Brian Felster
Programming Director

    Brian came to the CAC in the summer of 2005 as a resident artist in the mediums of photography, graphic arts and web design. He initially volunteered his time and talents to establish an interactive web presence for the CAC that has been instrumental in informing both the public and the media of events at the facility, as well as informing organizations that wish to use the facility what it has to offer.
    Brian became the Program Director of the facility in mid-September of 2005 and was immediately put to the test with organizing the first Taste of the CAC, the signature fundraiser for the organization. Brian brings a rich history in technical theater, having trained in theatrical lighting at Macomb County Community College in Michigan, and having worked numerous shows in both their black box facility and main stage theaters in the capacity of  lighting technician, flyman and stage hand. Brian has also held the position of master lighting technician for Llama Productions, a small but successful theater venue in the suburbs of Detroit, MI. He also brings an 18 year history of management in a retail situation and associated customer service skills. Brian has been avidly involved in graphic arts and design work since the age of 12, an has relished the versatility that computers have brought to the art form.
     Brian’s duties as Program Director include managing the four primary programs of the CAC. The Residency Program, The Lois M. Nelson Theatre and Performing Arts Program, the CAC Arts Education Program and the CAC Outreach Program.
     Under the Residency Program, Brian assists the CAC resident artists in planning and producing exhibits within the facility, in organizing and presenting workshops geared toward informing and educating the public within their field of artistic expertise, in finding avenues to present their works outside of the facility, assists them with information on marketing their artwork, and keeps them informed of events within the facility which may benefit them.
     Under the Lois M. Nelson Theatre and Performing Arts Program, Brian is responsible for organizing the smooth presentation of all events that pass through the facility, planning and organization of events from 18 months out until the present date. These events range in scale and format and include such venues as exhibitions, presentations, installations, theatrical performances, concerts and readings. In such, Brian is responsible for managing all personnel and properties involved in the proper production of these events.
     Under the CAC Arts Education Program, Brian is responsible for scheduling programming such as workshops in arts related fields that will benefit both the CAC resident artists as well as the community at large. This also includes the implementation of a summer program for local school age children to assist them in experiencing the arts on a personal level.
     Under the CAC Outreach Program, Brian is responsible for identifying and making contact with organizations which assist individuals and families who may not otherwise have the means to experience the arts on a personal level and provide them with the means through distribution of 10% of the available tickets for all events to these organizations. This program also includes the organization and implementation of programs such as the CAC Resident Artists On The Road, in which CAC resident artists travel out to senior centers and schools to perform and inform about the arts.
     In his downtime, Brian enjoys online gaming such as World of Warcraft and Vanguard, web design, his primary art form photography, a good cup of coffee with great conversation, the fine art of cooking and the not so fine art of eating.

Marlon Harris
Office Manager

Marlan has served the CAC as office manager for the past 2 years.  Marlon’s time is provided to us through Experience Works. Previous to being in Toledo, she worked for Turner Communications in Atlanta. Marlon’s cheerful disposition and Multi-tasking skills are always a welcome site in keeping things ago in the sometime chaotic flow of ringing phones, resident artists’ questions and visitors arriving at the CAC business office.

Frank Gregory
Office Assistant

Frank keeps the flow of information flowing at the CAC. He is responsible for the distribution of mail to artists in residence; maintaining of mailing lists; welcoming visitors to the center; and archiving all media covering the Collingwood Arts Center. Frank’s time is provided to us through Experience Works.

LaVale Stewart
Restoration Worker

 LaVale, a former CAC artist in residence, has worked diligently to restore many rooms in the complex. His duties include painting, refinishing floors, restoring rooms for both residential and studio use, as well as renovation of the building’s general areas, to help restore the building to its original beauty. LaVale is technically trained in sound and as such operates the soundboard for CAC in the Lois M. Nelson Theatre for concerts, plays, and other events. During the winter months, LaVale makes sure that the sidewalks are clear of ice and snow.

Peter Van Schaick
Custodian

Peter receives the “longevity award” for the 21 years he has resided at the CAC. Peter a poet, takes his morning stroll through all the bathrooms of the CAC making sure that toilet paper is plentiful and all trash is removed. He formerly taught art history at the University of Toledo.