“It was one of the most profound relationships in my career: The trusted friendship that philanthropist Andrew Clarkson and I built over decades of working together to build and grow the arts in Memphis.“
In 1993, I was up on a ladder changing the marquee at what is now Circuit Playhouse when he and Charlotte King, the executive director of his Jeniam Foundation, walked up.
Pitt Hyde had brought Andrew to Memphis to be CFO of what was then Malone & Hyde. Pitt encouraged his senior officers to get involved in the community, and Andrew got involved in the arts in a big way.
Our relationship really started when Andrew was trying to find a home for Playwrights Forum and, eventually, other emerging arts organizations that needed low-cost office, rehearsal and performance space. The success of what became TheatreWorks is what endeared me to Andrew. He saw that I could make things happen, and we did all kinds of projects together.
What did I learn from him? How good Malbecs are!
We liked to drink wine together and plan. The way Andrew asked questions, it made you really examine what you were trying to do, the need you thought you had. I learned how to look at the long-term functionality of projects from him, what happens after the initial glow wears off. He always looked at the bigger picture.
After my family, Andrew was the number one relationship in my life. It was bigger than the money. We had a great time thinking together about new ideas. He’d call me about other projects and groups, asking how well this idea would work or that equipment would function.
Andrew adopted the philosophy of LEARN, EARN and RETURN from his father, and passed it along to me. I am eager to share my experience and expertise with nonprofit leaders … to pay it forward, once again.
That’s what Andrew Clarkson taught me: To LEARN, EARN and RETURN. I will be forever grateful.
Now I am paying it forward with LEaR Mentoring, partnering with nonprofit arts leaders and dreamers in Memphis and across the country to make their great ideas and profound need to serve the community a reality.
– Jackie Nichols
Memphis