Awakening Minds Art holds annual meeting

FINDLAY — Awakening Minds Art (AMA) held its annual meeting on April 9 at Flight House in Findlay. The meeting included leadership updates, a review of organizational performance throughout Northwest Ohio, and program and fundraising highlights from the previous year. Outgoing board members included Past President Kyle Frias and Rachel Fix. Tiffani Lewis was introduced as a new member of the Board of Directors. The organization also announced its 2026 Executive Committee. Sarah Ricker, founder, will serve as President. Shelby Cole was named Vice President, Cassi Cronin will continue as Treasurer, and Kristin Kachur was introduced as Secretary. Additional board members include Jordan Hamilton, Jake Warrington, Melissa Johnston, and Allison Trutt. AMA's leadership team includes Executive Director Emily Sullivan and Development Director Inci Yilmazli Trout. Instructors include Megan Hall, Bailey Taylor, Jennifer Denike, Brandon Barnett, and Crista Metzger Leady. During the meeting, AMA leadership reviewed the organization's history, noting its founding in 2009, and provided an overview of current programming. In 2025, AMA served 182 unique groups and more than 7,000 total students across Hancock, Putnam, Wood, Lucas, Allen, and Seneca counties. Programming included one-on-one instruction, group classes, school partnerships, agency services, and community-based programming. The organization reported that fee-for-service revenue covers approximately 74% of direct programming costs, excluding broader organizational expenses. Fundraising remains a key component of sustainability. In 2025, the Dueling Pianos fundraiser netted $13,000, and the annual Art Auction generated $43,000. Savings from prior years allowed AMA to hire a part-time Development Director in 2025. The organization also reported that while 2025 brought continued fundraising success, there remains an unmet demand for services in the community. Program expansion included increased partnerships with agencies, schools, and community organizations. AMA served 48 agencies in 2025, up from 33 in 2024, including 28 senior living and memory care facilities. The organization also worked with 49 classrooms across 22 schools, significantly increasing from prior years. Additional programming highlights included community classes, summer camps, and partnerships with 13 local organizations. AMA also expanded access through grant-funded programming, including initiatives for individuals with Parkinson's disease and collaborative programs with local nonprofits and schools. In 2025, AMA received four major grants totaling $14,306.50. The organization also launched an endowment fund through the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, with $16,600 deposited in its first year to support long-term sustainability. Executive Director Emily Sullivan noted the organization's transition from a regrowth phase to a focus on reassessment and sustainability. "Our risks paid off," Sullivan said. "We have a versatile and strong team, new revenue opportunities are developing, and our board continues to support fundraising efforts." The recipient of the 2026 Sarah Crisp Award was announced as Megan Hall, recognizing her long-standing contributions to program development and instruction. "Megan represents exactly what this award was created to recognize," said Sarah Ricker, founder and board president. "Her consistency, leadership, and commitment to our students have shaped not only our programs, but the experience of every individual we serve."