December 28, 2017
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Joshua Davis of Lake Leelanau and Ara Topouzian of Farmington Hills, as well as the reappointments of Lillian Demas of Bruce Township and Christian Gaines of Grand Rapids to the Michigan Council on Arts and Cultural Affairs. Omari Rush is appointed chair of the Council.
The 15-member council, housed in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, helps create an environment of artistic, creative, and cultural activity to support Michigan's quality of life and economic vitality.
“This group of individuals has a wide range of experience that I believe is well suited to help support the arts and cultural activities in Michigan,” Snyder said.
Appointments:
Davis is the owner of Redpine 9 Music. He is a private music instructor and a professional musician and songwriter with more than 13 years of experience touring full-time. He is an active member of the music education community in Michigan, co-founder of an arts education organization called On Stage 4 Kids, and is a board member of the Blackbird Arts in Traverse City. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Michigan State University. He will replace Andrew Buchholz.
Topouzian is the president and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, and previously served as the economic development director for the City of Novi. He is an active member in the community and is involved in various associations and boards. Topouzian holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Wayne State University. He will replace Elizabeth Ahrens.
Reappointments:
Demas is a building leadership mentor for Macomb Intermediate School District, and was previously the principal of the International Academy of Macomb, IB World High School, and of Armada High School. Demas serves on the Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors, where she assisted in the development of educational partnerships between the DIA and Macomb County schools. Demas holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Wayne State University, a master’s degree in English from Oakland University, and an educational specialist degree from Wayne State University.
Gaines is the executive director of ArtPrize. He served as film festival specialist for IMDb.com, director of festivals for the American Film Institute, festival director and director of programming for the Hawaii International Film Festival, programmer for the Sundance Institute Sundance Film Festival, and administrative director for The American Pavilion. Gaines holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Vassar College.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Sept. 1, 2020. Rush will serve as chair for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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