Behind The Print: Mackinac is Art
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. Today, I’m joined by Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council, to dive into how creativity fuels the heart of Mackinac. From supporting local artists to curating cultural experiences, Laura shares how the council is making an impact through art, education, and community engagement. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or simply passionate about the power of creativity, this episode is for you!
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
9-minute read
“PrintingCenterUSA has been instrumental in helping us get our word out of what we’re doing. It’s remarkable, the response that I receive from our print work… People have actually made comments to me of, ‘Who did this for you?” Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Mackinac is Art , and I’m here with the Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council , Laura Raisch.
Laura Raisch: Hi, I’m delighted to be here. I love PrintingCenterUSA—you’ve been so wonderful to us!
Zoe Fisher: Tell me about the Mackinac Arts Council and your role.
Laura Raisch: It started in 2003 to meet the arts and cultural needs of Mackinac Island for residents, seasonal workers, and our many visitors. Over a million people come to the island, and our mission is to serve all of them with arts, services, and cultural programming. We’re going into our 22nd year and growing every season.
“Art has always been something that brings people together, and I think Mackinac Island has a really unique way of doing that because of its setting.” Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Zoe Fisher: What’s it like being on such a unique island?
Laura Raisch: Mackinac is magical. No motor vehicles, just bikes, horses, and walking. Nature is the biggest inspiration—our seasons, water, air, and history spark so much creativity. I’ve been coming here my whole life. My dad painted rocks, wrote parody musicals like “Phantom of the Grand,” and my mom did costumes. The arts were everywhere in our home. I now get to do what I love, in a place I love.
Zoe Fisher: What’s the council’s mission today?
Laura Raisch: We aim to meet the island’s arts and culture needs through seven major series and winter events. We have a small staff and a very active working board. Everyone helps put on everything from concerts to art exhibits to theater productions.
Zoe Fisher: What are the concerts in the park like?
Laura Raisch: Incredible. Marquette Park fills up with locals, seasonal workers, and tourists—everyone lays out blankets, grabs food from Dow’s Market, and listens to Grammy winners and bluegrass artists. There’s something in the water here—Michigan produces amazing talent. And we love supporting up-and-coming Michigan artists.
Zoe Fisher: How do you use print?
Laura Raisch: I love PrintCenterUSA! We create brochures, invites, posters, and cards—all printed through you. People constantly compliment our materials. I design in-house, and PrintCenterUSA brings it to life with vibrant color and quality. You’ve helped us spread our message and look professional doing it.
“We’re really focusing right now on trying to reach more year-round residents and make sure they feel like they have a place in the art scene here.” Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Zoe Fisher: What has been most impactful about your work?
Laura Raisch: Supporting seasonal employees. They come from around the world and we provide cultural events and resources—like our Latin, Jamaican, and Eastern European celebrations—where they meet locals and build lifelong friendships.
Zoe Fisher: Tell me about Music on the Trail!
Laura Raisch: It’s a fall event along the state park botanical trail. You wander past harp, cello, dulcimer performances—this year we’re adding dance and poetry. People spend hours there just enjoying art and nature. It’s so peaceful and magical.
Zoe Fisher: What challenges are you facing?
Laura Raisch: Right now, federal grant funding is on pause. We’ve been awarded grants, but delays in Washington have put them on hold, and that affects programming like Music on the Trail.
Zoe Fisher: Where do you see the council in five to ten years?
Laura Raisch: Flourishing. I want to grow our staff, expand programming, and make it to our 25th anniversary. I hope to add a dance series—that’s the next big dream.
“It’s about making sure there’s something for everybody, whether you’re a kid here full-time, a tourist passing through, or someone who’s lived here your whole life.” Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Zoe Fisher: What advice do you have for artists?
Laura Raisch: Don’t stop. Keep creating. During COVID, everyone turned to art. It lifts us up. Artists in every medium—keep going. It matters.
Zoe Fisher: If you had a free day, how would you spend it?
Laura Raisch: With my dogs, reading Somewhere in Crime, a mystery novel set here on the island. Or I’d swim in the Straits of Mackinac. Maybe both!
Zoe Fisher: How can people get involved?
Laura Raisch: Visit mackinacartscouncil.org. Everything is listed there. Almost all of our events are free—concerts, exhibits, theater. We love volunteers and visitors. You’ll never regret coming to Mackinac.
“It’s about building community through creativity, and making sure art is accessible, not intimidating.” Laura Raisch, Executive Director of the Mackinac Arts Council
Zoe Fisher: Fantastic! Listeners, be sure to visit mackinacartscouncil.org and check them out on social media.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Make Art, Make an Impact!
From fostering local talent to curating unforgettable cultural experiences, Mackinac Arts Council brings creativity to life. Just like art has the power to tell a story, high-quality print materials help share that story with the world. Whether it’s gallery programs, event posters, or custom marketing pieces, PrintingCenterUSA is here to bring your vision to print. Elevate your brand with professional, vibrant printing that makes an impact. Order today!
