My Fierce Love – Although I have not worked for Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center in 3 years, I have loved it fiercely for two decades.
The Tether – In many ways the Gallery & I have been tethered since 2004, when Jon Whitney and I returned to Lansing. It was a thrilling time; we were poised to move to the heart of downtown to the picturesque former Lieberman’s location. Little did I know I would move with the Gallery 3 times between 2004 and 2022.
Art & Artists – I reveled in developing relationships with artists from across the state from 2004-2012. We enjoyed a stunning showcase space for our sales gallery, which is now Nelson Gallery (and where I exhibit my artwork). I learned from many gracious established artists such as Mark Mehaffey, Barb Hranilovich, and Mark Chatterley, to name a few. Cathy Babcock was truly the model of fierce love. With support of folks like Dan Warmels and Gary McRay, she salvaged the Gallery’s mission through the economic downturn and more difficult situations than I can recount. Our next move was to a former city blueprint shop in an expansive lower level.
Exponential Growth – Lansing next offered me exponential growth with Arts Council of Greater Lansing, where I managed programs for arts organizations and artists from 2012-2014. Under the direction of Leslie Donaldson, I flourished as an emerging leader. I presented nationally, embraced my role as an artist, and exhibited with Grove Gallery and ArtPrize. As part of my work with Chad Badgero and Dawn Gorman I learned to dream big and returned to graduate school for arts administration.
Growing Together – I became the executive director for Lansing Art Gallery in 2014. My Board of Directors wholeheartedly supported my graduate learning and national research fellowship, as well as the opportunity to serve as adjunct faculty at MSU once the opportunity arose. With community feedback, we grew and became Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center. We created policies and procedures to undergird our professionalism, and within a year, we were back in the black financially. Our community was engaged and generous. Our talented staff included Sara Pulver, Jane Kramer, Megan Shoup, Sydney Richards, Katrina Daniels, and many more. Key Board Members who helped make our growth possible: Judy Eyde, Laurie Lonsdorf, Keith J. Rouse, Mickey Hadick, Ben Rathbun, Michelle Massey, Brian Whitfield, and many more.
Stepping Away – I was optimistic when I departed from my executive position in 2022. We had navigated the pandemic, increased access, fostered DEI, and moved to a new location above ground. Momentum was strong, and our fund balance was significant. We boasted an incredible staff and board, significant assets in the bank, and strong community & funder relationships. I thought I had set up the Gallery for success; I estimated we had built a framework would last at least another decade.
Heavy Heart, Indeed – The whirlwind of change came quickly. As stated publicly, “After much deliberation and a heavy heart the board has made a very difficult decision to close the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, effective at the end of April. We understand that this news will come as a significant shock to many in the arts community.”
An Evolution – My fierce #loveLansing has evolved. I recognize many mixed feelings: gratitude and grief among them. I spoke with a sage friend @Hari Kern recently, who generously supported the Gallery’s mission for years. She reminded me that the Gallery’s dissolution does not take away from our vibrant, thriving work together. Thousands of people annually benefitted from the Gallery’s mission to provide public awareness, education, and enjoyment of the visual arts by promoting the works of Michigan artists. As a statewide and national advocate for the arts, I’m proud of our collective efforts and the legacy we built together.
P.S. I am always sending love back to Lansing & Michigan, from wherever I am.
Love,
Barb
Barb Whitney Art & Consulting 