ONE ON ONE | Jacqueline Millner Guild director finds satisfaction spreading the arts

Has art always played an important role in your life?
I'd have to say yes. Growing up in Philadelphia, there was so much that was available to young children. My grandmother made sure that we got to see different plays and went to museums. There were always concerts, whether they were in the park or one of the theaters. I've always loved it.
How did you come to be director of the Valley Arts Guild?
By accident. When I read the article in the paper in the want ads, I thought I was applying for a job as a secretary, but instead, it turned out to be director.
Are you an artist yourself?
No, I'm not.
Do you have a favorite art form?
I would have to say it's photorealism. I love the work of James O'Malley that we are featuring today. It looks exactly like a photograph, only it's done in whatever medium the artist prefers, whether it's watercolor, acrylics, oil. I love being able to see the expertise and detail and the talent that it takes to actually make something look that real.
Do you find your work here satisfactory?
Yes, I do, because I feel like I'm giving a service not only to the artist but to the community as well and helping children, especially, who want to learn how to draw or paint or how to develop ideas into stories or poems.
VAG has a lot of children's programming. Was that something you started?
It was in place when I got here. It was a lot smaller then. We do try to offer many more classes in many more areas such as drumming and the marionettes. Last year, we had 235 children who participated in about 14 different types of classes. African drumming was one of the favorites. We taught them papier-m & acirc;ch & eacute;. They learned how to draw and paint. We taught them jewelry-making, paper-making, drama. We try to cover every aspect, even cartooning. This year, we're going to incorporate some of their regular classes with art. They're going to do a class called "A Trip Around the World," where they will use geography and art.
If there's one other thing you'd like to do in life, what is it?
I think I would to like to try to write a novel -- preferably fiction -- just to see how far my imagination can take me.
What do you do to relax?
Read. I love to sew. I love to spend time with my grandchildren, and I love our family vacations when we're all together under one roof driving each other crazy for a whole week.
Do you have family vacations regularly?
Once a year. We try to vary our locations. We went to Disney World. We went to Busch Gardens. This year, we're going to go to the Poconos. It's great because mom doesn't have to cook and I get to spend quality time with my grandchildren.
What was your most memorable vacation?
My all-time favorite was Busch Gardens in Virginia. It wasn't just fun. We also took the kids on some historical trips. We went to see a plantation, and they got to see the slave quarters and the big house.
How did your children react to seeing slave quarters?
I think the only thing that bothered my children was when they were listening to the guide saying how these Africans were like visitors, as if they had a choice. It's as if they were trying to gloss it over.
What do you do to get away from it all?
I lose myself in books. I will actually take on one of the characters and just live out the book while I'm reading it. If I really want to get away, literally, I'll take my dog and go for a walk.
Who has most influenced your life?
I'd have to say my grandmother, Doreatha Pryor. She was a very strong woman. Family meant a lot to her, and she always encouraged us to be whatever we wanted to be, making us believe that there were no limitations. She introduced me to the opera, plays, museums. She wanted us to be very well-rounded.