Exploring Life & Business with Amy Powell of Art Reach of Mid Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Powell.  

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and I’ve held a variety of paid and volunteer roles throughout my life that engaged that fulfillment for me. My role at Art Reach allows me to help people engage with the arts. Access to the arts is essential and should not be considered a luxury. I enjoy talking to people about how they can make an impact and how the arts provide so much value to our lives. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been many ups and downs along the journey. The struggles almost always involve unmet expectations–some stated and others unstated. I have learned to operate from a perspective of; true kindness comes in clarity and explicit expectations. Some of my saddest moments have involved the loss of someone for whom I cared deeply. I love deeply, and as a result, I hurt deeply too. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Art Reach of Mid-Michigan?
Art Reach is the only local non-profit art organization. We are dedicated to keeping the arts alive and accessible for everyone in the community, regardless of their financial position. I’m proud of the outreach efforts we provide and the wide variety of art programs. Every year we directly touch the lives of thousands of lives. Art Reach has a few programs that are quite unique to us. First, every year we block off the streets and have the entire community participate in Paint the Pavement. During this public art installation, everyone is invited to paint the street to create a lasting public art installation. Second, we have a program called the Festival of Banners. During this program community members are invited to paint a 5′ high and 3′ wide vinyl banner. The banners are displayed throughout the county in public areas (lamp posts, fence rows, and parking lots) from May-October. I think the thing that sets us apart is our spirit of collaboration and partnership. In addition to the amazing placemaking programming, we offer artist consignment, a free gallery (with exhibitions that change out about once a month), and tuition-based programming for all ages and abilities. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Building relationships is of utmost importance to me. I am passionate about our organization and feel strongly that genuine relationship-building will draw individuals into our programming. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArtReachCenter.org

Image Credits
Dan Gaken
Art Reach Staff