Creating Change
Through Creativity.
Preble Arts was founded to bring people together through the power of art. What started as a local vision has grown into a creative force for connection, healing, and opportunity.
How It All Began
Our story began in 1987, when local artist Rosie McNees founded the Preble County Art Association after a devastating fire destroyed her studio and countless works of art. From this loss, a resilient community of artists came together with a shared vision to rebuild and nurture the arts in Preble County.
By 1990, that vision became reality with the grand opening of the Preble County Art Center at 601 Hillcrest Drive, marking a new chapter for local creativity. As the years passed, the organization grew steadily, and in 2014, the first Executive Director, Vicky Fanberg, was hired to lead the next phase of growth.
The Preble County Art Association (now doing business as Preble Arts) expanded rapidly, and in 2017, we moved into the historic Stotler Building in Downtown Eaton to better serve our community's increasing demand for arts programs and studio space.
Today, Preble Arts is proud to hold the county's only paint-your-own-pottery studio and to be a vibrant hub offering classes, workshops, and community events that inspire creativity and bring people together.
Our Team
Our dedicated team is passionate about making art accessible to everyone. Together, we bring creativity, support, and inspiration to Preble Arts and the community we serve.
Heidi Easley
Executive Director
heidi@preblearts.org
Heidi Easley serves as Executive Director of Preble Arts, where she is passionate about expanding access to the arts and strengthening the organization's role as a vibrant community gathering place. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community development, and strategic partnerships, she has led initiatives that secured millions of dollars in funding for education, health, and community initiatives while building innovative programs and lasting partnerships.
A lifelong resident of Preble County, Heidi feels honored to lead an organization that has enriched the community for generations. She and her husband, Greg, are co-owners of Sacred Moon Farm, where they host workshops, retreats, and events celebrating creativity, nature, and lifelong learning. Together they are proud parents of four children. Heidi looks forward to building on Preble Arts' strong foundation by supporting local artists, expanding opportunities for creative expression, and ensuring the arts remain accessible to everyone in the community.
Kali Meyers
Operations Coordinator
kali@preblearts.org
Kali Meyers serves as Operations Coordinator at Preble Arts, where she helps coordinate daily operations, supports exhibitions and community programming, and works to create meaningful experiences that connect others through art. Whether she’s assisting artists, organizing events, or sharing the organization’s history, she believes creativity has the power to bring communities together.
A lifelong resident of Preble County, Kali is grateful to contribute to an organization that inspires creativity across all ages. Writing has long been at the heart of her own creative journey, and as an award-winning poet, she brings a storyteller’s perspective to her work at Preble Arts. She enjoys blending her passion for literature, visual arts, and community engagement to help make the arts welcoming and accessible for everyone. She looks forward to continuing to support local artists and fostering opportunities for creativity to flourish throughout Preble County.
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our community. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Kathy Clapp
President
Todd Appledorn
Vice-President
Todd Appledorn is a dedicated insurance professional, military veteran, community leader, and coach with a passion for serving others. A 2001 graduate of Eaton High School, Todd enlisted in the United States Army during his senior year and was attending Basic Training during the events of September 11, 2001.
Todd proudly served with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team and completed deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his deployments, he spent seven years as an Army recruiter, helping guide and mentor future service members.
In 2012, Todd transitioned into the insurance industry, where he has built a successful career based on trust, service, and commitment to his clients. His military background and dedication to helping people have been key factors in his continued success.
Just two days before deploying to Iraq in 2004, Todd married his high school sweetheart, Crystal. Together they have built a strong family and are proud parents to two children, Joel and Adriana. Their children's involvement in sports keeps the family active and engaged throughout the year.
Deeply committed to his community, Todd has served as President of the Lewisburg Lions Club, President of the Lewisburg Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Preble County Art Association. He has also served as Treasurer for the local Little League organization and has dedicated countless hours coaching youth soccer and baseball teams. Today, he continues to give back as a high school golf coach.
When he's not helping clients, supporting local organizations, or coaching, you'll often find Todd at a golf course—whether playing a round or helping others improve their game.
Todd's life has been defined by service, leadership, family, and community involvement, values that continue to guide him both personally and professionally.
Grace Lykins
Treasurer
Anna Fomin
Secretary
Anna Fomin is an elementary art teacher for Eaton Community Schools where she teaches visual art to kindergarten through second grade students. She has long been active with Preble Arts, helping to hang the inaugural art show at the “new” art center on Main Street and serving as a contributing artist for the Good Folk Bad Art fundraiser. Anna and her husband have two sons and live in Eaton, Ohio where she is actively involved in the Eaton Band Boosters and volunteers with the East PTO and Eagles in Action committee. Anna loves to be creative, be active, and contribute to her community.
Brittany Corwin
Trustee
Brittany Corwin has been a board member at Preble Arts since November 2025. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Miami University (Ohio): one in history, and one in art and architecture history. Currently, she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in history, with a concentration in public history, at Wright State University.
Brittany works at the Preble County Historical Society where she tends to their 30,000+ item collection. She aims to bring her passions together by introducing art history to Preble Arts!
In her spare time, Brittany enjoys volunteering for Find a Grave and Moxxy Forensics; looking for new places to travel; strolling cemeteries; and researching genealogy and local history.
Chris Wair
Trustee
Chris is a native of Eaton and a proud graduate of Eaton HS (The Class of ‘78 STILL Rocks!) There, Anita Watts was a major influence on his love of the Arts and eventual decision to pursue a career in Architecture.
Chris attended Miami University and received a degree in Environmental Design in 1982. From there, he began designing restaurant spaces for a Dayton based equipment contractor. That began a 45 year, and counting, career in foodservice design and equipment.
Chris and his wife Cindi left the Ohio area and began a 30 year adventure that included stops in Orlando, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Denver before deciding to come home in 2016. They now reside on a small farm near Liberty, Indiana. Chris is the Design Principal for Reitano Design, a national food service design company based in Indianapolis.
Chris joined the Preble Arts board in November of 2022 and is now well into his second term. With a goal of igniting the artist in everyone, Chris is dedicated to spreading the word of and access to the arts for all in of Preble County and the greater Preble County region.
Andrea Deacon
Trustee
