The Ohnward Fine Arts Center is pleased to announce that Kris Doss has been selected as its next Executive Director. Kris will officially assume the position in January, following a transition period working alongside current Executive Director Richard Hall.

After many years of leadership, Richard Hall will be retiring from his role as Executive Director but will continue working with the Ohnward Fine Arts Center as Technical Director for its shows. We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Rich for his dedication and contributions to the theater. His continued involvement will be greatly appreciated as the center moves into this exciting new chapter.

Kris will work alongside Rich throughout the remainder of the year to learn the responsibilities of the position and ensure a smooth transition.

Kris is thrilled to be joining the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa!

Originally from Clinton, Iowa, Kris attended the University of Dubuque, where he earned degrees in psychology and theater. He has an extensive background in theater direction, production, and audience services.

Kris directed productions for Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, including You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and A Year with Frog and Toad as part of its high school education program. He also served as Assistant Director for Dial M for Murder, The Bridges of Madison County, and The Little Mermaid. In addition, he spent more than a decade as the theater’s Box Office Manager before becoming Director of Audience Services. During his career, he has had the opportunity to work with directors Matthew Teague Miller, Jay Berkow, Jacob Brent, and Tommy Iafrate.

His directing experience also includes productions at Ashford University, including Proof and Clue: The Musical, and at Marquette Catholic in Bellevue, where he directed Annie, The Sound of Music, and The Glass Menagerie.

Kris later moved to Northeast Community School in Goose Lake, where he currently directs theater productions and serves as head speech coach. His recent work includes Dear Evan Hansen, which is scheduled to be performed at the Iowa State Thespian Festival. He has also directed award-winning productions of Hadestown: Teen Edition, Matilda, Chicago: High School Version, and Into the Woods.

Beyond the theater, Kris has worked as a technician at ChemRight Labs and as a bartender at Maquoketa Brewing, giving him additional connections to the local community.

Kris is passionate about giving back to the communities that have supported and encouraged him throughout his career. He is excited to bring his experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to the Ohnward Fine Arts Center and looks forward to building on its success while finding new ways to grow and serve the community.

Please join us in welcoming Kris Doss to the Ohnward Fine Arts Center and in thanking Richard Hall for his years of service and continued dedication to the arts in our community!

The Lucky 150: Take a Chance for Ohnward!

The Ohnward Fine Arts Center has launched an exciting new fundraiser as part of its goal to raise $35,000 in order to receive a generous $25,000 donation from an anonymous donor.

Introducing The Lucky 150: Take a Chance for Ohnward!

Here’s how it works:

There are 150 envelopes, numbered 1 through 150. Choose your lucky number and purchase that envelope for the dollar amount printed on it. For example, envelope #39 costs $39, while envelope #100 costs $100.

But that’s not all! Some envelopes may also contain an extra surprise, such as a gift certificate to Maquoketa Brewing, a holiday pass, cash, and other prizes!

In addition, every envelope purchased will be entered into the cash prize drawing associated with its number:

Envelopes #1–50: A chance to win $100

Envelopes #51–100: A chance to win $250

Envelopes #101–150: A chance to win $500

The lucky winners will be drawn during our New Year’s Eve show, Reba, Dolly & Friends! You do not need to be present to win.

How do you get your lucky envelope?

Envelopes are available exclusively through the Ohnward Fine Arts Center Box Office. Stop by in person to choose your number, or call the box office to purchase an envelope over the phone using a credit card. If you purchase by phone, we can mail your envelope to you.

Every envelope purchased helps Ohnward reach its $35,000 fundraising goal and unlock the anonymous donor’s generous $25,000 gift.

Choose your lucky number, take a chance, and help support the Ohnward Fine Arts Center!