Board of Directors
Lyssa Lovejoy, President
Lyssa Lovejoy has been deeply connected to the arts since childhood, growing up in a household where creativity was not just encouraged but woven into everyday life. Music, dance, and visual arts were not merely electives but an essential part of her upbringing, shaping her passion for artistic expression and community engagement. This lifelong love of the arts led her to become a seasoned choreographer, both exhibiting & teaching artist, and art therapy practitioner, using her skills to inspire, educate, and heal through creative experiences.
Since moving to Evansville in 2022, Lyssa has embraced the city’s simplicity, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant artistic spirit. She has worked extensively in schools and workshops, sharing the transformative power of the arts with students of all ages. As an advocate for inclusivity in the arts, she believes in creating opportunities for everyone to engage in self-expression, regardless of background or experience.
Now, as President, Lyssa is honored to contribute her vision, expertise, and passion to an organization that has already made a profound impact on the community. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow artists, educators, and leaders to expand arts programming, foster creative growth, and ensure that the arts continue to thrive as an essential part of Evansville’s culture.
Michael Tisserand, Vice President
Michael Tisserand is an author of books about cartooning, music, photography and film. His biography Krazy: George Herriman, a Life in Black and White was a New York Times notable book, and his study of Louisiana music, The Kingdom of Zydeco, received the ASCAP-Deems Taylor award for music writing. Both a devotee of the arts and a devoted supporter of the freedom of expression, he hosts an annual celebration of banned books in Alexandria. Recently returned to his home in west central Minnesota after thirty years in New Orleans, he is honored to help foster the arts through serving on the board of the Evansville Art Center.
Greg Lehrke, Treasurer
As of 2025, Greg Lehrke serves as the Treasurer for the Evansville Arts Coalition.
What drew Greg to EAC was the open mic, where he found a welcoming space to share his love for music. He hopes to help EAC continue its growth and expand its impact in the community.
Not only is Greg a member of the World Concertina Congress, but for the past 20 years, Greg has participated in the Jingle Bells Telethon, using his talent to bring joy and support to those in need.
Gregs' passion for the concertina began at the age of seven when he was taught by his father, Gordon. Since then, his musical journey has taken him to a variety of venues, including Big Joe's Polka Show at the Medina Ballroom, wedding receptions, churches, anniversaries, and many other community events. His deep love for music and commitment to sharing it with others make him a cherished performer and advocate for the arts.
Beyond music, Greg enjoys traveling and has a passion for cars, hobbies that fuel his sense of adventure and appreciation for craftsmanship.
Colleen Shores
Colleen is a dedicated board member of the Evansville Arts Coalition and a passionate advocate for the arts. Her deep commitment to community involvement is evident through her six years of service on the Evansville City Council, her participation in the Evansville Horizon community group, and her efforts in organizing two food distribution events in town. Throughout her work, she has consistently championed the importance of making the arts accessible to all, believing that exposure to creativity in all its forms is essential for a thriving community.
Growing up in a home filled with music, Colleen developed a lifelong appreciation for the arts. As the unofficial family photographer, she made sure every moment was captured and preserved, often staying behind the camera to document cherished events. This passion for storytelling and creative expression has driven her to support artistic endeavors and advocate for opportunities that allow others to experience the transformative power of the arts. She remains committed to cultivating a vibrant arts community in Evansville, believing that creativity strengthens connections and enriches lives.
Jackie Henning, Membership
Jackie has been involved in the Evansville Arts Coalition since it was conceived in 1995 and joined its Photo Club in 2017. She recently joined the EAC Board of Directors and is acting as Membership Chair.
Curiosity in the process of art led her to delve into forms of photography from the 1800s and early 20th century while getting a BFA at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Jackie’s interest in theatre while a student challenged her to design, build, and paint sets for numerous community theatre companies and high school productions. She also created a custom backdrop company, Sightlines, that supplied commercial photography studios with backgrounds for advertising products, such as Target. She later started another company, Paint Designs, which produced high end surface textures for residential and commercial clients. Since 2015 she worked with her husband Stephen to create videos for websites and social media through another creative business, AMS Digital Productions. They have produced many websites and videos for businesses, non-profits and artists alike.
Currently she is painting with mixed media, incorporating photography and 3D materials in her pieces.
Karen Howell, President Emeritus
Karen Howell has been a dedicated member of the Evansville Art Center (EAC) since joining in 2008. She first served on the Board in 2009, and later as president from 2015 to 2025. She is a passionate supporter of the arts in all forms, believing in their power to create a warm, connected community. Now, as President Emeritus, she continues to mentor and support the next generation of leadership.
Before her deep involvement in the arts, Karen worked in human resources at the U.S. Post Office, where she gained a strong appreciation for community engagement and advocacy. She understands the importance of spreading awareness and activism through the arts, ensuring they remain accessible to all.
Music first drew Karen to the Art Center, and from that moment, she knew it was the perfect place to put down roots. She and her husband of 55 years have called the Evansville area home since 2007. Beyond her work with the arts, Karen has a passion for quilting and actively participates in honor quilt-making projects for veterans. She is also deeply involved in her local church, where she continues to contribute to her community.
Peggy Weise has been an advocate for the arts and particularly music for many years. She has been involved in the Evansville Art Center since its beginning. As a musician and singer, she performed at EAC's Open Mic Music as a solo folk and pop singer. For the past 10 years she has performed a wide repertoire of Jazz standards with guitarist Jewett Benson. With roots in the area for 40 years Peggy has a desire to foster local engagement in the Art Center so we can come together with creativity and life providing activities for all age groups..