The Plano Art Association brings in visual artists from Plano and the surrounding areas to increase awareness and development of the visual arts in the community. Melanie Brigante, the outgoing president of PAA, has worked with the nonprofit organization for years, helping grow membership and providing outlets for artists to display their work.
Brigante’s career background is not in the arts, however. Although she’s worked to uplift local artists, she spends her days as a realtor and with other area groups and nonprofits, including serving on the boards of the All Community Outreach and the Allen Sports Association and committees with the Commercial Real Estate Women and the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
As she steps down for the next president of PAA, she is continuing to serve — now as a member of the board of directors for PAA.
Your career outside of the arts has been in taxes and real estate. How do the two interests balance for you?
My first career was in the not-for-profit sector, where I worked my way up to an executive director position for a community service organization in West Texas. There, I helped small communities grow by lifting up their residents so they could contribute in a positive way to the cities where they live. During this time, I learned how important it is for members of a community to work together to strengthen and enrich those communities.
My background in real estate began while working in that West Texas community. I took real estate courses to expand my work opportunities, and I eventually landed a job with the State Property Tax Board. (That government entity no longer exists, and its function was taken over by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.) There, I developed my valuation and negotiation skills, and I eventually moved to the DFW area, where I continued in the in the property tax consulting, and I launched Delahn Realty, a boutique real estate company.
I find it personally fulfilling and enriching to help develop, promote and support organizations serving the best interests of our community. When I learn of organizations that I relate to, I’m drawn to them and I seek opportunities to get to know the members of those organizations. I find the best way to meet fellow members is to serve those organizations in roles that I can be effective in.
How did you first get involved with the Plano Art Association?
I’ve always gravitated toward drawing and other creative activities. With my busy schedule, I lose sight of carving out time to develop my craft. I began focusing my artistic endeavors on photography. It started with a few workshops, and I have found that photography gives me an excuse to explore the great outdoors and to truly enjoy and appreciate my time out in nature.
While I was taking various art and photography classes at Collin College, I came across information promoting the Plano Art Association Studio Tour. I signed up for the studio tour, met a few PAA members, and I joined PAA a few months later. I didn’t really meet many people in the organization until a few years later when I began to volunteer help on various committees.
What are you most proud of in your time as president?
I’m most proud of securing space for and launching the Plano Art Association Gallery at the Shops at Willow Bend. This has been a game-changer for our organization as it provides continuous opportunities for our members to share and promote their talents and their work.
I saw you were recently promoted to the board of directors. How are you hoping to serve in this position?
I’m hoping to continue promoting the PAA and helping the current and future leadership teams raise awareness of the Plano Art Association as a key contributor to the culturally rich and diverse art scene that the City of Plano offers its residents and visitors.
For those in the community unfamiliar with PAA, how can community members and fellow artists get involved?
PAA is open to all members of Plano and the surrounding areas. Any artist or art lover/supporter is welcome to visit our gallery located in the Shops at Willow Bend, and to join us as a guest at our monthly membership meetings and our recurring shows. We also work with the city to bring a monthly Art & Culture Quest to the Historic Downtown Plano.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
