PillowPages February 2010:
Board Spotlight, Joan Hunter
Board Spotlight: Joan Hunter, Chair
In 2008, Joan Hunter stepped into the role of Jacob's Pillow Board Chair. After more than a year in the position, Hunter shares how she came to know the Pillow, the work that lies ahead, and why she's looking forward to every show in the 2010 season.
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PillowPages: How did you first discover Jacob's Pillow?
Joan Hunter: I was first introduced to Jacob's Pillow as a child growing up in the Berkshires. I took dance classes in Pittsfield, and occasionally a local student qualified to study dance at the Pillow School all summer. I dreamed about having enough talent to dance at the Pillow.
PP: You have worked in service to numerous charitable organizations in the Berkshires. What is it about Jacob's Pillow and the art of dance that made you want to be more deeply involved here?
JH: There is something special about the Pillow community, and I find an intimacy and warmth that allows me to feel instantly comfortable. I find Pillow staff and patrons relaxed and friendly, so I enjoy coming solo as well as with friends. Dance is my favorite art form, and I am transported by the movement, music, costumes, scenery and overall effect of each piece. I am in awe of choreographers, dancers and the creative process, and I love seeing new work being made at the Pillow and young dancers in The School aspiring to greatness. All of this and more happens at the Pillow, and I am inspired and uplifted by the Pillow's mission to support dance on all levels. I am drawn to serving on the Pillow Board, which is a great privilege, in order to ensure that future generations can continue to experience dance at Jacob's Pillow.
PP: In addition to your Board duties, you provide scholarship support to a student each year at The School at Jacob's Pillow. What has been your experience with meeting aspiring young dancers?
JH: I look forward to meeting my scholarship student each summer, and I am always struck by their level of dedication to developing as a dancer. Each student has seen their School experience as life changing, and they have expressed that without a scholarship, the experience would not have been possible. It is fantastic helping these young dancers develop their talents.
PP: What do you hope the Pillow achieves during your tenure as Board Chair?
JH: During my tenure, I hope the Board continues to grow in its commitment to ensuring the future of the Pillow. This means raising adequate funds to allow the organization to serve its mission and stay relevant. We have a fantastic Board of highly talented individuals, and there is great enthusiasm for supporting the strategic plan which will guide us over the next five years.
PP: This is a tough time for raising money. What do you think are the Pillow's best prospects for continuing its more than decade-long track record of maintaining balanced budgets and saving for the future?
JH: The Pillow has maintained its financial strength due to the phenomenal efforts of Ella and her staff, who work closely with our Finance Committee, which is comprised of professionals from the financial world. The organization is blessed to have this level of expertise, and I am confident that we will continue to manage our resources carefully and prudently. However, we simply cannot thrive without the strong financial support of our patrons. Every dollar counts and every gift matters.
PP: What would you like Pillow Members and Alumni to know about the work of the Board of Directors?
JH: I would like Members and Alumni to know that the Board of Directors provides generous financial support, in addition to their time and talent. The Board is dedicated to supporting the Pillow's mission, and we try to use each person's strengths in our committee work. We work well as a team to support the work of our gifted and professional staff.
PP: You speak about the Pillow with great fondness. Do you have a favorite Pillow moment?
JH: I have many favorite Pillow moments. Near the top of the list is seeing the ballet students at our School perform a new piece created for them to perform at the Gala. It is always sensational and extraordinary.
PP: Our 2010 season was just announced. Are there any dancers or companies on the roster that you are particularly looking forward to seeing?
JH: I am particularly looking forward to seeing CND2, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Armitage Gone!, and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. I am also interested in seeing completed new work by Monica Bill Barnes and Kyle Abraham, whose work I saw in progress during their creative development residencies at the Pillow this winter. Talk about favorite Pillow moments!
Next Article: PillowPages Reader Survey
In 2008, Joan Hunter stepped into the role of Jacob's Pillow Board Chair. After more than a year in the position, Hunter shares how she came to know the Pillow, the work that lies ahead, and why she's looking forward to every show in the 2010 season.
--
PillowPages: How did you first discover Jacob's Pillow?
Joan Hunter: I was first introduced to Jacob's Pillow as a child growing up in the Berkshires. I took dance classes in Pittsfield, and occasionally a local student qualified to study dance at the Pillow School all summer. I dreamed about having enough talent to dance at the Pillow.
PP: You have worked in service to numerous charitable organizations in the Berkshires. What is it about Jacob's Pillow and the art of dance that made you want to be more deeply involved here?
JH: There is something special about the Pillow community, and I find an intimacy and warmth that allows me to feel instantly comfortable. I find Pillow staff and patrons relaxed and friendly, so I enjoy coming solo as well as with friends. Dance is my favorite art form, and I am transported by the movement, music, costumes, scenery and overall effect of each piece. I am in awe of choreographers, dancers and the creative process, and I love seeing new work being made at the Pillow and young dancers in The School aspiring to greatness. All of this and more happens at the Pillow, and I am inspired and uplifted by the Pillow's mission to support dance on all levels. I am drawn to serving on the Pillow Board, which is a great privilege, in order to ensure that future generations can continue to experience dance at Jacob's Pillow.
PP: In addition to your Board duties, you provide scholarship support to a student each year at The School at Jacob's Pillow. What has been your experience with meeting aspiring young dancers?
JH: I look forward to meeting my scholarship student each summer, and I am always struck by their level of dedication to developing as a dancer. Each student has seen their School experience as life changing, and they have expressed that without a scholarship, the experience would not have been possible. It is fantastic helping these young dancers develop their talents.
PP: What do you hope the Pillow achieves during your tenure as Board Chair?
JH: During my tenure, I hope the Board continues to grow in its commitment to ensuring the future of the Pillow. This means raising adequate funds to allow the organization to serve its mission and stay relevant. We have a fantastic Board of highly talented individuals, and there is great enthusiasm for supporting the strategic plan which will guide us over the next five years.
PP: This is a tough time for raising money. What do you think are the Pillow's best prospects for continuing its more than decade-long track record of maintaining balanced budgets and saving for the future?
JH: The Pillow has maintained its financial strength due to the phenomenal efforts of Ella and her staff, who work closely with our Finance Committee, which is comprised of professionals from the financial world. The organization is blessed to have this level of expertise, and I am confident that we will continue to manage our resources carefully and prudently. However, we simply cannot thrive without the strong financial support of our patrons. Every dollar counts and every gift matters.
PP: What would you like Pillow Members and Alumni to know about the work of the Board of Directors?
JH: I would like Members and Alumni to know that the Board of Directors provides generous financial support, in addition to their time and talent. The Board is dedicated to supporting the Pillow's mission, and we try to use each person's strengths in our committee work. We work well as a team to support the work of our gifted and professional staff.
PP: You speak about the Pillow with great fondness. Do you have a favorite Pillow moment?
JH: I have many favorite Pillow moments. Near the top of the list is seeing the ballet students at our School perform a new piece created for them to perform at the Gala. It is always sensational and extraordinary.
PP: Our 2010 season was just announced. Are there any dancers or companies on the roster that you are particularly looking forward to seeing?
JH: I am particularly looking forward to seeing CND2, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Armitage Gone!, and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. I am also interested in seeing completed new work by Monica Bill Barnes and Kyle Abraham, whose work I saw in progress during their creative development residencies at the Pillow this winter. Talk about favorite Pillow moments!
Next Article: PillowPages Reader Survey