Mission Statement
Studio 23 provides the Bay Area with a visual arts center and embraces creative educational activities involving the community.

History of Studio 23
Studio 23 originated as a grassroots arts organization completely started and run by volunteers who were dedicated to bringing the arts to the Bay area.

From the beginning, the goal of the gallery was to exhibit artists, hold special events, and offer educational programs that all age levels would benefit.

In 1959, the studio was establised as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) and retains that status to this day.

Like many successful businesses, bringing Studio 23 to its current location in the first floor of the Jennison Building condominiums, has been a journey that had humble beginnings. The first home was on the second floor of Weiland furniture that was located on US 23. It was there that the group of volunteers made the ties to the local area permanent by using 23 in their title.

After the first home, came a series of temporary housing that eventually led to the current location. Throughout the different venues, there wasn't enough space to pursue the educational aspect of Studio 23's mission. In 1997, Studio 23 board members took an option on Jennison Place. This permanent home allowed classes and special events to resume and remain part of our programming.

Currently, Studio 23 offers a wide range of classes from youth oriented through adult exploration. A variety of classes are offered year round. From drawing to painting, clay and sculpture, Studio 23 has something available for every member of your family. The studio offers a state-of-the-art clay studio and an eclectic gallery space that exhibits local, state wide and national artists. In addition to the many wonderful displays, there has been a large exhibition of Salvador Dali works, and a partnership show with the University of Michigan Art Museum.

The Studio 23 Arts Center is currently located on a prime location of river front property and adjacent to Wenonah Park and the Friendship Shell amphitheater in the heart of downtown Bay City.

Did you know Studio 23/The Arts Center….

• Provides education opportunities to ages pre-school through adult.  Throughout its 47 year history, Studio 23 has educated over 10,500 students.
• Provides exhibit space to area elementary, middle and high school students through the annual Kids’ Kreations and Teenworks exhibits.
• Provides visual art exhibits to the community, featuring local, statewide and nationally known artists. 
• Is instrumental in launching and mentoring the careers of professional artists.
• Provides an opportunity for local artists to have their works exhibited through the Studio 23 annual All Area Juried Show.
• Provides multi-year college scholarships to high school seniors through the Jones Memorial Scholarship.  To date Studio 23 has provided five Jones Memorial Scholarships.
• Provide an outlet for local, state-wide, and national artists to sell their works through The Store @ Studio 23.
• Provides art support and encouragement to hundreds of skilled artisans and to  those who love art.

Board of Directors

Michael Magee – President Publisher – Interlude Magazine
Lynn Stamiris – Past President Standardeyes
Nancy Buchholz – Vice President Artist
Dave Verduyn – Treasurer Rowley Brothers, Inc.
Shaye Wilcox – Secretary Art teacher - Bay City Public Schools
Leeds Bird Retired – Essexville Public Schools Drama teacher
Karen Dyjak Artist and Bay City Public Schools Art Teacher
Richard Lyon – Past President President – MacMillan & Associates, Inc. Consulting Engineers
Jane RogersCommunity Volunteer
Paula Rowley Community Volunteer 
Charles Schwartz Retired – Bay City Public Schools
Pat Serresseque Retired – Bay City Public Schools Art Teacher
Jerry Somalski Owner Bay Landscaping, Inc.
Diane ThompsonAndrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C.