Full name: Jason Andreasen
Title: Director
Company: Baton Rouge Gallery – Center for Contemporary Art
Age: 27
Hometown: Miami, FL
Why do you do what you do?
Because I believe in the importance of art in our lives, hope that more people see that art isn’t something that just “matches the couch,” and [that they] think that Baton Rouge Gallery has an amazing roster of Artist Members
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
I’m hopefully in the midst of it right now. In January, the Gallery is hosting a national juried exhibition called the Surreal Salon. The exhibition will look at the lasting effects of Surrealism on contemporary art and features 35 artists from 14 states. It’s been a daunting undertaking but the Gallery’s staff and I are very excited about bringing this exhibition to the community!
What was your first job?
When I was 14, I worked at a Christmas tree lot where I learned the differences between the different types of trees and carried the trees folks purchased to their cars. I know far too much about Fraser Firs, though once a year the knowledge comes in handy.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always told me, “Keep your mom happy and I’ll be happy.” I didn’t necessarily always take his advice, but I’ll probably be telling my daughters the same thing in the next couple years.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
There are many, but if I had to point to one, it would have to be Dave Remmetter of Chelsea’s Café. He is committed to a very special spot in our city – even when faced with adversity – that not only features some of the best local and national musicians on the stage but also has a number of Baton Rouge painters and players on staff.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Either writing for a high-profile music magazine, owning my own record label, or serving as the General Manager for the Florida Marlins.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
From a very early age, I had always been working my way towards law school. However, a few years ago I realized that I had been doing so because I was always told I was good at it instead of because I wanted to spend my life doing it. Luckily, I had the opportunity to change course, the guts to do it and a wife who pushed me to do something I loved.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Instead of majoring in Political Science, I probably would have focused on writing and the arts more during my college career. But, I am a believer that if you like where and who you are, then harboring too many regrets is silly. After all, if I had not studied what I did and took the classes I did, who knows where I would have ended up.
What is your prescription for life?
Do it right or don’t do it at all. And always check the expiration date on the milk.
What book are you currently reading?
It Ain’t No Sin To Be Glad You’re Alive: The Promise of Bruce Springsteen by Eric Alterman
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Johnny Depp, David Bowie and — for a little comic relief — Katt Williams.
Who would play you in a movie?
Maybe Leonardo DiCaprio?
What do you do to unwind?
Plug in the headphones and put on a good record.
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
The 52” HDTV that made my jaw hit the floor the first time I watched ESPN in HD. It’s hard to decide which changed my life more: DVR service or HD.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Taking my daughters, Kylie & Alani, to the park.
What’s your theme song?
The opening to Night Court.
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
Home. The Compact Disc Store is a [not-so-] distant second.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
I don’t.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
Almost Famous. Sons of Anarchy. Bob Dylan. (Though I’m really liking the Black Keys right now.)
What is your favorite gadget?
The record player my wife gave me as a Valentine’s Day present a couple of years ago. That qualifies as a gadget, right?
What is something that you can’t live without?
Art – in all its various incarnations.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
I would love to see our public education (K-12) system improve. As a parent with two young children and the product of public education myself, I believe in the importance of public schools in shaping a community, and hope Baton Rouge’s schools rank near the top one day.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
Since I moved to Baton Rouge, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of growth the cultural sector of our city has undergone. My greatest hope for Baton Rouge is that this trend continues and eventually sees Baton Rouge become a hub for contemporary art, music and culture. The talent is certainly here.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That, collectively, as a city, we will never fully recognize that the arts are central to the growth of the Greater Baton Rouge area. The fact of the matter is that for every dollar spent on the arts, there is roughly a six-dollar return. Not only does supporting the arts locally make good business sense, but it also means great things for our quality of life.
