Jack is founder and executive director of Forecast Public Art, established in 1978. As a public artist and program administrator, Jack specializes in projects that connect the ideas and energies of artists with the needs and opportunities of communities. He has organized more than 70 exhibitions, 50 publications, and numerous special events.
Jack received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, studying under such artists as Siah Armajani and Andrew Leicester. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he also studied there at Washington University and Webster University as well as the Croydon College of Art and Design in Great Britain. Widely published in the field, he also serves as the publisher of Public Art Review.
Stacey plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day operations for Forecast’s human resources, financial, and information systems.
Stacey graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English Literature with a focus on Creative Writing, a concentration in Southeast Asian Studies, and an International Development internship in India. A dedicated professional who believes in the synergy of work and community, Stacey has balanced budgets and made wheels turn harmoniously at a variety of community-minded organizations such as Cooperating Libraries in Consortium, Triangle Park Creative, and the National Cooperative Grocers Association. As the proprietor of her own commercial backdrop studio she worked with a wide range of creative professionals in photography, film and video, and design.
Melinda Childs
Director of Artist Services + Consultant
Melinda directs Forecast's Artist Services program, working closely with Minnesota artists interested in public art, by coordinating both a Jerome-funded grant program for emerging public artists and a new McKnight-funded grant program for mid-career public artists. She also works in partnership with Minnesota's Regional Arts Councils to create region-specific grants serving rurally-based artists. In addition to managing grant programs, Melinda conducts "Public Art 101" workshops for artists and communities, and manages the ongoing development of the online Public Art Toolkit to further assist those interested in working in the public realm.
Melinda completed a self-designed degree at the University of Minnesota titled "Art and Social Change" with an emphasis in public art. In addition to her work at Forecast, her professional experience includes co-teaching a college-level, off-campus study program on Art and Social Change through HECUA (Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs), coordinating artists for the Red Hot Art community festival, curating exhibitions, creating public art project,s and serving on the advisory board for the Art Shanty Projects.
Nichole manages Forecast's award-winning, semi-annual publication Public Art Review. In addition to work on the magazine, Nichole also oversees organizational marketing efforts, web development strategies, and supports Forecast's consulting projects.
A graduate of Macalester College, Nichole also studied at the University of Westminster's School of Media, Arts, and Design in London. A professional member of the MN chapter of the AIGA and a volunteer with local arts organizations including the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the Soap Factory, she maintains an actively engaged role in the Twin Cities art and design community.
Molly raises funds for Forecast's programming through generous contributions from individuals. She believes giving is a creative act that everyone can participate in, and views Forecast's Development as an opportunity to bring passionate people together through the work of funding public art.
After studying theatre at the University of Minnesota, Molly graduated from Goddard College's Indvidualized Bachelor of Arts program with a self-designed degree in the intersections of Food Studies and Performance Studies. She creates participatory performances that use food and eating as central elements. She has created theater and food performances as part of The Soap Factory's Artery 24, Bedlam Theater's 10 Minute Community Play Festival, Minnesota Fringe Festival, and independently at galleries including The Soap Factory, Rogue Buddha Gallery, and Babylon Gallery. Molly comes to Forecast from Minnesota Public Radio, where she managed direct mail and telefundraising as part of the Membership team.
Morgan is responsible for maximizing Forecast's organizational earned income revenue from publications, advertising, and consulting services. He is an ardent business and program developer that relishes the opportunity to build and start new ventures.
Morgan's passion for public space began when he gave historic neighborhood tours in Montreal while completing his undergraduate degree at McGill University. He transferred this passion into employment as the Executive Director of Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, a business development organization serving Dupont Circle, an internationally recognized commercial district in Washington, DC. After moving to Minnesota to complete a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Minnesota, Morgan has continued to build his commercial revitalization, small business development, and cultural tourism consulting practice by working with communities across the country. In Minnesota, Morgan has worked as a consultant in Minneapolis, Faribault, Brainerd, Red Wing, New Ulm, Willmar, and Wadena.
Amelia provides administrative assistance to all of Forecast’s programs in addition to managing the in-house Public Art Resource Library and coordinating subscriber services for Public Art Review.
Amelia graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and a certificate in European Studies. Her experience includes work with local organizations such as the Loft Literary Center, Coffee House Press, Hennepin County Libraries, and the Perpich Center for Arts Education.
Jessica supports Forecast’s artist grant program, assisting with grant workshops and outreach, facilitating the granting process, and serving as a contact person for applicants and grantees.
Jessica completed self-designed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through the University of Minnesota. Her undergraduate studies focused on 20th century performing arts, which led to a study abroad program in Paris. This experience fostered an interest in museum studies, which became the focus of her graduate work. Jessica now volunteers with the Walker Art Center’s education program as a tour guide and with the performing arts department’s SpeakEasy discussion series as the tour guide liaison and blogger. She also performs and participates in community outreach activities with the company Ragamala Dance.
