Dacia Livingston Parker: Artist, Mentor, Community Builder

Art has been part of Dacia Livingston Parker’s story for as long as she can remember. It all began at seven years old with her first set of oil paints—a gift that ignited a lifelong creative journey. Now based in Midland, MI, Dacia is a passionate advocate for the arts and a cornerstone of the Great Lakes Bay Region’s creative community.

Dacia’s path has taken her from Michigan to the Pacific Northwest and back again, with every chapter shaping her artistic voice. After earning her BFA from the University of Michigan, she and her husband spent 13 years in Seattle, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean, mountains, and lush forests. It was there that Dacia launched her portrait photography studio, blending her love for people and storytelling.

Returning to Michigan in 2006, Dacia dove headfirst into her local arts community. Her journey started with photography and education through Captured Studios, but in 2018, she expanded her vision, rebranding as Parker Lane Art & Design Studio. This shift created space to nurture emerging artists, lead creative workshops, and connect others with the joy of art.

In 2024, Dacia’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to purchase Next Door Photos in the Great Lakes Bay Region. This real estate media company allows her to merge creativity with leadership as she leads a team of talented photographers and provides impactful media services for real estate agents and homeowners.

Today, Dacia wears many hats. As co-chair of Public Arts Midland, she helps to coordinate community-wide projects like the Art Seen Festival, bringing people together through public murals. She’s also a curator and mentor, helping new voices shine through initiatives like the Emerging Artist Show at Creative 360. Her belief that “ART is for Everyone” guides everything she does, from organizing exhibits to mentoring the next generation of creators.
Recently, Dacia has returned to painting and working with cyanotypes, mediums that let her explore themes of movement, flow, and connection to the natural world. Water, mountains, and the rhythms of nature are constants in her work, grounding her creative vision while allowing it to evolve.

As a Michigan native, Dacia is committed to building a vibrant, supportive arts community in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Whether she’s mentoring a new artist, collaborating on a mural, leading her photography team, or managing creative projects, she approaches every endeavor with the belief that art has the power to inspire, unite, and transform lives.