Staff and Board
Staff
Director
Erin Peyer
A Wisconsin transplant, Erin grew up playing music and earned her Master's degree in Piano Pedagogy. Upon moving to Michigan in 2018, she decided to switch gears and pursue a career in nonprofits. She started at the ACWL-Nuveen as the Assistant to the Director before becoming Director in September of 2019. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Whitehall TIFA Board. She spends most of her free time reading, baking tasty treats, and hanging out with her husband, daughters and pup.
Assistant Director
Susan Wink
A Michigan native, Susan lived in the high plains desert of Roswell, New Mexico for several years where she maintained a professional studio creating custom ceramic tile and designing and building community-based public art. She also has an extensive education background teaching art to all ages in school and museum settings. Sue recently returned home to the “mitten” to be closer to family, the dense green woodlands, and the awe-inspiring Lake Michigan. When not in the studio, Sue enjoys cooking, reading and exploring the beautiful beaches throughout the state.
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Ian Martin
Ian has always been drawn to creativity and education. He has worked as the Training Program Manger for Braintree-PayPal, as a trainer at Apple Retail, and as an English teacher in Valencia, Spain. Ian’s artistic background is in writing and filmmaking. Ian is thrilled to be joining ACWL-Nuveen which combines his passions for education and creativity. He looks forward to highlighting the artists, educators, patrons, and volunteers who are central to ACWL-Nuveen.
Board of Directors
Carolyn Carmel Dykman
Chair
Carolyn is a local photographer who graduated from the Art institute of Phoenix with a degree in visual communications. Carolyn has lived in the White Lake area for 18 years, with her husband Jeremy and 5 children. She enjoys books, coffee and the water.
Mackenzie Smith
Treasurer
Mackenzie recently moved back to her hometown of Montague, having come up empty handed after looking all over the country for anything that could compare to Lake Michigan. She is a project manager during the day and fills her free time with knitting, garment sewing and modern quilting (you can find her quilted items in the gallery!). She started volunteering at ACWL because she loves having access to such a variety of art and arts programming in our community, and is excited to contribute to continuing this impact as a board member.
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Ann Kraus
Ann is an artist with a background in construction and management. In addition to all things art, she enjoys working on house projects, hiking, biking, and travel.
Gretchen Schneider
As a vested member of the White Lake community, Gretchen joins the Board of Directors to continue her efforts of “giving back” whenever possible. Gretchen currently works at MasterTag in Montague as a Quality Coordinator for Customer Success; as well as, assisting local school districts as a substitute bus driver. Gretchen holds a degree in English / Business Administration from Central Michigan University and enjoys woodworking, following school sports, camping, writing, and spoiling her wiener dog, Maggie.
Jane Hanna
Jane is a retired Montague, Mi teacher! She has lived in the White Lake area for over 50 years and has been a member of the a ACWL-Nuveen since its conception!
Holly VanderPlaats
Holly is a former social worker who spent her clinical and administrative career in mental health and substance abuse agencies in Grand Rapids. She and her husband moved to Montague in
2009. In retirement she has been involved as a volunteer in a number of church and community activities. She enjoys reading, boating and bridge.
Holly VanderPlaats
Holly is a former social worker who spent her clinical and administrative career in mental health and substance abuse agencies in Grand Rapids. She and her husband moved to Montague in 2009. Since her retirement in 2013 she has been involved as a volunteer in a number of church and community activities. She is excited to join the ACWL-Nuveen Board in their efforts to bring art to all those living in the White Lake area. She enjoys reading, boating and bridge.
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Kanda Parrott
Chair-elect
As a freelance artist relatively new to the area, Kanda wanted to join a group of art enthusiastic and driven people as well as make lasting connections in the community. Kanda hopes to help ACWL in their future projects/plans and add a fresh perspective while working on meeting her own artistic goals!
Jeremy Dykman
Secretary
Born and raised in Montague, Jeremy moved to various locations throughout the US. He then moved back and graduated and has lived in the White Lake area ever since. He earned his Masters in Cybersecurity from Penn State and has worked in Information Technology at Wesco for the past 22 years. Jeremy and his wife Carolyn have 5 amazing children. He enjoys the water, riding his Harley, and all things White Lake.
Lynn Cotter
Lynn Cotter is a retired librarian and English teacher. She is also one of the founding members of the ACWL-Nuveen. Lynn makes her home in Montague. She and her husband, Dave, have two adult children.
Christopher Jones
Chris Jones was first introduced to the arts in the White Lake area through productions at the Playhouse at White Lake. He has explored the arts through a diverse range of disciplines and has a strong background in non-profit and retail. Chris enjoys taking classes through the ACWL-Nuveen, learning new creative skills, and sharing his knowledge with others.
Nicole Oquist
A native to White Lake, Nicole is a Ferris State University graduate in visual communication. She works full time as the Design Director at RCP Marketing, where she has been an integral part of their creative team since 1998. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is a dedicated mother to four children. Her passion for design is rivaled only by her love for the outdoors, where she finds solace in exploring nature with her family.
Chester Winowiecki
Chester is a full-time artist who makes functional pottery, visual art and music. Originally from the Detroit suburbs, he has lived in the Whitehall area for more than 20 years with his wife, the artist Cara O’Brien.
Aili Casano
​Aili is a 2025 Reeths-Puffer High School Grad with a passion for Art Education. She first became involved with ACWL-Nuveen when she submitted art for shows, then later became a volunteer. She is the President of R-P National Art Honor Society and will be attending Kendall College of Art & Design.