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Get to Know Dani Whitmore the New Executive Director of Blue Line Arts

Dec 30, 2016 11:32AM ● By David Norby

Dani Whitmore grew up in a small town in Colorado, the fifth of eight siblings. Despite the many challenges of being a middle child in such a large family (“I always had to fight for the stage!” Whitmore laughs), what she remembers most about those days was her love of music and how much it enriched her life. She still recalls the days she and her younger brother, William—who passed away in 1981 from medical complications due to cerebral palsy—would sit together and listen to vinyl records of the Boston Pops Symphony. “We shared a love of art and music,” she says.

 These days, Whitmore—who still sings in her spare time—serves on numerous art advocacy boards, including the board of directors for Californians for the Arts/California Arts Advocates. She’s also the new executive director of Blue Line Arts, a nonprofit that promotes the arts in the South Placer region. The organization celebrated its 50th year of service last November, and January 25 marked the relaunch of their newest event—Interlude to the Season Arts Awards Gala, which benefited the companies and individuals who work together to promote the arts in our community. For Whitmore, it’s all about working toward a future in which every child has access to the arts—whether it be through music programs, art classes or regular visits to galleries and exhibits. “Arts education reduces dropout rates and builds self-awareness...There’s a lot of data out there, [and] I see the positive effects every day.”  

Article by Amber Foster // Photos by Dante Fontana

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Breathe deeply and listen—you will learn more when you do. 

Are you high or low maintenance?
I think I’m medium maintenance with high expectations.

What are you most proud of? Hands down, my children. I have successfully raised two relatively well-behaved, articulate and self-sufficient women. 

Favorite humanitarian cause? The arts. It brings a sense of community, humanity and awareness like no other cause. I believe we should practice coming together when there is not a tragedy—and the arts are a perfect mechanism to provide connection.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
I asked my 87-year-old father on his birthday this past July for his advice. He said: "Take care of your health [and] your children, invest your money wisely, and love fiercely."


Favorites

Author/writer:
David McCullough

Escape:
The beach

Guilty pleasure:
Having a glass of champagne with my sweetie

Meal in town:
The Place 

Local landmark:
Carnegie Museum 

Movie:
Somewhere in Time

Place to buy a gift, locally:
Sparrow 5 

Local nonprofit:
Blue Line Arts

Saying:
“I see myself as a collector of art, friendships and experiences.”—Isabella Stewart Gardner

Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live and why they should be featured to [email protected].