crayons away, because I was always using them! In the 90's, I started sketching cars and trucks with pencil. A few years later, I then progressed to Prismacolor pencils. About eight years ago, I started paintin
Branden Hochstetler was and raised here in Nappanee. He has been drawing things ever since I was little. "My mother never put the crayons away, because I was always using them! In the 90's, I started sketching cars and trucks with pencil. A few years later, I then progressed to Prismacolor pencils. About eight years ago, I started painting with acrylics on canvas. I like the contrast and fast dry times I can get with acrylics. I'm self-taught, never have taken any formal art schooling. What inspired me to do automotive art, was working alongside my father in his restoration shop since 1982, and being around classic and antique cars since the age of 7. Going to car shows, auctions, and restoring countless Ford Model A's, Mustangs, and a '65 Chevelle have just added to my passion for classic vehicles."
Classic, antique, and muscle cars are one of the most recognizable and memorable icons of American history. I love the close-up views and design aspects of these cars. Take for instance the towering tail fins of a '59 Cadillac, or the menacing grille of a '65 Mustang GT. The designers of these cars were truly artists back in the day. I just try to bring out those features in my work. I learn techniques from other artists, but put my own style in each piece. I love rendering subtle reflections and bright chrome! More recently, I've decided to push my creativity by welding scrap metal sculptures. This has been my absolute favorite medium to work with! Whether it be a transmission gear, spark plug, or bicycle chain, I love the challenge of finding the perfect piece to fit for weight and balance in a 3 dimensional sculpture. My work can be viewed all along the Art Path in Nappanee. From dogs to love themed to my Out of this World dragon, my desire for realism is portrayed.
My family and faith in Jesus Christ gives me the inspiration to do what I do in life and in art.
Jiliane Jimenez
Branden Hochstetler
Branden Hochstetler
Jiliane Jimenez is a passionate artist and valued member of the NAC. Whether she is sketching, working on an acrylic painting, or shaping new creations as director of the NAC’s Clay Club, she thrives on the friendships and community that art brings together. Creativity doesn't stop at the canvas or a slab of clay for her, she's also an a
Jiliane Jimenez is a passionate artist and valued member of the NAC. Whether she is sketching, working on an acrylic painting, or shaping new creations as director of the NAC’s Clay Club, she thrives on the friendships and community that art brings together. Creativity doesn't stop at the canvas or a slab of clay for her, she's also an avid baker who loves decorating delicious cakes and desserts for friends and family. A lover of travel and new cultural experiences, always looking for new adventures. When Jili is not creating or exploring, you can usually find her hanging out with her favorite
companion, her pup, chili.
Erica Deisch-Shafer
Branden Hochstetler
Erica Deisch-Shafer
Erica Deisch-Shafer is a former corporate administrator turned at-home parent and creative artist based in Nappanee.
A lifelong resident, she is deeply connected to her community and passionate about contributing to its beauty and vitality.
Embracing a hands-on, “learn by doing” approach, Erica enjoys exploring new artistic mediums; wi
Erica Deisch-Shafer is a former corporate administrator turned at-home parent and creative artist based in Nappanee.
A lifelong resident, she is deeply connected to her community and passionate about contributing to its beauty and vitality.
Embracing a hands-on, “learn by doing” approach, Erica enjoys exploring new artistic mediums; with spray paint on canvas currently her favorite form of expression. When she’s unable to paint, she often turns to baking as another way to keep her hands creating
something new.
Erica loves spending time with her family; especially her daughter Emma, now 4, who enthusiastically loves Nappanee, especially the Art Path. “Seeing the world through Emma’s eyes has really given me purpose.”
Casey Kiel
Branden Hochstetler
Erica Deisch-Shafer
Casey Kiel is a resident of Nappanee and a graduate of Herron School of Art/Indiana University. In 2000, she founded Casey Kiel Creations, through which she provides murals, classes, face painting, window paintings, illustrations, comic strips, portraits, graphic design
and more.
She is currently employed full time as a Content and Creati
Casey Kiel is a resident of Nappanee and a graduate of Herron School of Art/Indiana University. In 2000, she founded Casey Kiel Creations, through which she provides murals, classes, face painting, window paintings, illustrations, comic strips, portraits, graphic design
and more.
She is currently employed full time as a Content and Creative Director and Social Media Manager for the The Office of Information Technology at the University of Notre Dame. Notable projects have included the Museum of Mishaps, the Cybersecurity Carnival, Google Wizarding College and Scam School. Casey’s design campaigns have been utilized by GOOGLE LLC and presented at Educause and Teach, Play, Learn.
Magazines that have featured her artwork include Family Magazine, MOPS International Magazine, Scholastic Magazine and Computer World Magazine. Casey has also illustrated three published books: Maggie Seeks the Kingdom of God by Angela Hays Moore, Andrew Visits the Chiropractor by Geri Carlson, and Mommy, What If, which she also authored.
Casey believes passionately in the power and purpose of art. Apart from creating art and relationships, her greatest joys are her four children (Mason, Caleah, Makinzie, and Caden) and her lifelong friend and husband (Matt).