Honoring our Emeritus Members
Jane Diller & John Stevens—A Dynamic Duo
Former art educators, practicing artists, and theater lovers, Jane Diller and John Stevens became integral parts of JRAC in 1998 upon recognizing the organization’s need and knowing they could make a difference. Together, they ramped up arts outreach to local schools and brought innovative and exciting programming to JRAC, including exhibits on pottery and the Japanese tea ceremony tradition, custom motorcycles, duct tape, and more. The husband and wife team curated exhibits and hung shows, worked with students, photographed events, and helped with theater, special events, grant writing, and publicity efforts, continually enhancing the nonprofit's reputation. John, the self-proclaimed main grip, driver, and goffer for Jane, happily considered himself those things for JRAC as he fell into the role of “fix-up person” for the organization, helping create a memorable space to exhibit and produce art. At the same time, Jane served as board president for many years. “Working in the arts has been a lifelong enjoyment,” shared Jane. “Volunteering at JRAC [was] not work; it [was] enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Howard Ellis—A Man of Many Hats
Howard Ellis became a JRAC Board Member in 1989 when he moved to East Jordan. For 27 years, Howard was a devoted part of JRAC, filling an array of roles, including docent, three-time board president (1991-93; 1996-97; 1999-2000), curator, membership committee chair, artist point-of-contact for the annual Arts & Crafts Fair, and facilitator of the Writers’ Group and Socrates Café. Howard had a particular affinity for the performing arts, helping to orchestrate an outdoor summer music series, coordinating with the Petoskey Madrigals for holiday performances, and producing children’s theater. No longer active with the organization, Howard stepped down from his roles in 2016, concluding his service on a high note: “We are known as an exemplar of how an all-volunteer group can succeed. As arts councils burgeon around us, I feel good that we have been able to survive on the support of this and surrounding communities and provide a model to emulate.”
Cynthia Tschudy—An Educator & Teamplayer
Active with JRAC since 2007, when she retired from teaching art in Elk Rapids Schools, Cynthia Tschudy joined the board and happily took the helm of the annual Scholarship Show, highlighting the work of youth artists in the region. “As a former teacher, the Scholarship Show means a lot to me, and I respect JRAC for wanting to support higher education in the arts,” said Cynthia. Meeting and working with the other board members, volunteers, artists, and community members has been a highlight of Cynthia’s involvement, and she further shared that some of her best friends are her JRAC friends. Cynthia loves hanging exhibits, with some of her favorites being 100 Years, 100 Artists, fiber shows, flower-themed shows, and 2023’s Indigenous Peoples exhibit. “JRAC has the heart of an artist and wants to support artists. It is not corporate or business-oriented; it is art and artist-oriented,” added Cynthia proudly. “Don Smith was a good friend, and Jane, John, Howard, and Nancy [Carey] are the people who have been with JRAC the longest, and they are all treasures. This group of strong-minded people loves the arts, and we have all worked together to make JRAC thrive.”
Each of these emeritus members has been instrumental in growing JRAC and raising more awareness regarding the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Their honorary status, a symbol of their hard work and passion, is a well-deserved recognition.
“I just can’t say enough about what these people have given and what their volunteerism shows. It’s such a gift,” said past president and current board member Nancy Carey. “Financial contributions and donations are great, but it’s really the gift of time and effort that leaves a true mark.”