Inspire
Our Mission Statement
Marion Art Squared empowers artists and advocates for the arts by fostering creativity, supporting local artists and organizations, and championing arts education. Our vision is to create a thriving cultural environment in Marion.
Advisory Board
President - Tara McCree
Tara brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and leadership to her role as President. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she also completed post-graduate coursework in Art History. An award-winning photographer, Tara has exhibited her work across the country and previously ran a successful photography business.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Tara is passionate about giving back to her community. She actively volunteers with several local organizations in Marion and has contributed her time and talents to national and international groups, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the National MS Society, Bookworm Gardens, and ASA Black Seas Moral Welfare and Recreation. Her dedication to service continues to inspire her leadership in the nonprofit sector.
Vice President - Leona Jurincie
Leona is an award-winning realism oil painter, educator, and juror with a deep passion for fostering the arts in the community. As Branch Manager and Resident Artist at South Shore Arts, she played a key role in arts programming, instruction, and exhibition planning. Recently retired, Leona has relocated to Southern Illinois, where she remains dedicated to supporting artists and promoting the value of creative expression.
Treasurer - David Kirk
Secretary - Alana Beasley Nation
Alana Beasley-Nation is a talented photographer and dedicated community advocate. As the Youth Coordinator and Assistant Membership Coordinator at The Hub, she excels in organizing programs that support young people. Alana brings a unique blend of creativity and organizational expertise to the Advisory Board.
Members
M. Braydon Brower
Key Volunteers
Matt Basler
Missy Carstens
Mandy Daly Brown
Kelly McMullen
Lindsey Nelson
Matt Throgmorton
Sara Wylie
Nicole Bartlett