About

Karen Dluhos believes art has the power to connect people to something deeper through beauty, creativity, and shared human experience. A Waukee native, she is especially drawn to tactile art forms like pottery, woodwork, and fiber arts, as well as theater productions that inspire reflection, hope, and connection.

Karen joined the Waukee Area Arts Council as a way to give back to the community she loves and help create arts opportunities for future generations. She is passionate about fostering meaningful creative experiences and finding ways to positively impact the lives of others.

Lori Dale is a multidisciplinary artist who views creativity as both a personal journey and a way to build meaningful community connections. Her work explores color, texture, and visual expression, blending her background in visual communication with a passion for experimentation and discovery. Lori believes art is a pathway for expression, transformation, and renewal.

Lori brings that same spirit to the Waukee Area Arts Council, where she is a dedicated advocate for artists and creative connection within the community. She believes art matters because it provides a pathway for expression and transformation through every stage of life. Through her leadership and encouragement, Lori helps foster a creative environment where discovery is celebrated, artists are supported, and community connections continue to grow.

Karrah Rau is a passionate supporter of live music and community arts experiences. She regularly attends concerts, performances, museums, and local arts events, always seeking opportunities to connect with creativity and the people behind it. 

Through her involvement with the Waukee Area Arts Council and the Waukee Arts Festival, Karrah helps create opportunities for others to experience and enjoy the arts in meaningful ways. Outside of arts events, she enjoys movies, reading, spending time with friends, and relaxing with her kids and dogs.

For Rita Saigh, music and creativity are essential parts of everyday life. She enjoys singing with her church choir, crocheting handmade creations that bring joy to others, and learning to play the keyboard. If she were ever a professional performer, jazz would be her genre of choice.

Rita believes art matters because creativity allows people to express themselves and create beauty in the world around them. Through her involvement with the Waukee Area Arts Council and the Waukee Arts Festival, she enjoys encouraging others to experience the joy and connection the arts can bring.

Photographer Al Feliciano has spent much of his career helping people see beauty through a different lens. A former fashion photographer and a photography studio owner, Al finds art woven into everyday life—from theater and music to fashion, design, and the creative collaborations he enjoys with fellow artists. His artistic background also includes years as an accomplished pianist and accompanist for musical theater auditions in Los Angeles. 

As a member of the Waukee Area Arts Council, Al brings creative vision, artistic experience, and a passion for helping others discover art that truly moves them. When he’s not supporting the arts community, you’ll likely find him reading mystery novels, or creating something in the kitchen.

Michael Czerwiec II is a writer, storyteller, and lifelong creative with a background in theater and performance. A graduate of Baylor University with a BFA in Acting, Michael later turned his focus toward writing and published his first novel at age 35. Today, writing remains a daily creative practice for him.

As a member of the Waukee Area Arts Council, Michael values the arts for their ability to expand perspective, inspire imagination, and bring people together. Outside of writing and arts events, he’s an avid sports fan who is almost always keeping an eye on the latest scores.

Board Member