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

Wed, 10/30/2024 - 7:39pm

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.

AACHM Oral History: Johnny Barfield

Sun, 09/28/2014 - 12:54pm

Please take a moment to take our "Living Oral History Survey and let us know what you learned.

Johnny W. Barfield was born February 8, 1927, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a child he sold soap house to house and, after tenth grade, joined the U.S. Army where he served in France and Germany. After leaving the Army in 1947, Mr. Barfield became a wall washer for the University of Michigan, where hard work, entrepreneurship, and innovation helped him build the largest cleaning business in Ann Arbor. Mr. Barfield is widely recognized for his philanthropic work and support of the African American and business communities.