Bonham, Texas -- As part of our 25th Anniversary celebration, we reached out to all of the surviving women who have been Directors of the Creative Arts Center and asked them to reflect on their work at the center. Keep reading to learn what they accomplished during their tenures here and some of their favorite memories.
Karin White was the Director from 2005-2008. She has passed away.
Inga Posey
Creative Arts Center
Director 2001-2005
Proudest Accomplishments:
Making Artist, Patron and Member connections in the community, as well as starting up the children’s art contest and the area juried adult art contest. They both expanded the Art Center’s exposure within Fannin County as well as in North Texas and beyond. I always loved seeing the artists getting to shine!
Favorite Memories:
So many wonderful memories, but I’d have to say: Kay Carrel’s incredible idea for the ANTS coming to life everywhere! I literally watched our town “swarming” from one brilliant spark in one awesome, devoted and caring artist’s mind. She was always the queen ant to me, in every way that is good.
Three words to describe the art center:
Uplifting. Inspiring. Cornerstone.
Barbara Reeves
Creative Arts Center
Director 2008-2012
Proudest Accomplishments:
The friendships, beginning Kidz Krew with Donna West and Lisa Avila, beginning Music in the Garden and hosting the radio show. I was also proud of hosting all the individual artists shows and the entertainment by Linda and Larry Petty. I was incredibly proud of all the volunteers who were part of the Hospitality group who made all the food for every event we hosted and for the great Board of Directors who attended every event. Other accomplishments included getting the garden designed and the stage built.
Favorite Memories:
My favorite memories include the coat drive which collected over 100 coats and each time we hosted Santa in the Garden. The time that one boy asked Santa for a pair of shoes made us all get very emotional and we were thrilled to find someone who could take care of that need. I also liked when Tom Styrkowicz said “as you can tell, when you enter the Arts Center, there’s a lot of love here.” Another favorite was our slogan was “The Creative Arts Center is the place to be, and we have a place for you!”
Three words to describe the art center:
Majestic. Community. Passion.
Lisa Avila
Kidz Krew Director
2010 to 2012
Creative Arts Center
Director 2012 to 2020
Proudest Accomplishments:
I began working at the Creative Arts Center in 2010, when Donna West stepped down as Director of Kidz Krew Performing Arts – a title she created! I am extremely proud of the time I spent as head of the program and how it made a positive impact on the kids and on me. In 2012, I was hired to replace Barbara Reeves and that was a hard act to follow. I was determined to carry on with the programs there and live up to her great work. As Director, my goal was to expand the reach of the CAC and involve even more of the community. So, in the eight years I was Director, I added some new programs: Wine Down on Willow; the Red River Art, Wine and Music Festival; Art in the Park; Readers Theater; Jam Night; a Lecture Series; a Renaissance Faire; Cowboy Poetry events; Yoga and other classes; more kids’ camps; the institution of the East Gallery Program where individual artists could have their own exhibitions – all these programs helped bring new people through the doors. But I believe my greatest achievement and what I am most proud of was keeping
the doors open to the Creative Arts Center when, in 2017, I was told that they were going to close. I beat the community drums, got more businesses involved, had a meeting with the artists and others and the reaction was overwhelming. The community was on our side. The board decided to continue.
Favorite Memories:
There are so many “favorite” memories – of the people who said “I am so glad I found this place,” of the people who came through the door and said “I was born here.” The morning of each Red River Art, Wine and Music Festival would always begin early for me, long before our scheduled start time or before any of the other volunteers arrived. One year, I woke upand got to CAC at 3 am! Those early mornings that began quietly and gently and then turned into a booming day with loads of visitors, music, art and joy, the center humming with life – I loved that. At the end of those days when the festival was over and we had cleaned up and were ready to head home, there was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. They say ‘do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I’ve always been blessed in that way. As Director of the CAC, I felt lucky every day. It was the job of a lifetime for me, I loved every minute of it, and I treasure the friends I made there.
Three words to describe the Creative Arts Center.
Could I describe the CAC in three words? Well, that’s difficult. I believe many people involved in the arts center see the people there as their “tribe.” I know that I did. Finding a tribe is a big deal in today’s world. We all want to belong to something, to have a common interest, to share a common passion. What are the benefits of finding your tribe? Connection, camaraderie, fulfillment. Perhaps those are three good words to describe the nurturing, positive environment there.
Jennifer Wilson
Creative Arts Center
Director 2020 to 2023
Proudest Accomplishments:
My proudest accomplishments were the children’s and teen art programs and keeping the center open and thriving during COVID.
Favorite memories:
My favorite memories are watching the children and teens become proud of their creations in class.
Three words to describe the art center:
Inspire. Create. Belong.
Sandy Barber
Creative Arts Center
Director 2024 to present
Proudest Accomplishments:
My proudest accomplishments include starting Taste of Chocolate and the En Plein Air Art contest and bringing back Kidz Krew and Music in the Garden. I am also proud of the wide variety of art classes and events we have offered for all ages. But most of all, I am very proud of the open, welcoming, and supportive artistic community we have developed here.
Favorite Memories:
My favorite memories include all the times we get to see folks shine. When people learn new creative skills, sell their artwork, win a ribbon, perform for Kidz Krew or other things like that. Our first Taste of Chocolate and first En Plein Air Contest were other favorites, especially watching the artists, our board and others light up when they saw the community turn out in a big way for these
events. I also have many fond memories of being a Kidz Krew mom, as my youngest was heavily involved in that program as she grew up and before I started working here.
Three words to describe the art center:
Creativity. Collaboration. Community.
