Image in header courtesy of Mia Cross
Here at the Cambridge Art Association we have incredible Staff that works hard to ensure the success of our Art Rental Program, education and professional programs, exhibition opportunities, fundraisers and SO much more. We want to take a moment to celebrate and re-introduce these individuals. Keep reading to learn more!
Rebecca Schnopp, Assistant Director | Rebecca received her degree in Fine Arts from Lesley Art + Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Born and raised in The Berkshires, she acquired a deep love and appreciation for the arts and the outdoors through the support of her family, friends and teachers.
As an artist and art administrator, Rebecca understands the feeling of belonging the arts can provide, and finds joy in playing a vital role in the direct impact of the arts. When she isn’t at the Cambridge Art Association, you can find her going for long walks, spending time with the people she loves and creating artwork of her own.
If you are interested in contacting Rebecca, you can email her at rschnopp@cambridgeart.org.
Q & A
Where are you from? I was born and raised in The Berkshires.
What inspires you? The people that I love, nature and all kinds of creatives inspire me. Chatting over a cup of coffee, walking in the woods, and learning new ways of thinking fuels me and ensures constant and intentional growth. This growth manifests in my artwork, and the way that I choose to interact with the world and myself.
Do you make art? Yes! Creativity/making is the foundation of my life and I couldn’t image who I would be without it. Through organization, problem solving and fine art I’m able to keep my mind active and use every part of it.
My current fine art practice involves the intersection of organic and inorganic materials to explore the physical, psychological and emotional implications of conflicting emotions and events. I like to say I create slow, intentional and conceptual artwork. Each of my works allows to me to slow down time, and work through everyday life. You can see my work at www.rebeccaschnopp.com.
Rebecca Schnopp, Here: Canoe Meadows, Pine Needles, 8.5 x 11 inches
Is there another form of making/creating that you love? Favorite hobbies As I mentioned previously, I consider organization and problem solving to be hugely creative and I love doing both. I also love to write, cook, hike, exercise and care for plants, animals and the people that surround me. Keeping my mind and body active is extremely important to me and the way that I choose to go about life.
How did you first get involved in the arts? Art has always played a vital role in my day-to-day life. I was lucky enough to attend public schools with strong art programs which eventually led to my interest in studying the arts in higher education. From there I had the opportunity to intern at Neville Place Assisted Living, the Laguna Art Museum and Cambridge Art Association to further understand the arts and where my skillset can be used the most productively.
What is your favorite thing about working in the arts/with artists? The constant conversation about how creativity can better our lives no matter what avenue we choose. My favorite artists are those who are looking to make genuine improvements in their craft, and their way of living. We are never done growing and becoming better and the arts is the perfect place for that school of thought.
This image was taken on my recent trip to Colombia, where I met incredible people who exuded creativity and self-love.
What would you like to see more of in the Boston Arts scene? Collaboration and uplifting conversation. I love working with different artists on projects, meeting up for critiques and having conversation that fuels me into making my next project. It’s helpful to be part of a community that you can inspire, that inspires you and fosters growth. You can support others by a simple repost on Instagram, buying their products and just talking about them with others. Send love, and get love! We need more of that.
Do you own any art of your own? Yes! Buying artwork is my favorite way of collecting people that I have enjoyed making connections with. My home is filled with beautiful artwork by incredible and hardworking artists. See my incomplete list below –
Tor Brandt, Dan Brenton, Emily Brodrick, Jenny Brown, Michael Compton, Mia Cross, David Esquivel, Mary Lewey & Helen Popinchalk collab, Lizzie Mash, Susan Murie, Syeda Raji, Leina Sioux, Matthew Woodson
What is your favorite public art piece in Boston? Sneha Shrestha (aka IMAGINE) created a 60-foot mural in Central Square called For Cambridge, with Love from Nepal. Its strength is not just due to its scale, but Shrestha’s delicate hand in her craft. It’s more than impressive.
Image of For Cambridge, with Love from Nepal. Image taken by Julia Swanson
What is your favorite restaurant in Boston? Forever a tie between the Dumpling Kingdom (I love the soup dumplings) in Allston, and Vejigantes (Mofongo WILL change your life) in the South End.
What’s the coolest art-related happening that you’ve seen in Boston recently? Coming up? Seeing everything that Helen Popinchalk is doing at the Trustman Gallery at Simmons gives me energy whenever I step into that space. She is the kind of Art Admin. I strive to be in every way. Her kindness and love for art pours into her work and you feel it immediately