Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/84343
play in your free time The Arts Ambassador Pamela Andros knows arts mean business By Karin Wolf On Sept. 1, a bit of news brought about cheers in Madison's art community. County Executive Joe Parisi named local artist (and former land use planner) Pamela Andros interim director for the Dane County Cultural Affairs Program, a local government agency committed to supporting arts, culture and local history. Lauded as a perfect fit for the job, Andros understands that the arts mean business—about $145 million annually in Dane County according to Americans for the Arts most recent research. But she also un- derstands the opportunities and challenges of local artists from personal experience. Tell us about your favorite hidden gem in the Dane County cultural arts scene. The Red Dragon on Lakeside Street is my favorite, but there are so many here. Nothing is better than walking or driving along, seeing something new and thinking, 'What was that?!' I have great admi- ration for the people who create these places. You paint and have explored other mediums. Why do you make art? I can't help it. There is simply something in my nature that has al- ways made making, viewing and experiencing art something I need to do. Trust me, I've tried to quit before. How will you find time to create once you start your job with the Dane County Cultural Affairs Program? I've always worked full-time (including being a mom for the last 12 years), so I'll do it the same way I do now: in little bits, but certainly with much more inspiration! What excites you the most about taking this position? Combining my work experience, skills and something I love for a place I love. Why do you think it is important for Dane County to support a Cultural Affairs Program? Arts and culture is part of what makes a place special and can have a huge positive impact on people's lives. The Dane County Cultural Affairs Program celebrates and supports this. What is the funniest comment you have received about getting this job? The best goes to my brother who emailed saying, 'Wow! Congrats! It's nice to read an article about a family member...that isn't an obituary or an arrest report.' Karin Wolf is the arts program administrator for the Madison Arts Commission. Find her at cityofmadison.com/mac/index.cfm. For more information about Andros please visit pamelaandros.com. To learn more about Dane Arts visit danearts.com. ••• Book Club: Spooky recommendations from Madison's Booked For Murder Last Wool and Testament: A Ghost of a Dream By Simon R. Green Three ghost hunters are on a mission, investigating a haunting at a long- abandoned theater. But what should be an easy assignment soon turns into a battle against an ancient evil they never expected. Published by Ace, $8 Foul Play at the Fair By Shelley Fredont Event planner Liv Montgomery left the big city behind for an idyllic locale. But when a murder threatens the town's livelihood, she's deter- mined to keep the community going, even if she has to find the murderer herself. Published by Berkley, $8 Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery By Molly MacRae Kath Rutledge has returned to her beloved grandma's small town to take over her fabric shop. She soon learns the mystery behind a local murder and encounters a ghost who may be a friend…or a foe. Published by Signet, $8 Booked for Murder is located at 2701 University Ave., Madison; bookedformurder.com. 72 BRAVA Magazine October 2012 Photo by Sarah Maughan