In the Spotlight: Kady Patterson

New to the Quad City Arts team is our Operations Director Kady Patterson! Kady is an avid nature lover, and you may have seen her in a local theater production or two. She is an incredible addition to the office and fits right in here at the gallery. Get to know more about Kady down below!

Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Almost! I lived the first 20 or so years of my life in Geneseo, IL.

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
Landing this job with QCA was a huge achievement for me. Working for an organization that strives to make my community a more beautiful and supportive place fills me with joy, and I am very much looking forward to the years to come.
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How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
Last year I was in a community theater show in Geneseo with Kevin Maynard.  Kevin told me all about the great things QCA is doing for the community and I thought it sounded like an incredible organization. When I saw they had an opening for Operations Director I jumped at the opportunity to become a part of this amazing team!

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
Sharing my office with an art gallery!

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? 
Genesius Guild! Where else can you find Greek Theater, Shakespeare, and ballet in a beautiful park, for free!

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
When I was in middle school our family was able to take a trip to the UK over winter break. We toured The National Gallery in London, and it was a magical experience for me.

Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.)
Impossible question, but Frida Kahlo is one of my favorites.

​What is one thing that might surprise people about you? 
I’m a total plant nerd. Love plants. I love growing them, looking at them, learning about them and eating them.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
The Great North is my go-to feel-good show.  

​Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Oh, Star Trek, 100%. The Next Gen. series holds a very special place in my heart. Jean-Luc Picard is my hero.

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
Tony’s Chicago Style Pizzeria in Moline – for some great deep dish, or Palace Tavern in East Moline if you want an awesome calzone. If I’m having “regular” pizza, my go to is the frozen cauliflower crust pizza from Costco. Controversial, I know. But if I make it at home I can add as many green olives as I want.

What is your favorite book? 
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
Outside! If you are willing to pay attention there are a million dramas playing out every day in your yard.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  ​
My secret dream is to be part of a traveling Shakespeare Troup.

If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
Vincent Van Gogh, because I’d like to know just how crazy he really was.

Kady is running our behind-the-scenes operations, but she is still a friendly face here in the gallery. Don't be afraid to say hi the next time you see her!