Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

When Brenda Campbell was announced as the new director of the Johnson Center for the Arts back in November, she referred to herself as a “self-starter who is willing to jump in” wherever she is needed.

Campbell officially came on board the first of January and she has been as good as her word, said Wiley White, JCA exhibition coordinator.

“Brenda is on top of everything,” White said. “I’ve never seen anybody who is so organized. She immediately started doing good things – getting things organized and bringing new and great ideas. She is working with the board and so many good things and new things are being planned. It’s an exciting time at the Johnson Center.”

Campbell said before taking the job as director of the Johnson Center for the Arts she had visited the arts center a few times, but only through her work.

“But, this past month have I learned how much I didn’t know about the Johnson Center, she said. “For example, I had no idea the extent of after-school programs offered.  Center Stagers offers professional theatre instruction and is a collaboration of the Johnson Center and Troy University that is funded by a grant from the Chapman Foundation.  Additionally, Day Barnes offers an exceptional after-school art education program at Art by the Tracks.  I love seeing the after-school students and their families walk across the street to see the art exhibits in the Johnson Center galleries. One six-year-old young lady comes in on Thursdays to tell me which piece of art she has chosen as her favorite for the week.”

Campbell said all of the people who visit, volunteer, donate, and work at the JCA have been a joy to get to know.

“It’s easy to tell that there is a deep passion for bringing the education and exposure to the arts to all citizens of our area, as well as visitors from other states and nations,” she said. “I’ve talked to friends who live in Troy and say that they have never been to the Johnson Center even though they drive by it several times a week.  We encourage everyone to come visit and learn what the Johnson Center has to offer.”

One of those offerings will be on February 13 when the JCA hosts “Galentine’s in the Gallery.”

“Campbell said Galentine’s is a celebration of women’s friendship and will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Women of all ages are invited to drop by the JCA and celebrate Galentine’s.

The JCA’s regular hours are 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday – Friday and from 10 am until 3:00 pm on Saturday.”

Admission to the Johnson Center is free.