Board of Directors
Blythe Patterson, President
Marsha Noble, VP Operations
Roger Dresden, VP Programming
Marilyn Emerson, Treasurer
Sue Hamilton, Secretary
Gail Carter
Julie Dennis
Mike Down
Jeff Doyle
Marilyn Emerson
Sharon Fisher
Bruce Grotenhuis
Jeannine MacDonald
Jeri McKeon-Andersen
Mary Ann McCray
Neil Woodward
Past President, Brent Earl
Ex Officio, Jeff Stamm
Staff:
Mary Heikkinen, Office Manager
Sharon Fisher, Sales Manager
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The Livingston Arts Council (LAC) was founded in 1989 to encourage the development and support of the arts in Livingston County. This grass roots organization consisted of a group of dedicated people who embarked on a mission to improve the quality of life in Livingston County through the arts.
From the beginning, the LAC Board shared a vision of creating an arts and cultural center that would further their mission. In 2000, a capital campaign was launched and - thanks to many generous individuals and businesses in the community - the organization was able to purchase the 1881 Howell Opera House. Many structural and foundation repairs were necessary upon purchase of the building, which the LAC quickly addressed.
The organization also purchased the adjacent building (Copper Pickle), to ensure the new art center would have the capacity to meet building codes and accommodate the requirements of a future performing arts center. The adjacent building is a source of rental income to support operating expenses and it is also where the LAC office resides on the second floor.
In 2006, The Livingston Arts Council and the Howell Area Arts Council, another local arts organization, merged to strengthen the mission and goals both shared. This partnership increased much needed support, membership, and programming. The Howell Area Arts Council brought two vital programs under the Livingston Arts Council umbrella - Concerts at the Courthouse and Got Art. Both programs have since grown considerably in size and popularity in the community.
The LAC is moving forward in small steps toward its vision. In May 2007, following a well developed Masterplan, the first floor (formerly Gil-Roy's Hardware) was renovated with funding from Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, HUD, and another fundraising campaign. It is now used as an ideal location for public art shows and exhibits, plays, concerts, fundraising events, and other community activities. It is also available as rental space for public and private use.
Even with the guidance of a Masterplan and the support of the community and grant and foundation funding, the restoration of the theatre on second floor remains a daunting task. Although The Livingingston Arts Council is dedicated to transforming the historic icon into a vital community arts and cultural center, sustaining the 126 year-old building is a constant effort. A new roof was installed on both buildings in 2008 with the help from a Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs matching grant and community donations. Although the completion of the theatre on second floor would offer opportunities for a much wider venue, the current economic climate and maintaining the building slows the restoration progress.
Today, the first floor of The Opera House offers a wide-variety of diverse experiences: lectures, concerts, art classes, art exhibits, youth events, community activities, dinner theater, fundraising events, and more. Call us for a tour of the building - it may inspire you to share our vision and support our effort!
For a quick virtual tour of The Opera House interior, please click on http://rtvpix.com/BU-4065-6P5PS8-01
To support our mission or to get involved,
visit To Volunteer or To Donate
To learn more about The Opera House,
visit The Opera House History
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