The Art Experience Inc

“The Board of Directors of The Art Experience may establish standing or ad hoc committees to help carry out the organizations work more effectively. Committees operate under the authority of the Board and within the scope of responsibilities defined in the bylaws or by board resolution. Most ad hoc or board committees are led by an assigned or delegated board member who ensures that the committees activities remain aligned with board priorities and governance standards. Committees may be granted broad authority to research issues, develop recommendations, and, in limited cases, take action within their defined scope. However, the Board of Directors retains ultimate fiduciary responsibility and reserves final authority over all major decisions, including approval of budgets, policies, contracts, and strategic direction. Delegating authority to committees allows the Board to work more efficiently, leverage specialized expertise, and engage members in focused areas of oversight and planning. All committee actions and recommendations are reported back to the full Board for review and, when required, formal approval.”

“The Form 990 for The Art Experience is prepared with the assistance of the organization's accountant in collaboration with the Executive Director. A draft of the return is first reviewed by the Executive Board to ensure accuracy and alignment with organizational records. Following this review, the draft is shared with the full Board of Directors for discussion and questions prior to filing. Final authorization for submission rests with the Board of Directors, and the review process is documented in board meeting minutes to ensure transparency and accountability.”

“The Art Experience maintains a written Conflict of Interest Policy requiring annual disclosure by all board members, officers, and key staff. Board members are also required to disclose any potential conflicts as they arise during the year. Disclosures are reviewed by the Executive Committee (or designated committee), which determines whether a conflict exists and what steps are necessary to manage it. If a conflict is identified, the affected individual is excused from discussion and voting on related matters. All disclosures and actions are documented in board meeting minutes to ensure transparency. The Board Chair and Executive Committee are responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing any violations of the policy. This process ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the organization and free from undue influence.”

“The compensation of the Executive Director and other key management staff at The Art Experience is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. The Executive Board conducts the initial review using comparability data from nonprofit salary surveys and peer organizations of similar size and scope. Recommendations are then presented to the full Board of Directors for discussion and approval. All compensation decisions are documented in the minutes of board meetings, including the data relied upon and the basis for approval. This process ensures that compensation is fair, reasonable, and consistent with legal requirements and best practices in nonprofit governance.”

“The compensation of officers and other key employees of The Art Experience is reviewed by the Executive Board, which gathers and considers comparability information such as salary data from peer nonprofit organizations and other publicly available sources. The Executive Board makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors, which reviews, discusses, and votes on the proposed compensation. All decisions are recorded in the official board meeting minutes to provide transparency and accountability. This process is designed to ensure that compensation is reasonable, appropriate, and aligned with the organizations mission and resources.”

“Governing docs, policies, and financial statements are available upon request”

“The Art Experience is a nonprofit community art studio dedicated to improving lives through the arts. For nearly three decades, we have served Southeast Michigan as a welcoming hub for creativity, bringing people together across ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Our significant activities include: Open Studio, the cornerstone of our work, where individuals and families can drop in to explore artmaking at their own pace, with access to quality materials and encouragement from professional artists and art therapists. Art Therapy, providing individual and group sessions led by licensed and registered art therapists, offering safe and supportive spaces for self-expression, resilience-building, and emotional healing. Participants include children, teens, adults, and seniors, as well as those navigating trauma, disability, mental health challenges, or life transitions. External Programs, which extend the reach of our mission through partnerships with schools, companies, and community organizations, ensuring that creativity and connection are available in a wide range of settings. The Art Experience is guided by a commitment to being a welcoming, barrier-free environment where anyone can discover the benefits of creative expression. Our work is made possible by a network of supporters, including local foundations, businesses, donors, and volunteers, alongside a team of highly qualified staff and licensed art therapists who ensure that programs are professional, inviting, and impactful. By connecting people through creativity, The Art Experience helps reduce isolation, foster belonging, and strengthen the social fabric of Southeast Michigan. With nearly three decades of continuous service, we have become a trusted community anchor for creativity and well-being. As we approach our 30th anniversary, The Art Experience is building on this foundation to expand partnerships, strengthen programs, and welcome even more individuals and families into the creative process.”