Multiply Your Audience and Expand Your Show's Impact with Jill Powers (#27)

Jill Powers is a sculptor, installation artist and educator who creates art related to ecological issues. Jill discusses how her events educate, delight and challenge the viewer, and how she came to seek out unique collaborations with area businesses, organizations and experts. Jill also describes the many programs she has organized, and how she did it while balancing her own artistic commitments. You’ll hear about how she worked with dancers, scientists, and restaurants beyond gallery walls.

 

In this interview, you will hear about:

• Jill’s background both in art and education, and her passion to create and teach in different settings.

• Two Colorado exhibitions: Plants and Insects in a Time of Change at the Firehouse Art Center in 2013 and Hold Fast: Seaweeds in a Time of Oceanic Change at the Dairy Art Center in 2016.

• The curatorial thesis of experiencing art that opens doors to the message.

• The actual work that was on view for each exhibit.

• The benefits of becoming involved in your community and collaboration beyond what seems possible.

• The clever way Jill’s exhibitions included everyone from dancers, to chefs and scientists.

• The film night she organized as part of a public program.

• The funding that took place in order to successfully run the exhibits.

• The obstacles she faced in pulling off both events with over 3 years of planning.

• Her way of using volunteers and organizing systems to help her stay focused and on track.

• What led her to recognize the value in involving others and making the art more meaningful.

• The immersive aspect of her exhibits including live samples of seaweed at a tasting station and using music to set the mood.

• Her advice for artists who may consider becoming more involved in their community, and why enthusiasm and personal connection is so impactful.

• A glimpse into what’s next for her in the future, including a book based on her teaching and life experiences.

 

Resources:

• Jill Powers https://jillpowers.com/

• Dairy Arts Center https://thedairy.org/

• Firehouse Art Center https://firehouseart.org/

• Seaweed exhibit article in the Denver Post https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/22/boulder-artist-brings-seaweed-trend-to-plates-spas-and-restaurants/

• Show notes and comments https://artbizsuccess.com/powers-impact-podcast