Animated Film Illustrator Speaks at Voices of Inspiration Series in Newton

Adam Van Wyk, a Des Moines-based artist who has worked on popular animated films, will be the featured speaker at the United Way of Jasper County's free event.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:43pm

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An abstract, minimalist composition of stark black silhouettes and white negative space, representing the bold, graphic style of animated film storyboarding.The 'Voices of Inspiration' speaker series brings creative insights from accomplished artists like animated film illustrator Adam Van Wyk to the Jasper County community.Des Moines Today

A Des Moines man who has helped make family-oriented animated movies like 'Despicable Me', 'Secret Life of Pets', and 'Scooby-Doo' will be speaking in Newton, Iowa tonight as part of the United Way of Jasper County's free Spring 'Voices of Inspiration' speakers series. The goal of the series is to present free speakers that inspire, motivate, inform, and promote life-long learning to Jasper County residents.

Why it matters

The 'Voices of Inspiration' speaker series provides a valuable opportunity for Jasper County residents to hear from engaging and accomplished speakers on a variety of topics, helping to promote education and personal growth within the community. Adam Van Wyk's background as an illustrator for major animated films adds a unique creative perspective to the series.

The details

Adam Van Wyk, a Des Moines-based artist, will be the featured speaker at the United Way of Jasper County's 'Voices of Inspiration' event tonight in Newton. Van Wyk has done storyboard animation work for several popular animated movies that have been shown in theaters nationwide, including 'Despicable Me', 'Secret Life of Pets', and 'Scooby-Doo'.

  • The event will take place tonight, April 9, 2026.
  • Doors to the DMACC Auditorium at 600 North 2nd Avenue West in Newton will open at 6:00 pm, with Adam Van Wyk taking the stage at 6:30 pm.

The players

Adam Van Wyk

A Des Moines-based artist who has done storyboard animation work for several popular animated movies, including 'Despicable Me', 'Secret Life of Pets', and 'Scooby-Doo'.

United Way of Jasper County

The local chapter of the United Way organization that is hosting the free 'Voices of Inspiration' speaker series in Newton, Iowa.

Jessica Lowe Vokes

The Executive Director of the United Way of Jasper County.

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What they’re saying

“He's done 'Despicable Me', 'Secret Life of Pets', and a lot of 'Scooby-Doo'. He is the person helping make those movies. So if you see those movies, you'll see his hand at work. And he does that from here. Again, you don't have to be in Hollywood or New York City to be doing some cool job.”

— Jessica Lowe Vokes, Executive Director, United Way of Jasper County

What’s next

The United Way of Jasper County plans to continue the 'Voices of Inspiration' speaker series throughout the spring, featuring additional engaging and accomplished speakers to inspire the local community.

The takeaway

The 'Voices of Inspiration' speaker series provides Jasper County residents with valuable opportunities to learn from and be motivated by accomplished individuals, demonstrating that creative and fulfilling careers can be pursued even outside of major entertainment hubs like Hollywood.