Warwick local notable Dan Mack, visual artisan
“One of the earmarks of Warwick,” says Dan Mack, a visual artist, rustic furniture maker, teacher, author, and community facilitator extraordinaire, “is a consistent examination of conscience. There is a commitment to the evolution of what is most effective.” A powerful claim, but one that can be substantiated: Mack, one of the founders and current president of the ultra successful Community 2000 project, has recently decided to step down and help install new leadership. The need for fresh ideas, Mack posits, is what keeps the positive action flowing.
In fact, for Mack, one might say fresh ideas are his stock-in-trade. For all of his possible appellations, perhaps the most accurate is the one he uses: He is a working imaginalist. He has been creating art from natural materials for over 30 years, from grand-scale rustic design to his current work with Hudson River driftwood. “The theme is emerging selves,” Mack explains of his current work, a concept that could well be applied to the living art community he helps to foster. Mack still maintains his position as vice president of the vibrant and active Orange County Arts Council, and volunteers his time teaching creative process at the local public elementary school—perhaps the most significant teaching gig of his career.
Twenty-five years ago, Mack and his family made the exodus from New York City. “We kind of got lost and ended up here. It was like time traveling.” When the rustic woodworker saw the 1906 Victorian that would become his home and studio, he knew that he had arrived. All these years later, it is difficult to imagine a community without him.Danielmack.com
