The mission of Summer of the Arts is to bring people together in the Iowa City Area to experience, learn about, and enjoy free arts and cultural programming.Since 2005, Summer of the Arts has hosted arts and cultural festivals for all ages. We create synergy with marketing, fundraising, and operations while maintaining the unique identity of each of our events. Our generous sponsors and donors ensure we are able to offer free, high quality entertainment every summer for our community to enjoy.
Support
If you enjoyed this year’s festivals, please consider making a donation to Summer of the Arts so we are able to continue providing FREE, family-friendly programming to the Iowa City area! Your support is crucial to keeping art accessible to all community members.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
PRESIDENT: Creighton Gaynor, Natural Talent Music LLC
VICE PRESIDENT: Miguel Rodriguez, GreenState Credit Union
TREASURER: John Ruppel, MidwestOne Financial Group
SECRETARY: Natasha Wendt, Urban Acres Real Estate
PAST PRESIDENT: Shaner Magalhães, Urban Acres Real Estate
Directors
Emma Barnum, United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties
Mary Blackwood, University of Iowa (retired)
Kylie Buddin, United Action for Youth
Kevin Felker, Prairie Kitchen Store
Melissa Flowers, Hills Bank & Trust
Juliann Gibson Lux, Tippie College of Business
Quanda Hood, CCA Fame
Holly Jones, UI Center for Advancement
Adam Kahler, Graduate Iowa City Hotel
Jen Knights, Performing Arts at Iowa
Tyesha Perry, Skogman Realty/RSFIC
Abby Restko, Glassando
Angela Romero, Stanley Consultants
Robin Springer, Robinia Presents
Billy Valencia, Eco Lips
Juli Seydell-Johnson, City of Iowa City (ex-officio)
Board Information & Application
We encourage BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ community members to apply.
Board terms are three years and begin January 1st of each year.
If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors, please read the Board Member Expectations document.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
A spotlight and ticket for all at Summer of the Arts.
2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN
Want to know where we’re going? Take a look at our strategic plan for more information!
2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Want to know what we’ve been up to? Read our Annual Report for details!
Highlights include:
- Nearly 70,000 attendees across seven events
- 2,500+ volunteer hours
- 54 events over 22 weeks
- 472 Iowa performers on our stages
- 141 Iowa fine artists showed at Iowa Arts Festival and/or Holiday Thieves Market
STAFF
Lisa Barnes, Executive Director
Megan Burns, Graphic Designer
Marigona Gashi, Communications Manager
Dewey Johnson, Chief Fetching Officer
Eric Johnson, Development Director
Andrea Truitt, Director of Engagement