Linda Klepinger

Former Executive Director and Board President

While Linda Klepinger never claimed to be an artist herself, she has been an activist in the local arts scene since 1975. Growing up, she was influenced by her father and an uncle, who were both artistic technicians. Her father, in his profession as a tool and die man, held many patents. And his drawing abilities were sometimes used to create cartoons to amuse his children.

After graduating from Newton High School (Class of 1966), she went on to study Physical Education at the University of Northern Iowa until deciding that path wasn’t the best for her. While she figured out her place in the world, she worked as a waitress to support her young family.

In the mid-1970s, she and husband, Nick, opened a small framing shop, Klepinger Gallery & Custom Framing, on South 3rd Avenue. That business operated for nearly 30 years. And through that shop, Klepinger began to find her place. She reveled in the art relationships that developed there. Specifically, it peaked her interest and intrigued her so much that she began to search out more ways that art and creativity could bring solace and stability — not only to her own life, but to the greater community as well.

This quest led to her participation in a myriad of art groups. With her many years of involvement, Klepinger was eventually asked by Don Byers to become a member of the Iowa Sculpture Festival’s Founding Committee, before becoming its president in 2004. Then in 2007 she helped establish the Centre for Arts & Artists and was immediately named Executive Director. Here, she could say that she had finally found her place. She was hands-on, a tireless advocate and energizing force that helped the CAA grow and mature over the course of her long tenure.

After 16 wonderful years with CAA, she decided it was time to step back and pass on the torch. In doing so she hoped that her passion and love for the arts in Jasper County would continue to live on in the hearts and minds of the community. She retired in September, 2023 but continued to be an avid volunteer, where she maintained that “good things happen when people play well with others.”