We were lucky to catch up with Radel Rosin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Radel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected challenges in my creative journey came with the expansion of the Performing Arts Center at AuSable Artisan Village. It was a huge step forward for our organization—transforming an old, underutilized space into a thriving hub for live performances, workshops, and community events. The vision was clear, but the reality of working with a 100-year-old building was anything but simple.

From the start, we faced endless leaps and hurdles with inspections, permits, and structural demands. Every time we thought we were making progress, another unexpected issue would arise—outdated wiring that needed a complete overhaul, load-bearing walls that had to be reinforced, or fire code updates that required additional modifications. Each of these setbacks not only added time to the project but also strained our budget and tested our patience.

One of the most frustrating moments came when we were ready to move forward with a major renovation, only to have an inspection reveal a hidden structural issue that required us to pause everything and go back to the drawing board. It felt like every step forward came with two steps back, and there were times when I wondered if we’d ever see the space fully realized.

What got us through was persistence, creative problem-solving, and a strong team of supporters who believed in the vision as much as I did. We worked closely with inspectors, found innovative ways to meet the demands without breaking the bank, and stayed flexible as new challenges arose. In the end, the Performing Arts Center became more than just a renovation project—it became a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the power of the arts to bring a community together.

Looking back, all the stress and setbacks were worth it. Seeing artists on that stage, hearing the laughter and applause from a packed house—it reminds me why we pushed through every obstacle. That experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, patience, and keeping the bigger picture in focus, lessons that continue to guide me in every challenge I take on.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been immersed in the performing arts since the age of five, and that lifelong passion has shaped every step of my journey—both as a musician and now as the Executive Director of AuSable Artisan Village (AAV). Music and the arts have always been central to my life. Growing up in a musically talented family, I had countless opportunities to perform, collaborate, and develop a deep appreciation for creative expression. Those early experiences not only made me a skilled multi-instrumentalist and performer but also helped me develop the communication and leadership skills that are now essential in my role at AAV.

At AAV, we are dedicated to supporting and growing the arts community in northern Michigan. Our gallery showcases the work of talented local and regional artists, offering a space for them to share their craft with the public. We also provide a variety of arts education programs, including Art in a Day, which connects elementary students with professional artists to inspire creativity from a young age. Most recently, we expanded our Performing Arts Center, creating a high-quality venue for live music, theatre, and other performances. My background in performing arts played a major role in shaping that initiative, ensuring that the space was not just functional but truly inspiring for artists and audiences alike.

One of the biggest problems we solve at AAV is providing accessibility to the arts—whether that means offering affordable workshops, creating spaces where artists can thrive, or building connections between creatives and the community. What sets us apart is our commitment to collaboration. The arts don’t exist in a vacuum; they flourish when people work together, and I take great pride in fostering those connections. Whether it’s partnering with local schools, businesses, or artists, my goal is always to strengthen our creative network and make the arts a bigger, more integral part of our region.

I’m most proud of the way we’ve been able to grow AAV into a true community hub. Seeing people walk into the gallery for the first time and light up at the artwork, or watching a packed house enjoy a live show in our newly renovated performance space, reminds me why this work is so important. It’s about more than just art—it’s about building a community where creativity is valued and accessible to everyone.

For anyone who hasn’t yet visited AAV, I’d encourage them to come experience it firsthand. Whether you’re an artist looking for a platform, a music lover seeking live performances, or someone just looking to be inspired, there’s something here for everyone. And as we continue to grow, I’m excited to keep finding new ways to make the arts a thriving part of our region.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level—whether through music, visual art, or live performances. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating a moment that brings joy, sparks inspiration, or makes someone feel understood.

One of my favorite examples of this is performing live music. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a room full of people, all sharing in the same experience, feeling the rhythm, and getting lost in the moment. I remember one particular show with Oh Brother Big Sister where we were playing an intimate set, and partway through a song, I looked out into the audience and saw a woman wiping away tears while smiling. After the show, she came up to us and said that the song reminded her of a special memory with a loved one, and for those few minutes, she felt completely transported back to that time. That’s the kind of connection that makes being an artist so meaningful—knowing that something you create can reach someone in such a personal way.

Beyond music, I see that same impact at AuSable Artisan Village—whether it’s a child beaming with pride after completing an art class or an audience giving a standing ovation in our new Performing Arts Center. The arts have a way of breaking barriers and bringing people together, and being a part of that process—whether on stage or behind the scenes—is what keeps me passionate about what I do. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the art itself; it’s about the emotions, connections, and lasting memories it creates.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and genuine engagement. When I first started using social media as a musician with Oh Brother Big Sister and later as the Executive Director of AuSable Artisan Village, I knew that simply posting content wouldn’t be enough—I had to create a space where people felt connected and invested in what I was sharing.

For Oh Brother Big Sister, it started with sharing live performance clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal stories about our journey as musicians. People resonated with the realness—whether it was a goofy rehearsal video or a heartfelt post about a meaningful song. Engagement really grew when we started interacting more with our audience, responding to comments, asking questions, and making our followers feel like part of the journey rather than just spectators.

With AuSable Artisan Village, social media became an essential tool for building community support. We focused on celebrating the artists we feature, sharing the progress of our Performing Arts Center expansion, and highlighting events in a way that made people feel excited to be involved. High-quality photos, compelling storytelling, and regular updates helped create a sense of anticipation and pride around what we were doing.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is: be consistent, be authentic, and engage with your audience.

At the end of the day, social media isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building a community that genuinely cares about what you do. When you approach it with that mindset, growth becomes a natural result of the connections you create.

Contact Info:

• Website: ArtisanVillage.org Ohbrotherbigsister.com
• Instagram: AuSableArtisanVillage. Ohbrotherbigsister
• Facebook: AusableArtisanVillage. Ohbrotherbigsister
• Youtube: Ohbrotherbigsister
• Other: Apple Music: Oh Brother Big Sister

Image Credits

Radel Rosin