About THE THRIVE PROJECT
ART CREATING COMMUNITY
The Thrive Project is the nonprofit partner of Downtown Artist Cellar (DAC). Established in 2022, it expands access to the arts through arts education, artist residencies, public art, community partnerships, and grant-funded initiatives.
Together, DAC and The Thrive Project believe the arts inspire curiosity, foster lifelong learning, create meaningful connections, and build stronger communities.
MISSION
We expand access to the arts, nurture creativity, and foster lifelong learning, with a special commitment to youth, underserved populations, and our rural community.
VISION
We believe the arts are vital to individual and community well-being, support meaningful and viable creative career paths, and strengthen local economies. We envision a future where everyone has opportunities to explore creative expression, where making is valued, and where creativity is recognized as essential to a thriving community.
Board of Directors
JONATHAN FOSTER
Chair
Musician & Biologist | Member since 2025
CHARLES ATWOOD KING
Vice Chair
Artist & Retired Addiction Counselor | Member since 2022
JENNIFER HESSELTINE
Treasurer
Education Consultant | Member since 2022
SUSAN SCHRADER
Recording Secretary
Director of Senior Services | Member since 2022
TINA LAMOUR
Director
Artist & Professor at NCCC | Member since 2022
MJ BRAY
Director
Artist | Member since 2022
KATHY PARKER
Director
Retired Educator | Member since 2024
Advisor
CRAIG BILOW
Strategy and Marketing Consultant (Non-Voting)
Artistic Director
JENNIFER ML BILOW
Artist & Founder of DAC & The Thrive Project
SUPPORT THE THRIVE PROJECT
We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for helping create art and community.
