Sarah Ball worked behind the scenes as HAC implemented a shared leadership model. Now, as the newly acting executive director, her professional skillset and passion for art will be at the forefront as the gallery continues to grow.

By Kara Dicker

Sarah Ball was semi-retired from the healthcare industry in 2021 and soon began exploring the St. Louis art scene as her creative output grew. “I started joining everywhere,” she said, “looking around at different venues, galleries, and organizations, trying to see what would be a good fit.” She began exhibiting her work, which she found gratifying. “At that time, I didn’t know I was trying to find a supportive community.”

Upon discovering the continuous learning environment at Heartland Art Club, Ms. Ball knew she had found her artistic home. In 2023, her work was accepted into RepreSensational, Heartland’s juried national show. Primarily an oil painter, Sarah is completely self-taught. She considers herself an amateur hobbyist with a basic skill set. “That’s one of the things I love about Heartland,” she said. “Whenever I come to a gallery event, I feel like it’s a little art lesson for me. Things start to click in terms of theory. It’s always interesting and a great learning experience.”

A native of South Dakota and raised in Oklahoma, many of her works depict the Western landscape of her upbringing. Ms. Ball said she has always been drawn to the Native American art genre. Living in the St. Louis area since the 1990s hasn’t changed that. “The style still attracts me quite a bit,” she said.

As Ms. Ball became more involved with Heartland, the Gallery became more aware of her background in administrative leadership. Sarah, a licensed occupational therapist for over forty years, transitioned into healthcare administration during the last half of her career. As a senior clinical director for accreditation, she conducts surveys for the international nonprofit Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), where she helped facilitate a road map for quality healthcare provision. Organizational planning and development are at the heart of her administrative skillset. “Strategic planning is a big focus of mine,” she said.

Last year, when Mary Drastal, the long-time executive director, announced she would be stepping down, Ms. Ball stepped up to help coordinate Heartland’s current shared leadership model. “I feel we’re getting the job done well,” she said. “We have good communication, and honestly, I feel the best part is that everybody’s knowledge and experience is highlighted.”

Last month, Sarah accepted the steering committee’s invitation to be its acting executive director.

Sarah Ball is the new acting executive director of Heartland Art Club. Last year, she helped the gallery transition to a shared leadership model. The steering committee values her professional administrative experience.

Signature artist, founding and steering committee member Lisa Ober couldn’t be more thrilled to have her at the helm. “It takes a special person to corral our team of artists, teachers, businesspeople, and art lovers,” she said. “Sarah’s gentle personality artfully organizes and motivates all of us. She keeps us on task, provides brilliant ideas, and somehow does it with positivity and a smile. We are in great hands with her guidance!”

“Sarah has been a godsend volunteer,” said Lisa Perez, artist and steering committee member. “While the committees continue to keep everything moving forward, Sarah has been essential for connecting the dots and keeping us on the same page while we continue to search for a permanent executive director. That’s a real talent!”

Ms. Ball said that Heartland is well-positioned for continued growth. “Heartland Art Club is unique in the area in terms of what we offer,” she said. Sarah emphasized the value in providing opportunities for artists at all levels. Getting the word out, she said, is key. “It’s mostly about getting people excited and aware of who we are and noticed regionally for what we are doing,” she said.

Moving forward, Ms. Ball said Heartland is working to reach a younger group of artists and patrons. “We need to get fresh eyes in the gallery,” she said, citing the summer workshop for high school students and student memberships as a couple of ways Heartland is trying to appeal to a young audience.

Meanwhile, Sarah said she is grateful for the opportunity to work with everyone involved. “It means a lot to me, and I really value what’s happening. The quality of art and education within Heartland is like none other in St. Louis.”

“Navajo Strong,” by Sarah Ball. Oil on canvas, 24 x 36.