Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bennett.
Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Blue Star Art Collective was born from the work of my dad, Robert F. Battles, who came with my mom to the area, from Chicago, in the late 1960’s to be artists in South Haven. I wanted to create a space to show and sell his work but also other local artists. The pole barn that was his workshop, where he created sculptures has now been transformed into a gallery space with 13 local Michigan artists. Right now there are 15 local artists, mostly all from South Haven, who represent examples of what talent is in our local community. My background is in education where I worked as a teacher for over 30 years. This gallery is my second half of life career. It’s been a great space for the community as we have a wonderful art center in town and we do have galleries to the north but there is nothing else for the local artists of South Haven. The response has been supportive and so positive in this first season of being open. This year was about setting up the business, getting the artists in the space, advertising and letting the community know we are open – it’s been a great summer. We have a range of paintings, drawings, jewelry, sculptures (both indoor and outdoor) and collage work. This gallery is for modern, contemporary and abstract art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Last year, 2024, was the year of building this space, basically changing it from a pole barn/workshop into a gallery space – this was not an easy task as it needed alot of work and cleaning to get it to the place it is now. Luckily, I had a great builder to work with and we worked together to create this space which is something to be proud of. Learning to be a business person has also had its range of challenges. This is a place of learning for me but it’s getting better and the biggest hurdles are conquered for now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My 30 years in education, teaching and deaning in Middle School, taught me excellent communication skills, learning how to work with a range of people and being organised to create shows, openings and events at the gallery. My specialty of being an art teacher bode well throughout my career and I have always been connected to teaching in the arts. I have also lived overseas my whole adult life which puts an interesting perspective on living in the USA again. I am very proud of my ability to work with the artists, support them and create a space for the community to enjoy and support. I have a BFA (1991) and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Admin. (2021).
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have relied alot on online tutorials. I had to learn lots of different things; how to ship art with glass, how to make the most of Instagram, restoration of paintings and sculpture, and how to manage setting up a new business. My transition into this second-half of life career came from podcasts and a book by Arthur C. Brooks, called From Strength to Strength which is about making a change in career and what this looks like, how to do it and what to expect. It really helped me affirm that this was the right thing to do. I also read about women in business, I follow a few small business podcasts like Mind Your Business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluestarcollective.org
- Instagram: thebluestarcollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueStarArtCollective
