
Welcome to
THE NEXT BIG THING
Meet the Blogger

MARCIA K. CULP
Entrepreneur, Artist, Designer, Instructor,
Creative Director, Solar System Ambassador, Arts & Culture Emissary from the Future and Creator of
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From an early age, Marcia was interested in the arts. She received commendations in elementary school to study art and music at the Toledo Museum of Art. She hosted her first event, a backyard carnival complete with a bicycle drive-up window at age twelve. A proud "southpaw," became an expert calligrapher by age sixteen and was commissioned to hand-letter the names of National Honor Society honoree's certificates, for nearly 90 high school seniors.
Her considerable expertise has afforded her countless opportunities to teach, coach, mentor and train next - generation leaders. For over two decades, she was the lead contributor of imaginative presentations, compelling graphic design, media coordination, brand development and refined the art of celebration through creative and immersive event experiences. Managed talent acquisition in an ongoing strategy to find specialists, leaders, and volunteers while focusing on long-term human resources planning and appropriate candidates for positions that required a very specific skillset.
In her career, Marcia provided procurement services, oversight for intellectual property, equipment, materials, supply chain engagement and fulfillment services. She also developed, lead and executed strategic sourcing, category, contract and risk management to assure that all activities were performed in a fully professional, transparent, and ethical manner which protected clients from fraud, waste, and abuse.
Marcia's career portfolio includes:
• Solar System Ambassador for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA
• Infographics Designer for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA
• NASA's "OSIRIS-REx" Ambassador
• NASA's Citizen Scientist
• U.S. Department of Arts and Culture Emissary from the Future, Citizen Artist
• Global networks
• National educational organizations
• Faith-based institutions
• Local community organizations
• Private sector groups.
Marcia Culp is an Event Design Instructor a Owens Community College - Workforce and Community Services and a volunteer Solar System Ambassador for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA. She currently lives near Toledo, OH with her husband, Lance. The couple have four children and five grandchildren. Continue reading for more details.
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COLLEGE EDUCATION
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Business Administration and Marketing, Dual Major
Anderson University
1976 - 1978
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CONTINUING EDUCATION
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Real Estate
Davis College
1984
Graphic Design Certificate Program
Owens Community College
2006
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PROFICIENCIES
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• Creative design solutions
• Project management
• Executing media campaigns
• Staging stunning interior spaces
• Creating exceptional event experiences
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Creative Placemaking
Artists, arts organizations, and community development practitioners deliberately integrate arts and culture into community revitalization work - placing arts at the table with land-use, transportation, economic development, education, housing, infrastructure, and public safety strategies.
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2018
First Friday Art Trail
Lubbock Cultural District
at Caviel Museum of African-American History
Black History Month Exhibition with
Roots Historical Arts Council
FEATURED ARTWORK
NASA OSIRIS-REx: "Asteroid I" & "Asteroid II"
Exhibitor
Lubbock, TX
2018
Cadillac Ranch
Public Art Installation and Sculpture
July 4th Holiday Celebration Participant
Contributing Artist
Amarillo, TX
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2017
Cadillac Ranch
Public Art Installation and Sculpture
Labor Day Celebration Participant
Contributing Artist
Amarillo, TX
2016
NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The First U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth, addressing multiple NASA Solar System Exploration objectives through the "We The Explorers" program.
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2016
Cadillac Ranch
Public Art Installation and Sculpture
July 4th Holiday Celebration Participant
Contributing Artist
Amarillo, TX​
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2016
The Mix: "Curve Ball Art Auction"
The Arts Commission Annual Fundraiser​
Participating Artist
Toledo, OH
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2016
Fundraiser & Silent Auction
Benefitting an "Above the Knee" amputee
OSIRIS-REx: "Asteroid I"
OSIRIS-REx: "Asteroid II"
Artwork featured on Wall Art & Gicleé Prints
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2016
NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth, addressing multiple NASA Solar System Exploration objectives through the "We The Explorers" program. The seven - year mission began September 8, 2016 and concludes with the sample returned to earth on September 24, 2023 for additional research.
PROJECT TIMELINE
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• Responded to a "Call for Artists" via
The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo's website
• Created two original works of art inspired by asteroids:
"Asteroid I"
"Asteroid II"
• Submitted artwork in March 2016
• Artwork loaded onto a microchip and installed in an Outer Space Digital Art Gallery, aboard the spacecraft "OSIRIS-REx" to begin its seven - year mission to map the Asteroid "Bennu"
and returning a small sample to earth in 2023, for further research.
•Traveled to Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL in September 2016 to attend a "Lunch with an Astronaut" reception featuring Astronaut, Dr. Don Thomas
(STS-70 mission aboard space shuttle Discovery).
• Met the eight- year old boy, Michael Puzio, who is the first child in history to name an asteroid (Bennu")
• Attended a pre-launch press conference featuring
"Bill Nye - The Science Guy" at Kennedy Space Center
• Attended a guided tour of Kennedy Space Center/Space X with priority seating to view the launch of OSIRIS-REx at Cape Canaveral. FL
• LIVE stream post-launch news conference broadcast at Kennedy Space Center
2015/2014/2013/2012/2011/2010/2009
Artomatic 419!
The Arts Commission
Gallery Exhibits
2012/2011/2010/2009
Art Walks & Art Loop
The Arts Commission
Open Studio Art Exhibits
2012/2011/2010/2009
"Tis The Secor"
The Arts Commission
Open Studio Holiday Art Exhibits
2012/2011/2010/2009
Art Loop
The Arts Commission
Open Studio Art Exhibits
2011
Sur St. Clair Gallery
Mixed Media Art Exhibit
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2010
Prizm Creative Community
SamB's Restaurant Gallery
Art Exhibit & Installation
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Achievements
Memberships
Creative Community
Honors & Awards
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2021
NASA: Solar System Ambassadors Program
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA
Solar System Ambassador
Selected by NASA's federally funded Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Solar System Ambassadors Program which is managed by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA
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The NASA Solar System Ambassadors program is a public engagement effort that works with motivated volunteers across the nation to communicate the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries with the people in their communities.
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2020
NASA: Infographics Designer Program
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA
Infographics Designer
NASA’s federally funded Jet Propulsion Laboratory managed by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA. Infographic Designers use NASA data to transform them into a works of art that communicate the science in more clear and visually appealing format.
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The goal of JPL Infographics is to tap into the creative power of the public, uncovering new ways of explaining and understanding the wonders of space and space exploration. The marriage of science data and art and design makes room for a brand new audience.
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2020
MAKE: Community
Maker/Member
Connecting people and projects that shape our future through a global hands-on learning revolution celebrating ingenuity and curiosity. Making is a catalyst in learning and creativity leading to powerful innovation in education and real-world solutions. https://make.co/
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2020
NASA: We The Explorer's Program
OSIRIS-REx Ambassador
Ambassadors provide information about NASA, The University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (which leads the mission), Goddard Space Flight Center, Lockheed Martin, and instrument partners. The program helps the OSIRIS-REx mission engage students and the public.
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2019
Live Your Future
Creative Director
Corporate Event Liaison​​
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2019
Toledo Museum of Art
Featured Storyteller
Frans Hals "Family Reunion" Video Production
Toledo, OH​
2018
Toledo Museum of Art
Community Leader/Member
Museum Place Residences Community Conversations
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2018
National AfterSchool Association
Member/Ambassador
2018 - Present
Owens Community College
Workforce and Community Services
Event Design Instructor, Adjunct
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2018
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Public Forum Patron/Community Leader
Library Temporary Closing and Renovation Project Conversations
2018
Caviel's Museum of African American History
Speaker/Exhibitor
Black History Exhibition in partnership with ROOTS Historical Arts Council
Lubbock, TX
Exploring place-based creative strategies for truth-telling and collective healing
"400 Years of Inequality" and "A People's Observance for a Just Future"
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2018
Cadillac Ranch
Contributing Artist
Public art installation and sculpture
July 4th Holiday Celebration Participant
Amarillo, Texas
2018
United States Department of Arts and Culture, USDAC
Emissary from the Future/Ambassador/Citizen Artist/Cultural Agent/Writer
Literary work, "Diversity Built By Bridges" published, March 2018
2018
United States Department of Arts and Culture, USDAC
Emissary from the Future/Citizen Artist/Facilitator for "Citizen Artist Salon: Creative Strategies for Commemorative Justice"
2018
"The People's State of the Union"
LIVE! Theater Performance Story Circle Writer/Contributor
Inspired by literary works from a collaborative of national writers, Marcia had her work entitled: "Diversity Built By Bridges," published and included as inspiration for the live event at The Public Theatre in New York, NY
https://psotu18.tumblr.com/.../diversity-built-by-bridges
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2016
NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Contributing Artist
OSIRIS-REx Mission, the first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth, addressing multiple NASA Solar System Exploration objectives through the "We The Explorers" program.
Responded to a nationwide Call for Artists, to create asteroid-inspired works of art that was submitted digitally then placed on a microchip and later installed in the Digital Art Gallery aboard NASA’s spacecraft, “OSIRIS-REx,” commemorating the First U.S. Sample Return Mission to the Asteroid 'Bennu' on its seven - year journey ending in 2023.
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The two commemorative pieces of art:
NASA OSIRIS-REx: "Asteroid I"
NASA OSIRIS-REx: "Asteroid II"
The artwork will remain in orbit around the Sun for millennia, aboard the solar-powered spacecraft
2016
One World Classroom: "K-12 Global Art Exchange"
Instructor
Students share their artwork (physically or digitally) with schools from around the world; participate in an interactive digital global student art tour; and, optionally, complete an online conversation with a partner class about the art the students have shared!
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2016/2015/2014/2013/2012
Skills Camp
K-12 Art Instructor
A creative summer studio intensive devoted to crafting rich experiences through exposure to audio, video, crafts, presentations, theatre, dance and hands-on activities
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2016
Toledo.com
Named one of the city of Toledo, Ohio's
"Creative Natives"
https://www.toledo.com/creative-natives/archived/marcia-culp/
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20012/2011/2010/2009/2008/2007/2006/
2005/2004/2003
MediaWorx
K-12 Graphic Design Instructor
It involves a creative and systematic approach to solve a problem or achieve certain objectives, with the use of images, symbols or even words. It is visual communication and the aesthetic expression of concepts and ideas using various graphic elements and tools.
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2011
Toledo Museum of Art
"Aminah Robinson:" Voices That Taught Me How to Sing
Community Voices Project/Book of Toledo Memories
Gallery 4
Contributing Artist
Toledo, OH​
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2010
National Association of Photoshop Professionals
N.A.P.P. (Kelby One)
Professional Member
2010/2011/2010/2009/2008/2007/2006/
2005/2004/2003
V.B.S. Vacation Bible School
"Digiworx" Art Classes
Summer Camp Instructor
A fun-filled summer program for children to connect children and families with art and technology in their communities
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2002 - Present
The Arts Commission
Toledo, OH
Member/Artist​​
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Speaking Engagements, Teaching & Training Topics​
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Leadership​​
Family Dynamics​​
Arts & Culture​​
"Dare To Imagine"
"Cultural Wellness"
"Revolution of Values"
"Culture Shift"
"Art Became My Oxygen"
"Living Right In A Left-handed World​"
"Storytelling: The Art of Telling and Listening"
"Elevating Events to Exceptional Experiences"
"The Power of Your Voice"
Story Circles
Community Conversations
Corporate Appreciation Events
Volunteer Engagement
Event Design
Graphic Design
Interior Design
Exercises in Writing
SouthPaw Discussions
After-School Programs
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Notable Works​
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2018
Caviel Museum of African-American History
"Revolution of Values"
Black History Month Exhibition​
Speaker​​
Lubbock, TX
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2016
NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth, addressing multiple NASA Solar System Exploration objectives through the "We The Explorers" program. The seven - year mission began September 8, 2016 and concludes with the sample returned to earth on September 24, 2023 for additional research.
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2011​
Prizm Creative Community
"Creative Career Day"
Speaker
Perrysburg, OH
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2011​
United Way of Greater Toledo
Lunch with Leaders
"Laws of Leadership"
Keynote Speaker
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1999
"Strength of the Young" Mission Trip: Reykjavik, Iceland
Communications Liaison/Mentor/Dancer/Leader/Photographer/Chaperone
Traveled with a group of over 20 teens and adults from the U.S. to Reykjavik, Iceland to participate with other youth, churches and youth leaders from multiple European and African countries to address a national teen suicide crisis. This prevention and empowerment - focused conference, "Strength of the Young" ("Styrkur Hinna Ungu" in Icelandic) targeted teens with substance and behavioral addictions. Interactions included, proven interventions using music, dance contests, art, singing, poetry and several breakout sessions including a Rap School ("Rappskoli" in Icelandic) to engage the youth through rhythm, rhyme, poetry and dance. Today, Iceland is experiencing a marked reduction in teen suicides and addictions.
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Media Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/01/teens-drugs-iceland/513668/
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Laugardalsholl Sport Center
Reykjavik, Iceland


