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2024 Election Results, Announced!

ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT!

Please join us in welcoming two returning and one new OAPN Board Members elected by the Ohio Arts Professionals Network membership in December 2023. Board members begin their term on January 1, 2024 where they will serve for two-years.

Re-Elected:

Newly Elected:

Thank you to all of our outstanding nominees! We appreciate the excitement and interest in serving and furthering the OAPN mission.

Additionally, thank you to all of our members who voted!

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OAPN 2024 Conference RFP

Monday, April 10, 2023

Ohio Arts Professionals Network, OAPN
Jessica Rosenblatt
Executive Director
[email protected]
c: 440-341-2899

Download PDF

OAPN is seeking a city within Ohio to host its 2024 conference. The 3-day conference will run Monday through Wednesday, all day going between the hotel, exhibit hall and music venue. Set up/access needed in exhibit hall on Sunday. Tear down Wednesday evening into early Thursday (for pipe & drape company). Staff will check into the hotel on Saturday, some attendees will check into their hotel Sunday, the majority will stay Monday through Wednesday night, checking out Thursday morning. A very small number of attendees will want to stay an additional day following the conference. 

Dates: 
Most preferred: Monday, October 14 - Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Second best: Monday, October 21 - Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Third best: Monday, October 7 - Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Ohio Arts Professional Network (OAPN) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization. Our mission is to support and grow the touring Arts & Culture industry in Ohio. We serve our membership which includes 200+ Presenters (those who book the shows at performing arts centers/venues), Artists (local-global/music-dance-educational-multidisciplinary, etc), Agencies (small-large), and Service Organizations (various performing arts related businesses) worldwide. Our biennial networking conference, held on even years, is designed to connect, educate, build relationships, and create business through in person networking, exhibit hall hours, professional development sessions, and live juried showcases. www.oapn.org

OAPN is a 501(c)3 member-driven organization and preference will be given to the host city that can provide one of the major sponsorships in the form of waived rental fees or other concessions. 


OAPN is seeking a host City that can provide the following components for our 2024 regional conference:

A min 200 (or larger) seat theater/venue for 3-days of juried performing artist showcases

  • This venue can be union or non-union
  • Has green room/space backstage for artist
  • Access to backline company, tech crew, equipments, lights, sound, projector, screen, grand piano
  • Within walking distance to hotel or option for shuttle
  • Has a bar and bartender
  • Can host 100-250 person opening night party
  • Option to bring in catered food for opening night party
  • Can speak with venue directly and provide additional information 


A hotel within walking/shuttle distance from theater & exhibit hall space 

  • Is in close proximity to an international airport
  • Shuttle options between hotel/airport
  • Access to Lyft/Uber/other options
  • Can provide discounted room rate for attendees
  • Can host up to 100-250 rooms per night (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed)
  • Can host exhibit hall (see below) within building or within very close walking proximity
  • Has access to hotel bar for attendees with option to stay open later than normal closing hours during the conference
  • Tables/space to spread out for one-on-one meetings during day/evening
  • Access to breakfast or other food at hotel bar/room service

Exhibit hall space that can hold approximately 100 exhibitor booths (8’ booths in 8’x10’ space) with pipe & drape 

  • Has relationship with contractor to supply 8’ tables, table cloths, chairs, garbage cans, access to outlets, can run power to booths upon request
  • Clean, carpeted, well lit space 
  • Exhibit hall should have secured entrances that can be locked during off hours
  • Access to security guards

Up to 4 small-medium size rooms for Professional Development sessions set up classroom style 

  • Located within exhibit hall space or hotel
  • Set up classroom style with 20-50 chairs per room
  • Access to AV (projector, screen, and 2 microphones)

Additional Space

  • Option for large sized room with tables/chairs for keynote speaker and catered plated dinner

Closing Night Party

  • Help secure a location for a Closing Night Party
  • Approximately 150-250 people
  • Catering, bar, bartenders, karaoke, tables, mingling, walking around, relaxed vibe

Please reach out to Jessica Rosenblatt, Executive Director, with any questions:

Jessica Rosenblatt
Executive Director, OAPN
[email protected]
c: 440-341-2899


Deadline to submit RFP: Monday, May 8, 2023.


We look forward to seeing your proposal. 

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2023 Elected Board Members Announced!

2023 Elected Board Members Announced!

 

The Ohio Arts Professionals Network, founded in 1960, is a member based organization whose mission is to support and grow the touring Arts & Culture industry in Ohio. We celebrate all of the voices, perspectives, and experiences of those who make Arts & Culture their life’s work. We actively welcome all people as part of the OAPN community regardless of race, socioeconomic class, color, national origin, religion, diverse perspectives, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, neurological or physical ability, veteran status, legal status, or education level. Our vision is to become the premier member organization in the state of Ohio that artists, agents, and presenters go to when participating in the touring arts industry.  Read more about our history HERE.

The OAPN Board of Directors is governed by a volunteer board of directors which consists of arts and business professionals from Ohio and multiple states within the US. Newly elected board members will serve a two-year term starting January 2023. 

Meet our new board members: 


Abe 
AmbrozaCEO, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center

Born and raised in Lima, OH, Abe has a deep commitment to the Lima community.  Abe joined the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center in May of 2016 and has since increased and retained revenue for the Civic Center (aside from 2020) nearly $600,000 by 4th year with cumulative annual increases through earned income, contributions, and sponsorships. Increased 150,000 annual foot traffic to center events up to 350,000 by 3rd year. Grew annual giving by 25% by leading effective development campaigns to encourage contributions. Increased corporate and estate giving by 200%. Navigated the venue through 2020 and 2021 utilizing virtual and other alternative events to retain customer and donor loyalty. 2022 foot traffic to center events is nearly equal to what had been largest ever number of visitors to the VMCCC in 2019. Based on advance bookings, 2023 is projected to be a record breaking year for the VMCCC in number of events and revenue. 

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I believe that I can bring a unique perspective as the CEO of a county owned building with county employees running a business tasked with operating without being a burden to the annual budget of Allen County while also serving as the liaison to the VMCCC Foundation which serves as the primary presenter of touring shows in our Crouse Performance Center.



 
David M. Finkel, Executive Director, The Strand Theatre

David is a graduate of Indiana University Theatre & Drama. He spent his career in business owning an auto parts distribution company with customers worldwide. Board service includes public, private, and not-for-profit. Founded a 369 seat performing arts center, the Strand Theatre with 150 performances per year. Work included establishing the 501c3 entity, forming a board of directors, acquisition, renovation, and operation of the theater. The Strand is now in its 15th year of operation and survived the Covid shutdown. Other recent not-for-profit boards experience; Our Hospice of South Central Indiana (12M budget), American Theatre Organ Society (200,000 budget), and several local not-for-profit organizations. Public boards include the School Board (50M budget), and currently 31 years in local government with the City of Shelbyville (31M budget). Own 251 Consulting and retired as president after 34 years from my automotive aftermarket distribution company. David is an active musician and licensed pilot. He brings experience, a business background, and boardsmanship to the organizations he serves. Audience development, membership, and fiscal stewardship are critical to the future of our organization. I would be honored to bring my skills in these areas to the OAPN board.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board  I attended my first OAPN Conference this year. We are in our 15th season with over 1,500 events presented. This will give me a good opportunity to get to know others, and expand the horizons of The Strand Theatre.


 

Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director, Verb Ballets 

Dr. Carlson has worked nationally and internationally as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and arts administrator -- and was an original member of the Cleveland Ballet, serving as a Principal dancer from 1972-1983. Also, a member of Actors Equity, she performed in numerous musical theatre tours throughout the 1970’s. For many years, she choreographed for the Cleveland Opera. Dr. Carlson served as Director of the School of Dance at the University of Akron, she became Dean of the School of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, until she returned to Cleveland in 1999. She then served as the Development and Education Director for the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. Dr. Carlson founded the American Alliance of Dance Artists and served as its first President. She has served as a Board member and officer for Fairmount Center for the Arts, DANCECleveland, the Cleveland Ballet Council, the American Dance Guild, the Council of Dance Administrators, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Hong Kong Dance Company and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund. She served as the secretary of the International Organization for Transition for Professional Dancers, a sub-committee of UNESCO, based in Switzerland from 1998-2006, and was Treasurer and Board member of the American Dance Guild in NYC and was its vice-president for 10 years. Dr. Carlson currently serves on the board of trustees of Cleveland Dance Movement and Cleveland Chamber Symphony.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – to create a more vibrant arts culture in our community and state.


 

Edward Schoelwer, Founder/President at Red Shell Mgmt

Edward Schoelwer has made a professional career in performing arts production, management, sales and marketing for over 36 years with American Opera Auditions, New York Shakespeare Festival, Lotus Music and Dance, Shakespeare & Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and now as the founder and president of Red Shell Mgmt. Red Shell Mgmt was founded in 2018 and has grown to include representation for some of the finest fine arts attractions on the road in North America.  The current roster includes:  Limón Dance Company, Collage Dance Collective, Rhapsody in Black, New York Theatre Ballet, Contemporary West Dance Theatre, and Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.  Recently relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, Edward is a member of APAP, NAPAMA, the Dramatists Guild, OhioDance, TNPresenters, PA Presenters, OAPN, the Mt. Adams Yacht Club and he is president of the board of directors of his condo association.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board  I would like to help activate more participation from people in our sector from across the small but mighty State of Ohio.



 
Peg McDonald, Associate Director, Stroede Center for the Arts

With 15 years of experience in a non-profit organization, I’ve held positions as Administrative Assistant, Marketing Director, Marketing & Artistic Director, and now Associate Director of the Stroede Center.  I feel I have a well-rounded understanding of non-profit organizations.  The skills I would bring to the OAPN board are positivity, communication, openness to new ideas, the ability to work with individuals in a group, and the ability to connect artists, agents, and presenters with each other.  I also have excellent skills in organization, detail, and time management.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board  OAPN is an organization that has grown and continues to grow in supporting the connection between artists, agents, and presenters.  These connections wouldn’t be as strong or beneficial without OAPN.  This organization holds us together.  For example, the art world took a big hit with the recent covid shutdown.  During that time, OAPN held us together with "Tuesday Talks" and open discussions.  I would like to be part of that connection and continued growth.  I think by working with artists, agents, and presenters through OAPN we can find solutions to bring the arts back to our communities even bigger and better.


 
Antoinette Kula, Senior Manager, Ticket Sales & Service, Playhouse Square

Antoinette is an energetic and innovative arts professional who resides as the Senior Manager of Ticket Sales and Service at Playhouse Square. In 2018, Antoinette pioneered the development of the Individual Ticket Sales and Service team. Her passion for musical theatre, data, and the patron journey have led her into this current role which focuses on providing superior experiences at Playhouse Square. Antoinette’s work is focused on striving to perfect the patron journey at each interaction with the patron; which she believes creates increased revenue and retention. She has previously held the roles of Season Ticket Services Coordinator and Guest Account Representative (Playhouse Square), Drama Director (Normandy High School) and Priority Sales (The Cleveland Play House). In addition to her professional career, Antoinette has performed in, directed, or costumed designed over 150 theatrical productions. She has presented at the EdTA State Thespian Conference and competed thru the American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Competition. Antoinette holds a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance from Ashland University and her Masters of Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I grew up performing in Ohio arts organizations, studied musical theatre at Ashland University and have spent my career working in a variety of Ohio arts organizations. I have worked in small venues, schools, and now reside at Playhouse Square for the last 11 years of my career. Working as a teacher, performer, designer and creating teams a Playhouse Square has given me a wide variety of experience in the arts and I feel that it is my passion and mission to share my love and knowledge of the arts with others.


 
Erin Cameron Miller, General Manager at Cain Park

Having worked both sides of the stage, Erin brings a unique set of skills to her 19 years as General Manager at Cain Park. She was Production Manager at Cain Park for 10 years before becoming an Equity Stage Manager and then touring the world with David Copperfield as his Production Stage Manager. Erin has served on the OAPN Board of Directors for a total of nine years since 2006 and brings with her a deep history and knowledge of the organization. In 2011 she was awarded the OAPN Award of Merit. 

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I believe in the Ohio Arts Professionals community.  This organization continues to do extraordinary things with and for professionals in the field and I feel honored to be a part of the work.


 
* Erika Finley, Director of Marketing, Live On Stage, Inc./Live Arts & Attractions

Erika brings organization and a fresh perspective as an under-35 arts industry employee. Her experience ranges from the agency side of the business, producing conferences and other events, connections to other arts industry colleagues across the country and internationally, training in fundraising and development, significant marketing experience, and the ability to work very well with others in order to accomplish tasks. She has six and a half years of business experience, and an additional three year of experience on the performance side. Currently, Erika is finishing her Masters of Arts in Arts Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising & Development from the University of Kentucky.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I have served on the OAPN board for the past year, and during that time have learned so much about the industry, my colleagues, and the changes that we have seen and that are likely forthcoming. I would like to serve a full term on the board to help OAPN navigate the industry changes that we are currently seeing, and to help OAPN establish it’s position within the industry as a go-to organization for facilitating productive business interactions within the arts and entertainment industry.


 Sharon Edmond, Receptionist, Saint Luke's Foundation

Born to a big family with military parents in North Carolina, Sharon likes to consider herself a well-traveled southern belle. It's those roots that exposed her to all types of people, cultures, arts, music and dance. Coupled with her gifts of organization, attention to detail, creative imagination, concept design and contagious enthusiasm, her love of entertainment planning bloomed. She pursued her B.A. in Psychology at Hampton University. In her professional career, Sharon has extensive experience in the event industry and has expanded that involvement to non-profit organizations.

Prior to joining the Saint Luke’s Foundation, Sharon has worked in partnership with the American Heart Association, The Diabetes Partnership, CDF Freedom Schools, and Dancing Classrooms . These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for our region one program at a time, and aspires to one day create her own.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – I want to expand the visibility of art and artists within Ohio and abroad. There is so much potential and talent in Ohio from schools like Cleveland School of the Arts to the hidden gems of our mural arts within different communities. With the mayors interest in the resurgence of arts and culture within Cleveland especially I want to be a part of the development.


 
Jerry Ross, Agent, Harmony Artists

I have been in the arts community for 30+ years and have always had a great affinity for the people and organizations I’ve gotten to know over the years. As I have gained years of experience working in the arts, one of the things I truly enjoy is being able to give back to that community. My experience has been 48 years as an agent with about 30 in the arts world. Having owned and operated Harmony Artists for almost 50 years, I would bring a great level of experience to the board. My skill set includes relationship building, sales, and a good understanding of contracts and agreements.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – During the pandemic, as we all changed the way we communicate, I was able to become far more involved in the OAPN community and was appreciative of the welcome I received. It would be an honor to contribute back through serving on the board.


 * Margo Ohlson, Director, E.J. Thomas Hall The University of Akron

Margo has worked in the arts and non profit world for 18 years and brings the special skills of an investment into the arts for the future.

Reason of interest in serving on the OAPN board – to create a more vibrant arts culture in our community and state

 View Current Board
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Ohio Arts Council Blog: Meet Luca Mundaca

Meet Luca Mundaca, an Ohio-based musician who blends her Brazilian roots with a touch of downtown New York City. She’s recently been named the Ohio Arts Professionals Network’s (OAPN) 2022 EDIA Emerging Artist and will offer a showcase at the organization’s 2022 Regional Booking Conference in September.

2022 Keynote Announced!

The Ohio Arts Professionals Network is thrilled to announce our 2022 Keynote Speaker, Laura Zabel!

 

 "Creative People Power"

As our communities work towards recovery and rebuilding, we need creativity and culture to help imagine and build a more equitable, connected and vibrant future. Laura's presentation will focus on how arts and community leaders can reach and engage more people, increase community relevance and connection and find creative ways to collaborate with local government and community agencies. Laura will share examples of locally-grown, small-scale projects and programs that demonstrate how artists use critical processes to reconnect, imagine and build a better future. 

ABOUT:
Laura Zabel is the Executive Director of Springboard for the Arts, an economic and community development agency run by and for artists. Zabel has been honored with numerous awards, including the YBCA 100, Gard Foundation Award of Excellence, Common Future Local Economy Fellowship and the Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship. She chairs the board of directors of the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers and serves as an advisor to Dakota Resources, The Laundromat Project, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and the University of Kansas Department of Theater and Dance.  

Springboard for the Arts provides programs that help artists make a living and a life, and programs that help communities connect to the creative power of artists. Springboard’s work has been featured by The New York Times, PBS, Wall Street Journal, Stanford Social Innovation Review and The Guardian and directly impacts over 20,000 artists each year. Through their free toolkits, training and resources Springboard’s programs have been replicated in over 100 communities across the U.S. and internationally. 

REGISTER TO ATTEND #OAPN2022
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Plenary Speaker Announced - Ruby Lopez Harper

OAPN 2022 CONFERENCE PLENARY SPEAKER ANNOUNCED!

We are thrilled to announce Ruby Lopez Harperone of the country's leading experts on local arts agencies and the arts agency system, as our plenary speaker! She will kick-off OAPN's 2022 conference during our morning breakfast on Monday, September 12 at 9 AM with an inspirational and educational discussion on equity in the arts. Ms. Harper will also make herself available for one-on-one's and sit in on our "Diversify Your Programming" panel discussion. Plan your travel and arrive a night early to enjoy our Sunday night free pre-conference events so that you don't miss a minute of #OAPN2022. 

Ruby Lopez Harper: 
Mexican, Mother, Wife, Dancer, Photographer, Poet and Social Justice Warrior.

Ruby's work experience includes operationalizing equity strategies in external facing programming and external relations, developing and designing field education experiences, leadership development, local arts advancement, and cohort building for the local arts agency field, arts and culture administrators, and arts marketers. She led Americans for the Arts' equity work, including assisting in the transformation of its signature field research project, Arts and Economic Prosperity study. She was the chief architect of the National Arts Marketing Project Conference from 2017 to 2021, successfully transitioning from in-person to online. Recently, she was selected for the 2021 BIPOC Leadership Circle Cohort with Artequity. She was a 2019 Arizona State University Practices for Change Fellow. She was recognized as an 2019 Inspirational Woman (Arts Advocate) by “And I Thought” Women in Literature. She is a steering committee member for the National Coalition on Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response, serves as Chair of the Gard Foundation, serves on the board for the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (Grants Committee/Advocacy Committee) and serves on Aha Media board and PBS/WETA Community Advisory Council.

Ruby’s work has focused on equitable access, grantmaking, supporting individual artists, community development, economic development, cultural tourism, marketing and public art. She draws on a varied background that includes corporate affairs, community relations, volunteerism, employee engagement, marketing and communications, and business administration. She served on the Emerging Leaders Council for Americans for the Arts, was the primary contact for the Arts and Economic Impact Study for Central Ohio from 2008-2016, and recently served as a mentor with Arts Administrators of Color DMV. She is a 2017 National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Advocacy Leadership Institute Fellow, Class of 2017 American Express Leadership Academy Alum and Class of 2010 Next Generation of Leaders Fellowship program.
Attend OAPN's 2022 Midwest Regional Booking Conference

 

2022 Conference Co-Chairs Announced!

Welcome our 2022 Conference Co-Chairs: David Mitchell & Kevin Peters!

As OAPN works to build an even bigger and better 2022 conference experience for our members and members of our surrounding consortias, we are thrilled to have the insight, dedication, and leadership of David Mitchell & Kevin Peters.

David Mitchell, the General Manager at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas, oversees all programing, marketing, sponsorship, educational outreach and community engagement for his 1,100-seat venue. David, an active OAPN board member since 2021 and avid conference attendee, will be stepping into the role as our organizations Vice President in one week. His commitment to the Ohio arts and our organization's success is what makes us excited to have David as one of our 2022 conference co-chairs.

Kevin Peters, an Agent with G.L. Berg Entertainment, who represents many amazing artists and works hard to connect them with presenters from around the country. He is also an affiliate of Minnesota Presenters Network. After attending his first OAPN conference in 2021, Kevin quickly became connected with our organization by offering ideas and insight which led him to join our 2022 Conference Committee. Kevin brings a fresh perspective to OAPN's conference from his experience working in the field and by attending other arts conferences from across the country including Arts Midwest, APAP - Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Arts Market and more.


OAPN 2022 Conference Announced!

*SAVE THE DATE* 
OAPN 2022 Regional Conference
September 12-14
Toledo, OH

We are thrilled to announce that our 2022 in-person conference will be held September 12-14 in Toledo, OH! We plan on announcing important conference details over the next few weeks, so please stay tuned!
2022 CONFERENCE INFO
 
 

10/20/30 Pledge

Ohio Arts Professionals Network signed the 10/20/30 APAP pledge to demonstrate our commitment to racial, equity, diversity and inclusion and gender justice in the performing arts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 10/20/30 COMMITMENT & SIGN THE PLEDGE

OHIO ARTS PROFESSIONALS NETWORK ORGANIZATIONAL PLEDGE:

As a leader committed to racial equity and gender justice, Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN) pledges to:

• ​A 10-year commitment​ to empower, represent and engage the work of artists and organizations within our work and/or organization who identify as and whose primary focus is from Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. This includes a commitment to hire, develop, and provide opportunities for Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons in leadership and staffing positions of our organization, incorporating local and regional demographics to inform these decisions.

• ​20% percent of our programming or artist rosters allocated exclusively towards the mission, performance, presentation, commissioning, and administration of the work by artists and organizations who identify as and whose primary focus is from Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons.

• ​30% percent of our annual budget for programming---for the presentation, commissioning, creation, producing or educating about work; for leadership and personnel---for the salaries and professional development costs in training and hiring for leadership, management, artistic, production, and staff positions of our organization; and for vendors---to focus exclusively on those owned or led  by Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons and include local and regional demographics to inform these decisions.

• We commit to providing current data in these areas to track the current state and progress of our efforts as part of a fieldwide benchmarking effort and to issue an annual report on status, reflection, and discovery based on the work of this Pledge.

***For the programming and budget commitments, those who fall into more than one category will count toward fulfilling percentages in both categories. For example, if you commission a woman who identifies as Black and part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, she would count toward the percentages in both programming and budget.

GO TO THE 10/20/30 PLEDGE
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OAPN Announced 2020 Conference Co-Chairs

The Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN) is thrilled to announce that Erin Cameron Miller, general manager of Cain Park, and Janet Herman Barlow, director of the Stocker Arts Center, have been named 2020 OAPN Conference Co-Chairs.

Erin and Janet both have a deep commitment to OAPN, experience with past conferences, and will work closely with the OAPN board members to prepare for 2020 in Cleveland.

About Erin: Erin Cameron Miller has worked for many professional theaters throughout Cleveland and New York and toured with David Copperfield as his Production Stage Manager. She served as the Production Manager for IPAY (International Association of Performing Arts for Youth) at Playhouse Square in Cleveland. In 2004, after 10 years as Events Production Manager, Erin became the Cain Park General Manager for the City of Cleveland Heights.

About Janet: Janet Herman Barlow has worked for a variety of arts organizations in Ohio and has been involved with over 185 theatre productions since the third grade. She has been the Director of Stocker Arts Center/Lorain County Community College (LCCC) since September 2004. Prior to coming to LCCC, she served as the General Manager of Cain Park in Cleveland Heights; General Manager of Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf (Cleveland Signstage Theatre); Executive Director of the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield; and the Executive Director of the Showboat BECKY THATCHER Theatre in Marietta. She was co-chair of the Arts Midwest Conference in 2017 and served on several boards throughout Ohio, including the Board of Trustees of OAPN. Janet received both the Award of Merit for Exemplary Service to the Performing Arts Field and the Richard Lenhart Award of Excellence from OAPN.

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OAPN Welcomes New Board Members

The Ohio Arts Professionals Network is pleased to announce eight new board members. Our new board members include a diverse range of Directors, an Emmy nominated journalist, Executive Directors, and more.


Please join us in welcoming:
Anna Kelberg-Kim, Eric Gnezda, Margo Ohlson, Chris Parthemore, Colleen Miller, Sarah C Barr, Janet Herman Barlow, and Violet Rae Webster

New Board Member Biographies:

Anna Kelberg-Kim is an entertainment lawyer and represents a diverse roster of clients in the music industry as well as literary artists, filmmakers, visual artists, performers and performing arts organizations. Anna combines business and legal knowledge of the industry to offer comprehensive representation to entertainment professionals on matters pertaining to Copyright and Trademark; Clearance and Licensing rights; Formation of Business Entity; and Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation.

Anna’s passion for helping people to build their careers in entertainment comes from her personal experiences as a musician and as being a parent of a music artist. Anna, classically trained violinist, and pianist, grew up in an arts-rich environment - her family, professional music educators, and music artists always stressed the importance and value of the arts as an integral part of their lives.

Anna believes that one of the keys to professional success is continuous learning and keeping current with industry trends. She is committed to the support of the community by serving as a committee member of the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. Anna served as a Vice-Chair for 2018-2019 and, currently is a Chair for 2019-2020.
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Eric Gnezda is creator and host of the Ohio-based national television series, Songs at the Center, seen on more than 320 PBS stations across America. An award-winning singer-songwriter himself, he is a regular performer at Nashville’s iconic venue, The Bluebird Café, and a recipient of the Ohioana Citation for Music Composition, joining Michael Feinstein (American Songbook), Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane), and Chip Davis (Mannheim Steamroller).

Eric is an Emmy-nominated broadcast journalist and educator, having been a faculty member at Ohio Wesleyan University in public speaking and communication. He is a founding partner of the Ohio Songwriting Festival, a curator of regional songwriting concerts, and is frequently called upon to lead songwriting workshops around Ohio.
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Margo Ohlson is the Director of E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at The University of Akron with a decade of successful theatre management. Her strengths are ensuring the sustainability of the Theatre’s operations, programs, finances, and community support. She believes in the importance of collaborating with University staff and departments to effectively implement the objectives of the University’s goals and mission. As an APAP Leadership Fellowship recipient, she hopes to fuel a stronger performing arts industry through the work of an arts leader. In her spare time, Margo enjoys spending time with her family of three children, husband, and dog or a long slow jog through the metro parks.
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Chris Parthemore is a native of Sandusky, Ohio and has a Bachelor of Education in Sport Management from Bowling Green State University. He is currently the Executive Director of the Sandusky State Theatre. Chris is a graduate of Leadership Erie County and a former board president of both North Coast Young Professionals and the Sandusky State Theatre. He has been in this role since 2017 and lives in Sandusky with his wife Julia and their daughter Emerson.
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2020 marks Colleen Miller's 30th year as a promoter. Getting started at the gritty Chicago roadhouse Biddy Mulligan’s in 1990 was invaluable. Small club, big acts, Tito Puente, Gil Scott-Heron, Ohio Players. From there, Coronet Theatre, Bela Fleck, Flaco Jimenez, They Might Be Giants. Then Colleen spent 17 fabulous years at Old Town School of Folk Music, Joan Baez, Townes Van Zandt, Alejandro Escovedo. Colleen founded and ran Chicago Folk & Roots Festival 15 years, Wilco, Tinariwen, Patti Smith, attendance 30,000. In 2012, she programmed City Winery Chicago’s launch, which included Lindsey Buckingham, Mavis Staples, Rosanne Cash.

In 2014, Colleen and her husband opened the Music Box Supper Club, a 2 venue complex in Cleveland, 400 public events annually, and an equal number of private events. Her main focus is programming, and… everything else. While the Music Box boasts big names, we're most proud of the local talent we feature, and the community that's been created.
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Sarah Barr is the Executive Director of Marysville Uptown Theatre the non-profit organization that owns and operates the Avalon Theatre in Marysville, Ohio. She is currently heading up a $3.2 million dollar capital campaign to transform the historic venue back into an Art Deco cultural arts center. After the construction, she will oversee the operations & programing of the Avalon.

Previously, Sarah has successfully raised $3.7 of a $3.5 million dollar capital campaign in Sidney, Ohio where they too are transforming the Historic Sidney Theatre into a venue in which to experience performing and cultural arts.

It is Sarah's mission to advocate for the arts and create new traditions and lasting memories through quality cultural arts activities. Sarah sees the value of the arts not only as an economic driving force but also as the unique thread that defines who we are as a community and the experiences we want for future generations.

Sarah shares her love of the arts with her husband Eric, daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie) and two fur babies Max & Bentley. In her free time, she creates pottery, paints and loves to entertain family and friends in her home.
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Janet Herman Barlow has worked for a variety of arts organizations in Ohio and has been involved with over 185 theatre productions since the third grade. She has been the Director of Stocker Arts Center/Lorain County Community College (LCCC) since September 2004.

Prior to coming to LCCC, she served as the General Manager of Cain Park in Cleveland Heights; General Manager of Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf (Cleveland Signstage Theatre); Executive Director of the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield; and the Executive Director of the Showboat BECKY THATCHER Theatre in Marietta. She was co-chair of the Arts Midwest Conference in 2017 and served on several boards throughout Ohio, including the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Arts Presenters Network (now the Ohio Arts Professionals Network - OAPN). Janet received both the Award of Merit for Exemplary Service to the Performing Arts Field and the Richard Lenhart Award of Excellence from OAPN.
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In 2016, Violet Rae Webster joined the professional staff of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as Sales Manager for TCT On Tour, the organization’s touring division. Her focus is booking that division into schools, libraries, performance venues and theatres throughout the tri-state and beyond to present live educational productions that explore historical events, celebrate cultural heritage and new takes on literary favorites.

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OAPN Announces New Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Jessica Rosenblatt Appointed as Executive Director of Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN)

 

(August, 2019 - COLUMBUS, OH) - Jessica Rosenblatt, Booking Agent with Fighting Chance Records and PR/Marketing Coordinator for Cain Park, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN).

Pursuing excellence in public relations, artist management, and digital marketing, Jessica Rosenblatt has actively engaged with her community to build local partnerships and relationships. An Ohio native, she first became introduced to OAPN while attending the conference as a booking agent with her label, Fighting Chance Records, in 2015. The following year she was asked to join the OAPN Board of Directors. With her dedication and experience as a booking agent and artist management, PR/Marketing Coordinator with Cain Park and Digital Marketing Manager with the Cleveland International Film Festival, it is our pleasure to announce her as our new Executive Director.

“Jessica not only brings a wealth of experience in arts management and marketing to OAPN and its membership but also a contagious passion for the touring arts industry in Ohio.” — Gary Minyard, President, OAPN

OAPN, founded in 1960, is a professional association that provides a forum for developing business relationships, partnerships, and cooperative ventures among organizations that present arts and entertainment programming as well as performers, arts service organizations, and artist management agencies doing business in Ohio and nearby states. Their purpose is to provide programs and services that strengthen the quality and scope of the performing arts in Ohio.

In 2015, Jessica Rosenblatt became the PR/Marketing Coordinator at Cain Park, Cleveland Heights’ municipally owned and operated ‘Summer Arts Park’ in Cleveland Heights. Her organizational role is to engage the community through social media campaigns and partnerships, coordinate media, and develop marketing projections and plans. As a booking agent with Fighting Chance Records, since 2010, Jessica manages a handful of artists and works with venues throughout the Midwest. Jessica has degrees in Marketing and Small Business Management along with years of hands-on experience in the Arts Management field.

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