Meet Greg, our new Director of Development!

Greg Colleton spent the past six years as Director of Operations at Redux Contemporary Art Center, and now Yo Art is so lucky to have him! Greg came on board over the summer to help with the organization’s fundraising and outreach, and we decided to do a quick Q & A with Greg, so our supporters can get to know him.

Tell us your background.

I’m a native of McClellanville, SC, and developed a passion for the arts, young, as a visual artist at Charleston County School of the Arts. I went to Winston-State Salem University and received a BA in studio arts with a concentration in sculpture. As a NC undergrad, he was the regional student rep/curator for the 4D Gallery, Dada Center of the Arts, and the University Gallery. I moved back to Charleston to pursue his career in arts management. With a desire to highlight the “gray area” of art in Charleston, I opened a gallery/ pop up art concept, Gris Galerie, actually with current Yo Art Executive Director Elizabeth Bowers. I’ve curated a 2016 Piccolo Spoleto show, Clemson University Art Department CSA, Greenville Artistsphere festival, Charleston Parks Conservancy, have been a juror for SOA’s application process and several other selection committee statewide, and worked as Director of Operations at Redux Contemporary Art Center for six years.

What do you think is the importance of the arts in schools?

Arts expand the child’s mind and allow them to explore many possibilities of everyday life. I feel it’s important for everyone’s mental health to tap into their creative realm.

How does Yo Art’s mission speak to you?

Yo Art, by bringing media arts to the classroom, helps merge arts in schools with technology and career skills of the future, and I think this is important for students in Charleston.

If you could take our students on any field trip around Charleston with their iPads, where would it be, and why?

Edisto on a boat! Floating on the river brings me serenity and helps me reflect, and the students could do that while exploring ecosystems and the beauty of the waterways of Charleston.