By Barbara Schafer, Board Member—
MUNCIE, IN—Cornerstone Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephanie Michaels as the new Director of Programming. Stephanie will bring a fresh perspective, dynamic energy, and experience to Cornerstone. This marks an exciting new chapter as Cornerstone continues to expand its reach and impact in the Muncie community.
Stephanie is a Ball State University graduate in anthropology and holds a masters in museum studies from IUPUI. As a student she was an intern and volunteer at both Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art in Indianapolis. She brings with her over ten years of experience as Curator of Programs and Collections Management at the Anderson Museum of Art. While there she managed all programming, exhibitions, classes, summer camps, an artist database, a 700+ piece permanent art collection, as well as the museum’s website, social media, and marketing.
At Cornerstone, she will bring her experience to oversee all events and educational programming; including rentals, with the support of Rental Coordinator, Ashton Baker. For Stephanie, the arts have been a significant part of her life, starting with dancing tap and jazz as a child, playing clarinet during teenage years, and continually creating and working with visual art throughout her life. She says, “Working at an art museum for the past ten years has been an amazing experience, but being able to add dance and music back into the mix is a dream! I look forward to working and being a part of the community, I live in. One of my goals is to make all of the arts more accessible and to encourage creativity and exploration. Cornerstone has unlimited potential, and I am excited to help be a part of its growth and positive impact on Muncie and our surrounding communities.”
In her new role, Stephanie plans to build on Cornerstone’s strong foundation by introducing new classes and workshops, enhancing existing programs, and fostering partnerships with local artists and organizations. Her vision includes not only nurturing individual artistic talents but also creating opportunities for collaborative projects that highlight the unique artistic and cultural fabric of Muncie.
The addition of Stephanie signifies Cornerstone’s commitment to providing arts access to all in our community. She is stepping in at a time that allows Rob Jordan, Cornerstone’s Vice President of Facilities, to focus on preserving the building as it approaches its 100th year in operation in 2026. Stephanie’s expertise and enthusiasm will inspire both seasoned artists and newcomers alike, ensuring that Cornerstone Center for the Arts remains a vital resource for creativity, learning, and celebration.
Information on Fall programs will be coming soon.
If you want to rent space at Cornerstone for your next meeting or event, please go to https://www.cornerstonearts.org/rentals-1.
Also consider making a donation directly through the website at https://www.cornerstonearts.org/support-1.
