About Us
The mission of the Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan is to provide a place in our community dedicated to nurturing the arts.
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The Roti Roti Art Center (RRAC) offers high-quality educational experiences for all ages, alongside gallery exhibitions, sales opportunities, and a gift shop that supports both local artists and our class offerings. Through these programs, the Center harnesses the power of the arts to inspire and promote positive social change.
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Formerly known as the Buchanan Art Center, RRAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on community support through memberships, donations, sponsorships, and program participation. The Center does not receive government or taxpayer funding.
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A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed their time, talent, and vision to RRAC over the years—your dedication makes our mission possible!
At Roti Roti Art Center, we believe in the power of art to inspire, connect, and transform communities. We strive to create a space where everyone can embrace their creativity, define their future, and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive world.
Our Story
In 2004 a group of volunteer citizens formed the Buchanan Art Center (BAC), with the goal of nurturing the arts in our community. The City of Buchanan allowed BAC to lease the beautiful Prairie Style building, once home to the Buchanan Public Library, and transferred ownership after the BAC demonstrated sustainability for the first five years.
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The Art Center is home to the Marie Remington Pottery Studio; the Hess Library Gallery features an impressive collection of art-related books; and the Fehlner Family Gallery which hosts up to eight exhibits annually and showcases performances, concerts and speakers. The Mary Ruth and Al White Gift Shop, is devoted to selling local and regional artists’ handmade creations. The Art Studio, is a versatile space used for classes in a variety of mediums, for all ages and skill levels.
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The BAC took on the assumed name, Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan (RRAC) in 2021, after the Roti Roti family made a generous contribution to the RRAC endowment fund, in honor of mother, teacher, and artist, Shirley Roti Roti. In 2023 the main gallery was renamed, the Fehlner Family Gallery, when Thomas P Fehlner made a substantial gift to the RRAC endowment, held at the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation.
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Several outdoor sculptures by Dr Fil Inocencio are on display in the beautiful gardens designed by Yvonne G Shaw. The Giraffe, reaching toward the tree on the front lawn, has become an icon in the community. Dr Fil is a self-taught, practical welder who after retirement transitioned his skills into creating sculptures using discarded metal, aligning with his passion for environmental conservation.​
Staff & Leadership
Board of Directors
President
Mary Ankrapp (Acting)
Director
Karen Falkenstein
Director
Alice Kring
Treasurer
Krista Parin
Director
April Jonatzke
Director
Mary Lister
Secretary
Ed Tapia
Director
Susana Kelly
Advisory Member
Kate Blanchard
Committees & Chairs
Building & Grounds
Ed Tapia
Events
April Jonatzke
Gift Shop
Michele Truyaert
Membership
Benny Wicks
Pottery
Cathy Tapia
Fundraising
Diane Pike
Grants
Mary Lister
Nominating
Mary Lister
Education
Kate Blanchard
Galleries
Cara Lawson-Ball
Marketing
Susana Kelly
Technology & Innovations
Kate Blanchard
Staff
Executive Director
Michael Fiedorowicz
Our Partners
Joseph & Patricia Roti Roti Family
Fehlner Family
...and donors like you!
"What a beautiful space and wonderful people and offerings!"
Karen Holt
Chicago, IL 2024