Studio 1219 Moves to Independence
Posted on March 31, 2010
Studio 1219 in Downtown Port Huron is in the process of completing its transition to independent governance with a new board of directors and a filing with the IRS for independent recognition as a nonprofit corporation.
Opened in October of 2005, Studio 1219 is a creation of collaboration between the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, James C. Acheson Foundation, Port Huron DDA and the State of Michigan’s Cool Cities Initiative. It was among the first projects completed through the Cool Cities Initiative and remains the largest public art facility in Michigan’s Thumb Region.
Since the Studio opened it has been managed and governed by the Community Foundation and Port Huron DDA. It has developed signature events and programs such as the Renaissance Roam, Black & White Gala, Bra Art Show and the Fire & Ice Educational Festival.
Mr. Lee-Perry Belleau, a native of Marysville, moved back to his hometown to become the Studio’s president in 2009. He has been working with a brand new board of directors that include;
- Carol Henry (Board Chair)
- Scott Babin, a vice president at E & A Credit Union
- Dr. Nicholas DeGrazia, former CEO of Lionel Trains and Trustee at SC4
- D’Lynn Pollock, full-time mom and wife of SC4 president, Kevin Pollock
- Duane Collins, artist
- Mona Armstrong, assistance prosecutor
- Dr. Jill Gillhooley, local dentist
According to Randy Maiers, president of the Community Foundation, “Studio 1219 has become a fixture in the region for arts and culture. It is clearly one of the best projects our foundation has ever been a part of.”
Mrs. Carol Henry says the new board has been busy with strategic planning, budgets and establishing goals and objectives for the Studio. “I’ve been a volunteer at the Studio for several years now, and am thrilled to help transition the Studio to independence and another phase of growth.”
