Member Spotlight Series: Mary French

Have you ever wondered just how the Doraville Art Center came to life? Our CEO Mary French shares her artistic inspiration, creative philosophies, and the driving principles behind DART.

Arts and culture were foundational to Mary’s childhood, a boon and a privilege for which she remains grateful to this day. She credits her family for continuous exposure to theater, from the stages of Atlanta’s local scene to the refined productions of

Broadway.

“Those early experiences watching live theater opened up a world of possibility and imagination that stayed with me,” Mary explains. “They planted the seeds that led me to ballet classes in 3rd grade, theater classes in high school, and eventually to

earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in Theater. I've worked for most of my career in nonprofit arts organizations— those early moments in darkened theaters taught me that art has the power to transport, transform, and connect us to

something larger than ourselves.”

These experiences kept Mary close to the idea of art as more than just a personal practice, but a crucial element in human connection.

“Art is a fundamental key to building a community,” Mary says. “It's the bridge that connects diverse neighbors, sparks conversation, and transforms public spaces into places of shared experience and belonging. Art brings advocacy, education, and

opportunity. It fills voids, creates gathering spaces, supports underrepresented voices, and transforms a collection of residents into a true community. Art makes us see our neighbors—and our city—differently.”

When she eventually settled in Doraville, this passionate belief in the transformative power of art lead Mary to asking an important question:

“I kept wondering ‘where is the art in Doraville?’ In a city with such rich cultural diversity, and now over 150 years of history, the arts had been glaringly absent. When a group of residents gathered in 2018 with the same question, I knew we had to do something about it.”

That something was to create an organization dedicated to bringing public art to spaces around Doraville that were lacking, and to bettering the lives of its citizens through art classes, workshops, and affordable access to supplies. For many local residents, Dart

quickly became their “third place” – the welcome spot between home and work where we gather with others to recharge and reconnect.

Although, the journey was not without its obstacles.

“When the group hit a roadblock getting registered as a 501(c)3, I took on the challenge and completed all the paperwork—because this community deserved an arts organization, and sometimes you just have to move fast and make it happen.”

The experience has had a unique impact on Mary’s personal art journey and the mediums she is able to work in:

“Project management itself has become my creative medium,” she says. “Organizing community events, facilitating collaborations, and structuring opportunities for artists. But I also created a piece for the Stormwater Art in the Park series at Chicopee Park, blending visual art with environmental advocacy.”

When asked about her favorite medium for self-expression, Mary says, “Honestly, Culinary Arts and Mixology are my greatest passions. I love creating a meal or a beverage to make an event special!” Her least favorite medium, on the other hand, is

anything too technological.

“I spend all day doing database administration and project management, so stepping away from technology is key.”

When it comes to her own artistic practice, the work-life balance struggle is very real.

“I find I spend time at DART doing the administrative work and rarely take the time to work on my own art. But to me, balancing the immediate needs of artists and the community with long-term sustainability, and creating opportunities for artists, take

precedence.”

As a result of this tireless commitment to inspire and encourage other creatives, DART is thriving in its new location. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds come to take advantage of 5,000 square feet of maker’s space in a bright, friendly atmosphere.

The organization has received several accolades from the city for charitable endeavors, community outreach and environmental stewardship, and gained a loyal following of art enthusiasts who fill the space week after week.

Through it all, Mary’s core motivator remains unchanged.

“I am fueled by the belief that when cities support the arts, they generate broad economic, civic, and cultural benefits for residents. Art creates opportunities for connection and empowerment. Seeing Doraville position itself as an Art City in Metro

Atlanta can fuel everything.”

After several years at the helm of a nonprofit in our current climate of chaos, many people would have surrendered to burnout. Yet Mary continues to champion the artistic dreams of her friends and neighbors, living DART’s motto every day: Art is the point.

“[Art] allows me to witness and facilitate the magic that happens when a community comes together to create, share, and celebrate their collective creativity—from that first engaging art show at the Atlanta Cuban Club to watching the art center flourish today.”

Asked if she has a personal mantra that keeps her on track, Mary said: “Move Fast and Change Frequently (MFCF)—adapt, respond, and keep building toward a vision of what's possible. Let's not talk about all the WIPs I have in so many different mediums!”

Doraville's motto is diversity, vitality, and community—and thanks to the efforts of Mary French and her team, DART embodies all three.

“DART started with just a Facebook page and a dream, and now we have a thriving art center offering classes in a variety of mediums, bi-monthly gallery shows, an annual art festival, and public art in collaboration with the city. At least 10% of all art sales support FREE art classes and events, because art should be accessible no matter your skill level or background. Everyone is welcome here.”