2025 Annual Report
A Year of Growth, Creativity, and Community
2025 was a transformative year for the Jordan River Arts Council. Building on last year’s capacity assessment, new grant-funded initiatives, and increased community engagement, we are strengthening our foundation and working to expand our impact.
Key Takeaways from the Capacity Assessment
Our first-quarter capacity assessment, supported in part by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, clarified how JRAC can grow and thrive. Three priority areas were identified for 2025–26:
Human Resources: Expanding the board, recruiting volunteers for committees, and exploring contracted staffing or temporary leadership to stabilize operations.
Fund Development: Developing a short-term fundraising plan and considering a major campaign in the coming years to support staffing, facilities, and programming
Programs: Reassessing offerings in light of regional trends and community needs, streamlining where necessary to avoid duplication and introducing new opportunities to increase impact.
Capacity Building Continues
Thanks to grant support from C3F, we advanced multiple capacity-building efforts including:
Board Recruitment: Welcomed five new members in late fall, strengthening governance.
Committee Development: Expanding volunteer leadership and clarifying committee roles.
Year-End Campaign: Engaged professional fundraising expertise to build a sustainable annual giving program.
Strategic Vision Development: Began working with a strategic planning partner to update the strategic plan which will help shape JRAC’s next decade.
2025 Program & Activity Highlights
Hosted five exhibitions and the Holiday Gift Market, featuring 207 participating artists and attracting over 1,800 visitors.
Distributed more than $13,000 in commissions to exhibiting artists.
Raised over $3,800 during the 6x6 Fundraiser & Exhibition, showcasing works generously donated by member artists.
Presented the annual scholarship show, awarding $6,000 in scholarships to eight young artists, funded by generous donors.
Hosted seven workshops and two ongoing art groups (Sketching and Plein Air), fostering a vibrant creative community. A new monthly drop-in program in 2026 will focus on trying-out new creative techniques.
Participated in several community events including the Summer Concert Series, Freedom Fest, Busker Fest, Christmas Parade and the Jordan Art Walk
Donor and Volunteer Support
JRAC’s programs, services, and operations are made possible through financial support from memberships, donations, and grants. The generosity during our year-end appeal was truly inspiring. Thanks to donor support, JRAC raised more than $23,000 in the final quarter of 2025, providing a strong foundation for 2026.
Over the past year, dedicated volunteers and community members contributed over 5,400 hours in staffing the gallery, leading youth and adult programs, managing administrative responsibilities, maintenance, and more. As we enter an exciting new phase of evolution and growth, we invite passionate members to become involved as a docent in the gallery/gift shop or consider a role in the areas of programs, communications & marketing, fundraising or membership.
Partnerships
We are grateful for collaborations with several community organizations and local businesses, which allow us to expand our reach and deepen our community impact. Partners include:
The Depot Teen Center
East Jordan Chamber of Commerce
East Jordan Public Schools
Area Indigenous communities
Freedom Festival
Busker Festival
Girl Scouts
Local businesses
Investing in Our Space
With support from the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, we are making meaningful improvements to our classroom space, creating a more functional and welcoming environment for visitors and artists of all ages.
Thank you for being part of JRAC’s creative community. Your membership, volunteerism, financial support, and enthusiasm make everything we do possible. We look forward to building on this year’s momentum as we enter 2026 with renewed vision and purpose.
To learn more or for comments or questions, please contact JRAC Board President Nancy Carey at JordanRiverArts@gmail.com or (231) 536-3385.
