Meet Jean McMullen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jean McMullen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jean, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is from my parents, especially my Dad. In my family there were 4 kids plus my grandma lived with us. Mom stayed at home, while Dad worked 2 jobs. When I was 12 Dad drove my sister and I at 6 am to the local farm where we picked strawberries until noon and then walked home with our meager wages. At 16 we were expected to get a part time job after school. I guess that stuck with me, so I continue to teach and work to this day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I own Missouri Artists on Main in historic St. Charles, Missouri. We represent over 45 Missouri artists from across the state. We teach a variety of classes/workshops, hold exhibits and work with the community. This year we partnered with “Haven House”, a guest house for families whose loved ones have been hospitalized for an extended period of time. This year we held a fund raising event called “Create” where the community came to the gallery to create multiple pieces of Art in a variety of mediums. Fun was had by all and we were able to raise over $4000 for this worthwhile organization. Next year we hope to make it bigger and better!!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The 3 major qualities were:
1. Surround yourself with like minded friends and other artists. They will be there during the good and bad times when you need their support. 2. Artists who are willing to give of their time. 3. The belief that working together for the greater cause to achieve the ending goal. When we held the “Create” fundraiser, my artists went the extra mile for the community. They unselfishly not only give their time but, also donated materials for the “Create” event. Artists from Missouri Artists on Main are truly a gift.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My parents instilled in me, education will take you far and it did. I taught Art in a public school in my area. It was the best job. I taught a variety of mediums which made me knowledgeable when I decided to open my gallery. I won awards for my teaching and continue to teach today besides run the gallery. My husband, Jerry has supported my endeavors. The gallery wouldn’t run without him. If the stairs break, he has the capability of repairing them. If lights go out he changes them. He is the go to person for repairs. And then there is Rosanne Sartori who is the gallery manager. She really runs the place. She trains new working artists, assists with everyday problems, and handles everything when I’m out of town. What a blessing she is to Missouri Artists on Main.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.maomgallery.com
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  Missouri Artists on Main