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AADL Talks To: Deb Polich, President and CEO of Creative Washtenaw

deb polich
Deb Polich

Deb Polich has been involved in Ann Arbor and regional arts development and management for decades. She was the director of the pioneering and award-winning ArtTrain Inc. and is currently president and CEO of Creative Washtenaw where she’s been involved from its inception as Arts Alliance. She’s also served on the board of several arts and culture institutions and nonprofits. Deb talks with us about some career highlights, from memorable exhibitions with ArtTrain to initiatives such as Winterfest, PowerArt!, and creative:impact, her radio program at EMU. She also discusses changes in the local arts and culture landscape and the importance of funding for public art.

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AADL Talks To: Russ Collins, Executive Director/CEO Marquee Arts

Russ Collins

Russ Collins grew up in Ann Arbor and received a Masters degree in Arts Administration from the University of Michigan just before becoming Manager of the Michigan Theater in November 1982. Russ walks us through the evolution of the Michigan Theater over its near-100-year history, from the vaudeville and silent film eras through the ups and downs of the celluloid and digital eras. He also takes us into the weeds of technical changes over the years; discusses historical preservation efforts in renovations to both the Michigan and the State theaters; and touches on programming and marketing challenges following the collapse of the newspaper industry. Russ will retire in December 2024.

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AADL Talks To: Steve Gilzow, Ann Arbor Observer Cover Artist

Steve Gilzow, May 2024
Steve Gilzow, with June 2024 Observer Cover

In this episode AADL Talks To Steve Gilzow, a prolific cover artist for the Ann Arbor Observer, retired teacher, and writer. Steve talks about the inspiration behind his art, the people and places captured within his covers, and how his work with the Observer has allowed a deeper understanding of the community.

 

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AADL Talks To: Lou Belcher, 55th Mayor of Ann Arbor (1978-1985)

Ann Arbor Mayor Louis D. Belcher, December 1980
Ann Arbor Mayor Louis D. Belcher, December 1980

In this episode, AADL talks to Louis Belcher, mayor of Ann Arbor from 1978-1985. In addition to his four terms as mayor, Lou was also a city councilman and successful businessman. He recounts memorable stories from his time in office, including the unusual 1977 mayoral contest with former mayor Albert Wheeler; the time he took the RFD Boys to Germany for a sister city celebration; and the infamous Ann Arbor pigeon cull.

Posters Disappear

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Parent Issue
Day
5
Month
April
Year
1981
Copyright
Copyright Protected

A Taste for Art

A Taste for Art image
Parent Issue
Day
16
Month
March
Year
1998
Copyright
Copyright Protected
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AADL Talks To: Michael Kondziolka, former Director of Artistic Programming at University Musical Society

Michael Kondziolka
Michael Kondziolka

In this episode AADL Talks to Michael Kondziolka. Michael, who retired in 2023, served for 30 years as the director of artistic programming and production for the University Musical Society. Michael talks with us about the thrill of bringing performers to Ann Arbor; how he and the UMS team responded to the changes and challenges of the late 1990s and how he helped reshape UMS’s aesthetic and took programming in different directions.