Director's Blog

I have been an ACAJC board member for about a year and a half.  I got involved with the board because I have been interested in promoting arts in Jackson as a way of building self expression and a voice.

I was the owner of the Thunderbird Coffeehouse where I hung local art and hosted weekly concerts featuring local and area bands.  Many artists, writers, and musicians hung out there and I offered a variety of opportunities for a variety of artists to play out or read poetry or have a wall to hang their new piece on.  Many new bands formed due to the coffeehouse's role as a venue and a welcoming home to free speech.

Since the days of the coffeehouse's closing, I have continued to host music at all kinds of different venues including Mat's Cafe, St. John's United Church of Christ, Cascades Elementary School, the Unitarian Universalist Church of East Liberty, and the Michigan Theatre.  I do these shows because I am committed to bringing artistic opportunity to Jackson.  If we don't do it, who will?

My current endeavor is a comic strip called The Burgh.  It details the history of Jackson with some ironic twists.  I write the strip and my brother Joe does the art.  We've been doing it for almost a year and a half.

If you're not doing art, I encourage you to try.  If you just can't do it yourself, then I urge you to become a supporter and give your time, talents, and money to organizations and venues that support local art.

Regards,

Jon