Jordan goal to provide an “amazing arts experience”
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – Andrea Jordan, Executive Director of the Darke County Center for the Arts, assumed her duties on Jan. 1. On Jan. 2 Keith Rawlins, Artistic Director, said…

“Andrea, everything will be okay, but Memorial Hall has been closed.”

At the age of 101, with its Centennial Celebration only six months earlier, St. Clair Memorial Hall had been closed for repairs. It remained closed until mid-May.

“We were in emergency mode,” Jordan said. “Fortunately we were able to use the Versailles Performing Arts Center. It was lovely. A very nice space.”

She added there was no decrease in community support with the new location.

“It spread us out a little bit. Our members, subscribers and sponsors are wonderful.”

She added they hope to continue providing entertainment through the Center, but also loves the intimate atmosphere of Memorial Hall. She was especially complimentary of the artists who perform there.

“The majority of them will meet and greet afterwards,” she said.

Jordan was a volunteer in DCCA’s Arts in Education and Family Theatre Series programs when former director Julie Strait decided to retire. She applied for the position.

“I’ve done PR (public relations) before,” she said. “I was never really interested in performing; and I enjoy working for non-profits.”

Originally from Northeast, Penn. (“actually located in northwest Pennsylvania, just outside of Erie”), Jordan and her husband Matt, came to Greenville so he would work with his dad John in the Jordan Insurance Agency. They came from West Coast Washington State. It was almost at the Canadian border.

She said the exchange rate was so much better in Canada, she’d shop there on occasion.

“It’s a 45 minute drive. I made the mistake of going up during the Canadian Thanksgiving once. I sat at the border for three hours.”

What Jordan likes best about DCCA is the variety of entertainment the organization offers.

“There is something for everyone,” she said. “The Coffee House Series… the reasonable cost of the Family Theater. And there isn’t enough you can say about our Artist Series. There are such high standards.”

Jordan said she thought Rawlins’ own artistic talents helped him in bringing in such great talent.

Jordan acknowledged she isn’t a “big name” in Greenville and said often how glad she was for the support she’s received from the Board, the Executive Committee and the community. She added if she has a question Strait or former board member Marilyn Delk have advised she can call on them any time.

Her goal?

“I’m not coming in to change things… my desire is to continue what has been established. I want to provide for each patron an amazing arts experience.”

Jordan had one question she considered a priority…

“The people who know us love us,” she said. “How do we reach those who don’t know us?”

Published courtesy of The Early Bird