21 August Meet the Staff: Katie Monahan, Communications Strategist August 21, 2018 For the Public, Meet the Staff, Public Communications Strategist, Katie Monahan, Meet the Staff, OAC, Ohio Arts Council 0 Meet Katie Monahan, one of the newest members of the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) team. Katie comes to the agency from the Ohio Supreme Court and is excited to learn all about the arts in Ohio! When she’s not at the OAC working her magic in the communications office, you can find her traveling to new places or sipping cold brew at local coffee shops. Q: What is your past experience with art? Creativity has always been part of my life and was always encouraged in my family. Growing up, my dad would play little drawing games with me and my siblings, and one of the best Christmas presents I ever received was an art box filled with oil crayons, pastels, and charcoal pencils. I loved creating with all those mediums. Q: How did you come to work at the OAC, and where were you before? Well, I spent the past 12 years working in the public information office at the Ohio Supreme Court—first as a public information specialist, and most recently as the graphic design editor and lead photographer. I’ve always been drawn to the arts, so when I saw the posting for this position on the OAC blog, I jumped at the chance to apply. It was a unique opportunity to continue my public service while supporting the arts in Ohio. Q: What is your favorite part of your job? I’m only two months in, so I’m still finding my way through the different aspects of my position, but I’ve enjoyed getting to know the different players in the game and how each day always holds something different. One of my favorite things so far has been photographing the drop-in artist demos held in conjunction with the “Creating Identity from Place” exhibition at the Riffe Gallery. It’s fascinating to hear each artist describe his or her thought process and techniques as they create. Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at the OAC? My husband, Ryan, and I love to travel. We spent 10 days exploring Ireland last fall, and Spain is on our bucket list! I consider football season the most wonderful time of the year. Ryan went to Miami University and I went to Ohio University, so we look forward to the “Battle of the Bricks” every fall. (Miami leads the overall series, but OU holds the current five-year win streak. Go Bobcats!) Other than that, I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, working out, practicing my photography skills, and fueling my cold brew addiction. Q: How do you envision your relationship with art evolving during you time here at the OAC? I hope to be exposed to different types of art—genres other than those that I tend to gravitate toward. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and comes from such unique backgrounds, and I feel like I’ve already learned a lot by just talking with them. I hope to continue to learn more from everyone on staff and the different artists I meet along the way. Q: I know you’ve said every day is different, but can you explain a little more about what a typical day may look like? Most days involve collaborating with my fellow communications strategist, Amanda Etchison, to communicate the OAC’s message and tell constituent stories. My days are also spent designing social media and web graphics, coordinating our monthly webinar series, and working on the statewide conference we’re planning for later this year. Each day here holds something different, and I love that. ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov. ### Article by Beth Graham, 2018-19 Social Media and Special Events Fellow Photos courtesy of Katie Monahan Comments are closed.