Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda McClure.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a love for art. I studied Art History at UGA, had an internship at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and worked briefly for a fine art restoration company outside of Atlanta before coming to Gainesville in 2004 to work at a smallish non profit called the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. I was immediately blown away by the quality of fine art that was showcased at the center and that this organization was serving the entire Northeast Georgia Community.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it is easy, it often isn’t worth it. Struggles along the way include learning to navigate the world of non-profits from inside one that has such a long and rich history with the community it serves.
Understanding, appreciating and nurturing the special relationships with artists, collectors and donors has ups and downs, but overall, the mission and the belief that art is important makes every challenge “worth it”.
Quinlan Visual Arts Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Quinlan Visual Arts Center is Northeast Georgia’s premier arts organization serving the region for seven decades. Founded initially BY artists FOR artists, the Quinlan is a well-respected arts center known for a commitment to working artists, exceptional visual arts programming and educational opportunities for the entire family. The center balances the roles of exhibiting fine art with providing art education opportunities with up to 20 major solo and group exhibitions annually, a museum-quality gift shop, advanced workshops with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, classes in all media for all skill levels as well as private lessons, parties and camps. The Quinlan partners with other area non-profit organizations to provide needs-based, community-focused outreach to children, teens and seniors that benefit from fine art programs. I am most proud that we bring together artists, art lovers and those that strive to be art makers regardless of skill level and that entry to the galleries has been and always will be FREE.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There are wins along the way, usually in the form of a milestone achievement for the center, but often in the achievements of our artists as well. Watching an artist embark on an exceptional career that started at the Quinlan is a source of great pride.
Additionally, we hosted our first traveling museum show this year (2017), we were selected from a small group to feature the State of Georgia Art Collection in a traveling show in 2013 and updated all of our lights to LEDs that same year becoming truly “green”. I think, most recently, it was the return of one of our Summer Art Camp students as an instructor, she graduated from college, majoring in education and said that her love for education all started here. THAT’S a proud moment.
Contact Info:
- Address: 514 Green Street, Northeast
Gainesville, GA 30501 - Website: www.quinlanartscenter.org
- Phone: 7705362575
- Email: amanda.mcclure@quinlanartscenter.org
- Instagram: Quinlan Arts Inc.
- Facebook: Quinlan Arts Inc.
- Twitter: Quinlan Arts Inc.
- Yelp: Quinlan Arts Inc.
- Other: Quinlan Arts Inc.
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