Board of Directors
Ted Smith, President
Mike Downey, Vice President
Eric Blessing, Treasurer
Meagan VandeLaar, Secretary
Jennifer Bultemeier
Jeanette Lundeen
Ralph Tuttle
Janelle Valenti
Nancy Wagner
Our Staff
Prentis Moore, Executive Director
creativeartscouncil@gmail.com
Prentis Moore brings a deep passion for the arts and a strong commitment to community into his role as Executive Director of Creative Arts of Wells County. A familiar presence on stage and in the local arts scene, Prentis has built meaningful connections through performance, collaboration, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and fellow artists alike. His love for storytelling and live performance is rooted not only in personal expression, but in the joy it brings to his family and the wider community.
Prentis holds an Associate Degree in Music Technology and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Counseling, blending creative practice with a growing foundation in service and support. His professional and personal experiences reflect a belief in the arts as a powerful tool for connection, growth, and positive change.
As Executive Director, Prentis is excited to build on the strong foundation of Creative Arts, bringing fresh energy, vision, and a people-centered approach to expanding programming and deepening community impact across Wells County.
Meagan VandeLaar, Interim Executive Director
creativeartscouncil@gmail.com
Meagan has been involved with Creative Arts in many ways since moving to the area from Indianapolis around ten years ago. She helped in the office as an interim executive assistant, has been in Creative Arts Theater productions, taught workshops, and partners with Creative Arts through the theatre company she founded, Parlor City Shakespeare Company.
She holds a BA in Theatre and English from Purdue University and was a company member and part of the education team of both EclecticPond Theatre Company and Shakespearemachine from the founding of both groups. Meagan is an actor, director, intimacy director, teaching artist, and all-around arts enthusiast that believes strongly in the positive effect the arts can have on our personal lives and for the greater good of our communities.
In 2023, she joined the board of directors and was elected secretary shortly thereafter. Meagan's time on the board has deepened her dedication to and passion for the mission of Creative Arts. It is her diligent hope that we can continue to impact the lives of the members of our vibrant community through our programming, educational activities, exhibitions, and performances.
Tammy Ray, Director of Creative Services
cacray49@gmail.com
Tammy’s journey with Creative Arts began in 2013 when her daughter was cast as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As a supportive parent with a deep love for music, she quickly became involved, and the following summer, she took on the role of piano accompanist for South Pacific. Her musical talents soon became an integral part of Creative Arts' productions, and she went on to serve as a rehearsal accompanist for several summer theater productions, helping bring performances to life through her skilled accompaniment.
Recognizing her dedication and organizational expertise, Creative Arts welcomed Tammy to the team in 2019 as an Executive Assistant, where she provided essential administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of programs and productions. Her leadership and commitment to the organization continued to grow, and in May of 2022, she transitioned into the role of Director of Creative Services. In this position, she plays a key role in overseeing the artistic and logistical aspects of Creative Arts, ensuring that each production and program runs efficiently and maintains the highest level of creative excellence.
Tammy’s background in both business and music uniquely equips her for this leadership role. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a minor in Piano Performance from Huntington University, combining her passion for music with her strong organizational skills. She further advanced her expertise by earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. With her diverse skill set and deep appreciation for the arts, Tammy is committed to fostering a thriving creative environment at Creative Arts, where performers and students alike can grow, express themselves, and experience the joy of the performing arts.
Ainsley Werich, Programming Manager
creativeartsdesign74@gmail.com
Ainsley’s journey with Creative Arts began when she was a young student in the Ballet School, where she developed a strong foundation in movement and performance. Her love for the stage quickly expanded beyond dance, leading her to her first theatrical role as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2013. She rekindled her love for Theater in college and went on to do design, act, and eventually direct for the stage. She holds a BA in Theater Production and Film with a minor in Organization Leadership
Her connection to Creative Arts deepened in the summer of 2022 when she returned as an intern, gaining hands-on experience in theater production and arts administration. Since then, she has continued to be an integral part of CAC’s creative team, assisting with The Wizard of Oz and taking on the exciting challenge of directing Winnie the Pooh: Kids Edition. In 2024, she led the Early Stages Workshop, guiding young performers as they took their first steps into the world of theater. Her dedication to mentoring aspiring artists reflects her passion for storytelling and her commitment to fostering a love of the performing arts in the next generation. Ainsley has directed 6 productions with CAC as of Spring 2026 and she is excited to continue to grow and learn from the fun challenge that is directing!
She also makes lots of spreadsheets.