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| Ester Mauricio I have been blessed to be introduced to The Art Experience, Inc. back in 2004 when Marilyn Secatch hosted a MAAT Art Journal group when the studio was at the Summit Mall in Waterford. I am inspired by the artists and creative individuals here as well as the wonderful women who started and keep this studio running and shining like a beacon in Pontiac. Before I was employed at TAE, I would go to open studio whenever I could to sketch or work on my art journal. It was refreshing to have the space outside of my home to create. At home I'd end up distracted by my "To-Do" list. Now, I'm involved in more aspects of the studio like teaching classes, setting up workshops, running workshops and helping find donors for the annual fundraiser. I've met wonderful artists from all walks of life through the years. TAE is one of my favorite places to go to. I had worked 10 years as a social worker in Kansas and received my art therapy degree there at The Emporia State University. I am semi-retired and about to be a full-time mom. I grew up in Indonesia, Hawaii, Micronesia, and Canada. I also like to garden, cook, listen to music, practice yoga, walk, watch movies and spend time with family and friends. I am influenced by many artists and am lately into creating art with recyclable and non-recyclable materials. I enjoy working with all kinds of medium. I am honored to be involved with OCCMHA 50th anniversary Celebration with The Art Experience by creating their commemorative piece for their milestone event. As Judy Wilson would say, it is "kismet," since I myself just turned 50, too. In the piece we'll be using recyclable materials decorated and embellished by OCCMHA consumers, volunteers, staff and providers. You may read more information on OCCMHA's celebration in this newsletter and on their website. OCCMHA has done wonderful things for people with disabilities of all kinds and in turn have made quality of life better for all. |
Meet Our Staff
| TAE eNewsletter April 2013 |
| Carolyn Elston Masnari Carolyn Elston Masnari has been a teacher and a working artist at The Art Experience since 2009. Carolyn has a fine art degree from Western Michigan University. She is our exhibit coordinator and last year we had two very well attended shows, one for Reynard Small and also a Katie Serewicz Retrospective. We are looking forward to some new and exciting exhibits in the coming year. Some of her classes include teaching water based oil and watercolor painting. She also presents art history workshops based on the life of an artist such as Vincent Van Gogh or Georgia O'keefe. She belongs to several art organizations and travels to Charlotte, North Carolina and Sarasota, Florida to participate in various shows and art activities. |
| Kathy Cassell I host Open Studio at TAE where I help people from all walks of life discover the artist within. I show people what and where materials are available to create with and how to care for artists’ tools. I am also there to give direction, inspiration and technical information if wanted. First and foremost Open Studio is an artist community, a space to create and make friends. I enjoy promoting an atmosphere of respect and enthusiasm for all creative endeavors. I teach acrylic landscape workshops where beginner artists learn basic colour theory and paint alongside me to produce their own painting; relaxed and enjoyable sessions that are sure to give that ‘kick start’ to further inspiration. Last year I participated in helping fellow TAE instructor Sue Nimlin with a birdhouse painting workshop for MORC clients have a really creative and gratifying evening. I am also an active artist and board member with the Lapeer Art Association. I promote networking between LAA, TAE, and other artist organizations. |
Featured Volunteer: Michael Sirs
My name is Michael Sirls. I come every week to the Art
Experience. One day I clean. I use the vacuum cleaner. I
wash the sink and bathroom. I put things away and organize
the papers. I get to come back another day to create art. I
have painted, colored, made boxes with pictures, and made a
butterfly to hang in my window. Each week I do something
Experience. One day I clean. I use the vacuum cleaner. I
wash the sink and bathroom. I put things away and organize
the papers. I get to come back another day to create art. I
have painted, colored, made boxes with pictures, and made a
butterfly to hang in my window. Each week I do something
President's Corner
I feel enormously proud of this past year’s achievement of our tireless board members,
dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers, and honored patrons in support of TAE’s growth. As I
vital to the human experience in our community.
TAE’s board has added members and as a result of their diverse and creative input we
have been able to increase our presence in the community. Our marketing out-reach efforts
have helped to spread the news of the exceptional value that we provide through our arts
programming. As a direct result TAE has seen an increase in all program attendance and an
increase of programs offered.
Last year the board voted unanimously to appoint Judy Wilson as Director. Along with this
decision the vote included an increase in her hours. This is a huge step for TAE, we are
committed to our mission; with that brings a need to increase our organizational leadership,
program development, budget and finance monitoring, communications expansion, grant
obtainments,advocacy, and education. Judy has managed many of these responsibilities for
years, often as volunteer hours. Judy we thank you for your acceptance, your expertise in
leadership and your commitment to our organization.
TAE additionally strives to provide therapeutic arts to special communities by expanding
our range of community partners. Programs in unison with MORC, Common Ground and
Wayne State University’s Art Therapy Department have helped TAE communicate and share
the healing and restorative attributes of art expression.
We look forward to this year, encouraged by the strength of the TAE community and our
partners. We are excited as we plan new ventures in art awareness activities with new
community partners. We would like to ask each of you to help us find new funding and
additional board members,volunteers and patrons and welcome you to contact us if you have
an interest in discussing how you might become a part of our exciting growth. Together we can
expand our recognition as a creative and therapeutic community arts studio for
all persons to experience the arts.
Marie Murray
MA LLPC, Art Therapist
TAE Board President
dedicated staff, enthusiastic volunteers, and honored patrons in support of TAE’s growth. As I
vital to the human experience in our community.
TAE’s board has added members and as a result of their diverse and creative input we
have been able to increase our presence in the community. Our marketing out-reach efforts
have helped to spread the news of the exceptional value that we provide through our arts
programming. As a direct result TAE has seen an increase in all program attendance and an
increase of programs offered.
Last year the board voted unanimously to appoint Judy Wilson as Director. Along with this
decision the vote included an increase in her hours. This is a huge step for TAE, we are
committed to our mission; with that brings a need to increase our organizational leadership,
program development, budget and finance monitoring, communications expansion, grant
obtainments,advocacy, and education. Judy has managed many of these responsibilities for
years, often as volunteer hours. Judy we thank you for your acceptance, your expertise in
leadership and your commitment to our organization.
TAE additionally strives to provide therapeutic arts to special communities by expanding
our range of community partners. Programs in unison with MORC, Common Ground and
Wayne State University’s Art Therapy Department have helped TAE communicate and share
the healing and restorative attributes of art expression.
We look forward to this year, encouraged by the strength of the TAE community and our
partners. We are excited as we plan new ventures in art awareness activities with new
community partners. We would like to ask each of you to help us find new funding and
additional board members,volunteers and patrons and welcome you to contact us if you have
an interest in discussing how you might become a part of our exciting growth. Together we can
expand our recognition as a creative and therapeutic community arts studio for
all persons to experience the arts.
Marie Murray
MA LLPC, Art Therapist
TAE Board President
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