Learning, Listening, Leading
Growth is good, hard work!
One Year In
It's almost been a year of serving as President of the Evansville Arts Coalition Art Center. I’ve learned that leadership in a volunteer role is a different kind of work, especially when it’s something that aligns with my career passions, yet asks for a totally different mindset.
Lyssa Lovejoy, Career Artist and President of EAC
I’m still learning the processes. Still learning the systems. Still learning how to hold this role with care while also honoring my personal and professional life. Some days, it’s a challenge simply figuring out where everything fits. But the deeper truth is this: it has stretched me in the best ways.
This year has also helped me truly get to know our community through the programs Evansville Arts Coalition has offered, the people who show up, and the quiet stories that live behind every “Yes, I’ll volunteer,” every donation, and every artist who takes a chance on sharing their work. It feels like we’ve covered an incredible amount of ground in a short time, and sometimes it’s hard to even comprehend how much has been accomplished.
The Karen Howell Chapter (and the story that still makes me smile)
One of the greatest gifts this year has been learning from Karen Howell, now President Emeritus, and recognizing the depth of what she has built. It’s hard to fully grasp the work Karen has done and the relationships she has nurtured over the years. We’ve had many conversations, but one in particular shifted something in me. Karen shared how EAC—her ability to serve, to gather people, to keep the center moving - nearly halted during COVID. That moment helped me understand just how much of her heart has been poured into EAC. It also reminded me that this organization isn’t just represented by a building or a calendar of events - it’s people, resilience, love, and persistence. Learning from Karen has been an honor, and I see it as a gift.
Pushing on in Personal Growth
Meanwhile, I was in a season of growth, thriving, making decisions… not even knowing yet that I would someday be living in Evansville…
And then there’s the story, the one Karen likes to tell, that still gives me a kick every time I hear it. She’ll laugh and say: “One day Lyssa came in and asked, ‘How can I serve?’ I had no idea this is where it would lead us!” Honestly… same, Karen! I had no idea either, but I’m grateful for where that one question has taken us!
Looking ahead
As we move forward, we are continuing to build. There are changes we’re making, not to replace what’s been done, but to grow our reach and expand opportunities. We want to add more activities led by experts: writing workshops, clubs, new visual artists, and new musical talent.
We are a nonprofit, and that means we have to be mindful covering costs through donations, grants, and some “for-cost” workshops that help support programming while still serving artists. Though all of this brainstorming and decision making, our main objective remains the same. The mission stays steady: Art is for Everyone.
One year in, I’m grateful. I’m humbled. And I’m excited because the work matters, the community matters, and the future feels full of possibilities!
This blog is written by Lyssa Lovejoy, current President of Evansville Arts Coalition. She is a career artist and teacher. Learn more about Lyssa and her work on the LRAC Artist Registry or on her website: https://lovejoyfinearts.com/