Studio Notes
Essays from After the Retreat, Chuck Benya’s Substack on leadership, governance, money, mission, and place.
What Interns Teach Us
October 5, 2026
A summer intern’s experience offers a lesson in teaching, confidence, and the value of supportive colleagues.
What We Walk Past.
September 20, 2026
A reflection on a book that changed how Chuck notices the world—and continues to shape how he lives.
After the Applause
September 15, 2026
The opening of Generations at Artspace Southern Illinois sets the stage for a reflection on the work that follows a successful event.
Not Every Board Member Has to Ask for Money
August 26, 2026
Board members can support fundraising through giving, introductions, cultivation, and stewardship, even when making an ask is not their role.
Sometimes the CEO’s Job Is to Say No
August 21, 2026
A reflection on the leadership responsibility of choosing what an organization should take on.
After the Retreat
August 19, 2026
Leadership as the stewardship and sharing of knowledge.