Our Staff

Michelle

Michelle Carlson 
Executive Director
Pronouns: she/her

Throughout her professional career, Michelle has worked to improve communities, find inspiration every day, and cultivate an appreciation for the arts. She has implemented a wide variety of arts programs and holds a Master of Public Administration and a degree in Spanish Language and Culture.

Katrina

Katrina M. Daniels
Exhibitions and Gallery Sales Director
Pronouns: she/her

Daniels is passionate about the arts and the community; her experience includes over ten years in the arts field with expertise in gallery settings and community engagement.

At Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center (the Gallery), she oversees over 100 Michigan artists for the Gallery exhibitions and public art programs ... read more

Carmen

Carmen Carlton
Bookkeeper
Pronouns: she/her

Carmen facilitates the preservation and presentation of financial records and reports for the Gallery. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, she is an invaluable asset to the team. An avid cyclist, Carmen crossed the Mackinac Bridge twice with the DALMAC.

Sarah

Sarah Hopkins
Gallery Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her

Sarah is a lifelong artist and lover of the arts. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Michigan State University and a certificate in Graphic Design from Lansing Community College. When she isn't working, she enjoys painting, photography, and spending time outdoors.

Saebren

Saebren Stevens
Education Coordinator
Pronouns: she/they

Saebren is originally from Louisiana but received her Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Humanities with focuses in Art History, Museum Studies, and Film from Michigan State University. Outside of her studies and career she enjoys going on walks, cooking, and reading. Saebren also loves to snuggle up with her cat and watch a movie.

Cora

Cora Ackerson
Gallery Associate
Pronouns: she/her

Cora is a gallery associate here at the Lansing Art Gallery. She is currently working towards her Associates in Art History from Lansing Community College and plans on continuing her studies in the art field. Cora enjoys visiting museums, reading, and traveling.

Em

Em Fisher
Gallery Associate
Pronouns: they/them

Em is a junior at Michigan State University and is enrolled in the Residential College in Arts and Humanities (RCAH). They have experience in working in the arts and currently work at the Broad Art Museum and Art Studio at RCAH. Em enjoys designing linocut prints, zine-making, collage art, and painting.

Staff Alumni

Val1

Val Ackerman
Gallery Associate

Val earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Since graduating she has relocated to Lansing and her background in graphic design and art studio lead her to the Gallery where she has a new community to share her passion for the arts with.

quinn

Quinn Jiles
Americorps VISTA

Quinn joined our leadership team in 2019 as an expert in capacity-building to support Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center through Americorps VISTA. She supported the creation of communications and fund development plans, spearheaded volunteer planning and training, and supported the development of a culture of philanthropy.

Zane

Zane Kemper
Exhibitions and Gallery Assistant

Zane earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University with a degree in Arts & Humanities with minors in Art History and Museum Studies. In addition to his role at the gallery, Zane works as an exhibition producer at the MSU Broad Art Museum.

Hailey Lamb

Hailey Lamb
Communications & Programs Assistant

Hailey graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design with a BFA in Photography. Hailey has extensive retail and visual art experience and is passionate about accessibility in the arts. She plans to continue her studies in Art Therapy to encourage healing and growth for all.

madisongallerypic

Madison Miller

Communications & Programs Assistant

Madison earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts emphasizing in Photo & Intermedia from Western Michigan University with a minor in Marketing.  As a former Intern Madison has plenty of Gallery experience and is looking for opportunities to bring the worlds of art and business together.

Kyle

Kyle Richard
Operations Manager

Kyle is a visual artist and former educator. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University in Education. Kyle is passionate about the environment and is involved with the Citizen's Climate Lobby, advocating for legislation to combat the effects of climate change.

Julia S

Julia Sager
Education Assistant

Julia Sager is an emerging arts professional who believes that art history is about people’s stories.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture and a Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Management & Museum Studies. In addition, she has an Associates in Fine Art from Schoolcraft College. 
Julia’s interests include German studies, photography, and art history.
Barb1

Barb Whitney
Executive Director

Barb Whitney serves as the Executive Director of Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, where she is responsible for strategic leadership, management, fund development, and public relations. Barb’s work is driven by a belief in the arts as a vehicle to change lives.....…. read more