The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
ARTS
Area is vibrant, creative and colorful when it comes to visual
Story by Sue Collins
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2008
Now, dotting our towns are galleries supporting hardworking local artists; new art councils providing networking; art centers offering classes, camps and community outreach and city governments that are willing to fund public art.
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Volunteers have been busy crafting grant applications and filling summer streets with art fairs, administrators have been knocking on donors' doors and constructing businesses, and communities have been opening their arms wide to the flock of talented artists among them.
Countywide studies, statewide initiatives and local efforts are celebrating the vibrant business of the visual arts that's rounding out economic development and capital improvements that together make communities flourish.
An Economic Impact Study conducted by the Ann Arbor Arts Alliance throughout Washtenaw County five years ago found that the total economic impact of not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations in Washtenaw County was $165 million in the study year, and that such organizations provided 2,600 jobs.
Nearly 2.4 million people enjoyed various cultural activities in 2002, with visitors from outside the county saying the event was their primary reason for visiting the county.
The Arts Alliance is continuing to take the pulse of the region's art growth and needs with its Community and Culture Study. Focus groups in Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester and Saline are providing brainstorming and problem-solving opportunities under the alliance's guiding hand. These communities, along with Milan and Ypsilanti, are already embracing the talent and creativity in their midst while recognizing the impact, importance and economic viability of thriving arts programs.
Q&A with Leslie Greeneisen
Q&A with...Leslie Greeneisen, Program Director for the Chelsea Center for the Arts. For more information, contact Leslie at 1-734-433-2787 or log onto www.chelseacenterforthearts.com
When did you first get involved with CCA?
I left my previous employer with the thought that I was going to take some time off to do my art. The position was posted and I joined the team at the CCA in October 2006 as the program director, which is still my current position.
What is your role as director?
My role is to develop a schedule of classes and programs to provide art instruction for students of all abilities and interests each term. I am also responsible for programming such as concerts, outreach and community art projects. The Newsletter and all publicity also fall under my direction.
How does the CCA work?
The CCA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to develop, foster and promote the arts as experiences central to the lives of the citizens of Chelsea and the surrounding area. We are financed by program fees, private and corporate donations and grants. We rely heavily on volunteers and supporters to keep us going both financially and programmatically.
How has CCA changed since you became involved?
Arts organizations seem to go in cycles from very busy to very slow. When I started, registration for the visual arts was fairly low and went down from there. Today, our registrations are going very well and participation is up considerably. Our private music instruction has increased since my hire by almost 25 percent to serve over 135 students last semester. Lisa Hinz-Johnson, the Director of Music, oversees well qualified instructors of piano, guitar, flute, violin, cello and voice.
The CCA has also gone through several executive directors in the past few years. With the vision of each director, we are finding our niche and our direction.
Why is CCA important to a community?
We add to the quality of life in Chelsea. The community has become such a vibrant arts community with the Purple Rose, the wonderful art galleries and art groups and the incredible music instruction throughout the community including the schools. The CCA encourages and nurtures this growth for artists of all ages and abilities. We also serve on several community festival committees including Sounds and Sights and Summerfest.
Our Building is home to three non-profit organizations. The Purple Rose has workshop and rehearsal space, the Chelsea Co-op Preschool is located in our lower level and the Chelsea Center for the Arts classrooms are located on the second level of this historic old catholic school.
Is CCA only for Chelsea residents?
We are open to anyone regardless of where they live.
What are some of the highlights coming this year?
We have lots of great workshops this winter and spring. Our first ones scheduled for Jan. 19 and Feb. 14, 15 and 16 are for watercolor artists.
On Jan. 23, we will have a "Soup Swap" as part of the 2nd National Soup Swap. ZouZou's, a local coffee house and deli, will be on hand to serve up three of their best soups for $3 a serving and folks can purchase a hand made bowl created and donated by local potters to go with the soup. Those who attend are asked to bring a can of soup to swap to help fill the pantry at Faith in Action. This event will take place at the CCA from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help raise funds for our pottery program.
During Spring Break, we will have a Spring Mud Fling designed for families to come and play in the clay. We'll have a different clay project each day, April 1, 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Anything new coming this year?
Watch for announcements about our exhibits in the Center Gallery. There are new ones every few months spotlighting local artists with artist receptions that are free and open to the public. We will also be hosting a spring luncheon, putting together great summer camps, having family pARTicipation days and putting another outstanding party at Autumn Jubilee.
How can people get involved?
Anyone can get involved at the CCA from volunteering in the office or Center Gallery, participating on a committee for the Autumn Jubilee, our annual fundraising auction in October, or taking classes, for instance. Those interested can call the CCA at 734-433-2787 or stop in. We are located at 400 Congdon St., Chelsea.
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