Our Board

Board of Directors

Access Arts relies on an active board to achieve our mission of 'creative learning experiences for everyone'. Our board uses their diverse skill sets to work on projects ranging from fund-raising to landscaping to firing up the wood kiln. They keep Access Arts moving forward!

Ready to join us? Contact us!

Board Officers

Amanda Pangborn

PresidenT

Amanda grew up in Hallsville Missouri but has lived in Columbia for 32 years - so she considers Columbia her hometown. She currently works for the Columbia Public Schools as an Autism Coordinator for the Early Childhood Special Education Program. This is her third year on the Board of Directors.

"I really enjoy Georgia O'Keeffe's works, in particular "The Beyond". She created this piece as she was losing her vision. I love the opportunities that Access Arts gives to everyone - no matter their ability level. Many people may not know that I have a collection of vintage pin-up girl memorabilia.”

Jan Turner

vICE-pRESIDENT

Jan manages the Customer Service Center At Landmark Bank and has been on the board since 2015. She grew up in Moberly but considers Columbia her hometown after calling it home for over 30 years. Jan is a bit of an adventurer having been zip lining in Puerto Vallarta (twice), Belize, and Playa Del Carmen. Showing great depth of emotion, ranging from vibrant and energetic to deep and sad, Van Gough is by far her favorite artist.

When asked about why she continues to serve on the board, Jan says " I love how the board has grown since I joined. We have a great group of board members who work together to support Access Arts in so many ways. We all have our strengths (and weaknesses), but with all of us working together, we have made many great things happen at Access Arts. This year was my fifth year helping with our annual fundraiser, CelebrARTy event. I have enjoyed watching it grow year after year. "

Ann Stafford

SECRETARY

Ann is now retired but worked for the local non-profit, Woodhaven, as their chief financial officer for 28 years. In that position she had oversight of a $10 million dollar budget. Prior to that Ann was an auditor in the Missouri State Auditor’s office where she earned her CPA certificate. Ann has been on the Access Art board since 2017, however, she has been a ceramics student for about 4 years. Ann grew up 30 miles southwest of St. Louis. In the 70's she lived in San Diego briefly and in Charleston, SC for 4 years before coming to Columbia in 1976 to go to MU. Ann married her high school sweetheart and, while they have no children/grandchildren, they currently have two dogs. The dogs walk them in the park every day, rain, shine or snow.

"My favorite artist is VanGogh. His starry night and sunflowers are so enchanting. I have a great appreciation for Access Arts and its inclusiveness. It has allowed me to explore art, which I never did before, and has let me broaden my friendships with those who enjoy art. Besides clay classes, I have taken an oil painting session and also watercolor and acrylic workshops at Access Arts. This surprises most of my friends because I had never shown any inclination towards art. It surprised me too!"

Matthew Passler

Treasurer

Matthew grew up in Kansas City but now works as a Branch Manager at US Bank. Matthew's most influential art work is his own from 5th grade. Access Arts hopes to one day have an exhibition of his work.
Matthew has been on the board since 2017 and has really enjoyed his time with Access Arts. "The people that I get to meet and interact with through the organization is my favorite part. The camaraderie on the board is amazing!"

Something that most people do not know about Matthew is that he has been skydiving and is looking forward to next time.

Directors

Pablo Araujo

Pablo Araujo moved to Columbia sixteen years ago to attend College at Columbia College. After getting his bachelors in graphic design he obtained a graduate certificate in non-profit management from the University of Missouri. Pablo worked the following years as a house parent for Rainbow House and violence prevention advocate for True North. Later Pablo and wife Victoria decided to start a business downtown Columbia, Blanc Studio. For the past eight years he has helped manage the business as it continues to grow.

Jordan Barnes

Jordan was born and raised in Columbia, and is a local realtor. She joined the board this year, and has loved to learn more about the positive effect Access Arts has on our community. She was drawn to the board after taking a clay class, loving it, and attending several CelebrARTy events. Her favorite piece of art is The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, probably because it ties in to her love of all things stars and outer space. Jordan’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her family, regardless of what’s on the agenda.

Emily Holtzclaw

Emily has been a member of the board since 2017 after being a celebrity the very first year of CelebrARTy. You may her know her voice from local radio. She's been on the air with Cumulus radio stations for 7 years and working behind the scenes since high school. Emily loves telling stories, and loves the way Access Arts helps everyone find the story and the voice of the artist within.

Mike Lising

Having called Columbia home since he was three years old, Mikey Lising has been creating artwork and supporting the arts in this community for years. Mikey uses his artistic skills every day in his professional career as Graphic Design Coordinator for the Missouri State Teacher's Association and Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Missouri. When not at his day job(s), Mikey keeps himself busy making things that move & fly, creating delicious meals, traveling the world, taking dance classes at DanceArts, riding mopeds & motorcycles, fixing things, lending a hand to those in need, and spending time with the people he loves. Mikey has been supporting the Access Arts mission since 2016, when he joined the Board of Directors. As a board member, he loves working with so many great people. In all of his endeavors, Mikey draws inspiration from one of his favorite artists, Buckminster Fuller, who once said, "How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else."

Joe Pangborn

Born and raised in Columbia Missouri, Joe is a true local. After high school, Joe joined the Army for 6 years before coming back to Columbia to finish his education at the University of Missouri. Joe has been running his own successful home inspection business for 17 years and has recently become a co-owner of DogMaster Distillery. Joe volunteers at a variety of charity events and non-profit organizations and has a good sense of the local community. Joe also loves riding motorcycles and has ridden in all 50 states and 5 Canadian Provinces as well as Italy. Joe has been married for 24 years and has 2 grown kids. He loves traveling and spending time with his family.