IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SANDI BURRICHTER

Quad City Arts is delighted to announce the newest addition to our team: our new Festival of Trees Administrator Sandi Burrichter! With a dynamic background and a deep-rooted passion for the arts and community events, our new administrator brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this pivotal role. We are confident that her unique blend of skills and dedication will help elevate the Festival of Trees to new heights. Get to know Sandi and learn a few fun facts, don't hesitate to reach out and have a brew with her!
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Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?

Sort of. I grew up in a small town between the Quads and Dubuque—Lost Nation, to be exact. I attended Kirkwood College and then moved to the Quad Cities for a job.
 
What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
Personally, it would be raising three kids as a single parent. They are the best kids anyone could hope for, and now all three are outstanding, successful adults.
 
Professionally, I helped facilitate a Draft Day party for the St. Louis Rams. I was working for an advertising agency based in Detroit, and Quiznos was one of our national clients. St. Louis was a market I covered. One day, I received a call from the Pepsi rep in St. Louis telling me that the caterer for the Rams' (quickly approaching) Draft Day party had backed out at the last minute. He asked me if the St. Louis Quiznos restaurants could band together and pull it off. Of course, I said yes! Then I had to call my boss and the franchise owners and tell them what I had just agreed to do! Luckily, everyone jumped at the opportunity, and we dug in and got to work. It was EPIC—we fed nearly 5,000 players and their families, team staff, corporate sponsors, vendors, and season ticket holders! We absolutely killed it! Because it went so well, Quiznos was granted a spot at game concessions!
 
How did you first learn about Quad City Arts?
Through the Visiting Artist series at my kids' schools! The talent was always so remarkable that I would try to visit on those days so I could attend.
 
What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts?
Being a member of the Quad City Arts staff is so exciting because this talented team makes monumental events happen for our community! I get to be part of the remarkable team that brings excitement and joy to thousands of families every year through the Festival of Trees! I've always believed that Festival is THE kickoff to the holiday season, and I'm looking forward to being part of the magic!
 
What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities?
Well, of course, I love the Festival of Trees first and foremost! But I also love the unique artistry and craftsmanship that is on display at Riverssance every year.
 
What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
My favorite art is nature. The beauty of the ocean and pounding waves, beaches full of shells, a dense forest, rock formations caused by years of being subject to the elements. That's my favorite kind of art.
 
Who is your favorite artist?
In the past, I've owned paintings from artists Larry Fanning, Bev Doolittle, and John McFaul, and I currently have two Steven Hanks in my home. But today, my taste is much more simplistic and contemporary. For a performing artist, hands down Shirley McClain—ECCENTRIC!
 
What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
I love being near the water, on the water, but I can't swim.
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
A friend got me hooked on *Your Honor* and I'm almost done with season 2, but I just read there may not be a season 3—nooo!
 
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star what??
 
Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)?
SMASH Pizza in Bettendorf!
 
What is your favorite book?
"A Framework for Understanding Poverty" by Ruby Payne - It's a must-read for educators, non-profits, and professionals.
 
Where is your go-to place for inspiration?
I have a few close friends I rely on to bring perspective to my life, be it personal or professional. They ground me.
 
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I like to cook, so having my own small, eclectic restaurant would be a fun challenge! And I would LOVE to be a helicopter pilot!
 
If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
Jimmy Carter. He may not be an artist in the typical sense, but the philanthropic impact he's made and his selfless approach to life is inspiring to me.

If you see Sandi in our office or out in the community, be sure to stop by and say hello. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to the passion and creativity she will bring to Quad City Arts and Festival of Trees!