Jenn Queen joined the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) as executive director in 2022 after more than a decade with Ann Arbor SPARK, the city’s economic development effort, where she was senior vice president of marketing, communications and events. She is also a two-time former business owner and a consultant, having founded and run a successful marketing firm and a weightlifting gym.
Learn more about her, what she’s looking forward to this year from the A2AC and how to get involved.
Programming for the whole community
“My entire career has been in parallel to A2AC, since I worked on projects for the organization up until I was hired full-time,” said Queen. That means she’s been involved directly and indirectly in the organization’s success for decades. Queen is looking forward to what’s to come in the new year, which includes increased programming for the ArtLab space and ongoing expansion of the Art in Public program, in addition to regular classes and returning events and programs.
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“ArtLab at the A2AC is where creativity and innovation meet, said Queen. “We offer students of all ages, kids to adults, the chance to explore and discover how to use emerging technologies, such as stop-motion animation, digital illustration, 3D modeling and printing, graphic design and more – all intended to develop in-demand skills,” she said.
Art in Public is the A2AC program for adding beauty to the community through murals, sculptures, light installations and other art mediums. “We are currently working on a project for 2025 where we engage local schools,” said Queen.
“I am also very excited to bring Artini back to downtown Ann Arbor again,” said Queen. This popular community event is a pub crawl that pairs art with custom cocktails, all to benefit the A2AC. Artini took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned last year. “We weren’t sure what to expect by bringing it back, but Artini proved to be an amazing night out on the town,” said Queen. “The A2AC team is looking forward to building on last year and making this event a banger of a good time for a good cause.”
Queen is also looking forward to the expanded offerings beyond traditional art classes, including more date and family nights for those who don’t want to commit to a class, but still want to create in a supportive, community setting. She’s also happy about the increasing amount of art in our public spaces. “I believe art should be accessible to everyone, and having professional works visible to anyone living, working or visiting Ann Arbor is a very exciting initiative,” said Queen.
How to support the A2AC all year long
How can you support A2AC throughout the year? Stop by for a visit. “Our galleries are free and open to the public. You can bring a cup of coffee and your laptop and sit in our gorgeous space seven days a week,” said Queen.
Browse the gallery shop. “If you purchase something, you’ll get the double benefit of also supporting a local artist,” she said. Attend events, whether that’s an exhibition opening or a fundraiser. Take a class. “You don’t need any background in art to enjoy a beginner’s class,” said Queen. “If taking a class for several weeks doesn’t suit your interests or availability, consider a workshop or date night, which are a few hours and can be done with a friend or partner.
You can also make a financial donation. “Financial donations to the A2AC help us pay artists who teach our classes a competitive wage,” said Queen. Donations also help the A2AC offer new classes, support scholarships for students and contribute to the vitality of arts in our community.
