Our Mission
We believe art is intrinsic to the quality of life. Our mission is to promote, enrich and encourage cultural experiences in our community.
Photo by Layla Blahnik-Thoune
The Lake Effect Community Art Center is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. It is under the direction of and staffed by the volunteer board members as well as an Operations Manager. Our Center houses the Lake Effect Art Gallery, open seasonally. We host many community building events.
Meet Our Team!
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
President
Christine Worley
I believe that art reflects the culture of the time and place in which it is made. I want to be part of the art community in Manistique!!
Vice President
Cathy Rohde
There is an artist in all of us. Some just haven’t discovered it yet!
Co-Treasurer
Lyne Lejeune
Creativity is a way of bringing people together. There is no competition in being creative.
Co-Treasurer
Laura Steffen
Art is so important. Art encourages social connections, promotes economic growth, and enhances quality of life. I feel very privileged to play even a small part in bringing art to our community.
Secretary
Rachel Leckson
I may not be crafting masterpieces, but I’m great at cheering on the arts. Lake Effect gives our town something special, and I love being part of that energy.
Board Member
Mindy Asp
Why do you do volunteer?
​
Why not?
Board Member
Mandy Fierens
Community is everything. Being able to work together as a team is a great experience. It takes all of us to make it so wonderful!
Board Member
Eric Neilson
The arts have always been a source of joy and refuge for me and I want to work for a group that introduces others to share in those same opportunities.
Board Member
Operations Manager
Katie Birdsley
We don't judge birds for their songs, or bees for their hives. Humans are part of nature and are meant to create in the same way. "Good" doesn't matter. Art is part of who you are.
Board Member
Joan Ecclesine
One of the items on my bucket list is to participate in a flash mob.
Board Member
Chet McDougle
​I am passionate about art at every level and find that community is key in fostering creative voices. I feel
that it is important, especially in rural areas where there are less avenues for expression, to provide a space for creatives of all stripes to congregate and exchange ideas in a supportive environment.
Board Member
Shannon Shoemaker
I am interested in learning more about the arts in our community
Board Member
Kelsy Gonyea
What is your why?
Board Member
Janet Knaffla
I’ve always had a connection to both art and music throughout my life. Although I do not consider myself as an artist I do enjoy trying and learn new art technics. I really value the role they play in bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences. I think Lake Effect is such a great opportunity for our community, especially for students, to explore creativity, meet new people, and try new things.
My daughters have been involved in art and music since they were little, and as a family we enjoy going to workshops, variety of music and learning together. It’s something that’s important to us, and I love seeing those kinds of opportunities available in our area.
I’m excited to see Lake Effect continue to grow and be part of that in our town.
Board Member
Hanna Davis
I have always been drawn to The Art's Programs even at a young age. My parents put me in various art programs and I also did various preforming art programs. My daughter is a Performing Arts/Dance Major in College and I have always supported all of my children and their passion for art. I feel that being involved in The Lake Effect is a way that I get to help contribute and support local artists' & art programs. The Lake Effect Team is an amazing group that supports each other and their own their individual ideas/styles for art.
Board Member
You?
What is your why?
Join our team
A great place to start is to join in on one of our monthly meetings.
3rd Tuesday of Every Month @ 5:30pm EST
Located Inside Lake Effect
244 S. Cedar St.
Manistique, MI 49854
Annual Member's Meeting
Tuesday, November 17th @ 5:30pm EST
Located Inside Lake Effect
244 S. Cedar St.
Manistique, MI 49854