By Kris Zinszer, Board Chairperson, Anderson Museum of Art—
ANDERSON, IN—The Anderson Museum of Art (AMOA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Aimee West as the museum’s incoming Executive Director. West will lead AMOA into its next phase of growth—advancing arts and culture in Anderson and across East Central Indiana—while guiding a collaborative strategic planning process with community partners, pillar arts organizations and makers, and the region’s creative workforce.
“AMOA is poised to expand its role as a creative anchor for Anderson,” said Kris Zinszer, Board President. “Aimee brings a track record of nonprofit leadership, public education partnerships, and placemaking that will help us support artists, engage young people and families, and reimagine how we deliver bold, visionary programming.”
Aimee West is a nonprofit executive and civic strategist whose career spans philanthropy, public education partnerships, arts and culture programming, and neighborhood and place-based community development. She has led 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) initiatives, and built collaborations across universities, school districts, local governments, and statewide arts and civic organizations.
West’s work includes producing community storytelling and public-learning projects, fundraising and donor stewardship, and launching audience-centered programs that elevate creators and connect youth and families to the arts. West is an alumna of Ball State University and a native of Muncie, Indiana.
West will work alongside the current museum staff that includes: Debbie Apple, Creative Director; Tim Swain, Technical Director, Nick Martin, Creative Wellness Coach; and Adelynn Jessup, Events and Engagement Manager.
Mandee Mikulski previously held the Executive Director position for five years, but left this past August to assume the role of Executive Director at Science Central in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
About the Anderson Museum of Art
The Anderson Museum of Art, is a designated Carnegie Public Library, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is located at 32 West 10th Street in Downtown Anderson. AMOA serves as a creative hub for exhibitions, education, and community engagement. Gallery hours: Wed–Fri Noon–5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 2–5 p.m.
Happening Now
Open Space: Art About the Land – Red-tail Land Conservancy – November 8, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Since 2001, the Open Space: Art About the Land exhibition in partnership with Red-Tail Conservancy has inspired Indiana artists to connect with nature and create works that celebrate the beauty of the land, The juried exhibition is held at two venues: Minnetrista Museum and Gardens and the Anderson Museum of Art, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from painting to sculpture, all rooted in the natural world. Curated by Sachi Yanari-Rizzo, Curator of Prints and Drawings at Fort Wayne Museum of Art, the exhibition highlights the power of nature to fuel creativity and bring art to life. Proceeds from the event support Red-tail Land Conservancy’s mission to protect and restore wild lands in East Central Indiana. Whether you are passionate about art or conservation, this exhibit offers an inspiring look at the intersection of both. Learn More: www.andersonart.org
The Museum Will Focus On:
- Partnering with pillar arts institutions and makers to co-create programming.
- Supporting creatives and working artists through opportunities, visibility, and resources.
- Building upon trusted foundations in Anderson’s cultural ecosystem.
- Reimagining new ways to reach audiences with accessible, visionary arts education and experiences.
Ways to Support AMOA
- Become a member and partner: AMOA is working to strengthen trusted partnerships and forge new ways of building new access points and reaching multi-generational communities where they are.
- Volunteer: Help provide the support it takes for students to learn, artists to create, and by helping to create civic and cultural spaces and programming.
- Give and sponsor: Help arts and culture thrive in Anderson and beyond through supporting the AMOA programming and giving of your choice.
- Donate artwork: Donate your artwork and help AMOA’s collections educate, enrich, and build connectedness and understanding among communities in East Central Indiana.
For membership and program information, visit andersonart.org or call 765-649-1248.
