Staff Highlight: Maggie Flanigan, Marketing & Communications Director
Maggie just joined the BRAHM team in July. As an artist and educator, Maggie brings a diverse background and skillset from her work in galleries and academia. We are delighted to have her at BRAHM.
Maggie grew up in Boone where she received degrees from Caldwell Community College and Appalachian State University. She received an MFA in photography from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. Later, she and her husband Sam moved to Richmond where Sam earned an MFA in clay from Virginia Commonwealth University and Maggie worked for the Anderson Gallery on campus. Maggie has fond memories of the “anything-goes” student exhibits at the Anderson Gallery. One even included live chickens. “It was fun and laid back. We were able to accommodate just about any student exhibition proposal. I liked having the flexibility to always say yes.” During her time there, VCU hosted an exhibition by artist-photographer Carmen Winant. “It was really exciting to have an artist of her caliber, and one who I admire so much, come to VCU. And what an incredible opportunity for the students!”
Maggie also taught photography at VCU while in Richmond and became acquainted with the Page Bond Gallery through a friend who was exhibiting work there. When the director position came available, Maggie applied and was offered the position. Her most memorable exhibitions while working at Page Bond were the women’s photography exhibit and the NCECA Show (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts- the foremost clay organization in the U.S.). The NCECA show was a change of pace for the Page Bond Gallery, which traditionally showcased two-dimensional works of art. “Unpacking works of art that I had recently seen at Art Basel and Design Miami was incredible. This exhibition connected me to galleries and artists I have respected for years. I was thrilled to have the chance to exhibit works by Linda Lopez which we received on loan from Mindy Solomon Gallery.”
The teaching side of her career has been a journey as well. At VCU, Maggie co-taught an alternative process photography class with Jonathan Molina-Garcia. “I love collaboration. It was energizing to co-teach with a like-minded friend who also pushes the medium. I had learned one of the processes we taught -- called Mordançage -- from photographer Christina Z. Anderson while I was a student at App State.”
The coronavirus pandemic accelerated Maggie’s and Sam’s long-term plan of returning to Watauga County. “We want to engage in and support the local art community here.” Both will be teaching art classes at ASU in the fall.
In her free time, Maggie enjoys reading and spending time with her book club, which consists of friends from ASU who stuck around after graduation. She also enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and hanging out with her cat and two dogs. In terms of her position at BRAHM, Maggie is most excited about connecting BRAHM to spaces it has not connected with before. “When the arts are doing well, we are all doing well. The art community is successful when it is working together.” This is the first gallery setting Maggie has been involved with that also honors history. “Another exciting area to explore!”
Interview and write up compiled by Jasmin McFayden