We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Perrodin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
In many ways, my purpose found me. I grew up in downtown Springdale, Arkansas, just blocks away from the art center that would later become The Medium. For generations, my family has called this place home, and as a fifth-generation Springdale resident and artist, I’ve always felt connected to its story.
When I was invited in 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic, to help guide the transition of this space into a new chapter under CACHE (Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange), it felt like a full-circle moment. The arts center had held a place in our community for more than 60 years, and now I had the opportunity to help reimagine it for the future.
My purpose came into focus through that work: weaving together my own identity as an artist with my deep love for this community. At The Medium, I get to create opportunities for other creatives to thrive, to honor the history of this space while building something new, and to keep nurturing Springdale as a place where art and community intersect.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I serve as the Artist & Community Manager at The Medium, a 25,000-square-foot creative space in downtown Springdale, Arkansas, that has long been a cornerstone of the arts in Northwest Arkansas. My role blends hands-on creativity, community building, and organizational leadership: I help maintain the vision of the space, oversee branding and communications, coordinate events, and create opportunities for artists and community members to connect, collaborate, and deepen their connections.
What excites me most about this work is being on the ground level of developing, what I believe will be, a long-standing and deeply rooted creative community that exists in downtown Springdale. The Medium isn’t just a space for art, it’s a space for open dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration. Whether through workshops, exhibitions, or special events, I love helping people realize that their ideas matter and that they have a place to share them.
A significant part of my role is listening and adapting to the needs of our creative community, seeking ways The Medium can best support local artists through new events and programs that highlight local talent and foster meaningful connections. The most rewarding part for me is knowing this space honors our region’s rich creative legacy while evolving to meet the needs of today’s artists and community members.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the quality that’s been most defining in my journey is the willingness to take risks, even when I didn’t feel ready. When I accepted the position at The Medium in 2020, I was nervous, the space has a decades-long legacy, and I felt unqualified, despite my experience as an artist and my work leading creative initiatives in downtown Springdale. Even with that background, I remember walking into the space and feeling the weight of responsibility. And yet, saying yes, stepping in, and committing to show up every day was transformative. That act of simply choosing to engage, even amid doubt, has shaped nearly every opportunity and growth in my career.
Another guiding quality has been a deep commitment to community and to creating spaces for artists to thrive. Whether through The Medium, my own studio and retail space in downtown Springdale, or the events I’ve helped bring to life over the years, I’ve realized that fostering environments where creativity can flourish is as important as the work I make as an artist. The most meaningful part of my work isn’t just what I create myself, it’s helping others find a place to create, connect, and belong.
Finally, I’d say curiosity and openness, the courage to try, to experiment, and to embrace the unknown—has been essential. Creativity is messy and unpredictable, and staying open to possibilities, rather than clinging to a single plan, has allowed me to grow as an artist, a leader, and a community member.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be: say yes even when you’re scared, lean into your curiosity, and commit yourself to something larger than yourself. Show up, create opportunities, and trust that the act of engaging fully in your work and your community will teach you what you need to know along the way.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal clients are artists and creatives who are ready to take risks, experiment, and grow—those who might not yet have had a space to share their work, or who are looking to develop an audience and build trust within their community. The Medium is a radically inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can explore, create, and test their ideas without fear.
We’re here to support artists at every stage, from emerging creators trying out a first concept to long-established arts organizations that need space to rehearse, perform, or exhibit. Our approach is rooted in love and grace: we provide affordable access, allow artists to keep 100% of their proceeds, and walk alongside them through the learning process, celebrating creativity in all its forms. At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: everyone deserves a place to create, connect, and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themedium.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themedium_art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMediumAPlacetoCreate
Image Credits
The headshot of me, Amber Perrodin, was taken by Cynthia D. Tran
The other images can be credited to The Medium, CACHE
