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• ANN ARBOR ART ASSOCIATION

For my entire life as a painter, 50 years, I’ve benefited enormously from the Art Association - as a student, member, board member, teacher, and exhibitor. What a splendid connection to have, associating with other artists and art lovers of all ages in the ambience of an organization devoted entirely to the visual arts! After studying at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design (MFA’69), I had my first exhibition at the Art Center and have had two others since then along with work in the gallery shop and in group shows. (A retrospective is scheduled for June 18-Aug 8.) Many staff members and artists I’ve met there have become dear friends. The organization has progressed through a remarkable evolution in the effort to assist artists and townfolk in the pursuit of art. I can testify that this is a vibrantly active and creative non-profit exploring what art in the community can mean for citizens. I’m eternally grateful for what it has done for me.

The few staff that work regularly at the Art Center do a great job handling a wide range of visual arts activities: educational classes, outreach to youth/disadvantaged populations, exhibition space, retail, youth camps, clay/jewelry studio,etc. The result is a a wide-ranging impact felt at many levels in the community. AND they have fun doing it. Visitors and students can feel the creative juices flowing. Would that all non-profits have such a lean, energetic, and positive impact. Kudos!!

I participated in the 30/30 art exhibit. It was a well designed program and staff was helpful and friendly through every step of the process. The exhibit space was perfect for a large collection of work and volunteers provided name tags, tax forms, and refreshments to artists in a low-key but efficient manner. I would definitely like to be involved in this organization in the future!

I have been associated with the Ann Arbor Art Assocation for about 35 years. I started out as a volunteer helping to decide on which exhibits would be in the gallery, I was on the Board and then I was the Exhibit Gallery Director for about 7 years. I loved that job because I was doing exactly what I wanted to do, support the visual arts and artists in my community. I went on to other work but continued to be a member, promoter and user of their services. I believe the arts can change lives and my community is much richer by having the Art Association in our downtown. I have just become more active as a volunteer by joining the Board of Directors. It is great to have been part of a vibrant community organization for so long and I am excited about becoming a more active volunteer for the organization again.

When I was at art school thirteen years ago at the University of Michigan, I volunteered at the Ann Arbor Art Center where I worked with children in the drop-in studio. It was so fun to see those kids lose themselves in their projects. Once an 8 year old girl came into the studio bickering at her 6 year old brother, and as soon as she started swirling colorful paint across an African mask, she forgot all about her gripe with her sibling. Today I run a creative web development firm in downtown Ann Arbor. Luckily, most of my days are full of color, art, and fun. I’m a member of the Board of Directors at the Art Center where it’s my goal to make sure there is a place downtown Ann Arbor where people of all ages can find, make, and experience art. Many years ago art helped me find myself, and if I can help others find art, I’ll feel right with the world.”