Founder and Director of Side Street Studio Arts in Elgin, IL. Tanner Melvin is a dynamic leader and creative visionary, blending an eclectic professional background with a passion for community engagement and the arts. With a B.A. in Theater (specializing in acting and design) and an M.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration (focusing on experiential education and interpretive programming) from Western Illinois University (WIU), Tanner's journey has been as diverse as it is inspiring.
Before founding Side Street Studio Arts in 2013, Tanner built a multifaceted career as a professional actor and designer across the U.S., later transitioning to outdoor education and experiential programming for children and adults. His time as a Seasonal Interpretive Specialist at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab, UT, in 2012, profoundly shaped his approach to education and outreach, which he now integrates into Side Street’s programming.
Tanner’s artistic pursuits are equally versatile. As an artist-in-residence at The Studios of Key West in 2018 and at Farwell House in 2024, he expanded his work in interdisciplinary media and on-site installation projects. Locally, he has served on the board of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and continues to play a pivotal role as Technical Director of the Elgin Fringe Festival, which he helped found in 2013. His efforts were recognized in 2019 when WIU honored him with the Graduate of the Decade award for his contributions to recreation and arts administration.
Currently, Tanner spearheads the development of Side Street Studio Arts’ #futurehome at 62 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin, collaborating with local organizations, contractors, and city officials to bring this transformative project to life. His dedication to fostering artistic expression, education, and community engagement ensures that Side Street Studio Arts remains a cultural cornerstone in Elgin for years to come.
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