Arts council director excited for new opportunities

By Ashley Luthans

The new executive director of the Allied Arts Council is already looking ahead to the future and how to foster growth in the art scene in St. Joseph.

Jessica Agnew has been involved in the local arts community for years, from serving as the administrative assistant to the Theatre, Cinema and Dance department at Missouri Western State University to working both on and off stage with the Robidoux Resident Theatre. Agnew also helped bring Arts in the Park to Coleman Hawkins Park in 2019.

Agnew said she has always loved the arts and is excited to step into this position to better the St. Joseph arts community.

“Being around the arts, I’ve done that all my life,” Agnew said. “And so, to be able to step into the amazing shoes of Teresa (Fankhauser), to be able to come in and be immersed in it is very exciting and exhilarating and many emotions in a wonderful way. I’m excited to be able to advocate for the arts, more than what I’ve done, and to continue as we move forward.”

Agnew was elected by the council’s board of directors in April, assuming her duties in May. She took over for Teresa Fankhauser, who served as executive director for 19 years before retiring.

Since taking over the position, Agnew said she has big plans for the arts in St. Joseph.

Fundraising is a large part of what keeps the arts alive in St. Joseph, and although she just began in the role, Agnew is already in the midst of planning many more fundraising events.

“Right now, it’s a lot of taking in what we’ve done, really looking at the amazing work that’s been accomplished and seeing where we can take those items or take new ideas and grow from here,” Agnew said. “And so, that’s where I’m at at the moment, is seeing the amazing work that we’ve done and seeing what path we can, we can do moving forward.”

The Allied Arts Council supports all forms of art in St. Joseph, from theater to music to physical art.