New Staff Members Join Illinois Art Station as Part of Town's Cultural Arts Department

The Illinois Art Station, now part of the Town of Normal's Cultural Arts Department, has welcomed three new staff members: Nicole Learned, Rachel Ratliff, and Lauren Bachman.

Nicole Learned will be the IAS manager, overseeing all programming and public arts projects, including fundraising and grant writing.

Rachel Ratliff will be the education coordinator, developing and implementing art classes and programs, and managing staff and volunteers.

Lauren Bachman will be a part-time educator, teaching visual arts and art-making on site and in other locations throughout McLean County.

The Illinois Art Station was donated to the town of Normal in March, and the new staff members were hired through a fair and equal opportunity process.

The hiring process was overseen by Beth Whisman, director of Normal's Cultural Arts Department and the Children's Discovery Museum.

The new staff members bring experience in teaching art, working with children, and managing public arts projects.

The Illinois Art Station will offer summer classes and camps for young artists in June, July, and the first week of August.

Registration for summer classes is now open on illinoisartstation.org/registration-2/.

Parents and artists can follow the department's social media accounts for updates and announcements on summer classes and other events.