Today we’d like to introduce you to Mack Macksam
Hi Mack, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Mack retired from the Army at USF St. Pete. He left his mark on USF by privately funding a granite monument at the base of the U.S. flag on the St. Pete campus. The marker recognizes and acknowledges all who served from all branches of the military.
VACTB recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The idea for VACTB was born in 2014 when Mack was on his daily run through downtown St. Petersburg. He kept noticing the beauty of the area’s street art, art collections, and art-related businesses. As a civilian, he sought a way to connect with military, veteran, and first responder personnel. Mack envisioned creating a destination that would provide these populations with a place to engage in alternative therapies.
Alternative therapies are holistic alternatives to medications and traditional medical treatment. For Mack and VACTB, they mean painting, drawing, musical performances, dancing, yoga, creative writing, journaling, and helping veterans archive their history.
· Alternative Programs Served: 2,585+ individuals served
· Children’s Community Outreach: 23,000+ children provided with art & school supplies through VACTB-sponsored donation drives and $50,000 in donated toys.
· Commissioned Art Presentations: 21 pieces of art presented to community members, centers of influence, and military leaders.
· Prevented Suicides: 4
· Contracted Art Exhibits: 3
1. Eyes of Freedom Traveling Memorial, Brandon Harley Davidson, November 2021:
Mack Macksam worked tirelessly to secure a contract and the funding needed to bring this traveling memorial to the Tampa Bay area for two weeks. Mayor Jane Castor gave a proclamation to declare it Eyes of Freedom / VACTB day on the opening day of the exhibit. The exhibit memorializes 22 Marines and one Navy Corpsman from Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, who were killed in action between May and August 2005. The exhibit allows the public to “Reflect, Touch and Engage” with the art representing those lost in service to their county. The art exhibit encompasses bronze statues, paintings of those lost, their military boots, and personal effects.
2. 10th Anniversary of the VACTB, Hillsborough County Bar Association, September 2023: More than 275 attendees participated in this event. Notable moments included the awarding of two Corporal Humlhanz Arts Scholarships to two students enrolled in the veteran’s art program at Ringling and Saint Leo colleges. Corporal Humlhanz was a US Marine who was killed in action in Iraq. His parents, Bob and Michelle, presented the scholarships to the deserving students. We paid tribute to LCPL JT Doody, a US Marine who was paralyzed, wounded, and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), by showcasing his artwork at the event. Additionally, we unveiled a commissioned artwork titled “Thirteen ” by Alison Dick, USMC spouse, to honor the thirteen Marines killed in Action at Abbey Gate, Baghram, in 2021. Ms. Dick then presented her painting, “Thirteen,” to Mrs. Paula Knauss, Gold Star mother of SSG Ryan Knauss, one of those killed at Abbey Gate. Mack Macksam spoke about our 2024 fundraising goal to bring the 9/11 Tunnels to Tower exhibit to Tampa to honor First Responders.
Major Life Incident:
2021 I was walking back from Gym and walking through a crosswalk, A auto rammed into me. I had a Double Subdural Hematoma, Multiple Fractures, Brain Surgery. Bottom Line I should be here but I am
Many have said your have a “divine favor and you mission is not compete
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenges
Balancing Personalities
Finances
Scammers and Users
Trust and Loyalty are very important
“Talkers and Doers”
We Are NOT a Museum/ Gallery /Art Sales
Grants Applications
Smooth:
Creating unique programs and outcomes
Loyal and Trusting Vol that Believe in our mission
Events, Exhibits that we plan and secure
American Soldier, 50K Contract, 50 K Contract
Innocent Souls, 12k , Contract 12K Contract
Eyes of Freedom, 18K Contract 19K Contract
Those Who Who Served Memorial Dedication, Valued over15K
10th Year Anniversary at the Hillsborough Bar, 350 attended, Sept 23rd 2023
This was celebration where we honored, remembered, educated and brought all together
” Creating Memories and Laughter” Is my Manta
Overcoming
Hurricane Irma
COVID
Gentrification
and Now Economic downturn
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
VACTB is the first model in the State of Florida
Creating the legacy and destination for years to come.
My Personal Success is passing the leadership to another CEO. This is like the change of Command in the Military
We have a Strategic Plan to secure new center in the next 2-3 years THIS WILL HAPPEN
How do you define success?
Secured New Center Again in the next 3 year and pass this along to a new CEO
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vactb.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forceforart
- Twitter: https://x.com/VACTB1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJnkJAX4gqf_1eOAqBQ3f1g
Image Credits
None
