Mandy Fariello

Art gives me the power to connect

mandyfariello.com

Instagram: @mandyfariello

Facebook: MandyFarielloArt

Duxbury, MA

The value I believe art brings to a community: Art brings joy, contemplation, and allows the freedom of expression.

I believe everyone is creative in some way!

I wish more people understood that arts leadership is challenging, but incredibly rewarding!

I provide the framework for artists to reach their community.

I am a member of the Board of Trustees and the chief cook and bottle washer at the Duxbury Art Association. I am also an exhibiting artist and teacher.

What moment (or moments) led you to this work?

In 2017 I had just completed an intensive online art workshop and was looking for an in-person tribe. I met our current president (Kim Murphy) at a DAA event and the rest is history. DAA was going through a transition to an all-volunteer model and was not in great financial shape. I helped with the 2017 events, joined the board and took on creating a sustainable future for DAA. The Duxbury Art Association, started in 2017 by many notable artists, has too much history of supporting artists to let it go.

Why does this work matter — especially right now?

The most rewarding parts of my role involve connections: Connecting artists to supporters, connecting people to stories, connecting students with the feeling of creating. In this digital age, we all need more connections to real people.

How does your work help artists or creative people grow, connect, or feel supported?

I organize a minimum of 6 art shows a year that allow artists to show their work and make connections with admirers and potential buyers. The children taking classes at the South Shore conservatory are exposed to art on the walls that they may not have seen if the gallery walls weren’t full. I love to hear 3 year olds tell their parents which piece is their favorite and why.

I also teach mixed media classes that are not project based, but more open-ended art play. It is amazing to see people that say they aren’t creative push out of their comfort zones!

What impact are you most proud of so far?

I’m proud that I am able to support artists and give them a platform to share their work and their stories. Our current Winter Juried Show is hanging at The Art Complex Museum. This show also pairs floral designers and poets with the artwork for special events. I love being there and hearing people connect with the art and each other.

What challenges have you had to navigate in building or sustaining this work?

Running the day-to-day operations of an art organization is a ton of work! Everything was on paper when I started at DAA. I have taken on the roles of social media manager, event coordinator, membership coordinator, webmaster, gallery manager and studio manager. My previous role was a manger in hospital finance so I have had to learn the art business along the way. I also run my own candy business so I’m pretty busy these days!

How do you define “community” in the context of the arts?

Our local arts community is supportive, inclusive, and uplifting. We all celebrate everyone’s wins. I am truly happy when another artist has success. It means that art as a whole is connecting with people.

What are you actively building or dreaming about next?

Personally, I have a big project percolating involving vintage book covers. We’ll see what comes of it! As far as the Duxbury Art Association, I’m dreaming of the next chapter with more community and volunteer support.