Arts News

Print

Font Size: + -

Meet Melissa Moore: Cultural Arts Program Manager

Melissa, tell us more about yourself.

I was recently promoted to Cultural Arts Program Manager, but this is my fourth position within the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department’s Cultural Arts Division in the past 11 years, so I am not really a newbie. Previously, I worked in County- and State-run museums in California and Arizona, as well as at Adventures Without Limits, a nonprofit based in Forest Grove.

With two kids heading off to college, I’m looking forward to big changes as an empty nester. When I’m not working, you’ll most often find me reading a book with a cat in my lap or hiking with my 12 year-old superdog, Trooper.

What inspired you to choose to work for the City of Hillsboro as Cultural Arts Program Manager?

I’ve always valued serving my community and working with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Cultural Arts Team gives me daily opportunities to make an impact and enrich lives in Hillsboro.

What do you like most about your work?

I love hearing from people that a special event, a class, concert, gallery show, or public art piece has given them a sense of community. I think most members of the public would be surprised to hear how long it can take to create an event, or a piece of public art. There is a lot of project management involved and the payoff is when we see people really enjoying the result.

As you reach out to community members for input and feedback, what are you hoping to hear?

I truly welcome all feedback, but the most useful feedback gets specific. I love when people tell me something like they want more classes for adults during the school day that end by 2:30 pm. Those type of specific requests make it easy to see if we can meet the need. (I did get that request and changed the time for an adult class that ended a bit later.)

Of course, it’s also nice to hear when we’ve done something well. If a piece of public art never fails to make you smile, or a concert you attend is the first time you’ve seen someone you relate to on stage, we love to hear that.

What are the top questions community members ask you?

People regularly ask why we don’t have more ceramic classes since our classes fill up quickly. The answer is we are always looking for additional ceramic instructors (and instructors in other areas as well — but especially ceramics!) Please reach out if you are interested in teaching here.

Tell us something people wouldn’t guess about you?

I’m not an artist! Having a community that supports and nurtures the development and livelihood of professional artists is vital for community livability, but art isn’t just for a small group of highly skilled and talented individuals. All of us can realize mental and physical health benefits from participating in the arts.

For me, I have more joy in my life when I dance or sing; and painting or working with clay creates an incredible zen experience, so I encourage everyone to explore something new, or keep working on their personal art practice.

What do you like most about Hillsboro?

Well, I really enjoy eating and there are a number of great restaurants in town — Oasis, Nine Dang, Decadent Creations, and Blue Moon Bakery are just a few. And, for a night out, I always enjoy watching a play at HART Theater and Bag&Baggage, or a concert at the Walters Cultural Arts Center.