Joanne’s interests have always revolved around the arts, both professionally and personally. Her early career took her from her native Philadelphia to New York City, where she worked at Woman’s Day magazine. In 1976, she moved to Atlanta to serve as the national promotion director for President Jimmy Carter’s campaign. It was there she met her future husband, Doug. They later lived in Tokyo, where Joanne grew her collection of works by contemporary Japanese artists. When Joanne and Doug returned to the United States, they shared their collection with several national museums, including the Hood Museum of Art on the Dartmouth campus.
Today, Joanne continues to channel her passion for art in a multitude of ways that benefit people in the community-at-large and residents at The Woodlands. From connecting with local artists to facilitate displays of their work, to organizing art classes, which may be led by residents or local artists. There is a revamped pantry on the first floor that now serves as a dedicated art studio for these resident artists and other artists from the Upper Valley.
Joanne has also connected with the Dartmouth Institute program called Generations. Under Generations, a Woodlands-specific program is called “Reflections.” This program engages undergraduate pre-med students with Woodland’s residents in activities that support wellness through creative outlets, including the arts (not just painting).
Within The Woodlands, Joanne has been instrumental in organizing resident-owned artwork, much of which is on display throughout the hallways. She organized a committee that works together to help systemize, catalog, and rotate nearly 600 pieces of art that call The Woodlands home. Some of these pieces belong to current residents, while others were gifted to The Woodlands by former residents who chose to donate their artwork for one reason or another. Joanne also tagged wonderful artists from AVA (in Lebanon) to lend their contemporary paintings. The committee helps choose and rotates the art throughout the Woodland’s hallways and offices.
Joanne’s efforts truly demonstrate the power of sharing your passion with others. Living in a place like The Woodlands encourages residents to put their interests front and center. We’re so grateful to have Joanne in our community, and we appreciate the connection she has with the local art scene and how she brings it home for all of us.
