The Mackinac Arts Council, a nonprofit entity, is managed by the Founder and Executive Director, Becki Barnwell, and a Board of Trustees comprised of the following members:

Becki Barnwell, President

Jennifer Callawaert, Vice-President

Ann Levy, Treasurer

Suzie Ashley

Mary Jane Barnwell

Brenda Bunker

Margaret Doud

Robin Dorman

Kelly Dorman

Roger Humphrey

Kelly Manion

Bill Murcko

The Mackinac Arts Council began as a vision of Becki Barnwell, a life-time Mackinac resident. Becki, a student and art enthusiast throughout her life, realized that she wanted to give something back to Mackinac that would outlast her current contributions. Her dream is to bring more cultural experiences to the Island to enhance the arts experience for visitors and residents alike and to provide an even greater sense of community among its diverse members.

At a meeting in October of 2002, residents, business owners, local government and church representatives confirmed the need for an organization on Mackinac to encourage more arts and cultural events for the audiences on Mackinac Island. This newly formed arts council (MAC) would provide the organizational backbone to help a multiple of non-profit entities achieve their outreach goals. It would also generate arts programming from its own extensive and talented local resources.

To this end, the founders created a volunteer board within six months and offered the following 2003 summer season three major arts events on the island: a Concert in the Mackinac Island Public School, a Festival of the Arts Show, and the Jammin’ for the Arts" fundraiser. These fun and well-attended events brought awareness and reconfirmation of the growing interest in these types of cultural activities.

The Mackinac Arts Council's scope is expanding rapidly. Visit all our pages to find out what new events are on tap this year!

We are always looking for new volunteers and additional Board members, please contact us if you are interested in helping out in either of these positions.