Big Water Creative Arts, Inc.

Michelle Chenard is an award-winning singer-songwriter, educator, and co-founder of Big Water Creative Arts. A prominent figure in northern Michigan’s arts community, she has earned honors including Northern Express Best Solo Performer, multiple Best of the Best recognitions, and a Michigan Emmy Award for her musical contributions to Sacrifice & Honor.

In 2016, Michelle co-founded BWCA with fellow musician Pete Kehoe to expand access to music education and creative opportunities across northern Michigan. Through performance, songwriting workshops, and mentorship, she has helped shape programs that inspire youth, adults, seniors, and special needs communities. Michelle continues to perform throughout the Midwest while advancing BWCA’s mission through the transformative power of music.

Pete Kehoe is an Emmy Award-winning composer, songwriter, educator, and co-founder of Big Water Creative Arts. With more than three decades as a musician and teacher, Pete has composed for documentaries and media projects, performed throughout the Midwest, and inspired generations of students through piano, guitar, songwriting, and music theory instruction.

In 2016, Pete co-founded BWCA with fellow musician Michelle Chenard to expand access to music education and creative experiences across northern Michigan. Since then, he has helped shape innovative programming serving youth, adults, seniors, and special needs communities. Through performance, education, and advocacy, Pete continues to advance BWCA’s mission and champion the transformative power of music.

Jeff Patton serves as Acting Executive Director and Treasurer of Big Water Creative Arts, bringing expertise in business, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership. An Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Schmidt and longtime community volunteer, Jeff contributes a strong background in marketing, event planning, and organizational development.

A lifelong music enthusiast and performing bassist, Jeff is passionate about supporting accessible music education and strengthening BWCA’s impact across northern Michigan. His leadership helps advance programs that inspire creativity, connection, and lifelong learning through music.

Sakura Springborn brings a unique perspective to Big Water Creative Arts as a former student and emerging community leader. A Harbor Springs native, she has been actively involved in youth leadership through the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee.

Sakura is currently attending North Central Michigan College with plans to pursue studies in environmental policy and political science. She also brings a strong background in the arts, including participation in Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp on scholarship.

As both a program participant and board member, Sakura represents the next generation of creative leadership and is passionate about expanding access to arts education and opportunities for young people in northern Michigan.

Sheela Welch serves as Secretary of Big Water Creative Arts and brings a lifelong love of music, theatre, and community service to the board. A licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt, she combines communications, marketing, and nonprofit leadership experience with a passion for arts advocacy.

With a background in theatre and vocal performance, Sheela has appeared in numerous community productions through Little Traverse Civic Theatre and remains active in local arts and music organizations. Inspired by BWCA’s mission to make music education accessible to all, she is committed to helping strengthen community connections and expand opportunities for creative expression throughout the region.

Jeff Wynder serves as President of Big Water Creative Arts, bringing leadership, community commitment, and a lifelong passion for music to the organization. A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor with OsborneKlein in Petoskey, Jeff has spent more than a decade advising individuals and organizations.

A musician and songwriter, Jeff performs locally as part of the duo Lejet and is dedicated to supporting music education for future generations. As Board President, he helps guide BWCA’s mission of expanding creative opportunities throughout northern Michigan while strengthening community partnerships that support the arts.