IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kim Van Scyoc

The Quad City Arts team is growing and we are happy to welcome to our team the new Festival of Trees Administrator! Kim is a ball of energy and she's so passionate about Festival of Trees. You'll be seeing lots of her at this year's festival. Kim comes to us from Eldridge Preschool, she has over a decade of teaching experience and can keep a classroom on track! She'll be keeping Festival of Trees moving forward at a steady pace.
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Kim on her first day at Quad City Arts!

Kim with her family at Festival of Trees in 2019

​Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Born and raised here. Grew up in Dixon, Iowa. Lived here my entire life. Graduated from St. Ambrose University. Go Fighting Bees!

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
Personally, I have been plant based for many years. Trying to do my part to save the world!  Professionally, exposed an entire decade of preschoolers to the world of veganism.

How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
I was looking for a new chapter in my work life and found this incredibly cool job with cool people!  So happy to be a part of this team of talented and interesting humans.

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? Seeing behind the curtain. Watching this group of dedicated volunteers bring together one of the most exciting and beloved QCA event!  It is amazing to experience all that goes into the festival.  I am in awe!

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? Blues Fest.  My husband and I are lifelong members of the Quad City Blues Society. 

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
Laumeier Sculpture Park in Kirkwood, Missouri.  It is an incredible space.  We stumbled on it one year and we go back every summer and spend a morning.  My son knows that when the end comes for me, he is to dedicate a bench or a bird feeder in my name, so I can always be a part of this park.

Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) Michelangelo.  I did a paper on him in college and was intrigued by his story.  I have been lucky enough to see some of his work.  The David is everything you would expect and more.  The Sistine Chapel was awe inspiring. 

What is one thing that might surprise people about you? I ran a half marathon and didn’t pass out.  I did get lapped by the full marathon winner.  Exhilarating and humbling all at the same time.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.  Love that David Letterman. 

Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Star Wars, though Star Trek is epic.  I had a small crush on Captain Kirk, but Star Wars is my families jam!

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
Lopiez, not only is the pizza superb, but the experience of dining or carrying out from their downtown location is a great and super interesting experience.  I recommend the Mayor.  Best darn pizza in town.

What is your favorite book? Alas Babylon by Pat Frank.  I tend to be a little on the fatalistic side, so this book dovetailed well into my slightly off psyche.

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? Treadmill.  There is nothing like clearing the cobwebs with an hour of sweating. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I would love to run a farm sanctuary.  But to be honest, the only way this would work is if I would win the lottery.  I have been told by the lovely couple who run the Iowa Farm Sanctuary in Marengo, Iowa, that the charitable farm life is not for everyone.  Money absolutely makes a difference.  It can not run on love and good will.
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If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
Orson Wells.  Every college kid that watched Citizen Kane in their film class can agree…Orson Wells is the man!
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Caesar

Kim and friends!

Charlie

​Next time you seem Kim around, stop by and give her a warm welcome!

​🎄We're so glad she's on team Festival!🎄