Harrison, owner of local photography and portraiture studio Photographic Elegance, will bring her more than thirty years experience in photographer and portraiture to Mint Hill Arts.
A member of Mint Hill Arts for four years, Harrison became more heavily involved with the local nonprofit when she joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In part, Harrison was chosen to serve on the Board of Directors with the hope that her thirty years’ experience in the arts would enable her to help the Chamber “bring the arts back to Mint Hill.”
“Somebody said they used to do art around Mint Hill, and it kind of fizzled out,” says Harrison. “It was before I was here in Mint Hill, so I didn’t really know what it was about. But I thought getting the local businesses and artists connected would be a way to bring the arts to Mint Hill.”
“I believe Art is an essential element of a thriving community,” says Harrison. “Art drives localized economic opportunities and citizen wellbeing. It also allows creative thinkers to flourish from all diversified talents and backgrounds.”
In October of 2018, Harrison used her Chamber connections to place twelve local artists in local businesses for a day. In an event sponsored by the Town of Mint Hill, people were able to visit these local businesses and see the artists at work. Through this event, Harrison helped to spark lasting partnerships between local businesses and artists, like Mint Hill Roasting Company, Vintner’s Hill and Pour 64, who all display work by local artists.
A member of Mint Hill Arts for four years and the unofficial “local art person” on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Harrison was a natural choice to assume the role of Vice President at Mint Hill Arts. As Vice President, Harrison hopes to continue to use her business connections in Mint Hill to raise funds for Mint Hill Arts and bring exposure to local artists.
In December, for example, Harrison helped Mint Hill Arts to show the work of twenty-four Mint Hill Arts members’ work at Novant Medical Center Mint Hill. The show not only benefited local artists, who were able to sell work for the holiday season, but the Novant Foundation as well, who received a portion of the proceeds.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as Vice President with the amazing current executive board and share their vision of the Mint Hill Arts mission statement,” says Harrison. “I am looking forward to using my business experience as portrait artist the past 37 years to better the art’s visual dynamics here in Mint Hill.”
“I am thankful for the local contribution and support that our small town exudes to the arts,” continues Harrison. “Local business partners are a huge part of our success. I look forward to working with them as well as our MHA members as we soar toward our goals in the new decade!”
