Celebrating Milestones
May 1, 2021
Michigan’s Vacc to Normal and Creative Sector Metrics
On April 29, Governor Whitmer announced MI Vacc to Normal metrics here, which include milestones for reinstating in-person work, increasing indoor capacity limits, and more. As part of the arts and culture sector, we proudly represent 4.3% of the US GDP (greater than that the construction sector, among many!). Please share Why the Arts Matters in Michigan from our national partners at Americans for the Arts.
Leadership Transitions
This spring, we’d like to thank Dr. David S. Porter for his service to our Board of Directors. Dave served on our Board for several years and provided invaluable expertise as a practicing artist and founder of Fireworks Glass Studios in Williamston. We wish him all the best with his next steps!
Please join me in welcoming new Board Member Ben Rathbun! Ben’s an avid champion for the arts and the nonprofit sector. He has spearheaded title support for ArtPath from Rathbun and Auto-Owners for two years in a row and recently shared his perspective on supporting the arts via our blog, and in the Lansing State Journal.
Leadership Training
This month our staff leadership team attended Effective Leadership Training, which included 32 hours of topics such as: DISC, communications, change, goals, coaching, and resolving workplace conflict. Thanks to Katrina, Michelle, and Kyle for joining me in developing SMART goals, improving our interpersonal communications, and creating feedback loops for positive change.
Visual Thinking Strategies
In April, our staff team also enjoyed creative reflective engagement in a Visual Thinking Strategies session with Teaching Artist Steveanna Roose, funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs! Thanks to Steveanna and to MCACA!
Milestones for Team Members
We’re delighted to celebrate May graduations for team members: Education Assistant Julia Sager, Arts Administration Intern Ian Hawthorne, and Education Intern Abigail Rhoades. Kudos to Julia, Ian, and Abigail for their dedication to learning and higher education!
Our Next Steps
At Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center, we’ve been proud to provide expanded access to the arts during the pandemic. As we consider next steps, know that future plans will be based in part on the MI Vacc to Normal metrics, as well as our recent survey and strategic conversations with potential partners. Soon, we’ll announce calls for Michigan artists for 2022-23 exhibitions with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’ll be thrilled to share our artists for ArtPath 2021 very shortly, as well, so stay tuned!