Stacey Ray
(she/her/hers)
Executive Director
stacey@lanearts.org
Stacey Ray joined Lane Arts Council in 2016 (previous positions include Program Manager and Assistant Director). Stacey brings 15 years experience in roles supporting artists, managing arts programs, and leading arts organizations. Prior to Lane Arts Council, she worked for multiple art galleries, and served with several arts organizations including UO Center for Community Arts & Cultural Policy, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), and others. Stacey has a MS in Arts Management and certificate in Nonprofit Management from University of Oregon, as well as degrees in Studio Art (BFA) and Art History (BA) from Montana State University. Stacey practices her creativity through drawing and writing, playing guitar, and participating in local arts happenings. She believes that the arts are critical to healthy, vibrant communities and that self-expression and heart-centeredness are at the core of fulfilled and meaningful lives. When not working or playing in the arts, you’ll find her outdoors: fly-fishing, birding, paddling her canoe, or rowing a river
Tara Wibrew
(she/her/hers)
Program Director
tara@lanearts.org
Tara Wibrew is a multi-hyphenate artist who joined Lane Arts Council in 2023, bringing experience from across the spectrum of arts management and performance. She has worked for theatres and other arts organizations on both coasts, serving most recently as Associate Producer for Oregon Contemporary Theatre. Tara holds a graduate
Ben Minnis
(he/him/his)
Arts Education Manager
ben@lanearts.org
Ben Minnis joined Lane Arts Council in 2021, bringing with him a background in both the arts and education. Originally from Des Moines, IA, he received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. After working at the Huron Playhouse in Ohio and the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia, he moved to Eugene in 2004. He spent the next 15 years as a Teacher/Pedagogical Coordinator with the Co-op Family Center at the University of Oregon. In 2017, he received a graduate certificate in Pedagogical Coordination in the Reggio-Emilia Approach from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. He has presented his inquiry-based work with children at regional and national conferences and served for 5 years on the Early Childhood Education Advisory Council at Lane Community College. Ben continues to develop himself as an artist through his work in ceramic sculpture, acting, and playwriting.
Maya Banyacski
(she/her/hers)
Community Arts Coordinator
artwalk@lanearts.org
Maya Banyacski recently joined Lane Arts Council this year in 2024, bringing non-profit and art experience from a global perspective. Growing up in Eugene, she received a BA degree in International Studies and Spanish from the University of Oregon. Previous she worked at the Shedd Art Institute as a venue assistant aiding with catering, event set up and helping paint and design sets for theatrical productions. Before entering the workforce in full-swing, Maya traveled to different parts of Costa Rica, Ecuador, and the Galapagos volunteering at non-profit organizations and national parks. Gaining hands-on non-profit experience and expanding upon her capabilities communicating in Spanish. After which she worked for Community Alliance for Lane County a non-profit organization focusing on social injustice locally, as the Office and Communications Manager. Outside of working hours Maya enjoys spending time in nature, attending markets and fairs, catching up with friends, dancing, and being creative in the kitchen.
Troy DeShazer
(he/him/his)
Development Coordinator
troy@lanearts.org
Serving as interim Development Coordinator for Lane Arts Council.
Troy DeShazer brings to the position an extensive background in music education, conducting, chamber music performance and arts programming, as well as non-profit performing arts operations and management. Prior to accepting this position, he served as the Director of Operations for Eugene Concert Choir (2020—2024) and as a tuba artist and educator, performs and teaches regularly throughout Lane County.
B.A. in Music (Concentrations in Instruction and Performance), Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University.
M.A. in Music, University of Redlands.
Dean Rees
(he/him/his)
Finance Coordinator
finance@lanearts.org
Dean Rees joined Lane Arts Council in April 2022, bringing over 27 years’ experience in non-profit accounting. A native Oregonian he graduated from the University of Oregon and has worked for Holt International Children’s Services and India Partners as well as volunteering time serving as treasurer for
two other fraternal organizations. Dean currently is also an Education Assistant at Guy Lee Elementary in Springfield.