Four years ago, as Lisa Williamson’s students at the University of Memphis neared graduation, she asked them what they wanted to do next.

Because these were students getting their master’s degrees in art, she said their answers typically involved strengthening portfolios and submitting work. But one of her students, Pam McDonnell, surprised her. 

At a time when arts organizations were struggling around the country, McDonnell wanted to open an art school — one that would serve as a haven for teachers and artists and provide an array of learning opportunities for the wider community. 

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