History :

The Starkweather Art Center

Is a non-profit art center located on Main Street in the Village of Romeo, located north of Detroit Michigan. Starkweather owes its existence to a trust created by Helen Starkweather, a lifelong resident of Romeo.

Ms.Starkweather taught art and drafting in the Romeo school system for more than forty years. When she died in 1987 at the age of eighty-four, she left her estate to the Romeo Historical Society and the Village of Romeo. Her will stipulated that her home and studio at 219 North Main Street be used as an art and cultural center, “...dedicated to promoting and fostering the appreciation of art and artisans and to support the preservation of the character and quality of the Village”.

In 1989, the Board of Trustees incorporated the Starkweather Society, a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes expressed in Ms. Starkweather’s will.

On November 13, 1999, Ms. Starkweather’s former home and studio was officially opened to the public as the Starkweather Art and Cultural Center. The Center includes an exhibit and sales gallery with restoration in progress for second floor expansion.

In the fifteen years since the incorporation, many volunteers and corporations have contributed to Starkweather’s success. The SACC is dependent in large part on the generosity of its membership dues and volunteer efforts. We are also dependent on, and have been fortunate to receive, major support from taxpayer grants, corporate sponsorships, donations and special event fundraising. The Village of Romeo, Bruce Township, Ford Motor Company, and L&L Products of Romeo--just to name a few--have been especially generous with their financial help.

Helen Starkweather understood the value of art in society. It is the goal of the SACC to foster and promote artistic excellence in the Village of Romeo and surrounding communities. By providing quality art experiences through art education, exhibits and events, Starkweather aims to enhance the quality of life in Northern Macomb County.