Fishers Arts Council (FAC) announces the addition of four new board members for 2024. They are Susan Dickey, Tom Rich, Latrica Schooley, and Amanda Wilhite.
Susan Dickey moved to the west side of Indianapolis in 1983 and in June 2003 she relocated to Fishers. She worked for VisitIndy for 30 years, partnering with meeting planners bringing conventions to Indianapolis. An avid flower gardener, she enjoys giving away surplus blooms.
Always on the lookout for new restaurants, retail, and attractions to share with others, Dickey has a grasp on what is where in the area. Going to First Fridays, Second Saturdays, and other arts events plus annual local art fairs is a favorite pastime. “Meeting artists and seeing their studios is the best part of making purchases.”
Tom Rich hails from Western Pennsylvania, but spent 30 years in suburban D.C. He has lived in Fishers for the past 29 years and is a former board member of FAC where he served for six years in various roles such as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. His goals are to work with the city of Fishers, local businesses, and various artist organizations to expand opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their art; to expand the opportunities for residents and visitors of Fishers to enjoy the visual arts; and to promote additional opportunities for the performing arts in Fishers.
Rich is also a member of Fishers Police Academy Alumni Association. He earned a B.S. in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He lives in Fishers with his wife, Connie. Free time is spent with grandchildren, Nash and Cooper, and traveling.
Latrica Schooley has been an entrepreneur and community volunteer for 29 years. She has been a lover of the arts since sixth grade when she started her journey at Emerson Performing Arts School of which she is proud to be a graduate as a music major. It afforded her opportunities to attend college with the assistance of a music scholarship coupled with an academic scholarship as a first-generation college student.
Schooley’s focus in volunteering has been with youth groups at Grace Church and she has a deep passion for speaking up for children who cannot speak up for themselves whether they are differently abled, and/or in foster care. She is a mom, wife, and grandmother. She enjoys visual and performing arts and looks forward to assisting the Fishers Arts Council bringing Arts forward to community members and meeting more residents in Fishers.
Amanda Wilhite is a Corporate/M&A attorney and has lived in Fishers for two years. She holds a JD from Howard University School of Law and a BA from Alabama State University. She considers herself an avid admirer of art and enjoys helping stage the gallery. She looks forward to serving the community and its artists as a FAC board member.
The addition of these new board members puts FAC in a strong position to continue its work supporting and promoting visual and performing arts in Fishers.
Executive Officers were also elected at the January annual meeting: Ross Hilleary as President, Chris Hayes as Vice President, Douglas Dusseau as Treasurer, and Olivia Harris as Secretary. Returning board members are Greg Dierfeldt, Pat Grabill, Tyna Green Seall, Olivia Holt, Philip Paluso, and Laura Villanyi. Les Reinhardt will continue to serve as Executive Director for 2024.
If you are interested in learning more about Fishers Arts Council and how to get involved, please attend any of the Second Friday receptions from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FAC Hub Gallery, located at 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, inside the Hamilton County Community Foundation.
About Fishers Arts Council
Fishers Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate and/or enhance the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers. Visit the art gallery space at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, online at FishersArtsCouncil.org, or call (317) 537-1670.