Elon University alumna and former staff member Tammy Cobb ‘87 began her role as executive director at Alamance Arts in Burlington on May 16. Succeeding Cary Worthy, Cobb will lead the selection of artwork for upcoming exhibits alongside the visual arts director.
While at the university, Cobb worked in the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement as the assistant director of community partnerships and as the associate director when it was changed to the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.
“It was great to be working at Elon in my home community, developing these relationships on the behalf of students and giving this opportunity to be connected locally,” Cobb said.
After more than 20 years at Elon, Cobb said she felt it was time to utilize her skills in a different way.
Alamance Arts showcases work from local artists in its exhibits and organizes events for the community. Cobb believes the arts are crucial in Alamance County and wants more people to be involved.
“My thought process about coming in is to really enhance the quality of life by engaging people in many types of art through the delivery of programming and education here,” Cobb said.
Alamance Arts gets most of its funding from individual donors and grants. According to an annual report, in 2021, the non-profit raised nearly $350,000 from fundraising and grants — over half its total income.
Cobb said Alamance Arts will continue to allocate funds to give out scholarships to students. Donations can be made on its website.
“There's an opportunity here for a culture change,” Cobb said, “for us to look at the arts more broadly and to engage more people from the community in local arts.”