UCCCA Director Brings Art Of Communications

3-19-10

By BENJAMIN DEER

Sometimes, the stars are simply aligned. 
So it is with Sara Hammonds, newly appointed executive director of the Upper Catskill Community Council for the Arts. 
Last August, Hammonds moved to Oneonta from Lincoln, Neb., with her husband, who took a job at SUNY Oneonta, and – with a master’s from Ball State University – she got a part-time job as an adjunct professor, teaching organization communications, which she is continuing. But she volunteered at
UCCCA as well.
“I decided to get involved that way, and it has just elevated from there,” she said.
 “The position became available and the skill set they were looking for matched up with what I have to offer.  I was already invested with the volunteer aspect of UCCCA, but I wanted to push myself that extra step and be more than just a volunteer.”
Hammonds has had a passion for art ever since she was a child.  Her grandmother, an artist herself, used to give little Sara art lessons.
“For me, it’s a hobby.  It’s a way to relieve stress.  And it’s always been that way.  I’ve always been interested in the arts”, she said.
Her interest in her future job grew naturally.
“I met a lady who said that she’s lived here for 25 years, just because of the art within the community and surrounding area.  And I thought, if someone has lived here that long just because of the art in the community, then this place definitely has something to offer.” 
As the executive director of UCCCA, Hammonds plans to reach out to the community. 
“Growing up in Memphis and being from the outside, I think that I have a clear and fresh vision of what we can be doing to draw in more of a diverse audience up here”, she said.
Hammonds plans to have art classes as well as family fun day events held by UCCCA meant to help people, young and old, delve into their creative side. 
“We’ll offer classes here, whether it be painting, sketching, or even jewelry making, there is something that can fit every personality out there,” she said.
Having two different jobs has been a balancing act so far.
 “The nature of what I’m teaching at the university can really help me here at UCCCA.  Sometimes I think it’s hard to actually put theory into practice, but now I have the opportunity to do that.   It keeps me accountable in both positions.”