With decades of experience serving Northern Michigan, Liz Ahrens continues to lead an impactful career in the arts by supporting artists, business, and the community. In this Coffee @ 10 conversation, we will hear about Liz's career and the unique way she connects our small corner of the world with arts on a national and international level.
Coffee @ 10 conversations are not ticketed and all are welcome to join us for a complimentary cup of coffee, pastry, and inspiring conversation.
This event takes place in person at Crooked Tree Arts Center-Petoskey. Can't join us in person? Participate online via Zoom or watch on Facebook.
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ABOUT LIZ AHRENS
Liz Ahrens moved to northern Michigan in the fall of 1996 to reboot her career and personal life. Her experience in business ownership included a gallery in Birmingham and a financial services company in Grosse Pointe. Fast forward 27 years and she continues to combine the arts and business. She and her husband, Neil W. Ahrens opened Ahrens Gallery and Studio in late summer 2021. Neil holds an MFA from Cranbrook Art Academy and paints in the style of Abstract Expressionism. Their property includes the gallery, Neil's studio, and a guest cottage just outside downtown Harbor Springs.
She joined the staff of Crooked Tree Arts Center as Marketing Director in 2000 and was promoted in 2005 to Executive Director/President. In January 2020, Liz retired from CTAC and became the first full-time paid staff member of the American Impressionist Society. Serving artists since 1998, the American Impressionist Society offers their members opportunities in exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, painting demonstrations, critiques, paint outs, lectures, and tours. AIS has over 2,100 members representing all 50 states.
Liz has been active in a number of organizations including serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Petoskey. She served as President of the Board of Directors of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and President of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2007. She was appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to serve on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs in 2011. Liz served as a board member of Mackinac Arts Council, ArtServe Michigan and the Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters Alumni Board. Liz received the Athena Award in December of 2014 for her dedication to the community and her work in the non-profit sector.
As of 2023, she is a board member of the Harbor Springs Foundation and the President of Petoskey Rotary Charities of Petoskey.
Liz holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University School of Philanthropy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Humanities from Michigan State University in 1984.
