PRESIDENT

Dawn Conwell is a multifaceted entrepreneur whose journey reflects her adaptability and visionary spirit. Having successfully run and later transitioned from True Envy Boutique and Ashley’s Ice Cream Cafe.

Dawn now focuses on property investments for Airbnb, creating welcoming and unique spaces for travelers in Marion and beyond.

An accomplished Expressionism artist, Dawn’s passion for landscapes, florals, and pottery adds a layer of creativity to all she does. Her artistic vision is mirrored in her business ventures, where she brings a thoughtful and personal touch to every project.

Dawn’s love for travel and her appreciation for fine chocolate remain central to her vibrant personality. With her entrepreneurial endeavors and creative pursuits, she continues to leave an indelible mark on Marion’s landscape, building a legacy rooted in innovation, artistry, and community connection.

PRESIDENT ELECT

Danielle Winger is an internationally exhibited visual artist and educator based in Indiana, known for her contemplative and emotionally resonant landscapes that explore memory, place, and the human relationship to nature. Her work invites reflection and connection through serene, meditative imagery rooted in themes of personal history and emotional depth. 

Danielle earned a Bachelor of Science in Textiles, Merchandising and Apparel Design from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (Painting) from East Tennessee State University. She has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally, including shows in New York, Tokyo, Denver, and Paris, and her work is held in private collections around the world.  Her paintings reflect a deep engagement with environment, memory, and introspection, encouraging viewers to pause and consider their own connections to place and belonging.

TREASURER

Beth is an accomplished professional with extensive experience as the Branch Manager at First Farmers Bank & Trust in Marion & Kokomo. With a strong background in financial management and team leadership, she exemplifies a perfect blend of expertise and dedication, ensuring transparency and integrity in all giving and fundraising initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Beth’s compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to excellence resonate deeply within the community. Her leadership elevates the standard of support provided to artists and their businesses, fostering a culture of professionalism and mutual growth.

Beth’s influence reaches far beyond her role, making a meaningful impact on the community while advancing the creative missions of local artists. Her efforts create lasting opportunities for connection, innovation, and success. A trusted leader and advocate, Beth inspires those around her through her dedication and vision, leaving a profound and enduring legacy in both the arts and the broader community.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Matt Wilson brings a wealth of creativity and community-focused passion to the Marion Arts Commission. Since March 2012, he has been contributing his expertise in various capacities at Ascension Health, where he focuses on serving the community with care and dedication.

Matt is also the proud owner of Psychedelic Cellar, Marion’s premier destination for vinyl records. Psychedelic Cellar reflects his love for music and his mission to preserve the timeless beauty of analog sound in the digital age.

Beyond his professional and entrepreneurial pursuits, Matt is deeply passionate about the arts. He enjoys exploring various forms of creative expression, from painting and sculpting to curating music collections that resonate with the soul.

As our Executive Director, Matt aims to inspire artistic growth and foster a thriving cultural environment in Marion. His diverse background and enthusiasm for the arts make him a valuable advocate for the creative community.

COMMISSIONER

Chris is the former President and CEO of Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., a family-owned manufacturing business in Marion, IN, that operated for 74 years. The company produced high-quality plastic laminate countertops and distributed cabinets, cultured marble, and stone vanities for multi-family housing projects. In October 2022, Chris successfully oversaw the sale of Hartson-Kennedy to Formica Corporation and its parent company, Broadview Holdings, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Beyond his achievements in business, Chris has always had a deep passion for the arts. He played a key role in founding the Marion Arts Commission, bringing together artists, educators, and community leaders to promote the arts in Marion and surrounding areas. This effort culminated in his partnership with Marion Design Co. to establish the Kennedy Art Center, a hub for design and artistic expression.

A lifelong lover of music and art, Chris’s creative roots trace back to his youth in Marion, where he honed his skills in drawing and painting. His passion for singing, inspired by his talented mother and brother, continues to be a source of joy. In his free time, Chris enjoys painting, allowing his artistic spirit to thrive.

COMMISSIONER

Don Artamas is a contemporary abstract artist currently based in Marion, Indiana. With an international upbringing and a professional art practice dating back to the 1990s, his work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout Asia and the United States. 

Artamas’ paintings are known for their emotional depth, spontaneity, and strong visual presence. His abstract compositions explore texture, atmosphere, and the interplay of light and shadow, inviting viewers into contemplative and immersive experiences. Known for emotionally resonant, spontaneous abstract compositions, Artamas explores themes of memory, identity, and the subconscious through layered textures and atmospheric color.

Before fully embracing his artistic career, Artamas had a successful professional background, including co-founding a pharmaceutical company and holding strategic roles in business. He now channels that creativity and vision into his art and service as a commissioner for the Marion Arts Commission, where he supports artistic engagement and cultural development in the community. Discover his work and artistic journey at donartamas.com. 

COMMISSIONER

Bruce Campbell’s artistic journey began with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Taylor University in 1972, followed by an early career in advertising and graphic design in Chicago. Transitioning to academia, Bruce became a Professor of Art at Indiana Wesleyan University from 1979 to 1981, later serving as an adjunct professor and Artisty-in-Residence at Taylor University from 1979 to 2008. He currently operates a painting studio in Marion and continues to teach art courses at Indiana Wesleyan University on an adjunct basis.

As a conceptual and installation painter, Bruce’s works have garnered nationwide acclaim, appearing in esteemed galleries and exhibitions.

His art is featured in corporate collections such as Hollister Pharmaceuticals Inc., NIPSCO Industries, Herman Miller, and Kraft Foods, among others, and has been exhibited at venues including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Rockford Art Museum, and the South Bend Museum of Art. His work is also part of the permanent collection at the Byer Museum of the Arts. Bruce’s art challenges traditional boundaries, blending innovation with storytelling to captivate audiences across the country.

COMMISSIONER

Mike is a registered architect and President of Hastead Architects, a firm established in 1993 to deliver reliable, progressive and community-conscious designs tailored to meet clients’ unique needs and budgets.

A passionate supporter of downtown Marion's transformation, Mike has spearheaded impactful projects such as Ridley Tower, which now serves as a hub for various art forms. His investments exemplify his commitment to enriching Marion while leveraging statewide connections to expand the city's artistic reach.

Under his leadership, Halstead Architects thrives as a team of local architects and designers who embody Mike's vision for a community where architecture and the arts intersect meaningfully. The firm prides itself on offering thorough, timey, and client-focused service rooted in a philosophy of creativity, integrity and dedication to standing behind their work.

Through his efforts, Mike continues to shape Marion’s future while honoring its cultural and artistic heritage.

COMMISSIONER

Sia is an extraordinary individual from Marion, Indiana, whose rich cultural heritage - rooted in her American mother’s lineage and her father’s Sierra Leonean roots—shapes her perspective and drives her passions. Her Christian faith is the foundation of her life’s work, influencing her roles in coaching, leadership, consulting, and public speaking.

For over 16 years, Sia has been a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities, dedicating herself to uplifting and empowering others. Her impactful work has earned her the esteemed “Tony Maidenberg Award” for Community Service, and her inspiring journey was featured on the cover of ‘The Wesleyan Life magazine’, highlighting her continued influence.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Sia grew up in a family where creativity was celebrated, and her passion for supporting the arts remains unwavering. Inspired by the boundless creativity of her son, Elijah, she actively promotes and supports artists within her community, believing in the power of art to bring people together and spark change.

COMMISSIONER

Sujatha Balasundaram is a visual artist and community advocate with over 20 years of experience in visual communication and graphic design.

As a board member of the Marion Arts Commission, she brings a unique perspective, integrating faith, art, and culture to promote local artists and foster artistic expression in Marion, Indiana.

Through her organization, ArtResponses, Sujatha develops workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs that bridge culture and creativity, engaging the community through arts-based initiatives and children's creative education.

Her own art draws inspiration from global traditions, particularly Indian folk art forms like Warli and Madhubani, which she weaves into her contemporary visual storytelling. Her work spans multiple disciplines, including arts-based community engagement and children’s creative education. In her capacity as a Board Member, Sujatha is committed to promoting local artists and fostering artistic expression in the community.