Profiles in Creativity and Generosity: Brian Mikesell, Donor and Former Board Member

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I'm an artist, but I don't work in a single medium. I have a background in photography and sculpture, but also work in textiles, ceramics, and book arts. My creative passion for some time has been ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, which connects well with my interest and work in gardening and horticulture. Professionally, I've been a librarian for more than 20 years and am currently the director of the library at Bard College at Simon's Rock.

What makes Flying Cloud’s mission powerful for you?

The connection between art and science is one that I find particularly compelling. They are all too often thought of as opposites, so using art to teach science or science to inspire art is a great way to get kids interested in both.

Why do you give to Flying Cloud?

Flying Cloud makes a difference in the life of every child in every one of its programs. Whether kindling a passion for art and science or bringing fresh, effective teaching modalities to the area's classrooms, Flying Cloud is an investment that reaps generational rewards. And they bring joy to everything they do!

Where do you see Flying Cloud in 5 years?

Soaring! Reaching even more kids; innovating both inside and outside the classroom; making learning fun - but only if we all commit to young people's education with our hearts and minds and wallets.