Favorite: Yiddish/Hebrew Word: De-schlockify

Why is art important to you: Art is what makes life beautiful, fun, and interesting 🙂

Laura is a public art appreciator, obsessive maker, and social entrepreneur who developed a love of Jewish culture across years of Jewish day school and trips to Israel. After graduating Carnegie Mellon with a degree in Art and English, Laura began working for Hillel and hasn’t left the non-profit world since.

A Significant Arts Memory: Going to NYC with my grandmother to see the original 1964 production of Fiddler on the Roof

Why is art important to you: I love it when you see something, hear something, experience something so wonderful it just makes you glad you’re alive

Joey has been a community organizer, a kite salesman, a flower deliverer, teacher, and daddy. Eight years ago, he gave up an increasingly meaningless career as an advertising creative director to start the Boston Jewish Music Festival with Jim Ball whom he had never even met. Joey grew up in Mattapan and now lives in West Roxbury.

Three things you want on a desert isle: A trumpet, Collection of Steven Sondheim CDs, the complete works of Phillip Roth

Why is art important to you: Creating–music, art, dance, etc.–is one of the highest forms of existence, as important to humans as eating and breathing. And nothing makes me happier.

Jim grew up in NY & NJ (exit 13), majored in music education in college, moved to Boston in 1971, worked odd jobs and did journalism, landed a job at the Harvard News Office, moved into PR work in state government, for Boston City Council, a stint as press secretary for the MBTA and then the dreaded private sector. All along, kept up my love and involvement with music. Had an idea for Jewish music festival, met Joey Baron and the rest, as they say…

Favorite Hebrew Word:  Davka, because….davka!

Three Things for a Desert Isle: Tetley tea, because I’m British, full collection of Arik Einstein CDs, because I’m Israeli and unlimited food from Sarma because it’s my favorite restaurant in Boston

Marissa was born in England, educated in Scotland, married and became a mother in Israel and now lives in America.  She has worked in event organization and marketing for many years and is excited to be a part of the Jewish Arts Collaborative. marissag (at) jartsboston.org

Three Things You’d Want With You on a Desert Isle: Diet Peach Snapple, sunscreen, unlimited novels

Marissa hails from Los Angeles, CA where she spent the first 18 years of her life taking the sun for granted and seeing live theatre. She joined the ranks of East Coasters when she attended Boston University for an undergraduate degree in Communications and Philosophy. She’s interned and worked in many arts organizations, including Center Theatre Group, the Hollywood Pantages, and Boston Center for the Arts. Marissa is currently pursuing a Masters’ degree in Arts Administration from Boston University, so when she’s not at work or in class, you’ll likely find her asleep. Just kidding! Look for her in the audience of a theatre or in the middle of a tap class.