Moving to new places gives Hilary Elizabeth Kodatt some extra pep in her step. The curiosity, the fresh faces and places, the expansion of what’s possible to see, do and experience – all of it adds up to new opportunities to explore.
That’s what made moving to Ankeny, after only spending two nights there prior to a job interview, so compelling. But if you ask her, the city did most of the heavy lifting and convincing.
“It was so lively,” Hilary said of Ankeny. “It felt like almost a little community within itself. Then I went to Uptown Ankeny, and oh my gosh, I fell in love with that place instantly. Ankeny has really pulled me to it.”
So, after two nights of recon and a job offer from the Ankeny Art Center to become their executive director, Hilary packed up her life in Kentucky and planted her roots in Iowa.
Accessible Art for All
Beyond the day-to-day aspects of her role, a big part of Hilary’s job is to bring a new perspective to not only the art center, but to the art scene in Ankeny. That meant making art accessible for the whole community, a goal that shines through in the art center’s events, exhibitions and art education.
“Art should be for everyone, no matter if it’s a Michelangelo or a local artist,” Hilary said.
The art center is all about supporting local talent, kind of like how a farm-to-table restaurant uses ingredients from nearby—everything is sourced as close to home as possible.
“We like to think of ourselves as a stepping stool for artists who haven’t exhibited before,” she said, sharing the story of Melynda VanZee, who had her first show at the art center after the isolating years of the pandemic. Other local artists in the rotation are Olesya Maupin, originally from Kazakhstan but now a longtime Ankeny resident, and Kristy Evans, whose work has brightened the gallery for years.
And there’s no age limit when it comes to equalizing art. The art center’s summer camps are a whirlwind of creativity and energy, with kids from kindergarten through high school filling the space with imagination.
“A fun day for me is never sitting down for very long,” Hilary said. “We’re running camps, getting ready for festivals, making sure everything is running smoothly. Every day is different, and that’s what I love.”
And all of this is possible thanks to one of the area’s best-kept secrets, which Hilary claimed is the spirit of collaboration among its arts organizations.
“We like to share teachers a lot,” she explained, describing how there isn’t a sense of exclusivity when it comes to finding artists to share their knowledge. “We’re not coveting anyone. We want teachers to have as many opportunities as possible. It’s not just for us – it’s for them, too.”
First a House, Then a Home
Settling into Ankeny meant more than landing a job. It meant finding a true home.
“Once it became home, I realized how much it meant to be able to just go down the street to Uptown Ankeny, to have friends nearby who share the same interests. It took a few months, but then I just thought, ‘This suits me. I like it here.’”
Having lived in Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, Hilary is able to identify what sets Ankeny apart from her past cities: a genuine community that helps each other and comes together across neighborhoods and interests.
“There are so many different aspects and communities in Ankeny—the District, Uptown, the Historical Society—but what’s really cool is seeing them all come together every now and then. I love it.”
When she isn’t busy at the art center, Hilary likes to explore Des Moines with her dog or friends –whether it’s walking around Gray’s Lake, checking out artists at Mainframe Studios on First Fridays, or grabbing a bite at favorite local spots like Hessen Haus or the Cheese Bar.
“Take the Chance”
For anyone considering a move to Iowa, or taking a chance on an unexpected opportunity, Hilary’s advice is simple: “Take the chance. When I first graduated, I thought I’d work at the Met or somewhere high-profile. But you have to realize that’s not the only place to be, and not the only place that produces or supports beautiful art. There are so many other options. Keep your eyes open and take the chance.”
