PRESIDENT

Wendy, CEO of Marion Design Co., is a social designer and registered interior designer whose career is grounded in the belief that design can change people’s lives. Her reason for creating stems from how she views design as a way to serve people. When designing, whether it be in the context of environmental design, spatial planning, work or family interaction, way-finding, interior design, graphics, or the multiple other platforms of design, Wendy is thinking of people through every stage of inspiration, ideation, and implementation. She revels in a healthy balance of good design and personal preference supported by a fulcrum of truth. Her knowledge of the field of design and passion for working with college students is grounded in over 17 years of experience conducting her own design business and 34 years of training and instructing undergraduates.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Dawn is a rising entrepreneurial force, is the visionary owner of True Envy Boutique and Ashley’s Ice Cream Cafe nestled in downtown Marion. Beyond her roles as CEO and multipreneur extraordinaire, Dawn is a connoisseur of chocolate, an avid traveler, and an Expressionism artist with a passion for landscapes, florals, and pottery. Dawn Conwell, a woman of many facets, leaves an indelible mark on Marion's entrepreneurial landscape, her journey unfolds as a colorful canvas, illustrating a life rich in family, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams.

TREASURER

Beth is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience as the Branch Manager at Star Financial Bank in downtown Marion. With experience in financial management and leading teams, she brings a perfect balance of expertise to ensure accountability and integrity in our giving and fundraising efforts. Beyond her professional prowess, Beth's kind spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence make a significant impact on our community, elevating the level of professionalism as we wholeheartedly support artists and their businesses. Her devotion serves as an inspiration to all those she collaborates with, making a lasting impact on the arts and community.

SECRETARY

Loretta brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to our team with a rich background spanning writing, curating music, and entrepreneurship. Loretta co-owns RoLo Shop and Tappan That Sound with Roger Tappan and serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society. Her passion for the arts, community, and Indiana's motorcycle culture makes her a valuable asset as we work together to enrich Marion's cultural landscape.

COMMISSIONER

After several years of displaying artwork around the neighboring cities, Tashema was handed a flyer that would change the trajectory of her “free time”. Sometimes God moves when you least expect him to. After competing in Community Pitch Night 2019, Tashema N. Davis won second place and Echo Gallery was born! Tashema loves to smile and paint! She can be found painting literally on any and everything. She has a passion for the arts, artists, and her community. Tashema believes everyone is a painter; it’s just a matter of what kind of painter. She is loved by her two daughters and husband Keenan. Tashema loves making friends and feels that everyone who enters the gallery is a friend. She enjoys portrait oil paintings, meeting the city with love, and meeting new people.

COMMISSIONER

Mike is the President of Halstead Architects and a registered architect. With investments in the revitalization of downtown Marion (Ridley Tower and more) that house various forms of art, his dedication to the betterment of Marion is proven. His connections throughout the state of Indiana expand Marion’s art reach. He leads a team of dedicated local architects and designers who support his vision for the arts, enlarging our network throughout the community.

COMMISSIONER

Former Marion Arts Commission President, Chris was the President and CEO of Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., Inc. Hartson-Kennedy was a 74 year old family owned, manufacturing business located in Marion, IN that produces plastic laminate countertops and distributes cabinets, cultured marble, and stone vanities for multi-family projects. In Octo­ber of 2022, the oppor­tu­ni­ty came forth to sell the man­u­fac­tur­ing and cab­i­net dis­tri­b­u­tion busi­ness, Hart­son-Kennedy, to a long­time sup­pli­er, the Formi­ca Cor­po­ra­tion and their par­ent, Broad­view Hold­ings. A few years before selling the business, Chris was asked by Mayor Jess Alumbaugh to help start the Marion Arts Commission with some other artists, educators, business people, and non-profit leaders to create an organization to help promote the arts in Marion and the surrounding areas. He was asked because, in addition to running a business, Chris has had a love for the arts since childhood. He attended St. Paul and Bennet High Schools in Marion where he enjoyed drawing and painting. The love of art in his family inspired him to partner with Marion Design Co. to establish a design studio and art gallery - the Kennedy Art Center. He also loves singing and was influenced by his mother and brother, both of whom enjoyed singing and have beautiful voices. In addition, he enjoys painting in his spare time.

COMMISSIONER

Don graduated from Southwestern University with a B.S. in Medical Technology in 1986. Worked for AstraZeneca in various Marketing positions for about 15 years. After his stint with AZ, with a core group of dedicated professionals - started their own pharmaceutical company in 2002 called Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. multicare.com.ph - which is now one of the best pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines. He was their Marketing Director for about 5 years before moving to Indiana. Currently based in Marion - Don is also a Contemporary Abstract Artist, with an international upbringing, whose works have been exhibited in various museums and galleries in Asia and the USA. Don has been painting professionally since the '90s. He does not limit himself to a particular style, he is a versatile artist who is inventive, searching, and daring. His works are interesting and enlightening, characterized distinctively by spontaneity, impulse, depth, improvisation, and chance. His abstract works are emotionally charged, infused with mystery and tension, expressing a wide range of human desires and yearnings. His works’ power and fascinating quality stem from the feeling that they strike deep into subconscious reserves of energy and imagination. You can visit his site at donartamas.com

COMMISSIONER

Bruce Campbell finished his degree from Taylor University with a B.A. in Fine Arts in 1972. Following the completion of his degree, he worked in advertising and graphic design agencies in Chicago. He held a position as painter and Professor of Art at Indiana Wesleyan University from 1979 to 1981, and also as an adjunct professor and artist-in-residence at Taylor University from 1979 to 2008. He currently maintains a painting studio in Marion and teaches basic and advanced art courses for Indiana Wesleyan University on an adjunct basis. Campbell is a conceptual/installation painter whose work is represented through galleries and exhibitions nationwide. His work is included in corporate collections such as Hollister Pharmaceutical Inc, NIPSCO Industries, Marsh Supermarkets, Fenley Real Estate Group, McDonalds, Kraft Foods, Tyson Foods, Drexel, Burnham and Lambert, LaSalle Partners, Mitchell International, Glenview Trust, Herman Miller, Transco Energy, as well as in numerous private collections. His work has been exhibited at the Rockford Art Museum, The Muskegan Museum of Art, South Bend Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. He is included in the permanent collection of Byer Museum of the Arts.

COMMISSIONER

In the heart of Marion, Indiana, Kevin Planck's journey has been a tapestry of art and community service. A former Art Major at Taylor University, his early exploration in pottery, oils, and visual design ignited a lifelong passion for creativity. The joy of the creative process during those university days has lingered ever since. Over the past two decades, Indiana has been home to Kevin's diverse professional ventures, from overseeing grants for at-risk youth in education to co-owning restaurants in vibrant cities like Miami Beach and Savannah. His leadership roles in social services organizations, including Profamily Social Services and Cardinal Services, reflect a commitment to community welfare. Currently, Kevin is the Director at Suite Living Senior Community located at 1256 N 400 W, Marion, IN 46952. Kevin's eagerness to contribute to the Marion Arts Commission stems from a desire to reignite the artistic spark in his life and give back to a community he holds dear.