Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenn Williams.
Glenn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My wife, Janice and I started the Roslindale Arts Alliance in 1997 to have an organization behind the television show we were beginning on Boston Neighborhood Network, the local Boston cable access station. I use the platform to advocate for the arts in education, promote visual artists, musicians, arts organizations, and government supporters. This November It’s All About Arts and myself as host is celebrating 20 years of live weekly television production that has featured over 1000 guests. This year I am starting a new portion of my career as the on air host of the WBCA radio show Beyond The Palette. Through the Roslindale Arts Alliance (RAA) I have played an intricate roll in developing Roslindale Open Studios, Roslindale Porch Fest, and countless educational programs throughout the City of Boston. Because of the development of these arts programs I am currently entering my 10th year as the Visual Arts Teacher at Sacred Heart School in Roslindale. Through my leadership of RAA, I have been fortunate to become President of the Roslindale Village Main Streets Organization, Co-Chair of the WGBH Community Advisory Board, President of Boston Neighborhood Network and the Roslindale Co-Chair of Mayor Martin Walsh’s Boston Creates Cultural Planning Board.
I am also one of the founders of Lowbudget Records where I work as a studio musician and performing artist. I perform at numerous venues around the Greater Boston Area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Because of my commitment to the arts, the path has been a journey motivated by love. Developing art curriculums at a school dedicated to the complete education of its scholars has made this task rewarding. Being an artist who paints and performs professionally provides me the insight and passion needed to thrive towards success for not only myself but for the Boston arts community and any artist who seeks my assistance.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Roslindale Arts Alliance story. Tell us more about the business.
Roslindale Arts Alliance is a non-profit organization that has partnered with the Community Arts Advocates of Jamaica Plain to promote, sustain, and support arts education, arts organizations and artists attempting to enrich their communities with their crafts. As president of the organization, I teach wherever I am needed and provide music for many events in the community and provide my experience to any board seeking my advice. I am most proud of our longevity. We initiated Roslindale Open Studios where artists display their work across the Roslindale Community as well as the Roslindale Porch Fest where this year over 100 bands and musicians will be performing free on a single afternoon this fall.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
We are lucky to have such an artful community within to work. I personally am lucky to be blessed with a partner in Janice Williams. Her organizational skills and dedication to the arts make everything I attempt doable. It all takes hard work, but if there is luck involved, it is my relationship with Janice.
Contact Info:
- Address: 99 Belgrade Avenue
Roslindale, MA. 02131 - Website: www.roslindalearts.org/
- Phone: 617-543-7443
- Email: glennsmusic.williams@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.itsallaboutarts.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkArts/
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/roslindaleporchfest/
- Yelp: www.artfulgift.com/
- Other: www.lowbudgetrecords.com
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