GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

Hello! My name is Audrey Merlihan. I was born and raised in Battle Creek, MI., where my artistry career began and flourished. Starting in 2015 when I Co-Founded MODÉLLE, a creative arts company specializing in Weddings/Events, Senior Portraits, and other creative projects, I explored my talents in photography, videography, and even modeling. Parting from the company in 2018, I became a freelance media specialist and began working with local businesses and artists in Battle Creek and surrounding areas, creating commercials, filming live music videos/performances, and photographing community events. In 2020 I founded Free City Mag, LLC. (FCM) which I hoped would serve as an artist-run magazine publication for the city. In 2023, FCM was structured to fit within the newly established Art and Culture Collective of Battle Creek. I am now, 27, signed with two modeling/talent agencies in Michigan and Ohio, and have come together with a group of Battle Creek artists on a mission to curate a community where artist careers can thrive.

DIRECTOR

I am a creator, and music is my first language. Creativity is currency, which is why I am a fierce advocate for the arts and a lover of all things that challenge the norm. I believe that in life we are smarter, stronger, and more effective when we are able to dream collaboratively. The ACC is a love letter to my community. I am so looking forward to experimenting and innovating here and changing the narrative surrounding Art and Culture in Battle Creek and surrounding areas.

ACC BOARD

I consider myself a creative entrepreneur, which includes being an artist of many mediums (photography, videography, graphic design and writing), community building, event planning, placemaking, and consulting. I'm a proud husband, uncle, and dog parent. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Western Michigan University. I have spent the past 5 years doing Economic Development work through the lens of managing entrepreneur support programming for early-stage and idea-stage entrepreneurs in Battle Creek. I founded the Color the Creek Street Art Festival in 2016 to use public art to add vibrancy, spark curiosity, and catalyze creativity in Battle Creek. When it comes to my community work, I regularly remind myself of the mantra that "if you change what people see, you can change what people think. If you change how people think, you can change how people feel. Art is the way to change what people see"

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

As a Visionary/Creator/Rap Artist/Community Leader I find passion in spearheading/assisting the spearheading of any and all things that push art & culture forward. My personality is unapologetic and my love is real. I was born to shift paradigms and hearts through my music, voice and spirit. Lannett is my mother.

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

I'm an artist and photographer based in Michigan. I paint and shoot a diverse range of subjects, all with an aesthetic that’s a reflection of myself. My artwork is inspired by my childhood and the aesthetics of life I as an artist feels through an array of honed techniques and stylization. I have worn many hats during my career: tabling at conventions, running her own online store, selling her art, and gaining a following on Instagram and Twitch. In my personal life. I enjoy playing games, spending time with friends, and traveling

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

I like to create/tell stories using graphic design, clothes, and digital media. Outside of art I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. When I’m at home, I enjoy learning about things that I’m interested in or passionate about via YouTube, and other social media platforms. When I’m out, I enjoy going to concerts/festivals, art gallery’s, clubs, bars, and new restaurants.

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

My aspiration is to break the patterns that I grew up with… I’ve got self-determination and I never let my foot off the gas. I’m motivated by the little ones in my family – my nieces and nephews. They push me to do work that I think they’ll enjoy, like the mural in the teen room at Willard Library. Being a creative means that I can try new things and explore all different kinds of art. I’ve done several murals, and a lot of design work, and now I am getting into apparel and merch. And I keep an eye on artists that inspire me, too – Picasso was a huge influence, and right now I am drawn to Wes Lang. Eventually, I’d like to create an art school where all of this can come together and we can motivate kids to express themselves through art.

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

I’m Kayla McCarthy, artist, activist, mother, and proud member of the Battle Creek community. Throughout my 10 years in the photography industry, I have traveled across the US and abroad capturing raw and authentic images of people from all walks of life. My passion for photography is rooted in my desire to tell stories through images and preserve moments that are meaningful, impactful, and timeless. My art is often a vessel of my activism, supporting, uplifting and empowering marginalized voices through my imagery and documenting movements within our community. I am proud and honored to work with the Artist Collective to continue using the tools I have to collaborate, and innovate with fellow members of our community to make our city a better place for us all.

ACC Board

I am a community organizer, event planner, small business consultant, writer, absurdist and serial entrepreneur. I am husband to Erin and father to Maggie. I am native to Battle Creek, but spent my 20s picking up odd jobs around the country and globe from Appalachia to Portland to the rural countryside in France. I am the founder of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Mustache Society, Sprout BC, Battle Creek Cereal Killers Roller Derby, BTL AXE and Penetrator Events. I devote my creative energies to the transformation of public and private spaces into functional spaces for the community to play and tinker together. I am a celebrator of Battle Creek and all things silly.

GRASSROOTS ARTIST COUNCIL

I am a Native American graphic artist born and raised in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan. At an early age I began honing my skills creating artwork inspired by a variety of books, movies, and cultures through various mediums. The passion that drives my art is the desire to help people I work with create an identity that is both unique and efficient in conveying the message they want to communicate to their audience.

ACC Board

I am an advocate for arts programming in the area and serve as Executive Director for What A Do Theatre, Artistic Director for The Community Music School, A Teaching Artist with Wharton's Disney Musicals in Schools Program, An Adjudicator with the Sutton Foster Awards (Wharton), A Music First Instructor (CMS) and actress/director. I am a wife to Adam Noaeill who is one of the band directors at Lakeview, and mom to Skyler, Zoe, and Annabelle. I am passionate about people falling in love with performing or attending art events. I love watching young talent reach their potential and push themselves to greatness through performing arts experiences.