DECEMBER 2017 | SARASOTA SCENE 113
arts&culture
GET Inspired
CULTURAL HAPPENINGS BROUGHT TO
YOU BY THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE
OF SARASOTA COUNTY
JAMIE COFFEY
The beaming light that
is our local arts scene
shines even brighter
because of the vibrant
and charming Jamie
Coffey.
For the past two years,
she’s served as Special
Assistant to Dr. Larry
Thompson, President of
Ringling College of Art
and Design, working
closely with Dr. Thompson
in all areas of the
College and the community
at large.
Throughout her career,
Jamie has worked in
both higher education
and the non-profit
sector, with five of
those years as Chief of
Staff to the President
and Interim Director
of Alumnae Affairs at
Barnard College/Columbia
University under the
We asked this arts enthusiast how and why
the arts in Sarasota influence and inspire her:
“The Arts are the fabric of my life, so when I decided to
move back to Florida after living in New York City for
over 15 years, I knew the only place I would live was
Sarasota. There was no other option. I was drawn here
by the incredible arts and higher education institutions,
along with the diverse healing arts throughout the
area—and, of course, the beautiful beaches. Living in
a place that is teeming with creative energy, spirituality,
gratitude for the amazing group of creative beings who
have come into my life since my leap of faith to move
here six years ago. Namaste.”
leadership of Debora
Spar (now President and
CEO of Lincoln Center).
Before her tenure at
Barnard, Jamie managed
corporate and foundation
grants for the renowned
Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater, and also
worked in development
and management for
the New York Botanical
Garden and Ice Theatre
of New York. She has
also produced major
events and performances
throughout the U.S. and
around the globe.
In addition to these
impressive achievements,
Jamie is a trained actor,
dancer/choreographer,
singer, figure skater, and
yoga instructor. She is
also a proud member
of the board of Sarasota
Contemporary Dance.
AMANDA MARIE MASON