Arts For All, Omaha, Nebraska - Judy Mallory, Executive Director

Judy Mallory, Executive Director

I have been the Executive Director of Arts For All since its inception in January 2006. I have a Master of Science degree in Counseling and a B.S. in Education with certification to teach Art K-12. I have taught art in public schools, worked at Boys Town schools, and taught art for College For Kids. I have also worked with adults by becoming an Education and Training Specialist for various corporations, where I developed and taught courses on creativity, problem solving, diversity, personal development, leadership, supervisory and instructional skills, and emotional intelligence (EQ). Additionally, I supervised and counseled for the Employee Assistance Program. I also became a certified Stephen Covey instructor and am Myers Briggs Certified. In 2005, I became the Director of the School of the Arts. When it closed its doors, I started Arts For All along with former School of the Arts staff.

My appreciation and celebration of the arts began as a child, influenced by the rich Hungarian culture that my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and father brought from their homeland. I was taught to value curiosity, education, life-long learning, and the arts. My father was a semi-professional photographer and played the violin. We often listened to classical, Slavic, and Hungarian music.  Our family had little money, however, we managed to visit museums, libraries, and attend symphonies. I also took ballet, tap, and piano lessons. As I grew older, I sang in choirs and small ensembles and won art recognition in high school. After studying the piano for ten years, I  played for churches, accompanied musical groups, and play, even today, for my own enjoyment. When I entered college, I decided to focus on the visual arts.

I believe the arts need to be part of every school curriculum and part of everyone’s life. Helping others to develop imagination and creativity is a driving force for me, supported by involvement with the arts. I believe everyone can develop creativity and imagination. These skills are crucial for individuals and society. Even Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” I certainly agree. Therefore, it is my mission to make the arts available and affordable for all.

As much as I want others to experience the arts, I support artists, dancers, musicians, composers, writers, and vocalists. Without these artists who are willing to share their love, passion, talent, and skill we would not have a program. They are a blessing.