Hailing from Detroit, MI, Sabra Morman is an arts marketer, painter, and mixed-media visual artist with a passion for helping her fellow artists succeed. We met with Sabra to chat about her experience in the arts, her interest in arts management, and more. 

AHCMC: So, tell the readers a little about yourself and your background in the arts.

Sabra: I’ve always been artistic. While other kids thrived in athletics or science, I naturally excelled in art and writing—whether remembering art history facts, drawing, or having an eye for beautiful things. This gave me a sense of accomplishment, especially since I was born with a disability. My mom, a nurse, enrolled me in ballet classes early on because most people with my condition struggle to walk. I remember the rigorous yet creative experience of dancing to classical, jazz, and techno music in 90s Detroit.

Although my parents had professional careers—my father was a lawyer, and my stepfather, who raised me, was a judge—they were also very creative. My father was a musician, and my stepfather’s admiration for Frank Lloyd Wright led him to take me to Taliesin West as a child. Growing up in a household that respected the arts nurtured my appreciation for creativity and gave me the confidence to pursue it as a real career.

AHCMC: We’d love to hear more about your creative practice. Can you share a little with us?

Sabra: I call my artwork “Iridescence” because it uses light and dark hues, creating pieces resembling rainbows. My paintings often carry hidden messages about social justice, but if you look closer, the meaning is revealed. Growing up in a mixed-race household and attending a Quaker school that emphasized nonviolence shaped my perspective. “Iridescence” represents seeing things from different angles, fostering empathy, and reducing judgment.

I like to have fun when I paint, and listening to music is a huge part of my process. I often find inspiration through color or visual composition. As I’ve grown older, I want to make a living making art, but I also create for people to enjoy. My goal is to display my work in public spaces where people can see and appreciate it for free. I paint on a flat surface due to the unique way my hands are, incorporating rhinestones, childhood mementos, and found objects like seashells.

AHCMC: What led you to work in the arts management field?

Sabra: Working in arts management allows me to blend my creative and strategic skills. Marketing my art taught me how to build a brand and attract audiences, skills I’m eager to bring to arts management. My parents ensured I understood the importance of having a job, so while living in Michigan, I worked for a market research company. I also co-founded a boutique marketing firm and worked with many small business owners and creatives to bring their businesses into the digital realm.

Art has both a creative and practical side. Arts management bridges the two, supporting creatives while exploring a different aspect of the industry.

AHCMC: Tell us about your passion and dedication to helping artists.

Sabra: I’m passionate about helping artists because they bring the world joy, beauty, and meaning. It troubles me to see urban spaces devoid of creativity, paving over potential places of inspiration. Yet, artists and creators shape the world around us, bringing delight and meaning to our lives. Nothing we experience would exist without the vision of artists, thinkers, and innovators. Art is about joy and connection; promoting that feels like a privilege.

AHCMC: What are you most looking forward to as the Marketing and Constituent Services Assistant Manager?

Sabra: I’m most looking forward to meeting new artists, learning more about arts and humanities policies, and the behind-the-scenes work that ensures art continues to thrive in our society. I’m excited to bring my creative flair and help shape the future of arts engagement.