Get to Know Erin Blue, the McConnell Arts Center’s New Executive Director
By Nicholas Dekker
Erin Blue recently took up the reins of the McConnell Arts Center, after having previously served as the development director. We got to chat with her to learn about her work in the arts, what’s coming at the MAC, and even her favorite color (spoiler alert, it’s not blue).
Nick: I know you have an extensive background working in the arts. What led you to a career in the arts?
Erin: I’ve always had a strong appreciation for the visual arts, but my true calling was the theatre. I received a theatre degree from Florida State University and worked professionally as a stage manager in Florida before moving to Ohio 20 years ago. When I got to Columbus, I had never worked in an office setting. I made my way into fundraising, and once I was able to fundraise for the arts, I never looked back.
Nick: You previously served as the MAC's development director. What's it like returning to the MAC, after a nine months away?
Erin: I walked toward the wrong office a few times, but other than that, the transition has felt seamless. It has been really touching for so many patrons and volunteers to welcome me back to the MAC, saying “welcome home.” It truly does feel like home here.
Nick: For visitors who have never experienced the MAC before, how do you describe it?
Erin: It’s hard to narrow down all the MAC does into a sentence, but we like to describe our programs using three buckets: On Stage, On View and In Class.
The coming together of both visual and performing art with arts instruction is something that really sets us apart. With 60 classes offered every eight weeks, a dozen exhibitions and more than 150 performances each year, there’s something for everyone at the MAC. And with a focus on supporting and working with local artists living in our community, we joke that you’ll never see a dead artist on the walls at the MAC.
Nick: What are you most looking forward to in the coming years for the MAC?
Erin: Our success over 10 years comes from partnering with great arts and community organizations as well as individual artists in our community. As we enter into our next decade, I’m excited to deepen those existing relationships and form new ones, increasing the awareness of what the MAC has to offer for both patrons and artists alike. I’m also looking forward to new ways to program across disciplines – something the MAC is uniquely positioned to do.
Nick: What value do you think the MAC brings to the Worthington community?
Erin: The inspiration for an arts center in Worthington came from both the desire to save an iconic building and the wish to establish a cultural anchor for the community. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the support of Worthington neighbors and civic leaders. We honor that hard work and support by providing access to art in all its forms in an accessible and engaging setting. The MAC has grown larger than those early volunteers ever imagined, with 50,000 visitors and more than $3 million in economic impact each year. We not only bring the arts to Worthington, we are bringing Worthington to the arts community.
Nick: Anything else you think readers should know about you?
Erin: I’m a Florida native who moved to Ohio for no good reason… if that’s not weird, I don’t know what is! But if that’s not enough, I’m also left-handed and my favorite color, is not, in fact blue (come on, that would be too easy!). It’s green.
Say hello to Erin the next time you’re at the MAC! Keep up with all the concerts, classes, exhibitions, and community events at mcconnellarts.org.