Jennifer Flynt, executive director of the St. Augustine Art Association, came to North Florida from Miami and quickly found her place in its creative community. With a background in art and a natural drive to lead, she’s helped shape the St. Augustine Art Association into a space that challenges, inspires and connects.
Tell me about yourself and your background.
I came to St. Augustine from Miami (where I was born and raised) somewhat on a whim. My parents retired here in 2014. In 2016, I hit a point in my job where I couldn’t move up any further, so I decided it was time to move on. I didn’t intend to stay here, but I walked into the Art Association and haven’t left.
Tell me about your experience with the St. Augustine Art Association. What drew you to it?
When I moved here, a mutual friend suggested I check out the Art Association because they were hiring, and my background is in art. So, I did, and here I am. What really made me fall in love with the organization was the creative environment and the people, the incredibly talented artists and the possibilities for what I could do with my art background.
What inspired you to pursue a leadership role?
I think it happened naturally. I’ve always been creative, strongly opinionated, and good at making decisions and solving problems, even as a kid. The older I got, the more I learned how to constructively put those traits to use.
How has your relationship with the arts changed over the course of your career?
I suppose my relationship with art has changed over the course of my career in that I have a much deeper respect for art than I did early on. The more I’m immersed in and study art, the more I want people to understand how much it impacts everyday life. Art is more than just making a pretty image, awe-inspiring installation or sturdy sculpture. It’s a communication tool, a blueprint, a user interface, a social movement, a record of the past and present and a map for the future.
In your view, what makes an exhibition or art program truly impactful?
Sure, there are the usual measurements of numbers, applicable feedback, mission accomplishments, et cetera, but to me, an impactful exhibit challenges the viewers and the artists. For exhibits I get to curate, I want them to have an emotional reaction, be it excitement, surprise, joy, sadness, melancholy, anger or pride. I want them to feel something.
What excites you most about the current exhibition at the St. Augustine Art Association?
The awe factor. “What We See in the Shadows” is an exhibit where the viewers get to choose what they see. They allow the art to reveal itself to them with how they use the given lighting. Some works have hidden images or elements that are only revealed under black light, while others have attention-grabbing techniques or subject matter.
