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ourstaff

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Matt Matthews

Executive Director

Matt is an experienced leader with a passion for finding creative solutions to difficult problems, building trusting relationships, and thinking strategically to reach radical and transformative goals. Matt has more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, most recently as the Associate Director of Playworks Michigan. As a Michigan State Court Administrative Office qualified mediator and a specialist in conflict resolution, Matt facilitates trainings for diverse groups of participants throughout the Midwest.

"I am excited for the opportunity to join the Anton Art Center, an organization with such a rich and impactful 50-year history in Mount Clemens. I am particularly inspired by my discussions with the Board and members of the Team. Their sincere and intentional desire to be a hub of culture and community in Macomb County and across Southeast Michigan motivates me. I look forward to contributing my experience as a relationship builder and fundraiser to help the organization grow in its program and financial goals."

 

Matt earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and master’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, focused on team development and group dynamics.

 

Matt has run every single day for more than fifteen years and has participated in more than 25 marathons. Matt brings passion and commitment to everything he does, whether that be in the way that he runs, the way that he conducts his work, or the way he plays Ninja Turtles with his kids.

Email: mmatthews@theartcenter.org

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Peggy DiMercurio

Education & Community Engagement Manager

Peggy joined the Anton Art Center staff as the Education Coordinator in May 2018. In that role she works with instructors, artists and students to plan educational offerings to meet community needs and to fulfill the AAC’s mission to provide access to arts for people of all ages. 

Peggy has been instrumental in expanding our outreach initiative throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties by meeting people out in the community at art fairs, libraries, vendor shows, and other local events. 

Peggy enjoys the relationships she has developed at Anton, "I love working with all of the creative people at the Art Center from our instructors, students and families to our volunteers, artists and visitors. We have been working to create a welcoming space for everyone and it is so rewarding to see all that effort pay off as we spread the word about the Anton Art Center and welcome new people in the galleries, the classrooms and in the community. Anton Art Center is an amazing place to work and create." 

Peggy has over twenty years of program coordinating experience, an Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Macomb Community College, certification in E-Marketing, certification as a Training Generalist from Langevin Learning Services, and is a licensed Zumba instructor, focusing on programs with seniors, kids, and people with special needs. She teaches Mixed Media Art for Kids, Acrylic Flow and other workshops as well as dance programs. 

Peggy is a lover of the arts, helped to found the Eastpointe Community Garden, is a Special Olympics of Michigan volunteer, and supporter of Macomb County and everything it has to offer. 

Email: pdimercurio@theartcenter.org

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Stephanie Hazzard

Exhibition Manager

As an accomplished Exhibition Manager, Stephanie specializes in curating and installing a yearly calendar of visual arts displays and community engagement programming. Her background includes extensive knowledge in arts department leadership and a talent for nonprofit administration. Stephanie’s work experience includes supporting team excellence, nurturing community connections, and establishing cooperative partnerships with various stakeholders.

 

Stephanie manages gallery operations at the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Macomb County’s premier nonprofit arts and culture organization housed in the city’s historic Carnegie Library building since 1969. She initiates and maintains the development of a variety of exhibition projects annually and supervises the activity of the exhibition department. In this position, her professional and technical skills have enhanced community visibility and engagement, improved public programming, and supported the expansion of the organization.

 

Stephanie studied Studio Art Painting and Art History at Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree with distinction. She is an enthusiastic advocate for the important role of arts and culture in our communities. At home, she enjoys time with her family and rescue pup and is a mixed media artist, novice plant lady, and foodie.

Email: sahazzard@theartcenter.org

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JoElle Slaughter

Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant, JoElle plays a pivotal role in assuring the smooth functioning of our vibrant art community at the Anton Art Center.

With a passion for the arts and a keen eye for detail, JoElle brings a unique blend of creativity and administrative skills to our team. She has over 18 years of experience in administrative roles, making her a valuable asset in maintaining the efficiency and artistic spirit of our center.

JoElle enjoys assisting behind-the-scenes for events and handling inquiries with a warm and welcoming demeanor to ensure both artists and visitors have a seamless experience at the Anton Art Center.

Beyond the realm of spreadsheets, databases and calendars, JoElle is a true art enthusiast. She actively engages with the artistic community, attending exhibitions, workshops and classes. This personal connection to the arts allows her to understand and anticipate the needs of our creative minds.

JoElle brings a wealth of skills to the administrative role. She excels in time management, organization and communication. Proficient in a variety of office tools and software, she ensures that our administrative processes are as dynamic and innovative as the art within our center.

In her free time, JoElle enjoys painting, traveling and spending time with her family and two pets - Miles the Pup and Murphy the Cat.

Email: jslaughter@theartcenter.org

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Nancy Garcia

Anton Art Market & Holiday Market

Nancy Garcia began regularly volunteering for the Anton Art Center with exhibits, Anton Art Market, and Holiday Market efforts in 2004. She is the creator and author of the AAC's colorful Blog, where she posts photos and content about the hand-selected artists and their work that is showcased in the shop, and the featured Artist of the Month.

 

Nancy became our volunteer Art Market Coordinator in March 2019. In addition to operating the blog, she schedules all Art Market & Holiday Market artists, installs the retail space displays, and keeps track of sales and re stocking. 

 

Email: artmarket@theartcenter.org

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Laura Fournier

Accounting

Laura is a long-time supporter of the Anton Art Center and began regularly volunteering with accounting in 2021. Laura also serves as a member of the Anton Art Center Board of Trustees.

 

Email: accounting@theartcenter.org

She/Her

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