Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Fakler.
Hi Julie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Houston, Minnesota, located in the southeastern part of the state. I grew up between Houston and central California. After graduating from Houston High School, I attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design from 1992 to 1996, where I earned a BFA in Painting and Drawing.
After college, my partner Paul Swanson and I moved to Faribault, MN. I worked at the Wilson Center, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and sold real estate before becoming an employee at the Paradise Center for the Arts.
My journey at the Paradise Center for the Arts began in 2009 as the volunteer gallery committee chair. In 2011, the Paradise was hiring for two positions: member guest services (box office) and education coordinator. I was hired as the member guest services employee in the summer of 2011 and shortly after took on the role of education coordinator.
In 2013, I became the full-time Operations Manager. I served as the interim Executive Director twice, in 2015 and 2016. In 2020, my role changed to Visual Arts and Education Director, and in 2023, I was appointed Executive Director.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m a visual artist, and you wouldn’t believe how many people insist that you can’t make a living in the arts. However, I have an internal drive to create and be productive, so this discouragement did not stop me.
My sister, Karen Peters, is also a visual artist. We both attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and we continue to create and sell our work.
Working at an art center is not always a smooth journey. Over the years, I have experienced many ups and downs, but I love working at the Paradise and being an advocate for the arts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would love to share more about my work. I oversee the visual arts, operations, finances, staff, facilities, and the day-to-day functions of the Paradise Center for the Arts. My favorite part of my job is overseeing the four on-site galleries at the Paradise: the Carlander Family Gallery, Lois Vranesh Gallery, K&M Gallery, and the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery, which showcases work from students aged 18 and under.
When I started as the head of the gallery committee in 2009, we had just one gallery and a gift shop. We added two galleries over the years, and by 2020, we transformed the gift shop into the K&M Gallery.
The Paradise has come a long way in the last 15 years, and I have witnessed its growth and success firsthand. I have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional coworkers, artists, volunteers, teaching artists, and community members. It truly takes a village and a supportive community to keep the doors of the Paradise open.
I believe my internal drive and determination set me apart from others. Without these qualities, I would not be able to work in the arts. My philosophy is not to make assumptions, and I believe that sometimes you have to try things more than once (or twice) to achieve success. I also write grants for the Paradise, and while you don’t always receive funding for every grant you submit, persistence can lead to a successful outcome for some.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
While I work at an art center you wouldn’t believe how many people don’t know I’m a visual artists. Still shocks me when I hear that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paradisecenterforthearts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradisecenterforthearts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradisecenterforthearts/
