Wilmington Participant Becomes Adams County Coordinator

Rich Neumann, Communications Manager for Adams County, Colorado has had the opportunity to experience the National Arts Program® as both a participant and now a coordinator.  We feel this unique perspective has given him a greater understanding of the program and its purpose.  We recently reached out to Rich and asked him to elaborate on his NAP experiences....

“I first came to know the National Arts Program® at the City of Wilmington, Delaware, where the annual employee art exhibition was a highlight of the year for many employees, including me. As a visual artist, I appreciated the opportunity to display my art without having to spend the energy and expense of organizing a solo show. I also enjoyed the camaraderie, inspiration and encouragement that came with participating in a group show.

When I moved to Colorado to assume a new position with Adams County in Brighton, Colorado, one of my first initiatives was to develop a series of employee events designed to improve morale and foster team spirit among the workforce. While my team and I had moderate success with a variety of activities, including holiday cookie contests, a Super Bowl chili cook-off, and a series of seasonal tailgate parties, my intention all along was to introduce the National Arts Program® as one of our keystone events in hopes that I could capture some of the same excitement I had experienced back in Delaware.

Nothing prepared us for the overwhelming interest in the program. More than 150 artists registered for the inaugural exhibition, submitting nearly 200 pieces of art. The entire week leading up to the opening night gala, all non-work related conversations around the water cooler revolved around the exhibition. Employees were genuinely astonished to discover the range of talent and subject matter among their colleagues and their family members. Once again, art proved itself to be the great uniter! My hope is that this year’s event serves as a creative catalyst that will result in even greater participation next year.

The first annual “Artfully Adams” employee art exhibition was an unequivocal success that would not have been possible without the generous support of The National Arts Program®. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative effect the program can have on the workplace, and I am extremely grateful for this invaluable partnership.”