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5 QUESTIONS WITH GENE KRCELIC – PRESIDENT OF PREMIER ARTS COLLECTIVE

May 5, 2022

Who is a leader you look up to/aim to model in your leadership at Premier Arts Collective (PAC)?

The first leader who comes to mind is Jesus Christ.  I know that may sound like an “easy out” to the question, but His care and love for humanity sets the highest standard for how we should lead.  I also look to people like Don Brewster, founder of Agape International Missions.  Here is a man who essentially left his safe and comfortable life in the United States and moved with his wife, Bridget, to a small village in Cambodia to fight and put an end to child sex trafficking in that country.  That move was an incredibly selfless act.  They have rescued and saved thousands of children from slavery.  Their ministry has grown to the point where they have gained worldwide attention and are universally respected as leaders in their field.

When did it ‘click’ for you that PAC is where you want to be?

I wouldn’t say it is where I want to be. I would say it is where I am called to be.  In my case, it is one and the same since I want to be where I am called to be. God has an interesting way of humbling all of us and then revealing the truth of our calling.  It is up to us to keep asking questions and make sure our eyes are open when those questions are answered.  I was hired by Premier Foundation, now re-branded as Premier Arts Collective, at a time in my life when I knew I wanted to serve others who are not as fortunate as I have been.  My clarity was a result of countless mission trips to Alabama and New Orleans serving others after Hurricane Katrina.

Where do you draw inspiration on a daily basis?

My daily inspiration comes from a variety of sources, starting with the wisdom of the Bible.  I also look to the stories of others who have overcome insurmountable odds to accomplish unlikely goals, like a single mother working three jobs just to put food on the table and give her children an opportunity to attend college.  Also inspiring are the lives of people like Walt Disney, Leonardo DaVinci and Elon Musk who create great things that live long beyond their lifetime.

You’ve lived in Greenville, SC for over three decades. What is a secret about Greenville that everyone should know (restaurant, destination, etc.)?

The statues in Greenville tell great stories about those who have impacted our community. To me, the secret is the vision of people like Tommy Wyche, Max Heller and Buck Mickel.  And restaurants, don’t get me started…

Favorite quote at the moment?

That’s a tough one.  I love a good quote.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” William Wilberforce

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Alison Hughey’s greatest passion is guiding clients in connection, comfort and communication through music. Since studying music therapy at Converse University and earning her board certification in 2010, she has served clients from 18 months of age up to 103 years old and contributed to research in community mental health and dementia care. Alison wears multiple “music hats” as a worship leader, band member, and music & wellness workshop facilitator.

Jared Emerson

Performance Artist

Jared Emerson is world renown for his captivating performance art and studio originals.  His art has raised millions of dollars for charities and ministries around the world.  Jared’s work with Premier Arts Collective allows him to use his gifts by engaging in interactive art classes and performances across the globe; using his art for healing, therapy and restoration for those who have experienced trauma and abuse.

Born in Michigan and now residing in Greenville, South Carolina, Jared’s personal mission has led him to perform and create art, in a vast array of media, for a large number of collectors, corporations, churches and charities, with his performance piece “Face of God” being the most requested.

Jared’s credits include: ReviveUs 2 with Kirk Cameron, Winter Jam concert tour, TEDx, K-LOVE, CBS Sports, Game Plan for Life, The 700 Club, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, NASCAR, Museum of the Bible, Coca-Cola, Michelin, Land Rover, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Pistons, Family Christian Stores and countless others.

Jared’s success has made his artwork sought after by many celebrities and sports figures.  His clients include: Carrie Underwood, Carson Wentz, Jack Nicklaus, Guy Fieri, Joe Gibbs, Willie Mays, Albert Pujols, Jimmy John, Forrest Lucas, Smokey Robinson and Joe Greene, to name a few.

For booking information, contact gene@premierartscollective.com 

Anita Yeh Norrie

Art Therapist

Anita Yeh Norrie (MA-Art Therapy) is passionate about creating change and improving lives through the transformative power of creating art. A life-long believer in the therapeutic and cathartic power of art, she built her career around developing programs and relationships that encourage expression, and self-realization through creativity.

While an art and design business owner, she was the vehicle of expression for her client’s vision. As an art therapist, she has created therapeutic art programs for kids, for mental health programs and non-profits, launched and operated an open art studio for a community arts center, and led hundreds of people to live a better life through their own discovery of creativity and artistic self-expression.

Anita’s current work of art is Art Power!, the non-profit she founded in 2017 where she and her team are working to change the lives of underserved kids in Cozumel, Mexico, through their therapeutic, choice-based art studio.”

When not in the art studio, you can usually find Anita contemplating her next project while exploring tasty food stands and out-of-the-way eateries, wherever she may be.

Courtney Chandler

Art Therapist

Courtney Chandler is a registered art therapist, licensed professional counselor associate, trauma-conscious yoga teacher, and founder of HeARTS for Hope Therapy in Greenville, SC. She has a decade of experience offering expressive art therapy groups in mental health facilities, schools, detention facilities, and substance use treatment centers across the country. She loves supporting adults and teens as they navigate challenges of trauma and grief, using an integrative combination of art therapy, somatic psychotherapy, and EMDR. Motivated by the belief that everyone is innately creative and art is an expression of self-love and divine connection, she uses a holistic mind-body approach in her therapeutic practice, and feels honored to hold space for hope and healing.

Samuel Monterrosa

Vocal Coach and Head of Nu-Day Academy

Samuel Monterrosa is the Director of Nu-Day Academy in San Salvador, El Salvador. He has been mentoring, coaching and advising students in music education for over 15 years. He is often asked how music helps. Samuel believes that for many children, music is opportunity. Music is the way out of a life of poverty and brokenness. Nu-Day Academy provides opportunities for youth to build their self-esteem through music.

Born and raised in San Salvador, Samuel believes all lasting achievement is rooted in developing good character and maturity through the daily exercise of personal responsibility. Samuel’s guidance at Nu-Day Academy has built an environment focusing on character skills.

Under Samuel’s leadership, Nu-Day Community Choir was formed. The choir has become a favorite to the entire country, performing on every national television station, at concerts and for the Salvadorian government. Samuel is also the baritone pillar in the youth band known throughout Latin America as One Love El Salvador.

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