Our mission is to engage communities, inspire local arts organizations and bring all forms of art to the West Michigan area with top quality performances and events, as well as exceptional, distinctive, coordinated programming.
OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
Leigh Engelbrecht - Chair
James Connelly - Vice Chair
Don Brightman - Treasurer
Jessica Dawson - Secretary
Linda Humbert - Executive Director
Anna Brothers - Director
Peter Bouchard
Isabel Gauthier
Deb Havens
Sarah McGee
Garrett TenHave-Chapman
Join the Board
WMAC currently has openings for two new board directors for 2026. We're seeking candidates with a passion for the arts in Michigan. Our Board of Directors meets regularly in person or via Zoom. We produce a large Youth Art Program, an Annual Art Walk, host fundraising events and assist our 26 member groups with their events and meetings. Please click on this link to download the board application and email us at wmartscouncil@gmail.com.
Experience is not necessary, enthusiasm is!
THANK YOU
Thank you to the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts for their generous support of the arts in our state and across the country. WMAC was recently awarded a 2025 Operational Support grant for a total of $17,500. These funds are vitally important as we continue to work and build our schedule of performances, events and classes. We deeply appreciate their support. $13,202 was provided from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and $4,298 was provided from the National Endowment for the Arts.
This activity is supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
30+ YEARS SUPPORTING THE ARTS
The West Michigan Arts Council (WMAC) was formed as a nonprofit 501(c)3 back in 1994. Since then we've gone through several name changes (including Creative Art Center and Arts Rockford), growing and expanding our audience into the eight counties surrounding the city of Grand Rapids and we continue to grow more each year.
WMAC currently supports 26 other local arts groups in western Michigan with two more pending final approval. We provide marketing design and access to low-cost printing for nonprofits. We also provide legal assistance to nonprofits with incorporation, state and federal filings as well as helping with fundraising efforts and grant applications.
WMAC produces a major Seasonal Youth Art Enrichment Program starting in April and continuing through October with up to 30 sessions and concerts held in the Sparta area. These sessions are free for youth, appropriate for ages 7-14, and also include free family concerts and activities.
We host an annual Dinner Theater event. This is our major annual fundraising event, with a full catered dinner, cash bar and a live theater performance directed by Kent Schuster and performed by the Hit'N'Run Players. This year, we presented "Exit Laughing," by Paul Elliott and for the first time, the event was on both Friday and Saturday nights! Audiences were enthusiastic and both nights were sold out.
In 2024 we launched a new program, the Sparta Art Walk, featuring original art by West Michigan artists placed on exhibit in local Sparta downtown businesses. The 2025 event featured works exhibited for two months, September and October. Maps are provided to Sparta visitors with additional information about artists and locations.
On the Friday before Thanksgiving, we typically join the annual holiday festivities produced by the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the annual sidewalk sale, parade and fireworks, we've operated a Warm-Up facility in the Sparta Civic Center. This event features live holiday music, a large holiday display, free cookies for the kids and a cash bar with warm or cold drinks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Our office is in the beautifully renovated Downtown Development Authority / Chamber of Commerce building in the Village of Sparta. We're happy to continue building our annual schedule of events. The Chamber building hours are on a seasonal basis. Please check their website for current times of operation. We're very grateful to the Village of Sparta for allowing us to use the Rogers Park Band Shell and other public areas for fundraising events and performances.
All West Michigan nonprofit arts groups are encouraged to contact us regarding becoming a member of the West Michigan Arts Council. There are many benefits and - at this time - there's no cost to join as a member group. Visit the Contact page for more information on becoming a group member of WMAC.