Kathi Mathies Operations Director

Joining Traditional Arts Today in 2018 has proven to be where my life’s journey as a photographer, nurse, and community relations staff member with a local business have directed me. Immersing myself into this 80-plus artist community as Operations Director has been an incredible experience. In addition to managing the day-to-day running of our non-profit organization, my goal is to provide the ultimate customer experience while visiting Traditional Arts Today. Whether you plan to explore our gift shop or participate in a class led by top-notch artists who share their passion to nurture your creative soul, I am there with you to make sure you have an exceptional experience.
Fascination with the arts, most specifically photography, began quite early in my life when my grandmother gave me a photo album as a gift. My interest grew over the years along with the gratification of being able to permanently record people, landscapes and special events with a camera.
Although my primary profession was in the medical field as a nurse, being a freelance photographer and then owner of a photography business played a prominent role in my work life. The quest to fine tune photography led me to Indiana University where I completed courses that improved my understanding of the camera itself and using it for the utmost creative experiences and expression. In addition to offering photography services to both individuals and businesses, my work has sold as wall art, greeting cards, and has been published in poetry books and calendars.
Recently, I was nominated to run for office in our organization and after voting by our board of directors, I became the President of Traditional Arts Today. I am extremely honored to assume that role and am blessed to be surrounded by amazing people within this organization who possess the same passion for the traditional arts. We share common goals and together strive to make a positive contribution to the community.
I look forward to continue the mission of our organization’s founder, Ann Knebel, to connect artisans and their creations with the community and offer classes in the traditional arts. I will continue to support the local and regional art community and create connections with other businesses and organizations to enhance and build on our mutual strengths.
Julie Songer Artistic Director

Julie's bio
Patti Schreoder

Patti is from Ferdinand and has been friends with Kathy, Julie, Kay Anne, Joan and Ann for too many years to count. In addition to being an expert in many traditional arts, she hosts a weekly knit night that is a gathering place for learning and sharing. She is well connected to the traditional arts community in the tri-state area and is our program director. In addition to being a tirelessly patient teacher she was instrumental in creating the Winter Wooly Weekend program that has been going on since 2013.
Kay Anne Peake Photography/Videography

Kay Anne is a multi-talented artist with a broad range of skills from photography, videography and Photoshop to drawing, painting and design. She taught art at McCullough Jr High School in Marion IN, Marian Heights Academy in Ferdinand IN, and Heritage Hills Jr and Sr High Schools in Lincoln City IN, where one of the experiences she offered her students was to create electronic portfolios of their work. Kay Anne is a master at telling stories through pictures and video. As a member of Patti’s knit night group she has told the story of this group through photos and she is now applying her abilities to help us at Traditional Arts Today to tell our story.
Ann Knebel Founder

As Ann, our founder, moved toward retiring from her career as a Public Health Service Officer and nurse scientist she was looking for opportunities to create connections and share her love of the traditional arts. The result is this collaborative endeavor – Traditional Arts Today. She hopes you’ll get involved by teaching or taking classes at our studio, selling your art or purchasing unique traditional arts at our shop.
Our Vision
To increase appreciation for unique and practical hand crafted items.
Our Mission
Connect artisans and their creations with the community by:
Providing a venue for artisans to sell their creations
Offering classes in
the traditional arts
As a 501(c)(3), grants and donations help us realize our mission. Please support us with a purchase or donation.

