ArtHaus directors have announced their resignations

ArtHaus co-directors Jenni and Eric Petersen-Brant have announced they will be stepping down from their leadership roles at ArtHaus this December.  The couple has accepted positions as Marketing and Development Consultants with the Chatfield Center for the Arts in Chatfield, Minnesota.

In the two and half years that the Petersen-Brant's will have been with the organization, they have boosted ArtHaus' recognition within the state by being awarded the 2015 After School Innovator Award from the Iowa After School Alliance and the 2016 Governor's Arts Award for Impact and Accessibility.

The Petersen-Brants have also launched new programs, including the Youth Apprenticeship Program and Community Open Studio, while maintaining a wide array of early childhood, after school, and adult arts education classes.

While they are taking jobs in Chatfield, the couple will continue to live in Decorah, will continue to teach for ArtHaus and will continue to act as advocates for the arts in Northeast Iowa. "One of the things we knew we couldn't let go of was the connections we have with our students in the studio. It is wonderful that both organizations are supportive of us continuing as instructors," says Jenni.

Their work for Chatfield will involve developing a new web presence, broadening the CCA's marketing reach, grant research and writing, relationship building with partners and sponsors, and developing the operational systems needed to support the already thriving programs of the newly renovated Potter Auditorium as well as the 1916 gallery and school. They will also lay the groundwork for a future Chatfield Arts Festival and assess the feasibility of establishing an artist residency program through CCA while working with the 15-member board to envision and realize new multi-disciplinary art programs.