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CRAIG BITTERLING
Administrator/ Technical Director 
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With a Bachelor’s Degree in both Theatre and Physics (Western Kentucky University), and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering (Auburn University), Craig Bitterling is either a renaissance man or a confused fool! Known affectionately by our students as "Mr. Craig," he serves Arts Alive! as teacher, technical director, music director, writer, graphic designer, scene painter, accountant, administrator, and general handyman (just to name a few) - but our students most enjoy seeing him performing alongside them whenever he can. Craig worked as an engineer and an analyst in the corporate world for years, although his heart was always searching for the best way to use his talents for the Kingdom of Christ. Now, by God's grace, after 25 years of bi-vocational ministry, Craig is devoting his efforts full time to Arts Alive! On top of all of this, Craig serves part time as pianist in a Bowling Green church, and fulltime as the father of nine children (this may explain why he is passionate about encouraging fathers to take an active role as spiritual leader in their homes). No matter the need, Craig is always willing to lend his many talents - striving to live out Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (emphasis on the "whatever")
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HEATHER BITTERLING
Executive Director 
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Our Executive Director, Heather Bitterling is a natural-born leader with a talent to inspire, encourage, and impel others to achieve more than they might otherwise think possible. It was this special ability, combined with a love for Christ and the heart of a dreamer, that birthed the mission and ministry that we call Arts Alive! Even before Heather received her degree in Performing Arts from Western Kentucky University, she and her husband Craig began seeking ways to utilize their passions, talents, and training to further the kingdom. They began Arts Alive! mainly as an outlet for artistic expression and clean entertainment, but their desire to foster faith in children and to strengthen and encourage families took root and soon transformed the organization into the ministry it is today. Heather is a seasoned director, actor, and teacher who enjoys singing, writing, and telling others about the great love of the Father. She is a dedicated homeschooling mother of nine, an influential businesswoman, and a passionate mentor to young people and peers alike. Her love of creative arts, her zeal for the Kingdom of Christ, her heart for young people, and the joy and energy that overflow from her humble spirit are the driving forces behind our ministry!
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SAVANNAH BITTERLING
Young Adult Programming 
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Reaching out to young adults takes energy and bounce, and that's exactly what Savannah brings to our team! Savannah Bitterling has a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, Film, and Ministry from Bryan College, and many years of experience in camp ministry - in Kentucky, Indiana, and Wisconsin. After graduating, she created Silver Arrow Studios as a vehicle for dedicating her art to God's glory. We are so grateful that her adventure in Christ has brought her back to Bowling Green for this season, and we have been more than happy to put her talents to work! Savannah is currently heading our youth "Gathering" events, providing opportunities for wholesome fellowship among teens and young adults while fostering relationships and encouraging them in their pursuit of Christ. If you've ever experienced her smile and seen that twinkle in her eyes, you've seen that she has been gifted with a fierce, infectious joy. Combining that with her heart for Christ and passion for sharing His love with others makes Savannah a great asset, not only to Arts Alive!, but to the Kingdom.
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CARA KIRBY
Teacher/Summer Staff/ Administrative Assistant 
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Cara Kirby has a great passion for excellent art that showcases God's glory and truth! This passion, combined with her devotion to Christ and a servant heart, has made Cara a perfect addition to our staff. A longtime student of Arts Alive! (since 2013), Cara joined our full-time summer staff in 2020 and has been a vital part of the team ever since. Her love of learning and creating for the honor of the Lord also led her to obtain a degree in Creative Writing from Western Kentucky University. It is Cara's desire that her time with Arts Alive would help young people grow in their God-centered confidence and help them learn to speak the truth boldly and with love.
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ALICYN NEWMAN
Photographer/ Part Time Staff 
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Alicyn Newman loves all things creative: writing, playing violin, crafts, baking, and more. She began her journey with Arts Alive! many years ago as a student in our Teen Extreme Camp, and from the beginning, she gave selflessly of her time and talent, always willing to be a blessing to students and staff alike. Though she never seems to seek the spotlight for herself, Alicyn can often be spotted working hard in the background, applying herself to whatever task is helpful at the time. Most prominently, you may see her working as a photographer, helping us to capture epic moments and memories at many of our camps and events. Alicyn also has a degree in Creative Writing from WKU and enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and going to the movies.
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