Kriss Johnson has been a familiar face in Snellville for a while now. Most know her as the beauty pageant queen who sings the National Anthem at events.
Aside from her pageant crown, Johnson is also wearing the hat of the Snellville Arts Commission chairman these days.
After a rough patch in recent years, SAC is now re-focused under Johnson's leadership.
Here's what she had to say about the Commission's new start.
Q: You've worn a lot of hats in Snellville recently. You've represented us on the pageant stage and are unofficially the National Anthem singer for our events. Now you're heading up SAC, why so many hats?
Kriss Johnson: I don't think it is so much about how many hats I wear, it is the fact that I love my city. I am proud of what has been done in Snellville since I moved here almost 20 years ago. It is a city of much pride and I am proud to represent Snellville in any way I can.
As far as SAC is concerned, I have always had a love of the arts. I have been on stage both as a vocalist and actress throughout my life, have lived in the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood and worked for Universal Studios, Universal Pictures and Universal Music. I have seen it all and I have seen what arts can do for a city. I am also a firm believer that as we grow up, we need to keep our minds and hearts active. As long as I live and breathe I will never slow down.
Q: What are the goals for SAC in the next year?
KJ: The goals first and foremost is to bring the arts back to Snellville. For the past year or so the commission has fallen down in its obligation to the city and its citizens. The arts bring color and vibrancy to a city. We all need lots of color in our life. Music and theater are important to everyone especially with the recent closing of our only theater company. Our goal is to bring that color and vibrancy back to Snellville for all ages. We want to have programs that everyone will enjoy, as well as be a part of the Snellville Tourism and Trade events. There are a lot of talented artists in our community as well. We need to bring them forward to show what Snellville has. In addition citizens have asked us to share our talents in the form of lessons. We hope to have lessons in different mediums for our citizens to enjoy.
Q: For the SAC to remain successful, what has to happen?
KJ: In order for us to remain successful, we need to have programs and art outlets that will bring the citizens out to enjoy. Showcases, classes, events, are all important to our success. We have a terrific group of commissioners now with fantastic ideas of how to bring back the spark to the art commission. I am very excited to see what all we can do to make the organization successful and meet our mission statement. The talents of all seven commissioners is amazing. We have artists, musicians, actors and more. All will lend their talents in a wide array of blended color. Snellville will be amazed at what is about to explode in the art community.
Q: Why is a successful arts commission important to the city?
KJ: We not only want to involve the citizens of Snellville but we also want to involve the entire county in the hopes of bring more economic growth to businesses. It is a known fact that when people join for an event, they will also visit at least one other business while here. We want to be a part in building our city and getting people excited about the new city center that is being planned.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
KJ: It is my hope as commission chair that we can get excitement back to Snellville for the arts. With the team we now have I know this is possible. Our meetings are open to the public and I strongly invite anyone who is interested in seeing the arts grow to attend our meetings, voice your desires and become involved in our commission. Let us know what YOU would like to see. We always welcome volunteers and new members to become a part of our team. Visit our website at www.snellvillearts.com where our meetings, agendas and minutes are posted. One day we hope to have an Arts Center in Snellville, but we can't do this without the support of the city residents. Visit us on our Facebook page as well, or feel free to email your comments to me at kjohnson@snellvillearts.com. I welcome any comments good or bad. That is how we will grow.
The Snellville Arts Commission is:
Debra Pennington
Kriss Johnson
Summer King
Kerry Hetherington
Leroy Banks
Alisa Boykin
Nikki Toombs