AOS STAFF
The mission of AOS is driven by hundreds of community members and local artists. Its day-to-day operations are managed by professionals who bring fine arts skills and passion for supporting individuals with disabilities.
Lindsey Esker
Executive Director
JACKIE HUG
Staff Artist
Managing Director and Staff Artist Jackie Hug received a Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College in 2012, and graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in Art Education in 2009. Jackie assumed her role as the Managing Director of AOS in August of 2018 and has been facilitating painting studios as a Staff Artist since 2015. Her experience with AOS began as a Local Artist and volunteer. She played in the studios and never left- inspired by the artists and overall mission of AOS. Jackie dabbles and explores different media when the opportunity strikes. She has a particular interest in murals and public art, coordinating a community based mural during Norwalk’s 2017 Bicentennial Celebration, and painting commissioned indoor and outdoor mural projects for the community. Under Jackie’s leadership, AOS has expanded how it carries out its mission through collaborations with other organizations and businesses, hosting of integrated community art workshops, expansion of the AOS Production and Artist Employment Program, and diversification of retail offerings. These initiatives have been integral to improving awareness of the mission of AOS as well as the talents and skills of our artists.
Bill Young
Ceramics Manager & Staff Artist
I graduated from Kent State University June 11, 1977 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics and a minor degree in Archaeology. My professional role at AOS began in the year 2005 when Lynda Stoneham, an art teacher at the Christie Lane School (CLI) approached me to join AOS as the Ceramic Director.
During those early years I was also a substitute teacher at the Christie Lane School while facilitating the ceramic classes for adults enrolled at the CLI facility. It was also during those early years that I manufactured tile machinery to promote CLI TILE, a tile manufacturing industry for the clients at Christie Lane Industries. My contract with AOS presently includes managing two ceramic classes with client artists, ceramic product development and manufacturing.
So why clay? Clay lends itself to success. You neither pass nor fail because there are no mistakes when accepting abstract ground rules. This is an extremely powerful notion when you decide that is how it is. I discovered this viewpoint while working with others at the AOS studio. Many of the artists that I work with do not have fixed notions of what can or can not be accomplished; they just create. And many of the pieces created began with no plan but evolved during construction. We call this creating place “in the zone” activity and those who craft objects know this. This is a comforting place and when you finish whatever it was you started, you are different because of what you constructed. I have always been interested in how other traditions, both past and present accomplished utilitarian chores and how when creating simple everyday objects “art” happened. The artists within AOS studios have created their own traditions and the art is distinctive and recognizable. We at AOS are proud of how well AOS studio activities have evolved and hopefully continue.
Keelie
Retail Manager & volunteer coordinator
Keelie graduated from Bowling Green State University with a master’s degree in Cross-Cultural International Education, focusing on identity expression through the arts, and has been pursuing her passion down many branching paths. She has taught others to tap into their own creativity in a variety of settings, including public and private education and after-school programs, and by leading conferences, seminars and retreats. She has been involved in many public art projects, helping to design and create art installations and murals in various cities and venues. Keelie’s journey with AOS began in 2013, and over the course of the past decade she has deepened her involvement and commitment to AOS through volunteering, serving as a board member, and now as the Retail Studio Manager. Keelie also assists in strengthening relationships with the community and volunteers, hosting events and workshops.
Summer Braddock
StAff Artist
Linda Keefer
Studio Assistant
Linda Keefer has been a part of the AOS team since 2008. Keefer is Studio Assistant at AOS and has acquired a few nicknames. She calls herself “The Gopher”. Some artists refer to her as “Happy Pants”. We wouldn’t be anywhere without Linda’s ability to navigate all things studio related- rotating and curating the perfect art displays, the tedious yet instrumental task of framing artwork, managing and organizing inventory of our many products. You can find Linda “Happy Pants” authentically loving our artists and nurturing their individual creativity during open studios sessions.
sheila meikle
Ceramics Studio Assistant
Sheila was a workshop participant and volunteer at AOS until 2023 when she joined the team to specifically support artists in clay studios. Sheila is a retired nurse and a passionate and creative local artist. She makes and exhibits her own pottery alongside AOS artists.