Effective Tuesday, May 16, 2023
The Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan (RRAC) has selected Kim Pruitt as its next Executive Director and she will succeed current interim director Mary Lister who has a long history with the organization. Mary was a founding board member as RRAC began in 2005 and has twice held the Executive Director position. She will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and in other volunteer roles.
Kim Pruitt is a visual artist with a business background in addition to having community-building and place-making experience. She moved to the neighboring community of Three Oaks in 2005 to open a studio and an informal gallery where she featured her paintings and clay sculptures as well as artwork by other artists in a variety of mediums. Kim was a founding board member for Radio Harbor Country WRHC107.6-fm and the School of American Music, both based in Three Oaks. She served as board member of Harbor Arts and helped organize the Wavelength Music Festival, the Inside Out Festival, and the Third Saturday Three Oaks Gallery Walks, which all highlighted the arts and live music performances.
Kim’s interest in the area’s economic development grew while serving on the Three Oaks Downtown Development Authority and as Membership & Marketing Coordinator of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce. Realizing the value of the arts in community-building, stimulating the economy and quality of life, Kim organized several artisan markets, music events and created larger-than-life puppets which have appeared in many local parades over the years.
Kim has had a strong connection to Buchanan as she participated in early fundraising events for what was then known as the Buchanan Art Center, now the Roti Roti Art Center. Friendships in the community developed and the connection continued to grow while she worked at Fernwood Botanical Garden, another culturally-rich organization which has a strong reputation in the region.
“I am excited to join RRAC to support the mission of nurturing the arts and to collaborate with other artists. RRAC has an amazing team of volunteers who believe in creativity as a means of communication and as a tool for shaping culture and who also value art education in developing self-esteem and life-long creative skills. There are many responsibilities that come with this position but I think we can really have some fun! – it’s about the arts after all! I have already met many visitors to the center and I hope people will feel free to stop by for a good conversation about art or to register for classes. Ideas are welcome and I invite fellow art lovers to discover the many ways you can participate!”
The Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the arts. The Center offers a variety of classes for all ages and in many different mediums. Visit and enjoy upcoming gallery exhibits, summer concerts and peruse the Mary Ruth and Al White Gift Shop, filled with treasures handcrafted by local and regional artists. RRAC is home to a full pottery studio, the Fehlner Family Gallery, an art-centered library housed in the Hess Gallery, and a versatile classroom space. Community support is appreciated as we continue to grow our robust programming to further our reach in the area. Visit our website to become a member, register for classes or to learn of the many opportunities in which you might become involved.
Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan 117 W Front St, Buchanan, MI 49107 www.rotirotiartcenter.org
Contact: Mary Lister at rotirotiartcenter@gmail.com or 269-697-4005
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