Get to Know Cathy Green

Executive Director Acworth Arts Alliance

What is your main responsibility?
I wear lots of hats! It is my job to plan, organize and implement what the Acworth Arts Alliance offers and does, and make sure things that need to get done are done. This includes (but is not limited to) planning our annual schedule of exhibits and events, hosting receptions and open houses, overseeing the content of our website, planning and scheduling classes and workshops, paying the artists and instructors in a timely manner … promoting everything to do with the Art Houses and its events.

How big is your team, and what is it responsible for?
The Acworth Arts Alliance, LLC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). My team consists of myself, one part-time assistant, a volunteer bookkeeper, and volunteers who help with various tasks. We are responsible for running the Art House and all aspects of what it does – offering art to the community in many different ways – through exhibits, workshops, classes, camps and holiday events. We also have approximately 10 instructors.

Describe a typical day on the job.
This varies greatly. Every day that I work, I check and respond to emails, calls, messages and update class rosters. Depending on where we are in an exhibit cycle, I jury in works for upcoming exhibits, receive and return art to artists, organize and hang art, tag everything, and make sure our space is set up for classes. I clean, organize and greet guests of the Art House.

When were you hired, and what is your background?
I was appointed executive director by Mayor Tommy Allegood in 2017, when the nonprofit was established. I had previously managed Gallery 4463 in Acworth for 18 months. I’m a lifelong artist with my bachelor’s degree of fine arts from Columbus (Ohio) College of Art & Design. My major was interior design and minor was watercolor. Prior to that, I attended Ohio State University where I studied business for two years.

What has been the biggest surprise to you about your job?
The number of different hats I wear. Sometimes it’s a juggling act, other times I have a few quiet moments.

What do you like most about your job?
Meeting so many artists and being part of helping some of them find a place to belong. This has led to meeting so many others: their families, friends, neighbors. I’m an introvert and probably would not have met all of these wonderful people were it not for this job.

Why is the Acworth Arts Alliance also called the Art House?
The Acworth Arts Alliance is the legal name of our nonprofit. The Art House is the home of the alliance, where most of the exhibits, classes, etc., take place.

What changes have you seen?
The city of Acworth is greatly supportive of us and our endeavors, for which we are extremely grateful. In some ways we have outgrown our space as it relates to classes and workshops, and large gatherings. The city of Acworth has graciously made space available to us for classes and workshops at the Rosenwald School, the Roberts School and space for our artist lunches at the Beach House, all of which are city-owned properties. We are hoping to have a large deck added on the back of the Art House in 2022. This would allow us to expand certain events outdoors.

What are people surprised to hear the Art House offers?
Many are surprised that we are free and open to the public. Our first-time visitors are surprised at the selection of art and other items created by local artists that we have for sale. Many are surprised and excited to learn that we offer a variety of classes.

Any future projects in the works?
We are currently planning our 2022 fundraiser for April 23; Live at Logan Farm Park will consist of a dinner and concert.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.
I’m a wife to Jeff, a mother to Cara and Nick, and a dog mom to Marlee our Brittany. I love my family and cherish the time we get to spend together. I love to travel, eat good food, drink good wine, watch movies and listen to music. I take pictures to paint from while traveling, paint in watercolors and oils, and share my art whenever I can. I’m also a horse lover, a lover of gardening, nature’s beauty and wildlife. I enjoy boating, walking and just observing what there is to observe.