Our Team
Vicki Thompson
Vicki is Steuben Arts Scene president and the president of Technessity, LLC. Her vision to expand access to the arts in Northeast Indiana has led her to form The Scene’s Board in order to enhance the culture in the area.
Shortly after college, Vicki learned to create stained glass windows and in the last 10 years, she has expanded to fused (warm) glass. She creates primarily for friends and family as well as her own inner peace. She has most recently completed courses in mosaics and has several projects in mind to begin soon.
Vicki has gained an appreciation for all the skills that contribute to a beautiful work of art. Both her knowledge and appreciation for all art has grown over the years, and Vicki’s admiration for artistic talent motivates her to develop her own talents while sharing with those that want to learn. Some of her favorite artists include musicians such as Acoustic Alchemy and Toto, art educator Betty Edwards and too many other artists to list.
Susie Freeman-John
Susie, an owner and partner at Freeman Jewelers, believes art brings people together and enriches the lives of all those that participate. As a board member and someone who appreciates the arts, Susie knows Angola is the perfect town to become known for its extensive venues for art and people. In her spare time, Susie enjoys painting. She says she’s not the best, but she loves the journey. Some of Susie’s favorite artists include some local artists such as Dr. Fred Doloresco, Tim Johnson and Joel Fremion from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition, she is inspired by sculptor Kristy Jo Beeber from Leo, musician Sir Paul McCartney, country singer and songwriter Chris Stapleton, the iconic Barbara Streisand, and many more. She could not think about her favorite artists without giving appreciation and recognition to her teacher Katie Appel.
Laurie Brandon
Laurie is an anesthesiologist who loves to find beauty in art. In addition to being in “love” with the community, the Steuben County lakes are very dear to her. Laurie believes that art enrichment is a way to celebrate the beauty around us. She enjoys music, literature, and musical theater. Laurie describes herself as having “very little spontaneous creativity” of her own. However, she is fascinated when she reads or hears works that define a feeling or experience that she has had herself, especially when it’s something she hadn’t previously considered or defined. She sees artistic expression as a way to bring a new depth of understanding to our human experiences and the world around us, which is really what art is about… the human experience. Laurie is excited about the prospect of creativity and talent being celebrated and displayed more in the lakes community. She sees a great value in complementing the beauty around the lakes with a community rich in the arts.
June Julien
June is the Executive Director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau and has been for many years. The visitor industry is significant in Steuben County and has an economic impact of $288 million annually.. June believes that the creative use of public space is important, not just to attract visitors, but to serve residents. June is passionate about placemaking and believes the arts are an integral part of any placemaking activity.
June holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from IU, as well as certifications in both community and economic development from Ball State University.
June is a fiber artist and enjoys working with different textiles.
Tim Newby
Tim has worked in the Angola market area for a total of 23 years. He has worked for Farmers State Bank as a business development officer for the past 21 years and have worked in banking for 32 years. Tim has been a volunteer with several different organizations over the years such as United Way and Junior Achievement as well as serving as a past President of the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce along with serving on several different committees within the Chamber. Currently, Tim is serving as the United Way Board Treasurer and also on the board of the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Amy who teaches high school biology and physics at West Noble High School and has two lovely girls, Katie and Maddie.
Nicole Lovett
Nicole Lovett is the vice president at Farmers State Bank, with more than 30 years in banking. She started her banking career at Fifth Third Bank in Toledo, Ohio then moved to Indiana in 1992. Nicole initially worked for The First National Bank of Fremont and in 2005 First National was acquired by Farmers State Bank. She has had different roles at the bank throughout her 30 year career here with most recent being Angola Branch Manager. Nicole has been married 27 years to her husband, Jon Lovett and they live on Jimmerson Lake. Nicole and Jon have three daughters, Jordan who is a NICU Nurse in Spokane Washington and twins Kirsten and Taylor. Kirsten is a Dental Hygienist at LaGrange Family Dentistry. Taylor is a RN and works at Parkview in Ortho Trauma. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, on the lake, and traveling. Over the years, she have been involved in the community. In the past, she has served on Steuben County Council on Aging, Fremont Chamber, various committees for Fremont Community Schools, YMCA of Steuben County, and volunteered for Junior Achievement and the Steuben County 4H auction.
Karen Spake
Karen Spake has been a lifelong resident of Indiana and most recently Lake James, Angola. Karen is a commercial industrial broker and has practiced her trade for 45 years. Karen married Dick Spake and they have 2 daughters, Carolyn and Molly. Karen is often sought out to be a Board Director which is exemplified by her lengthy list of community boards including Steuben County Council on Aging, Embassy Theater, Dave Heffner International Fund, National Realtor Board, President of State and National Society of Commercial and Industrial Realtors, and President of Allen County PTA. Karen also is a very good artist in the area of painting.
Annie Eyster
Annie Eyster is a retired art educator of 32 years. Anne has a Bachelors of Science in Education, with an Area Major in Arts and Crafts K-12 from Indiana University. She is the recipient of several awards and grants including the Dekko Foundation Einstein Grants. She has also been recognized internationally as the recipient of the Toyota International Teacher's program which included traveling to Japan to exchange best educational practices between Japan and the United States and served on the selection committee at the International Institute of Education in Washington D.C. Prior to teaching she worked as the Art Director for Art Product News. Her community involvement includes Steuben County Humanities council member, Steuben County Historical Society (President and Vice President), and Annie founded the Steuben County Student Art Show in honor of Dick Wilder, a local artist. In her spare time Annie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, kayaking, hiking, her dogs, painting, and creating unique pieces of art. Annie believes that creating artwork belongs to everyone. Creating art is a skill that becomes better with practice. The arts can improve mood and relieve stress as a participant or a viewer.
Anita Sanborn
Anita Sanborn was raised in Fort Wayne and spent her childhood summers on Crooked Lake. Although she left Indiana to explore the world, she returned to Steuben County in 2022. Anita earned a BA in History from the University of Illinois and her MA in Public Policy from Georgia State University. Her career developed in the not for profit sector where she held executive leadership positions with the Stamford Commission on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Colorado Episcopal Foundation. Anita and her late husband, Bob Thomson, raised two sons in Colorado. She is active in local civic organizations such as the Angola Rotary and the Council on Aging. Prior to this she chaired the Board of the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. She has been involved with the Sudanese refugee community and the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans for over 20 years and currently chairs that Board. Although she is not an artist herself, her world travels have fostered a deep appreciation for the art and architecture of other cultures. An avid museum-goer and appreciator of many artists such as Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, and Birger Sandzen, she finds her best artistic expression in being an an assistant to her granddaughter, Reese, who is an avid painter, collage maker and fashionista.
Cher Coburn
Cher Coburn is a retired floral business owner in Auburn, Indiana, with a rich background in floral design and management. She spent much of her career designing for a four-star hotel and high-end events, later taking on management roles in the arts and crafts industry in Texas. She also worked as a retail sales analyst for a major leather goods company, specializing in military products worldwide. A lifelong crocheter, Cher has elevated her craft into a fiber art form, transforming crochet into felted art pieces, from art bags to unique, non-traditional designs.