Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquie Brasher.
Hi Jacquie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Malaysia but America has been my home for the last forty-three years. I have lived in Alabama, South Carolina, and now Georgia. I was a newspaper journalist for many years before being laid off, but fell into radio broadcasting right after that. After leaving radio, I was hired as executive director of The Emanuel Arts Council in 2016 and I’ve been there ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During and after college, I waited tables in numerous restaurants. I would say the road was never smooth! But I learned a ton of life lessons, not to mention the ins and outs of the restaurant industry. I not only waited tables, but I learned how to bartend and be a manager. I watched the chefs cook and developed a love of the culinary arts. I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. I always tell friends that they should work at least one restaurant job in their lifetime. The people you meet in this business will change your life. As the late Anthony Bourdain once said, “The work is thankless and fun and messy, and the world would be a kinder place if more people tried it.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As executive director of an arts council, I’m always surrounded by creative people. It’s stimulating and rewarding. Artists see the world in highly interesting and fascinating ways and they project all of that into their art.
I’m proud of self-publishing a book of poetry last year. I have been writing poetry for the last forty years and decided to compile my favorites in a book I named “Kudzu Flowers: Selected Poems, 1984-2024.” I gave them out to friends and family.
I’ve lived in Swainsboro since 1997 and I’m basically known in this small town as a writer/reporter for the local paper. Many people still remember me as a journalist, even though I was let go from that job during the recession of 2008. However, these days I am mostly known for my work with the Emanuel Arts Council and Kalmanson Gallery.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have had the good fortune of having great mentors in college. Teachers are terrific mentors. My advice is to seek the advice of your favorite teacher, someone who knows what makes you tick and what inspires you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emanuelarts.org
- Instagram: @emanuelartscouncil
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeArtHappen
