8 Questions with Melanie Van Dorp, ArtsCrawl Coordinator
By Fowler Roberts
Q. What got you interested in working with the Gallup ArtsCrawl?
A. I have always loved planning events. ArtsCrawl and downtown Gallup are things I am passionate about, so it was a natural fit.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your job?
A. After all of the planning and setting up is completed, I love being able to enjoy ArtsCrawl with everyone else. It is awesome to see hundreds of people enjoying a night out on the town checking out local artists.
Q. What is the biggest challenge of working as ArtsCrawl Coordinator?
A. I think one of the biggest challenges is trying to make everyone happy. People have ideas and get excited and I think I just need to take it one step at time. There is so much potential, it is exciting to think of all the possibilities.
Q. What do you hope for the future of the ArtsCrawl?
A. I can’t wait to see ArtsCrawl continue to grow. I would love to see the community more involved in the local art scene.
Q. What do you enjoy most about living in Gallup?
A. I am a small town farm girl so I love so many of the outdoor activities Gallup has to offer. I love mountain biking, hiking, camping, and skiing.
Q. What do you do in your off time?
A. I love finding a great deal and I am a collector of many vintage things.
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. My favorite book is A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter. It was first published in 1909, and I love it because it’s a story about a stubborn girl who collects butterflies to help her pay for school to become a teacher. Stratton-Porter was a naturalist and a leading voice for women’s rights.
Q. If you could trade places with one famous person, who would it be and why?
A. I am pretty happy with my life. I don’t think I would change with anyone specific, although I wouldn’t mind changing bank accounts with a celebrity.
