NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Andrea Hentschel of Traverse City has been hired as AuSable Artisan Village’s first full-time paid executive director.
“Our top goal for 2020 was to hire a full-time executive director,” said Terry Dickinson, Artisan Village’s long-time volunteer executive director. “In less than 10 years – and utilizing an all-volunteer staff – AAV has grown from a concept to a major presence, influencing economic vitality in downtown Grayling.”
Due to that growth however, the activities of AAV have reached a point where it requires a full-time staff to continue functioning smoothly while advancing a pattern of growth and success.
Artisan Village was able to launch the search for a new executive director thanks to a donation from Sarah Lindauer in memory of her sister, Tina Foster, an AAV volunteer, and an operational grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA).
“I was impressed with the rigor of the search committee; they asked the same questions of all the candidates, and the interviews were very professionally done,” said Lindauer, of San Antonio, Texas. “Terry and the whole board of directors were impressive. It made me appreciate even more that the AAV is in Grayling.”
According to Dickinson, the Great Northern Art Explosion, AAV’s recent fine arts competition that ran September 4-20, brought so many visitors and patrons from across the state into downtown Grayling that many businesses saw more than a 50 percent increase in sales during that two-week period.
“At least two businesses more than doubled their revenues during the show dates,” added Dickinson.
Still, he is ready to turn the reins over to Hentschel, who has been working with non-profit organizations for more than 15 years and has pursued art and music throughout her entire life.
“My intent is to serve others and use my capabilities to produce positive outcomes and reach goals while empowering others’ achievements,” said Hentschel. “(This position) seems like an adventure to pursue, grow and see the success of many artists and the vibrant community of customers and locals.”
