A new BOS
Linette Charles, the first-ever Now + There Chief of Staff, brings years of operations savvy and passion to the work of making Boston a public art city and we’re proud to welcome another Bold, Open, Sharp (BOS) member to the team! Linette is focused on building each employee's individual leadership and overseeing the implementation of N+T’s strategic plan. No small task! When she’s not loving on people and honoring gatherings, Linette likes to put on music and paint. Looking forward to learning from each member of the N+T Team (and artists!), Linette believes in empowering their perspectives in making accessible and equitable public art.
We asked Linette eight questions about her background, earliest memories of public art, and a fun fact about her.
Say hello to Linette: linette@nowandthere.org.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am an introverted extrovert. I love people and gathering but also appreciate alone time. It is when I am able to paint, put on a playlist, and get in my zone!
How long have you lived in Boston?
I was born and raised in Boston! I have lived in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Dorchester, Hyde Park, and Mattapan.
What is your favorite N+T project?
The Mentoring Murals series- I was inspired by the ways this series removed barriers of accessibility in the art space. It was an innovative way for artists to see their work on a large scale even if they didn’t have experience as a muralist.
What was your first experience w/ public art?
My grandmother was a great storyteller and often used murals throughout JP as prompts or inspiration as we would pass them. At the time (and still now), there was a lack of representation in the media of people who looked like me. She used the drawings of the people reflected in the murals to tell stories of her life in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, a town known as La Capital Indigena or The Indigenous Capital. It taught me the value of the connection of individual representation in art.
What is your spirit animal?
Dolphin - for my curiosity and love of water!
What is one of your favorite things about living in Boston?
Food! All of the cuisines to choose from are a reflection of the diversity in the city.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Resilient
Passionate
Empathetic
What brought you to N+T? What you are most looking forward to?
The team! I am looking forward to learning from each member of the N+T team. They each bring a refreshing perspective to the work we do and our goal to make Boston a free public art city!
Image: Mentoring Murals: Johnetta Thompson + Susan Tinker, Deeply Rooted in the NeighborHOOD, 2021, (c) Faith Ninivaggi