The executive director of Arlington Arts Center discusses her passion for the arts and the future of the AAC.
What sparked your interest in art?
I started out as an English major and was in a Victorian literature class, and I was introduced to some British artists and decided to take an art history elective. I knew very little about art up to that point—it was love at first class.
What do you want to do differently with the AAC in the years ahead?
I wouldn’t say differently; I would say I see my role as trying to build more bridges between the AAC and the DMV because we’re doing really high-quality work that people in the region might be interested in. Communicating that to a broader audience and having more people appreciate who we are, what we are and feeling welcome in this space is my goal.
What are the biggest lessons about art and curating you’ve learned?
Working with art is a codification of history and also a kind of prediction about where we’re going in the future. Contemporary artists, they’re interested in the issues that are defining our culture—exploring and communicating those issues and giving their perspective. I’m always learning something new.
QUICK HITS
Neighborhood: Oakton
Favorite artists: I can’t answer that question or I’ll get in trouble. That’s a dangerous question. [Laughs]
Favorite art medium: For me it’s all good; it’s all exciting. I don’t really have a preference.
