I don't agree with the mission statement and have been treated the opposite actually. It may be for a certain demographic.
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.”
My experience interning with Marsha Chamberlin and the Ann Arbor Art Center staff was truly enriching, and I felt that what tasks were assigned to me actually made a difference in pulling the entire show together. I was a part of the project from conception to exhibition, and the evolution of ideas and plans of action were met with enthusiasm and extraordinary collaboration between the Center's members, with the out come being a beautifully orchestrated and successful fundraiser show. Organizing and directing gallery exhibitions is exactly the line of work I plan to be in in my future, and my internship at the Ann Arbor Art Center was a wonderful opportunity to get a personalized, hands on experience.
14 years ago, I learned drawing techniques in a class at the Art Center that I still use today. For years, I've brought smiles to the faces of friends and family when they open the wrapping paper on a gift and saw a package from the Art Center store (such unique and beautiful gifts). I recently watched a classroom of children get completely engaged in an art project. And now I am on the Board of Directors and hope to see all the above get repeated many times!
I have been involved with the Art Center since I was in college and it's a wonderful place for people interested the arts. The Art Center's classes, exhibitions, and shop are a great addition to downtown Ann Arbor!
I was an artist participant in the 30X30 benefit show at the Ann Arbor Art Association. 30 artists each brought 30 works of art, and half of the proceeds went to benefit youth programs. I sold 18 of my paintings. It was an extremely positive experience- tons of artists and shoppers stormed the building last Saturday- three of my works were gone before I even saw them on the wall. There were crowds all day, refreshments, media coverage, and helpful staff. It was a very convivial atmosphere, and involved the entire community.
I recently volunteered at the 30x30 sale to benefit Art For Kids. There were people lined up around the corner to get in and it was very exciting. I got a special Art For Kids t-shirt for helping out that day. The event was set up well and I felt prepared to handle any question that came my way.
The Art Center is one of the keys to the success of downtown Ann Arbor. I have been involved with the Art Center since I moved here over 2 years ago - it is a great place to work and play!
The AAAC has always been the most encouraging gallery with whom I've had the pleasure of working. Their clientele is wide and deep and sophisticated. I was very happy to have been able to contribute to the Children's Art Programs in this manner. Their staff, both volunteer and professional, are superb!
The Ann Arbor Art Center is a buzzing hub of a wide range of activities for young children, teens, and adults. From one day workshops to semester length classes from pots to paints to silk fabric dying! Something for the artist in all of us plus a gallery shop for those of us who are better suited to be art patrons! The recent 30+30 gr8artportunity. An event where 30 artists created more than 700 pieces that were available during a one day sale to raise funds for the Art of Kids Scholarship Fund; coupled with the recent 2nd annual Artini. Both are fine examples of the organization's vibrancy and energy.
The Ann Arbor Art Center is one of a kind! From the unique events and fundraisers to the caring and kind staff, they truly make the Ann Arbor Community a better place! I feel blessed to be involved and associated with them.
I have to say that as a Volunteer, Donor, Patron, and Board Member, I have never had so much fun being involved with a non-profit in my community. The Art Center "gets it" when community members get involved and invest their time, money or resources to help out. Everyone always smiles, and with programs for at-risk youth, art projects in the community, exhibitions and artist promotion, the Art Center does far more good in the than many people realize. The Greater Ann Arbor area is a far richer place to live thanks to the Ann Arbor Art Center.