about us
Welcome to Harbor Arts, located in picturesque Three Oaks, Michigan, where we are dedicated to promoting the beautiful array of arts in our area. Our nonprofit organization collaborates with performers, artists, writers, and musicians to enrich lives through various forms of creative expression. Join us as we celebrate the creative spirit!
Nestled in Harbor Country, our tranquil surroundings offer a myriad of attractions, from charming restaurants and shops to water sports, art galleries, and pristine sugar-sand beaches.
At Harbor Arts, we take pride in supporting our local community by bringing engaging events like Music in the Park, live shows at the Acorn Theater, and captivating films at the Vickers to your doorstep.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Harbor Arts exists as a non-profit organization committed to organizing and disseminating information on social, cultural and political issues of interest to the community. Harbor Arts works, in conjunction with performers, artists, writers and musicians, sharing a vision of enriching lives through various media and expression. Harbor Arts celebrates the creative spirit!
our board of directors
President: Dave Knoebber
Vice President: Louise Valentin
Treasurer: Robert Hixon
Secretary: Pat Werhane Ph.D.
Board Chair
Dave Knoebber
Dave Knoebber is the President of Harbor Arts and a talented watercolor artist based in New Buffalo, Michigan. He is known for his expressive and vibrant watercolor works, capturing the beauty of landscapes and moments with delicate precision. Dave is also an artist at Art Loft Studio, where he continues to inspire and create. His dedication to his craft and community makes him a valued contributor to the arts scene in New Buffalo and beyond.
Vice Chair
Louise Valentin
Louis Valentin’s journey from Chicago to Harbor Country began 23 years ago. As a full-time resident, he has been deeply committed to building a strong community through various volunteer efforts, including addressing food insecurity and serving as an Ambassador for the Harbor Country Chamber. Louis has also contributed his time to local non-profit boards and currently serves as the Vice President of Harbor Arts. Passionate about the power of music to bring people together, Louis is dedicated to preserving the 27-year legacy of Music in the Park, ensuring that this beloved tradition continues to create magical, memorable moments for years to come.
Secretary
Pat Werhane
Patricia H. Werhane, Professor Emerita, was formerly Ruffin Professor of Business Ethics at Darden School of Business, University of Virginia and Wicklander Chair in Business Ethics at DePaul University and director of their Institute for Business and Professional Ethics. Currently, she is adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business and a Fellow at the Center for Professional Responsibility. She is the author or editor of over 30 books and over 100 articles and book chapters. She is the co-producer of an Emmy award-winning documentary television series, Big Questions.
Board Members
Allen Turner
Greta Pope, Ph.D.
Lani Myron
John Linesch
Madeline Henry
Allen Turner
Allen M. Turner is a Chicago-based musician, businessman, and philanthropist. He held leadership roles at The Pritzker Organization, Hyatt Corporation, and McCall’s Magazine, and now chairs ALF Investments, LLC. A lifelong supporter of the arts, he helped guide Victory Gardens Theater, the Goodman Theatre, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to growth and national prominence. Turner has also supported Columbia College Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and international arts initiatives. He has lectured at universities worldwide and received numerous honors for his contributions to business and culture. Turner earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Chicago Law School.
Greta Pope, Ph.D.
Dr. Greta Pope is an award-winning entertainer, founder of The Private Music Studio, Executive Director of Cultural Arts Everywhere, producer of The Business Savvy Singer Podcast, and author of Music, Money & You. She serves as a vocal coach at Fenwick High School, a consultant for Chicago Catholic and Public Schools, and an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago High School for the Arts. Greta has performed internationally, sharing stages with artists like Wynonna Judd and Ramsey Lewis, and her voice is featured in commercials for McDonald’s, Lexus, and more. She holds music degrees, a Ph.D. in Business Administration, and serves on several Chicago-area nonprofit boards.
John Linesch
John Linesch is beginning his journey as a fine artist and painter based in New Buffalo, Michigan, having recently relocated from La Grange, Illinois. His work explores abstract art, realism, landscapes, and more, drawing inspiration from nature, emotion, and personal experiences. An avid music fan, John finds creativity in the rhythm and energy of diverse musical influences, which often inform his artistic expression. He is married and a proud father of two sons, both of whom are currently attending Michigan State University.
Lani Myron
Lani C. Myron is the founder and owner of Harbor Home & Interiors in Three Oaks, Michigan, a unique blend of design studio and retail store. With over 40 years of interior design experience, Lani brings an expert eye to every aspect of home styling, specializing in creating full-room settings that inspire and delight. Her deep knowledge of period furniture and textiles, combined with a refined sense of scale, balance, and color, make her an invaluable resource for homeowners and designers alike.
Madeline Henry
Madeline Henry is a multidisciplinary artist based in the Chicago area, with a primary focus in ceramics. She maintains a dedicated studio in Three Oaks, Michigan, which she personally renovated from a former garage space. Madeline brings over a decade of experience in arts leadership and community engagement. She served as Board President of Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights, Illinois, for five years and contributed to its Exhibitions Committee for more than ten years. Additionally, she played an active role in the 57th Street Art Fair in Hyde Park, Illinois, serving on its organizing committee for six years.