Combining creativity with practical experience, parent volunteers Tara Goldberg, Grace Hu, and Felicia Tibbs have teamed up to chair Artclectic 2024. All three point to the students – and particularly their own children – as inspiration for leading Artclectic.
"My favorite memory is when my daughter was in kindergarten and experienced Artclectic for the first time,” said Tara. “She was so in awe of the gallery and couldn’t wait to show me. She chose a small wooden piece that she said looked like Belle’s house. Seeing Artclectic through her eyes was magical.”
Grace added that she most loves “the opportunity for kids to engage with artists and to buy art for their first time.”
And Felicia concurred, as she loves “Seeing the art come to life through the kids, the way they interpret art.”
Meet Tara Goldberg, parent of Vivi ’32 and Oliver ’36
Q: What do you most love about Artclectic?
A: Artclectic is the biggest community event of the year at USN! I love how the gym transforms into a gallery full of interesting and unique art pieces, and how the community gathers to connect, support, and, of course, purchase art!
Q: What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist?
A: Oh gosh, I have a few that I really love! Last year I bought a ceramic goat from [former Library Assistant and MS Art Teacher] Catherine Lemaire Lozier. He’s got a little curly beard, and I do really love him. I also have a piece we bought many years ago, a pop art piece with red circles and an unfolded take out box with different mouths on it. My daughter was not the happiest baby, she cried a lot! But there were a few things that made her stop crying, and this piece from Artclectic was one of them! I spent many hours in front of that piece with her.
Meet Grace Hu, parent of Gryff ’33 and Max ’34
Q: What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist?
A: Jacob Olds, because his work is funky, fun, and unique.
Q: In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce?
A: Either oil paintings or ceramics.
Q: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
A: Anyone from the impressionist era.
Meet Tibbs, parent of alumnus Ian ’22
Q: In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce?
A: Maybe a collaboration of painting and collage, bright & vibrant colors.
Q: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
A: Dr. Clifton Pearson — amazing sculpture work. I’ve learned so much technique, etc.…I grew up doing art in the neighborhood with him.