The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Marquette reflects on her career at HRAC and looks forward to the future

    Katherine Marquette recently stepped down as HRAC Executive Director and looks forward to a future of endless possibilities.
    Courtesy of Phillip Colwart
     

    Executive Director of the Hammond Regional Arts Center Katherine Marquette has recently made the decision to step down from her position after serving for a little over two years.

    Marquette explains why she is no longer serving in her position and shares her hopes for the art center’s future.

    “For those two years, I worked tirelessly, dedicated myself so fully, and with an intensity which is unfortunately just unsustainable,” said Marquette. “I will always want the best for HRAC.

    The decision to step back has been an extremely difficult one. However, in doing so, my hope is to make room for someone who is full of energy and potential.”

    Throughout her time as executive director of HRAC, Marquette has noticed the artistic talents of those affiliated with the university.

    “I have been enormously impressed by the students and the caliber of the faculty guiding those students,” said Marquette. “That admiration was a major driver for several exhibitions, which occurred during my tenure, including: Lion Pride, June 2017, and Last Islands, February 2016.  Unsurprisingly, my personal art collection now boasts artwork by both student and faculty of SLU.”

    Marquette praised the HRAC for what she calls an “incredible partnership” with the university in the “Let’s Talk: Art” lecture series.

    “These informal talks are wildly successful, free and open to the public,” said Marquette. “They cast a wide net on a broad range of art related topics.”

    The “Lion Pride” exhibition, which included artwork by three university graduates, Elliott Stokes, Lauryn LeBoeuf and Jordan Hartney, “Last Islands,” which featured two faculty members printmaking professor Ernest Milstead and ceramics professor Dennis Sipiorski, and “Selections from SLU’s Permanent Collection” are some of the university-affiliated events that Marquette was directly involved in. 

    “Dale Newkirk and Savannah Perrin did such a heroic job putting that exhibition together,” said

    Marquette. “It was outstanding, and I can’t thank them enough.”

    Alumni art major with a concentration in graphic design Perrin describes her experience working with Marquette. 

    “I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Marquette last year with the ‘Selections from SLU Permanent Collection’ exhibition. She was very kind and helpful. Mrs. Marquette, in my opinion, is an asset for our community with all of her hard work, dedication and knowledge of the arts as well as her passion for the arts. I enjoyed my time working with her and look forward to the possibility of working with her again in the future.”

    Marquette shares her hopes for a potential partnership with the university.

    “I hope to have been an advocate and a good friend to the university,” said Marquette. “I hope and trust my successor will be as well.”

    When asked about her greatest memory while serving as executive director, Marquette could not simply narrow it down to one experience. 

    “My time at HRAC has yielded a wealth of fond memories, experiences and friendships for which I will be forever grateful,” said Marquette.

    Marquette explains why funding was a difficult aspect during her career as executive director.

    Marquette said, “From their inception, nonprofits were designed to help fill gaps and meet needs which governments alone could not satisfy. I love nonprofit. Working in nonprofit, it’s never just about the job or collecting a check. It’s a calling, a way of giving back.”

    Media Coordinator for HRAC Tara Bennett began working as an intern for the arts center on Sept. 2, 2013 and officially received her title on April 2, 2014. She shares her perspective on Marquette’s leadership abilities.

    Bennett said, “During Katherine’s tenure, she raised the profile of the Hammond Regional Arts Center, which has made an impact on the arts scene in Hammond and its surrounding parishes. I myself have learned and grown immensely because of her, and I cannot adequately express my gratitude for her leadership. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of accomplishment, and a strong organization and team committed to continuing HRAC’s mission in promoting, supporting and coordinating the arts in Tangipahoa Parish and its surrounding parishes. We wish her much continued success in her next endeavors.”

    According to Bennett, a decision on the new candidate will be made at HRAC’s next board meeting on Sept. 20. She explained her stance on Marquette’s departure. 

    “Change is what keeps things interesting and moving forward,” said Bennett. “Transitions can be very challenging times for a lot of nonprofits, but Katherine will be leaving us in a solid place. Her presence will certainly be missed at the HRAC.” 

    Bennett shares the importance of maintaining a connection with the university’s art department.

    “One of the keys to the art center’s future success is continuing to engage local young patrons in meaningful ways,” said Bennett. “We are happy to be a part of Southeastern’s vibrant and proud community, and the HRAC will continue to help Southeastern’s students flourish as they prepare for their future careers.”

    Marquette plans to officially leave HRAC on Sept. 15. She describes the legacy that she hopes that she has left behind.

    “I hope that I have left one of quality and high standards, and one which demonstrates how very much I love and care for HRAC,” said Marquette. “There isn’t a plan yet. I’m remaining open to the possibilities of whatever is coming next.”

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