Jeff Boyer wants to make a difference in Jefferson City through art; and, as executive director for Capital Arts, he's been able to start seeing the full impact art can make.
Boyer said he has always been passionate about the arts, but originally planned to study marketing and business in college. It wasn't until after he began volunteering at an art gallery that he realized he could combine business with his love of visual arts.
"All I knew was that I really wanted to have a positive impact," Boyer said. "I saw this true impact that the visual arts has on the community, the schools, the local economy. It really transforms lives."
Before he had even finished his degree, Boyer said he saw the Capital Arts position being advertised and decided to take a chance and apply. When he got the job a little more than two years ago, Boyer began to plan his move to Jefferson City with the hopes of helping to grow a more thriving art community.
"It was everything I wanted to do," Boyer said of the Capital Arts position. "I just feel so truly blessed to be in a position where I'm able to give back to the community while also pursuing my passions."
Boyer said he's able to see the impact Capital Arts has on thousands of people through the gallery on Missouri Boulevard and the programs and events it takes part in, such as the annual chalk art competition on High Street or use of the organization's "imagination station," which offers a fully stocked room of art materials available for use for a $1 donation.
"I see parents come here with their kids to find opportunities, and they're so excited," Boyer said.
One of his favorite programs so far has been Art Heals, a new program Capital Arts took on by partnering with the YMCA's Livestrong program, a program designed to help adult cancer survivors. Boyer said the program is the only art therapy program offered in all of Central Missouri and provides survivors with a group discussion and a guided art class.
In the class, survivors all took home a painting of their own creation - a night sky scene. Boyer said though they all painted the same scene, no two were alike, and the most meaningful part was seeing people realize their own talent.
"We got many comments that said, "I didn't know I could be creative,'" Boyer said. "To know that we had very directly improved the quality of life for people in the area, I think that was an exciting moment for me."
Boyer said Capital Arts continues to work on growing Jefferson City's art community, adding that it helps to grow the city's economy by making it a better place to live and visit.
"We're very community-driven," Boyer said of Capital Arts. "We're here to make Jefferson City a better place."