CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY COMBINED
Overview
Bad Art by Good People is a unique event where community leaders team up with local artists to collaborate, learn, and create a finished piece of art. The public then votes on their favorites, and the works are auctioned to support the museum. The event celebrates the idea that anyone can make art, no matter their experience, while fostering connection and joy through the creative process.
How it Works
Local artists are paired with community leaders for a month of collaborative art sessions. During this time, the leaders learn the fundamentals of their chosen medium and work toward creating a finished piece of art, which will be auctioned to benefit the museum.
Important Dates
Thursday, September 18th
Public voting beginsThursday, October 2nd @ 6pm
Cocktail party & auction
WHO’S WHO
Community Leaders
These influential members of the St. Joseph community will spend a month stepping into the shoes of a student, exploring and discovering their own artistic abilities along the way.
-
I am a true Renaissance man. I have been a farmer, professor, educator, superintendent of schools, construction foreman, electrician, county, health officer, and a college basketball official. Do you think my next career choice should be colored pencil art?
-
Tona Williams is a proud St. Joseph native and a graduate of Missouri Western State University, where she earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She also holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and has achieved multiple insurance designations. Currently serving as a Business Consultant at Nationwide Insurance, Tona brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her role.
Her commitment to service and leadership is reflected in her extensive involvement across numerous organizations. She has served as President of the MWSU Alumni Association, Junior League of St. Joseph, Kansas City CPCU Society, and the Pony Express Alumna Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta. Tona currently leads as President of MU Extension, P.E.O. Chapter EE, and the Northwest Health Services Board.
In addition to her leadership roles, she is an active member of The Runcie Club and serves on the boards of St. Joseph Reads, the St. Joseph Museum, and the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Scholarship Committee. She has also previously served on the St. Joseph Public Library Board and the Allied Arts Council. Tona is a graduate of the United Way Leadership St. Joseph program, where she continues to serve on its committee.
An avid reader and passionate advocate for community engagement, Tona enjoys connecting people through service. In her free time, she loves visiting museums, attending art performances, and spending quality time with family and friends.
-
Brendon is the St Joseph President of Commerce Bank. He is a graduate of MWSU and lives here in the Saint Joseph area with his wife, Michelle, and their 2 kids. Brendon has a strong background in community engagement and is active across many community organizations. Outside of work, Brendon enjoys spending time on the golf course and traveling with his family.
-
Michael De Priest is a newly-retired doctor. Good art by others has always been of great interest to him, although it has been an elusive quest in his own hands. Sadly lacking any artistic talent himself, he devoted his working life to achievement in plastic surgery. He strives to improve himself with math and art courses as a freshman at MWSU. This is his very first effort at art production.
-
Adrienne Waggoner is a small business owner and community advocate. She owns The Den, a cocktail bar known for creative pop-ups and seasonal menus, as well as Waggoner Contracting, a high end residential remodeling company. She is currently developing a top secret concept or two to help revitalize downtown. Adrienne is passionate about collaboration over competition, often partnering with other local businesses to host events that support the community. When she's not living life as a serial entrepreneur, she loves to travel and eat unique meals with her family; husband Jeff, and sons Cash and Cruz.
-
Major General Steven McCamy graduated from Benton High School before attending the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He began his military career in 1970, serving a total of 38 years in both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force.
During his time in the Navy, he served as a carrier pilot, flying several aircraft, with the A-6 Intruder as his primary assignment. In 1980, he transitioned to the Air Force, where he piloted the C-130 aircraft. His distinguished career included command of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC) and the 139th Airlift Wing. In 1999, he was promoted to General and appointed Commander of the Missouri Air National Guard.
Beyond his military service, General McCamy dedicated more than 20 years to leadership in the healthcare field, serving as both an administrator and CEO.
Now retired, he and his wife Risa reside in St. Joseph. He continues to give back to the community through service on the Museum Board of Directors and active participation in local initiatives, including leading a Capital Improvement Campaign to advance major projects that strengthen community safety and growth.
-
Melissa Burnett has always been passionate about the arts, especially music and literature. She has been the lead singer of St. Joseph’s band Dolewite since 2006, bringing energy and talent to the local music scene. Outside of the stage, Melissa works as an underwriter with American Family Insurance.
-
Tammy Rivera is a local realtor, community supporter, and lifelong runner who believes in the power of creativity to bring people together. With a deep love for art and self-expression, Tammy is passionate about supporting events that strengthen and inspire her community. Whether helping families find their dream homes or championing local causes, she brings dedication, energy, and heart to everything she does.
Artist Mentors
These artists, from St. Joseph and the surrounding area, have been passionate advocates for the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art and the region’s vibrant artistic culture. Each brings their own unique style and creative vision to the community.
-
Colored Pencil artist & recipient of the Mayor's Artist of the Year award.
-
Daniel M. Ramming is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in St. Joseph, Missouri. His work explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, often exploring themes of social justice. A passionate advocate for arts education, Ramming serves as an Art Teacher at Central High School, where he works to inspire the next generation of makers. He has exhibited pottery, sculptures, paintings, and artist books in group and individual shows.
He holds a BA in Studio Art with concentrations in Ceramics and Printmaking from Missouri Western State University.
-
Eric Fuson is the Executive Director of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of art. He is lifelong resident of St. Joseph and graduate of Missouri Western State University. Eric taught a number of different studio classes in the art department at Missouri Western for over 30 years before coming to the museum in 2020. Outside of work, he continues to make artwork, enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children.
Alex Asher has worked at the AKMA for the past nine years and is the Director of Education. She has a BFA in studio art and art history, and an MA in Art History. While she loves working in all mediums of art, she also enjoys teaching beginner's classes right here at the museum. Come and take a class with her!
-
Pat Benedict is a self-taught Halloween miniature artist specializing in 1:12 scale haunted dollhouse creations. Using polymer clay, vintage fabrics, and hand-painted details, Pat brings each piece to eerie life. Known for her one-of-a-kind ghosts draped in flowing spectral clothing, every work is a unique design that combines fine craftsmanship with haunting imagination.
-
Madison McKinley is a painter and the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. With a background in studio art and art history, her creative work often explores themes of beauty, symbolism, and human connection. In her role at the museum, she combines her artistic insight with strategic communication to engage the community and highlight the museum’s exhibitions, programs, and events. Madison is passionate about using art as a tool for storytelling, outreach, and community building.
-
Visitor Services Coordinator at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Childrens Art Teacher & Owner of Bee Creative Studios.
-
Amber Wilcox is a mixed media painter and the Events Manager at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. In addition to her creative work, she brings her passion for the arts into her role at the museum, where she curates meaningful experiences that connect people with art and culture.
-
My name is Rebecca Reilly. I am an artist living in the Downtown area. I have my BFA from Missouri Western State University. I am primarily a printmaker, working in relief linocuts. More recently, I have been exploring collage as a medium, playing with different styles and techniques.
I have an affinity for all things vintage. Imagery of vintage technology and utilitarian items is a common theme in my work. I also love using vintage paper and packaging in my collage work. I am always searching for new inspiration and developing new ways to express myself.
VOTE
Cast your vote for your favorite artist—or your favorite artwork! Every vote is also a donation to the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, so you’re supporting creativity and our community at the same time.
We had a fantastic time collaborating with so many wonderful people this year and can’t wait to do it again next year!
Vote as many times as you like—your support truly makes a difference.
