Welcome new arts leader Laura Wax, who is just 6 months into her leadership role with Friends of Historic Boonville!
Name: Laura Wax
Position: Executive Director
Organization: Friends of Historic Boonville
Time in current position: 6 months
Location: Boonville, MO
To get to know Laura and Friends of Historic Boonville better, MACAA posed the following questions to Laura…
What is the most rewarding part of working in the arts, or your organization specifically?
I get to be a part of 3 of the most iconic and oldest buildings not only Boonville, but in Central Missouri as well. I get to engage with the local populace when we host events and with complete strangers when they stop in for a quick tour of one of the 3 properties. It’s the people that make this job so rewarding.
What is the favorite program/service your organization offers?
This is a very tough question to answer since we do a multitude of different type of events. I always enjoy giving the history of the 3 buildings that we maintain as well as organizing the larger multi-day music festivals. We bring in live theater for the local schools (Kindergarten through 6th grade). In many instances, this is the only time those students will get to experience a live event, or it is the first time those students get to experience a live event. Seeing how the children react is very fulfilling. At Christmas we organize a concert that is comprised of amateur vocalists. With only 4 rehearsals, we put on an hour-long performance to kick off the holiday season.
What community philosophy do you feel is key to success?
Be a part of your community. You do not have to run for or hold an office but be engaged. Don’t sit back and complain when you don’t like how things are going, take an active role. Listen to what the community is telling you. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to change things up if the community has had a shift in what they deem a priority.
What characteristics do you feel leaders must have?
Effective leaders should be community minded, especially when you are an organization that’s main goal is for the community. Effective leaders should listen, whether it is to its members or someone on the outside. Never discount any idea, even if it isn’t feasible at that point in time.
CONTACT INFO:
Phone: (660) 882-7977
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.friendsofhistoricboonvillemo.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOHBoonville/
