It’s membership month at the Niagara Artists Centre! In our NAC Member of the Moment series, we ask NAC members about art in Niagara and the number one reason to join the NAC. Artist and NAC board member Tamara Jensen tells us why she got involved with NAC and about some memorable NAC experiences.
Tamara is a practicing visual artist and entrepreneur in St. Catharines, Ontario. Co-founder of pioneering gourmet food truck El Gastronomo Vagabundo, Tamara was an early adopter of mobile marketing tools and has become a leader in digital marketing strategy. Driven by a passion to help Niagara’s entrepreneurs succeed, Tamara is a Digital Strategist with Form & Affect, where she helps local and global brands gain traction through advanced digital media strategies. Tamara is a volunteer small business mentor with Futurpreneur Canada, and a Starter Company mentor with the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre. The painting studio above her garage is underused, but makes for a pretty nice place to nap.
When did you become a NAC member and why?
I signed up at Small Feats in 2015 because I wanted to be a part of the show in 2016. I had put my art practice on the back burner while starting up a business with my husband, so I thought it would be a good reason to dust off my paint brushes.
Are you an artist, an art appreciator or both?
Both.
What’s the best thing about being an artist in Niagara?
The art community here is very welcoming and inclusive; from students to dabblers to professionals, I’ve found the Niagara art scene to be humble and supportive.
Name a Niagara artist whose work knocks your socks off.
I want to be Mel MacDonald when I grow up.
Tell us about a memorable NAC experience.
So many! All of the Strutt / Voix de Ville performances; a fire-swallowing magician entertaining guests at a NAC fundraiser at Kwong Chow; the mad rush of Small Feats VIP previews….
What’s the number one reason to become a NAC member?
You get the inside scoop on all of the amazing events, shows, and exhibits that are going on in Niagara, all while supporting one of the oldest artist-run centres in Canada!
Sign up for your very own NAC membership online or stop by NAC at 354 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines during gallery hours to get your membership in person.
