MEET THE TEAM

What do you do at the Center?

 

I like to think I’m on deck to create an environment where our staff and volunteers can make great ideas happen –ideas that ignite the imagination and inspire our community to be curious and creative.

 

How are you staying creative at home?

 

Lots of visual journaling to capture ideas to bring life to forgotten spaces around town, including the gardenI’ve been dreaming about since we moved into our new home.

 

Any hidden talents or hobbies?

 

Oh yes.....I’m a magician with a glue gun! My mom taught me at an early age that dreams really can come true with a little hot glue.

 

Who is an artist you are following right now?

 

You know I can’t just choose one.I’m totally captivated by two right now.

 

21-year-old, New York culinary artist/chef, Flynn McGarry. Rhonda Foster at Liam’s turned me on to him. He started cooking at 11 and opened his first pop up restaurant at 13. He leaned in on what inspired him and hasn’t let go. Every time I think about him, my mind turns to the AMAZING children who are at the Center each day and how important it is to help them tap into what excites them. We can’t stop there though. We have to support their wild ideas and open doors for them to walk through.

 

Then there’s Novak studio in the UK. Wow! They transform spaces with unbelievable displays of light, color and motion. The Shining Lives project they did in New Lanark, Scotland in 2017 is hard to put words to. It’s beautiful and haunting and encouraging, all at the same time. I know Thomasville is where I’m supposed to be today, but if no one was looking I’d run away tomorrow to go play with Novak!

 

Who inspires you?

 

Anyone who is stepping up to the plate to lead positive, meaningful change. Especially mothers who are attempting to do that while also making a home for their families.

 

How do you start your day?

 

Hopefully! I literally put my feet on the floor and whisper, “I greet the day with love and laughter in my heart”. Then it’s coffee made by my sweet husband, followed by an hour of prayer and very fitful meditation (not sure I’ll ever clear the monkey brain). At sunrise I take a walk downtown to ground me in the “present” so I can be prepared for the first call of the day from our wildly creative public art director. She seems to start everyday inspired.