Livingston Arts Council Ushers in New Era with Hiring of Inaugural Executive Director Dana Wnuk

Wnuk to Lead Livingston Arts Council to New Heights, Including  Restoration and Renovation of the Historic Howell Opera House 

Howell, MI — The Livingston Arts Council (LAC), owner and operator of the historic Howell Opera House, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dana Wnuk as its first Executive Director. Her appointment marks a pivotal new era for the organization and for arts and culture in Livingston County, as her leadership will guide the Council’s work and drive the long-awaited renovation and restoration of the Opera House.

Built in 1881, the Howell Opera House is a stunning example of Victorian architecture in the heart of downtown Howell. Its façade reflects the grace and character of the late 19th century, while inside, soaring ceilings, ornate woodwork, tall arched windows, and elegant details recall its days as Livingston County’s cultural center. The grand second-floor theater, closed since 1924, remains remarkably intact with its original horseshoe balcony, hand-painted stage curtains, gaslight fixtures, and even signatures of historic performers etched into the walls. Together, these details form a rare time capsule, both elegant and hauntingly beautiful, waiting to be fully restored and brought back to life.

For more than two decades, LAC has worked to preserve this landmark while enriching the community through programs such as Concerts at the Courthouse, exhibitions, and events that engage audiences from across the region. The renovated first floor now welcomes hundreds of gatherings annually, yet the historic second floor has remained silent and untouched.

Momentum is building as preparations begin to renovate and restore the second floor, transforming the Howell Opera House into a vibrant hub of creativity, connection, and community life. The LAC is working with architects to reimagine its future. While ongoing fundraising continues to sustain daily operations, the organization is now laying the groundwork for a forthcoming capital campaign that will substantially advance the restoration and renovation of this historic landmark.

“As the Council’s first Executive Director, I am excited to lead with action,” said Wnuk. “For too long, the Howell Opera House has been seen as a project stuck in limbo, a best-kept secret, or to some, an impossible undertaking. That ends now. We have a clear path forward, and I am ready to unite this community around restoring the Opera House, not as a relic of the past but as a living, welcoming space for all kinds of activities.”

Wnuk brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience in fundraising, community engagement, and organizational transformation. She has worked with arts, culture, and education organizations to strengthen donor support, launch new programs, and guide major renovation efforts. Her background centers on building the systems, resources, and partnerships that turn ambitious community projects into reality. A resident of Gregory, MI, Wnuk holds a degree in Business Management and Economics from Eastern Michigan University. She is recognized for her community-centered approach and her belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and transform.

“The Howell Opera House is one of the rare survivors,” said Wnuk. “It is one of the few remaining theatres of its kind. It has remained virtually untouched for more than a century, a true time capsule of American history. But this is not about turning the Opera House into a museum. It is about restoring it as a living, breathing space where history and architecture meet creativity, connection, and community life. The Howell Opera House has stood the test of time, and now the responsibility falls on all of us to ensure it continues to inspire and serve for generations to come.”

Whether you’ve known the Howell Opera House for years or are just discovering it, the next chapter is yours to share. Executive Director Dana Wnuk invites you to experience this growing hub for arts and culture, join us for upcoming events, and play a role in bringing it fully back to life. Learn more at howelloperahouse.org