Mel Andringa Mel Andringa is an artist, performer, and the co-founder of Legion Arts.
After studying art at Hope College and the University of Iowa, and working
with Robert Wilson, Richard Foreman, Ann Wilson, Stuart Sherman and Jack
Smith, Mel began creating original performance works that combine elements
of art history, autobiography, multimedia, and theatre. He has since created
more than 25 such works, including Jacob's Dream, Belshazzar’s Feast,
Camillo, Robinson Caruso on Mars, The Sistine Floor and American
Nervousness, that have been presented in more than 50 cities in the US
and Europe.
Steven R. Black
Steve Black is senior vice president of Frontier
Futures, a commodity futures broker located in Cedar Rapids.
Edward Krug
Ed Krug hits a number of letters in the alphabet.
Starting with the letter "A," he's an attorney with an office in downtown
Cedar Rapids, where he specializes in trial work. Give us a "D," and he will
tell you that he is a vocal supporter of a number of diversity initiatives
in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor. Throw in "GLBT," and you'll
understand that he is involved in the gay community where he serves as a
board member for a number of organizations. And, finally, with the letter
"F," he's the father of two teenage daughters whom he adores,
notwithstanding the challenges that teenagers present.
Susan Millar
Involved with Legion Arts since 1992, Sue Millar has
served in a variety of roles, including volunteer coordinator, member of the
board of directors, and chair of several board committees. When not working
and advocating on behalf of Legion Arts, she's the owner of Millar Woodwind
Repair and the mother of Gus Millar-Barnett, aged 18 months.
David G. Packard
David Packard has been a caseworker and administrator
at Rapids AIDS Project, Iowa Center for AIDS Resource and Education (ICARE),
and Iowa City Hospice.
Alfred Ramirez Alfred Ramirez was
selected in 2005 to start up and lead Diversity Focus, an innovative
cross-sector initiative designed to promote multi-cultural awareness and
understanding in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor. Before moving to Cedar
Rapids, Alfred did similar work at Columbia University; The Mattel
Foundation; The Institute for Educational Leadership; The 2000 Regional
Partnership; and Inroads Los Angeles.
He also held positions in the administrations of
San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros and of President Bill Clinton.
Anna Rybicki
Anna Rybicki grew up in Cedar Rapids and returned to
the city after college in Illinois and law school in Michigan, making short
stops made in Chicago, Seattle, and Cork, Ireland along the way. Anna has a
background in vocal performance and enjoys performing in everything from
opera choruses to jazz combos. She feels passionately about organizational
office supplies, knitting with natural fibers, and edgy singer-songwriters.
She works as an attorney at Elderkin & Pirnie, P.L.C. in downtown Cedar
Rapids.
Peter R. Ryder, Secretary
In 2006 Peter Ryder retired as Director of Project
Management for APAC Customer Services in Cedar Rapids. He continues to be
involved with the company as a contractor and consultant. Born in the UK,
Peter moved to the United States and Iowa in 1976. Since then, in addition
to pursuing his career, he has been active in a number of local arts
organizations including the Cedar Rapids Marion Arts Council and Celebration
of the Arts at Brucemore. Peter has three grown daughters.
Susan Sailors, Treasurer
Sue Sailors is controller for the Weitz Industrial
Group, based in Cedar Rapids.
Beth Zakrasek Originally from Texas, Beth Zakrasek has lived in Cedar Rapids since
1993, where she's been active as a musician, piano teacher, photographer,
and community volunteer. She has served on the education board of the Cedar
Rapids Symphony School, and continues to be involved with Patrons for the
Performing Arts at Washington High School. She and husband, John, are
the lucky parents of two very musical people, Nick, 23, and Rachel, 18.
Beth may often be found volunteering as a production assistant in the sound
booth at CSPS concerts.
Gloria Zmolek Gloria is an art teacher at Linn-Mar High School, a papermaker, and an
incurable salsa dancing addict. She has lived in Cedar Rapids for 28 years
and has been a fan and supporter of CSPS since its inception.
