By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how did you end up in New Bern?
I’m from Michigan originally but in order to acquire knowledge in arts administration I would use a national arts job listing that provided the opportunity to travel and learn. In 1989 CravenArts listed the gallery director position. I applied, interviewed and was offered the job and moved to New Bern.
Do you have any formal training or are you mostly self-taught?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in oil painting from Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan.
Is there a central theme to your work, or several themes?
Trees are the central theme which includes the environment, light, movement and atmosphere.
A lot of the works I’ve seen you do in the past are large scale, what about the large scale format appeals to you?
Trees aren’t small and they need their space. I need my space as well for movement of brushstroke, and to give the viewer the sense of climbing into that tree.
You were Executive Director at several arts councils, including Craven Arts Council & Gallery. Do you see any relationship between that career and your artwork?
I started fighting for arts in high school in 1969 and again in college in 1971. Art was not considered a career choice in southern Michigan especially for women. Once you start it’s hard to stop the crusade. I started my first art center with an abandoned Carnegie library and a popcorn stand in 1979. When your toolbox includes numerous creative processes such as painting, design, etc. this enables you to problem solve in your job by thinking out of the box.
Do you have any behinds the scenes advice for artists looking to sell their work or get into more galleries?
Non profit organizations can provide opportunities to exhibit usually at a more palatable percentage. Get to know your local gallery director and get involved with the community art programs.
Is there another artist who work you admire or inspires you?
Maud Gatewood for the repeating pattern and how she would pull the viewer into the painting. Georgia O’Keeffe for color and the simplicity of form.
What artwork, exhibition, or award are you particularly proud of, and why?
No trophies here. As a community arts employee it would be considered a conflict of interest.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
The ability to use my talent of painting to translate the beauty of nature.
I know you’ll be having an exhibition at Bank of the Arts late November through January, but where else can people find your work?
In the past I sold through our local galleries in downtown New Bern and hope to do so again.