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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.​

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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

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Joseph & Patricia Roti Roti Family
Fehlner Family

...and donors like you!

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"What a beautiful space and wonderful people and offerings!"

Karen Holt

Chicago, IL 2024

Support the Arts Today!

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