Fine Arts Center: Staff, Directors & instructors

 Susan Neidert is the Executive Director of The Fine Arts Center, which she founded in 1999 by donating the building to provide a creative outlet for teens, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Her mission is to show the transformative power of art for all ages, offering artistic opportunities from preschoolers to older adults.

Susan believes art fosters community, strengthens family connections, and provides creative outlets for young mothers and youth. Her passion for puppetry led to the creation of "The World of Puppetry Museum," and she ensures the center offers a range of artistic experiences, from theatre to visual arts.

Susan is also one of our talented instructors, teaching various courses including Puppetry and Vocal Performance Group.

  Lisa Wyatt, our new Office Manager, brings a wealth of expertise to the Fine Arts Center, where she will be handling key areas like marketing, fundraising, building projects, and office management. With a strong background in business management and exceptional technical skills, Lisa is well-equipped to support the growth and success of the Center.

     In addition to her administrative talents, Lisa is also an accomplished artist, with a passion for watercolor and chalk art. Her blend of business acumen and artistic flair makes her a valuable asset to our team, and we’re excited to have her on board!

Lisa is also one of our amazing instructors.  She is excited to share her artistic knowledge with those in her class.

 Linda  is a dedicated member of The Fine Arts Center team, known for wearing many hats. As one of our office workers, she plays a vital role in coordinating community activities, summer camps, and classes.

   In addition to her administrative duties, Linda teaches youth art classes and leads our popular Paint Party events. She also manages the center's website, ensuring it stays up to date. With 12 years of experience at the Fine Arts Center, Linda is passionate about sharing her love for the arts with the community and truly enjoys the variety her job brings.

 Sally Warren has been an essential member of The Fine Arts Center team for 14 years. While she serves as one of our receptionists, her role extends far beyond that. She expertly manages the complex scheduling of the center, ensuring smooth operations despite our increasingly busy calendar.

   Sally also lends her support to various classes, summer camps, and community events, playing a key part in making sure everything runs seamlessly. We truly couldn't operate without her dedication and expertise!

Allysa  serves as one of the receptionists at The Fine Arts Center, but her influence goes far beyond the front desk. As our Marketing Coordinator, Allysa plays a crucial role in promoting the wide range of activities and classes we offer, ensuring our community stays informed and engaged through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

   Her creative design skills shine through in the beautiful artwork she creates for posters and social media posts, adding a professional and artistic touch to everything we share. Her behind-the-scenes efforts keep our programs visible and thriving, and we are truly grateful for her dedication and hard work.

   Tara is excited to join the Fine Arts Center as a board member and Theater Coordinator after moving to Box Elder County in 2023. Tara was previously the chair of the Syracuse City Arts Council where she also produced several summer musicals and participated in production teams. Tara has also directed a couple of shows and performed in several local theaters in Davis, Weber and Box Elder County. Some of her favorite roles include Donna (Mamma Mia!), Velma Von Tussle (Hairspray!), Ethel McCormack (Footloose), Golde (Fiddler on the Roof), and any time she gets to perform with her husband, Tad. Tara has been in healthcare management for over 15 years and has a MBA in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University.  

     Becca, our talented Bookkeeper, joins the Fine Arts Center with an associate degree in accounting and a certification in QuickBooks. Her hands-on experience from her internship has honed her exceptional bookkeeping skills, sharp troubleshooting abilities, and a passion for creating efficient office organization.

     With her keen attention to detail and dedication to accuracy, Becca is an invaluable part of our team, ensuring our financial operations run smoothly and effectively.

Allyson Elkington is our invaluable Building Caretaker at The Fine Arts Center. While her work often happens behind the scenes, the results are felt by everyone who walks through our doors. Allyson ensures that our spaces remain clean, organized, and welcoming, contributing greatly to the comfortable environment we strive to provide. We deeply appreciate her hard work and dedication to keeping our center in top shape!   Allyson is always eager to lend a hand beyond her maintenance duties. She is quick to volunteer during summer camps, classes, and community events, offering her support wherever needed. Her willingness to go above and beyond makes her an important part of our team!
 

 Meet Janni, our passionate and creative vocal teacher with a strong educational background. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education with a music minor from Utah State University and has been with The Fine Arts Center since 2006. 

Janni, who also teaches at Young Intermediate, excels in microphone techniques and performance skills, helping students shine in both solo and group performances. Her engaging style and warm personality inspire confidence, encouraging each student to find their unique voice. 

   Christina is a fabulous teacher.  She has been involved at the Fine Arts Center for years.  Her musical talents are varied.  We are so pleased she is able to be our Ukulele Class teacher for us.

 Alice Compton has a passion for working with children and excels at capturing their attention. According to Melanie Day, BEHS Theater Director, “Alice has a rare ability to make students feel heard while guiding them toward the best outcome.” With extensive experience in theatrical productions—often in lead roles—Alice also has expertise in directing, set design, and teaching theater. Her roles as a Teaching Assistant at Promontory School of Expeditionary Learning, an intern at the Connecticut Performing Arts Center, and a student director at Box Elder High School make her a valuable asset at The Fine Arts Center. In addition, Alice is a talented cartoonist, guitarist, animator, and a student at Weber State University. 

  Richelle Sutton joins the Fine Arts Center as our new youth Theatre instructor, bringing rich experience in dramaturgy, interactive storytelling, and theatrical production. With degrees from the University of Glasgow and Brigham Young University, she has worked in both mainstage and small theatre productions, mentored youth through role-playing activities, and guided teenagers in behavioral treatment settings. Richelle's passion for theatre and teaching, combined with her experience as an Assistant Director for children's theatre, make her a valuable addition to our team, ready to inspire the next generation of performers. 

 Clint is a passionate and dynamic addition to our team of directors, bringing a wealth of expertise in Shakespearean productions. With a deep enthusiasm for theater, Clint embraces every facet of the craft—from acting to lighting to set design. Clint’s upcoming projects will not only offer participants unique insights into the world of Shakespeare but also provide hands-on learning in essential tech skills, enriching the experience for all involved. 

Bruce has been a vital part of The Fine Arts Center since his teenage years, becoming a fixture in countless theatrical productions and a longstanding member of the Improv Faction. His dynamic range and versatility as an actor make him a standout talent in every performance. Bruce’s dedication to the arts and his deep connection to the center have enriched our community for years. This spring, we are thrilled to have him share his talents as he takes on the role of director for the production of Spoon River. Under his guidance, this production is sure to be a compelling and unforgettable experience. 

 Jeffrey Lowe is an exceptional artist and educator with 31 years of experience in art education.  Recently retiring from teaching visual arts at Roy High School, his extensive teaching background has made him a masterful instructor.  Jeffrey enjoys creating diverse forms of art, including drawing, painting, sculpture, metalworking and more. Known for his expertise in the human form, he is excited to guide students in mastering face and body proportions in his Human Anatomy Sculpture class. This course promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience for all participants. 

 Sharlene Wilson is a talented watercolorist with deep involvement in the artistic community. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge and experience with others, making her an invaluable instructor. We are fortunate to have her at The Fine Arts Center, and we are confident that her watercolor class will inspire creativity and open up a world of possibilities for all who participate

  Joy Hipp grew up in Heber City, Utah.  She Married Dave Hipp, who was serving in the U.S. Air Force.  Joy spent 22 years traveling the world with her husband, son and daughter.  Brigham City has been their home now for the past 21 years.  She has 2 children and 5 granddaughters.  She has worked with preschool and youth age children for 40 years.  She has been with The Fine Arts Center, leading the Youth in Action Club for the past 3 years.  She loves living and serving others in Brigham.  She also loves the youth of our community, and wants them to feel the joy it brings to love and serve others here as well.

Laura Francis loves to mentor youth. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education

(mild/moderate, K-12) from Utah State University. She dedicates her time to empowering young minds. With over 40 years of experience in youth programs she brings a wealth of knowledge and excitement to the Youth in Action Program at the Fine Arts Center. She loves to be with  young people as she teaches them to lead, plan and execute service activities in their community. One of her favorite activities was going to the Pioneer Care Center to talk with residents and play board games. Currently, Laura teaches ESL at the Brigham City Library, further expanding her commitment to education and cultural exchange. Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, family and her beautiful grandchild. When not tending to her grandchild,

you can find her gardening barefoot or playing a fierce game of pickleball.