We received the following press release from LowellArts.
LOWELL, MI, January 31, 2023 | LowellArts is honored to announce that it has hired Janet Teunis as the next Executive Director of LowellArts. In a corresponding announcement, Lorain Smalligan will be retiring from her position as Executive Director on March 1 after 24 valued years with the organization.
“We are grateful for years of dedication, service, and leadership Lorain has provided LowellArts and we wish her the best as she begins her retirement,” said Todd Drenth, LowellArts Board Chair.
Under Lorain Smalligan’s leadership, LowellArts has significantly advanced its mission and grown in size, reputation, and impact. Notably, Lorain led a successful $1.3 million capital campaign to move LowellArts to a new state-of-the art facility in the heart of historic downtown Lowell.
LowellArts is in capable and familiar hands with the hiring of Janet Teunis as Executive Director. Janet has served as Project Director at LowellArts since 2013 and her responsibilities have included managing the organization’s marketing efforts, website, and gallery as well as providing important leadership each year at the Fallasburg Art Festival.
Todd Drenth said, “We are excited for the next chapter at LowellArts. Janet Teunis has the knowledge and expertise to further the organization’s mission of connecting artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.”
Janet Teunis has 23 years of experience working in arts management. From 2000-2013, she held positions at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA). Janet has experience in artistic and programmatic leadership, human resources, management of programs and events, management of operations and marketing, and special event planning. Janet has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan School of Art, and is a practicing visual artist.
LowellArts occupies two adjacent storefront properties on Main Street with 2,550 sq. ft. of gallery space – beautifully showcasing the work of hundreds of local, statewide, and international artists in a variety of group shows. The facility also includes a classroom space allowing LowellArts to offer a variety of art classes for youth, teens, and adults. By utilizing the open floor plan, high ceilings, and flexible seating, the gallery is regularly transformed to allow for music and theater performances.
LowellArts also organizes the annual Fallasburg Arts Festival, a 2-day outdoor event held each September at Fallasburg Park 4 miles north of downtown Lowell. In addition, LowellArts co-presents the popular annual Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series with the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, which consists of weekly concerts held on Riverwalk Plaza, along the Flat River in front of the Lowell Showboat.
To learn more about LowellArts, please visit the website at www.LowellArtsMi.org.
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