PRESIDENT

Dawn Conwell is a multifaceted entrepreneur whose journey reflects her adaptability and visionary spirit. Having successfully run and later transitioned from True Envy Boutique and Ashley’s Ice Cream Cafe.

Dawn now focuses on property investments for Airbnb, creating welcoming and unique spaces for travelers in Marion and beyond.

An accomplished Expressionism artist, Dawn’s passion for landscapes, florals, and pottery adds a layer of creativity to all she does. Her artistic vision is mirrored in her business ventures, where she brings a thoughtful and personal touch to every project.

Dawn’s love for travel and her appreciation for fine chocolate remain central to her vibrant personality. With her entrepreneurial endeavors and creative pursuits, she continues to leave an indelible mark on Marion’s landscape, building a legacy rooted in innovation, artistry, and community connection.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

In the heart of Marion, Indiana, Kevin Planck's journey has been a tapestry of art and community service. A former Art Major at Taylor University, his early exploration in pottery, oils, and visual design ignited a lifelong passion for creativity. The joy of the creative process during those university days has lingered ever since. Over the past two decades, Indiana has been home to Kevin's diverse professional ventures, from overseeing grants for at-risk youth in education to co-owning restaurants in vibrant cities like Miami Beach and Savannah. His leadership roles in social services organizations, including Profamily Social Services and Cardinal Services, reflect a commitment to community welfare.

Currently, Kevin is the Director at Suite Living Senior Community located at 1256 N 400 W, Marion, IN 46952. Kevin's eagerness to contribute to the Marion Arts Commission stems from a desire to reignite the artistic spark in his life and give back to a community he holds dear.

TREASURER

Beth is an accomplished professional with extensive experience as the Branch Manager at First Farmers Bank & Trust in Kokomo. With a strong background in financial management and team leadership, she exemplifies a perfect blend of expertise and dedication, ensuring transparency and integrity in all giving and fundraising initiatives. Beyond her professional achievements, Beth’s compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to excellence resonate deeply within the community. Her leadership elevates the standard of support provided to artists and their businesses, fostering a culture of professionalism and mutual growth.

Beth’s influence reaches far beyond her role, making a meaningful impact on the community while advancing the creative missions of local artists. Her efforts create lasting opportunities for connection, innovation, and success. A trusted leader and advocate, Beth inspires those around her through her dedication and vision, leaving a profound and enduring legacy in both the arts and the broader community.

COMMISSIONER

Chris is the former President and CEO of Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Co., a family-owned manufacturing business in Marion, IN, that operated for 74 years. The company produced high-quality plastic laminate countertops and distributed cabinets, cultured marble, and stone vanities for multi-family housing projects. In October 2022, Chris successfully oversaw the sale of Hartson-Kennedy to Formica Corporation and its parent company, Broadview Holdings, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Beyond his achievements in business, Chris has always had a deep passion for the arts. He played a key role in founding the Marion Arts Commission, bringing together artists, educators, and community leaders to promote the arts in Marion and surrounding areas. This effort culminated in his partnership with Marion Design Co. to establish the Kennedy Art Center, a hub for design and artistic expression.

A lifelong lover of music and art, Chris’s creative roots trace back to his youth in Marion, where he honed his skills in drawing and painting. His passion for singing, inspired by his talented mother and brother, continues to be a source of joy. In his free time, Chris enjoys painting, allowing his artistic spirit to thrive.

COMMISSIONER

Don’s life is a seamless blend of innovation and creativity. A graduate of Southwestern University with a B.S. inMedical Technology in 1986, Don spent 15 years with AstraZeneca, excelling in marketing roles that honed his strategic acumen.

In 2002, he co-founded Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc., a company that has become a leader in the Philippine pharmaceutical industry. Serving as Marketing Director, Don played a pivotal role in shaping its success before relocating to Indiana.

Now based in Marion, Don has embraced his passion for the arts as a Contemporary Abstract Artist. Painting professionally since the 1990s, his works have been featured in museums and galleries across Asia and the USA.

Known for his inventive and emotionally charged style, Don’s art explores the unspoken language of human desires and subconscious imagination. His pieces are celebrated for their depth, spontaneity, and powerful visual storytelling.

Discover Don’s artistic journey and view his compelling works at donartamas.com.

OUTGOING PRESIDENT

Wendy, CEO of Marion Design Co., is a social designer and registered interior designer whose career is grounded in the belief that design can change people’s lives. Her reason for creating stems from how she views design as a way to serve people.

When designing, whether it be in the context of environmental design, spatial planning, work or family interaction, way-finding, interior design, graphics, or the multiple other platforms of design, Wendy is thinking of people through every stage of inspiration, ideation, and implementation. She revels in a healthy balance of good design and personal preference supported by a fulcrum of truth. Her knowledge of the field of design and passion for working with college students is grounded in over 17 years of experience conducting her own design business and 34 years of training and instructing undergraduates.

Wendy’s leadership at Marion Design Co. reflects her commitment to fostering creativity and community connection. Through collaborative projects that integrate art, culture, and functional design, she ensures that each effort contributes to the enrichment of the Marion community. Wendy’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of design to inspire, unify, and serve.

COLLEGIATE LIAISON

Bruce Campbell’s artistic journey began with a B.A. in Fine Arts from Taylor University in 1972, followed by an early career in advertising and graphic design in Chicago. Transitioning to academia, Bruce became a Professor of Art at Indiana Wesleyan University from 1979 to 1981, later serving as an adjunct professor and Artisty-in-Residence at Taylor University from 1979 to 2008. He currently operates a painting studio in Marion and continues to teach art courses at Indiana Wesleyan University on an adjunct basis.

As a conceptual and installation painter, Bruce’s works have garnered nationwide acclaim, appearing in esteemed galleries and exhibitions.

His art is featured in corporate collections such as Hollister Pharmaceuticals Inc., NIPSCO Industries, Herman Miller, and Kraft Foods, among others, and has been exhibited at venues including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Rockford Art Museum, and the South Bend Museum of Art. His work is also part of the permanent collection at the Byer Museum of the Arts. Bruce’s art challenges traditional boundaries, blending innovation with storytelling to captivate audiences across the country.

COMMISSIONER

Mike is a registered architect and President of Hastead Architects, a firm established in 1993 to deliver reliable, progressive and community-conscious designs tailored to meet clients’ unique needs and budgets.

A passionate supporter of downtown Marion's transformation, Mike has spearheaded impactful projects such as Ridley Tower, which now serves as a hub for various art forms. His investments exemplify his commitment to enriching Marion while leveraging statewide connections to expand the city's artistic reach.

Under his leadership, Halstead Architects thrives as a team of local architects and designers who embody Mike's vision for a community where architecture and the arts intersect meaningfully. The firm prides itself on offering thorough, timey, and client-focused service rooted in a philosophy of creativity, integrity and dedication to standing behind their work.

Through his efforts, Mike continues to shape Marion’s future while honoring its cultural and artistic heritage.

COMMISSIONER

Matt Wilson brings a wealth of creativity and community-focused passion to the Marion Arts Commission. Since March 2012, he has been contributing his expertise in various capacities at Ascension Health, where he focuses on serving the community with care and dedication.

Matt is also the proud owner of Psychedelic Cellar, Marion’s premier destination for vinyl records. Psychedelic Cellar reflects his love for music and his mission to preserve the timeless beauty of analog sound in the digital age.

Beyond his professional and entrepreneurial pursuits, Matt is deeply passionate about the arts. He enjoys exploring various forms of creative expression, from painting and sculpting to curating music collections that resonate with the soul.

As a board member, Matt aims to inspire artistic growth and foster a thriving cultural environment in Marion. His diverse background and enthusiasm for the arts make him a valuable advocate for the creative community.

COMMISSIONER

Sia is an extraordinary individual from Marion, Indiana, whose rich cultural heritage - rooted in her American mother’s lineage and her father’s Sierra Leonean roots—shapes her perspective and drives her passions. Her Christian faith is the foundation of her life’s work, influencing her roles in coaching, leadership, consulting, and public speaking.

For over 16 years, Sia has been a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities, dedicating herself to uplifting and empowering others. Her impactful work has earned her the esteemed “Tony Maidenberg Award” for Community Service, and her inspiring journey was featured on the cover of ‘The Wesleyan Life magazine’, highlighting her continued influence.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Sia grew up in a family where creativity was celebrated, and her passion for supporting the arts remains unwavering. Inspired by the boundless creativity of her son, Elijah, she actively promotes and supports artists within her community, believing in the power of art to bring people together and spark change.