04/23/2026
The Kettering Arts Council is proud to present Member Spotlights!
We’re excited to share interviews with current KAC members to highlight their personal and professional experiences in the arts. These spotlights celebrate the creativity, passion and people that help to make our arts community so vibrant.
Be sure to check out this engaging discussion with Arts Council Member Katie LoPresti as she shares her creative journey, artistic inspiration and experiences with the arts.
Question: What do you like about the arts in Kettering?
The public art throughout the city parks makes it clear art is a priority in Kettering. I started taking wheel pottery classes about 6 years ago and I've built an incredible community of friends through that activity. My daughter takes many youth classes and enjoys the time creating with other kids. I was also blown away by the cool art in the free gallery each month. Having lived in three suburbs of Cincinnati, I've never seen such an awesome attraction to the residents as Rosewood. It makes Kettering truly shine.
Question: Was there a moment when art changed how you saw the world?
Taking wheel pottery classes was a dream of mine since I started collecting ceramics many years ago. I'm not a trained artist and I believed I'm not creative or talented in the arts. I started the introduction wheel pottery class feeling fear, trepidation and curiosity. April Lemaster was my instructor and she was so encouraging through every misstep and mistake. She has an idea to turn your "oops" into art so often. These classes have taught me self-compassion and helped me heal the critic inside who said I wasn't good enough. I also look at ceramic art with a profound appreciation now that I know how much work and time goes into each piece.
Question: Is there an artist, who deeply influenced you?
I love "outsider art" and folk art. People like Grandma Moses, Howard Finster, Clementine Hunter and the Pennsylvania Dutch fraktur artists are styles I really enjoy.
Question: What art form do you wish you had more time to explore?
I'm still learning wheel pottery. Truly, I had no idea the depths to learning this craft until I embarked on my journey. I could see myself taking enamel workshops and printmaking some day in the future.
Question: Has your taste in art changed over the years?
I'm more open to abstract art than I used to be; mainly because I've been paying more attention to what museums and galleries publish about the art, which often includes the artist's perspective. Having a cognitive understanding of the work helps me connect to the work more.
Question: What do you like about the arts in Kettering?
The community! I've built strong friendships that otherwise wouldn't have happened. I've learned so much from my instructor, April, at Rosewood over the years. I learn from my classmates and other open studio users. It's just a nice place to be.
Thank you, Katie, for sharing insights into your artistic journey! Stay tuned to hear more interesting interviews with other members of Kettering Arts Council!
Photo Caption: “Katie LoPresti standing with a painting she found at an antique store, signed by Hene Reinprect.”