Our Mission

The Jordan River Arts Center offers enriching creative experiences through programs, exhibitions and collaborative artistic endeavors that nurture individual potential and strengthen community.

Our Vision

To be a vibrant center of creativity where all are welcome. diverse voices unite, artistic expression is encouraged across all art forms and curiosity sparks meaningful connections.

Meet the team

Recognizing its responsibility to nurture art in daily living and to provide participation opportunities in all areas of the arts, JRAC serves a diverse and growing community. To accomplish this mission, the Arts Council relies upon a volunteer Board of Directors and the cooperation and support of area communities.

2025 Board of Directors

Nancy Carey | President

Virginia Hawkins | Vice President

Gera Witte | Treasurer

Diana Baribeau | Secretary

Katie Spence Mankvitz

Suzanne Skubick

Pat Tinney

Wendy Warren

Tricia Wilcox

Susan Wright

Babs Young

Jordan River Arts Council history

In 1989 our founding members visualized the energy of a flowing river as a metaphor for a creative force bringing together people, talents and learning opportunities in support of a cultural community. Thus was born the Jordan River Arts Council. By sponsoring visual arts exhibits, musical
performances, dramas and poetry readings, workshops of all types, as well as writing, drawing, plein air and philosophy groups, we have built
a creative home for many community members. Our historic 100 plus year old Carnegie Library Building provides the brick and mortar center for these activities.

The Council also reaches out to, and partners with, other community organizations in promoting art in public places in its programming, most especially with schools in Antrim and Charlevoix Counties. Since 1995 the Council has encouraged the next generation of artists by providing scholarships to area high school students pursuing further education in the arts. These young people and our artists, members, and volunteers motivate and inspire us to look forward to the future of bringing the arts into real life experiences