Barbara Young 8/14/25 Barbara Young 8/14/25

JRAC Summary of 2025 Capacity Assessment

JRAC Summary of 2025 Capacity Assessment

For nearly four decades, the Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) has been a treasured part of East Jordan and greater Charlevoix and Antrim counties. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a year-round arts organization, delivering meaningful programming, exhibitions, and cultural experiences—powered almost entirely by volunteers.

But JRAC is approaching a critical turning point. Like many nonprofits relying on volunteer leadership, it faces growing challenges in sustaining operations and securing the financial and human resources necessary for long-term success. The legacy volunteer model is no longer sufficient for today’s demands.

In early 2025, JRAC’s board launched a capacity assessment with Northern Michigan nonprofit consultant Lyn Jenks to explore how the organization could strengthen its infrastructure and ensure its future. Through in-depth interviews and analysis, the assessment revealed urgent challenges—and new opportunities.

Barbara Young 8/14/25 Barbara Young 8/14/25

Get Involved

Join the Board of Directors

As the Jordan River Arts Council enters a new phase of growth and evolution, the Board of Directors is seeking new members--dedicated individuals who bring not only enthusiasm for the Council’s mission but also valuable experience and insight in areas such as business, education, nonprofit leadership, community organizing, law, finance, the arts, and philanthropy.

Click on “read more” below, to download a document outlining our process for welcoming new board members. It also provides background information including a description of the board, its duties and responsibilities, a summary of current strategic priorities and other relevant information. Thank you for your interest.

Barbara Young 6/25/25 Barbara Young 6/25/25

2025 Jordan Art Walk

Visitors to the 2025 Jordan Art Walk are truly able to experience “nature through art”. In June six new sculptures were added to the Walk as it celebrates its fifth year. The walk stretches from GAR Park across the street from the Jordan River Arts Center, along the harbor, over the Jordan River bridge, through Sportsman’s Park and connects at Friends of the Jordan River to the Klein boardwalk overlooking the river estuary.

Barbara Young 6/10/25 Barbara Young 6/10/25

Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes

East Jordan is buzzing with excitement as the Jordan River Arts Council proudly presents the “Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes” exhibit, a heartwarming collaboration with the East Jordan Middle School (EJMS) Shoe Club. This unique exhibition, inspired in part by Mike Donahue’s empowering book for students, “Value Up,” serves as a platform for themes relating to compassion, self-worth, and understanding—values that resonate deeply with our community.

Barbara Young 10/20/24 Barbara Young 10/20/24

Honoring our Emeritus Members

Over the years, Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) has been fortunate to count dedicated, talented, and generous community members among its membership, volunteers, and board of directors. Whether artists themselves or merely altruistic at heart, many individuals have helped make JRAC the nonprofit it is today—a thriving organization serving the people of its region. Thanks to community involvement, this arts council continues on a positive trajectory, and with great pride, we honor and acknowledge four current emeritus board members.