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Erica Merchant

479 profile views
1 reviews

Review for Sturgis Center For The Arts Inc, Sturgis, SD, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

Sturgis Center for the Arts is the only organization in the city of Sturgis that promotes integrity of its citizens for the sole purpose of enrichment. Michelle, Rick and all the volunteers have provided opportunities that people of all ages would never have been given without their vision of an arts community. What hatched the Sturgis Center for the Arts was when Michelle tried to enroll her daughter in a local music class, she was denied enrollment because the daughter was a child. This prompted Michelle to open an art facility that allowed anyone who wants to enrich their lives access to these resources. This story stands testament to the personal investment in community that Michelle felt was her responsibility when she suffered the rejection by a stagnant and selective 'community arts program.' I have worked with numerous art centers offering workshops and classes, Sturgis Center for the Arts was the only one to offer such a wide variety of music classes. Many at risk teens have found dedication in the music community built by this Center. Opportunities provided by the Center's open mic nights, battle of the bands, and Bike Art and Music (BAM) festivals provide confidence and a variety of mentors in a variety of genres.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

The dedication to bringing arts to a community so sold out. There is so much integrity, especially in a town like Sturgis, in dedicating time to community enrichment.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

outstanding, talented, committed, and invested in their clients.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Be the only operating organization in town that could stay open 12 months out of the year. Provide unlimited resources to the youth and community. Share its vision of integrity of enrichment with its citizens in a newer fresher setting.

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every six months

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2008

Role:  Former Volunteer & Instructor.