Interview: Darlene J. McClinton
- by Creative Greensboro
Public Record: Greensboro’s Creatives is a video interview series that seeks to illuminate the lives of artists, makers, and creative people in Greensboro. Formed by Creative Greensboro, this project was developed in collaboration with the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts' Creative Catalyst Initiative.
Darlene J. McClinton is the chief operation officer of The Artist Bloc LLC Arts Venue, “Where Creative Minds Meet;” an adjunct professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; lead arts integration facilitator for Guilford County Schools; a grants project manager, and professional muralist. Through public art, she develops collaborations and community engagement that fosters research and strategic partnerships between communities and students.
McClinton is an accomplished visual artist, art educator, scholar, and a rising star in the Greensboro area. She received her undergraduate degree in visual art and design from NC A&T and her Master of fine arts from Howard University. McClinton is best known for her paintings, digital photography, and murals, which are displayed all over Greensboro.
She has exhibited locally and nationally and has created six historical murals in North Carolina. Recognizing the role that art can play in wellness, McClinton contributed her time and talent to assist with setting up an art exhibit in the Sickle Unit at Moses Cone Hospital, where two of her paintings are prominently displayed.
She describes herself as a “woman of integrity who lives a life of service.” In this regard, she has created holiday cards for Habitat for Humanity; begun a $1000 Visual Arts Scholarship for students of NC A&T; initiated an Alumni and Friends Art Organization at NC A&T to raise scholarship funds for students; and raised more than $10,000.
As a creative community leader, Darlene is continually providing creative spaces and platforms for all artists to create and gain revenue from what they love. She also serves on various boards and committees that support her community service-oriented values. These include Downtown Greensboro Inc. Downtown Cornerstone Art Committee, Downtown Greenway Public Arts Committee, President of T.A.B Arts Center, board member of African American Atelier, and NC A&T Alumni and Friends Visual Art Organization. Darlene J. McClinton’s future goals include a successful career in public art as well as a lifelong commitment to education and entrepreneurship.
In the interview, McClinton discusses the many artistic hats she wears, her work as an artist and community builder in Greensboro, and why she wants to be a household name. This portrait of McClinton was made in front of her work in the Greensboro History Museum.
To learn more about McClinton’s work, stop by The Artist Bloc or visit her website.
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