We work to inspire and create outlets for artists of all ages and talents.

PRESIDENT

Artist; Exhibits Committee Chair

Debra Hille is a passionate advocate for the vital role that the arts and artists play in enriching our communities. She believes that the arts connect us on a profound level and is dedicated to inspiring joy and enhancing experiences. As the Chair of the Exhibits Committee and the Board President, Debra is committed to supporting the vibrant arts culture in Berea.

VICE PRESIDENT‍

Actor/director & educator, Fayette County Public Schools

Hello! My name is Sarah Jo Jacobs and I am VP for The Berea Area Arts Council. I am a proud Kentucky native and artist. Most of my work in art has been through theatre, directing, and puppet making. There is no better time to make and contribute to the arts than now.

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE CHAIR

Artist

Tava Barrows is an artist and board member of the Berea Arts Council. She supports the Council through volunteer coordination and gallery operations, and brings a collaborative, hands-on approach with a strong interest in community engagement and volunteer support. She grew up in central Illinois and, after many years in the Chicago area, now lives in Kentucky, where she values the Arts Council’s role in strengthening local connection through the arts.

SECRETARY

Musician, Professor of Asian Studies at Berea College; Programs Committee Chair

I'm a professor at Berea College and a longtime participant in the central Kentucky music scene as a performer, songwriter/composer, recording artist, and concert producer. Over the past three years, I have been most active as a member of 3 Men & A Banjo, an acoustic "Appalachian swing" trio. At the Berea Arts Council, I serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors, chair the Program Committee, work hard to ensure that the performing and literary arts are well represented alongside visual arts in BAC programming, and volunteer as a sound engineer for BAC concerts.

TREASURER

Painter, Lecturer of Mathematics at Berea College

Lisa Thomas Jones is a longtime educator and artist based in Berea, Kentucky. A graduate of Berea College, she taught high school mathematics for over two decades and now serves as a Developmental Math instructor at the college. Active in her community, she has supported local arts through volunteer work and teaching, and continues to pursue her passion for painting while seeking to further contribute through board service.

Artist, MA in Art Education

Amy Lewis ia an Intuitive Painter and Realtor. She has a master's degree in art education and has had a lifelong interest in the arts. She recently joined the Berea Arts Council board and is looking forward to advocating for the arts in our community.

Journalist, producer, and host, A Mewz in the Mountains

Crystal Jones is a multimedia journalist whose body of work is committed to accurate, in-the-field representation of local arts and cultures. She is dedicated to strengthening communities through creative networking and making art accessible for everyone.

Co-owner, Fire & Fern Glass Studio

Lauren Moody is co-owner of Fire & Fern Glass Studio in Berea. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Florida and brings a background in art education and nonprofit leadership, with years of experience developing creative, community-centered arts programming and events. Lauren will serve on the Berea Arts Council Membership Committee and is passionate about fostering connection, joy, and inspiring wonder through visual, performative, and hands-on art experiences.

Artist, Program Facilitator

April Morales is a mixed media sculpture and woodworking artist. She hosts woodworking and traditional crafts building workshops at The Year of Mud, tends South Slope Farm and hosts monthly wood fired pizza nights. She believes creativity is the keystone to envisioning and enacting a better world and that the arts are crucial to the overall health and wellbeing of communities. April is excited to join the Berea Art Councils Board of Directors this year and serve on our Programs committee to help bring more creative classes and events to Berea!

Community member, caregiver, and MSW student

Jennifer Walden brings a passion for community building and personal development to her role as a volunteer board member. She is a strong advocate for the arts as a bridge between inner experience and shared understanding and values how creative work gives people a voice and helps communities connect across differences. Her approach is grounded in service, reflection, and helping create spaces where people feel genuinely welcome. Jen is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work, and when free enjoys cooking hiking, writing, and spending time with loved ones.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kiana Mahjub is the Executive Director of the Berea Arts Council and a practicing artist based in Berea, Kentucky. Since stepping into this role in 2022, she has led the organization’s growth in community-centered programming, expanding access to the arts through free and low-cost exhibits, workshops, and events for people of all ages. Her work focuses on building meaningful partnerships and creating welcoming spaces where creativity and connection can thrive. As an artist, Kiana explores themes of identity, heritage, and place, often drawing inspiration from Appalachian culture and storytelling. She is deeply committed to ensuring that the arts remain accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.

GALLERY MANAGER

Kelsey Haynes-Sunayama is the Gallery Manager of the Berea Arts Council and a digital artist and painter whose work blends storytelling, world-building, and immersive design. With a background in game development, she creates narrative-driven visuals that bridge fine art and interactive media. Since joining the Arts Council in the Fall of 2025, she has been excited to contribute fresh creative perspectives while continuing to grow as both an artist and community collaborator.