Proud Art STL Leadership

Our team of Board Members and POSSIBILITIES Advocates work together to ensure Proud Art STL stays aligned with its mission and continues to serve LGBTQIA+ youth with care and intention.

Our Board

Our Team

POSSIBILITIIES Advocates

Our Board

Peggy Rhodes

(she/her)

President

Peggy Rhodes

(she/her)

Peggy is Board President and one of the co-founders of Proud Art STL, where she champions the belief that every LGBTQIA+ young person deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. She brings a strong background in project management and financial planning, helping the organization build programs and partnerships that strengthen community and expand access to the arts.

JoAnne Vogel

(she/her)

Vice President

JoAnne Vogel

(she/her)

JoAnne Vogel brings artistic, educational and child development expertise to Proud Art STL, and has a strong background in program development, curriculum design and leading groups. She has taught studio art as well as subject specific classes including printmaking, ceramics, drawing, fiber arts, sculpture and digital art in St. Louis for over 35 years. Throughout these years she has seen the power art has to inspire, heal and bring joy and connection. She is honored to be part of the PASTL community, and when she thinks about Proud Art STL, the big thing that comes to mind is “one child at a time” – every workshop or event, we make a difference. In her spare time she enjoys camping, gardening and creating art.

Maddie Rhodes

(she/her)

Secretary

Maddie Rhodes

(she/her)

Maddie, a co-founder of PASTL, holds a deep appreciation for the community of both adults and peers that PASTL’s development has connected them with. She holds a strong passion for social justice, the environment, and art; Maddie is happiest when they’re able to synthesize perspectives from each of these disciplines into community-based action. They are currently studying ecology at Cornell University, where much of their activism revolves around climate justice and finance.

Our Team

lenna jove cyprus

(he/him/they/them)

lenna jove cyprus

(he/him/they/them)

I’m a storyteller, connector, and professional asker of generative questions. At PASTL, I support our work through social media, grant writing and management, and coordinating workshops. I enjoy helping us clarify who we are and what we do, telling that story in words and visuals, and building meaningful relationships with our broader community. In my free time, I’m likely reading another queer novel, cuddling with my cats, making something more beautiful, connecting with the trees and birds, or laughing with my friends.

Ren Atherton

(she / they)

Ren Atherton

(she / they)

As an art lover, community member, and dream builder, Ren is grateful to be a part of PASTL’s work to uplift queer youth through creative connection. They’re a licensed social worker with a background in youth development, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ programming & education. When she’s not running our POSSIBILITIES program or seeing her therapy clients, you can find Ren at choir practice, on a walk in the park, reading in the sauna, or spending time with loved ones.

May Bell

(she/her)

May Bell

(she/her)

May is a passionate advocate for queer youth, art, and social change, based in St. Louis, Missouri. Believing in the importance of creating spaces where identity and creativity can flourish, she finds deep meaning in the ability of art to express the complexities of life, especially within the queer community. In St. Louis’ vibrant arts scene, May has cultivated a strong sense of belonging that inspires her daily. She enjoys traveling, listening to music, and studying gender dynamics, with a focus on how art can drive conversations about identity and equality.

Christine Rhodes

(she/her)

Christine Rhodes

(she/her)

Christy has strong family ties to the community and is a passionate educator who believes that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and connected both in and out of the classroom. In my free time, you’ll likely find me hiking on a trail or singing along with musicals (sometimes both at the same time 😀)!

Laine Kenny

(she/her)

Laine Kenny

(she/her)

Sean Lowery

(he/him)

Sean Lowery

(he/him)

Ross

(they/it)

Ross

(they/it)

I love getting to inspire peers to pursue art as a form of self-expression as well as self-love. The POSSIBILITIES program has given me opportunities to lead, create, and learn all at the same time!

POSSIBILITIES ADVOCATES

Ross

(they/it)

Ross

(they/it)

I love getting to inspire peers to pursue art as a form of self-expression as well as self-love. The POSSIBILITIES program has given me opportunities to lead, create, and learn all at the same time!

Axel

(he/him)

Axel

(he/him)

I want to be the person I needed in middle school when I was shy and just assumed I didn't fit in artistically and socially. I want to to help others also become their true selves not pressured by anything.

Arlo

(he/him)

Arlo

(he/him)

I love getting to meet new people and get to share proud art with new faces!

Caitlyn

(she/they)

Caitlyn

(she/they)

I love being an advocate because I get to meet so many awesome people, and work towards making safe spaces that I only wish I had when I was younger.

Tommy

(he/him)

Tommy

(he/him)

I love the people that I work with! They're very fun people! I also love what I am working for and the kids that I get to help out! :3

Violet

(she/they)

Violet

(she/they)

I love being an advocate because as a justice oriented person, meaningful action gives me hope and propose.

Lucian

(he/him)

Lucian

(he/him)

Something most exciting about being an advocate is the ability to provide different schools a safe and welcoming environment for students to come to and be themselves.

Erin

(he/they)

Erin

(he/they)

I love seeing people get excited and engaging with our group's activities. Knowing I'm helping to fuel other people's creativity and expression makes me really happy!

Ivy

(she/her)

Ivy

(she/her)

I love getting to inspire peers to pursue art as a form of self-expression as well as self-love. The POSSIBILITIES program has given me opportunities to lead, create, and learn all at the same time!

Lilith

(she/her)

Lilith

(she/her)

Being an advocate allows me to speak with fellow members of my community, and prove to those who are struggling that, with time and effort, it gets better.

Shakira

(she/her)

Shakira

(she/her)

I love that I can work at my school with pretty incredibleÂ people who are kind and sweet.

Edwin

(he/him)

Edwin

(he/him)

I love being an advocate because I get to create a inclusive, creative enviornment for LGBTQIA+ youth. Everyone needs safe spaces to go and pursue what they want to, and POSSIBILITIES does just that.

Donate Today

Keep Creative Spaces Accessible for All

Your donation makes a direct impact. Every dollar helps us provide artistic supplies, rent safe workshop spaces, and cover essential costs like insurance — so we can keep growing this community.

Proud Art STL is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3).

Help us grow in St. Louis