MEET JASPER!
AMANDA MCSWINE
The Jasper Project is dependent upon its hard working board of directors to make our world go ‘round. In addition to sharing a wealth of information from their own experiences, the Jasper Project board is, what is called in the world of non-profits, a “working board.” Emphasis on the word WORK.
You’ll see our board members delivering Jasper Magazines, greeting and ringing up art sales at any of our gallery spaces, hauling bags of ice, cases of wine, and trays of food at our receptions and events, as well as planning, setting up for, and cleaning up after those events. Our board of volunteers also plan and program those events. They schedule art exhibitions, review plays, install art, make labels, read plays, screen films, program concerts, write checks, balance the budget, communicate with their unique contacts, and so much more.
Every board member is attached to at least one of Jasper’s primary projects (the magazine, galleries, Play Right Project, 2nd Act Film Project, or any of our one-off projects like the Degenerate Arts Project we just finished up or our upcoming Peter Lenzo retrospective and remembrance that will be opening at Stormwater Studios on April 3rd.)
New board members are officially elected into their seats at our annual board retreat in January, though when potential new board members come along throughout the year, we invite them “to date” Jasper until the next retreat. This gives the potential director time to learn how Jasper works and decide whether they can see themselves as part of our motley crew. And the reciprocal works for Jasper.
In January 2026, Jasper voted in 7 new directors to join our already existing board of 14 sitting members. Over the next few weeks we will be introducing these amazing people to you via Jasper Online. We invite you to check back here daily to MEET JASPER, and we will introduce you to the hard-working and talented individuals who make up the Jasper Project Board of Directors.
Meet Amanda McSwine!
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Amanda has called South Carolina home since 2012. She earned her undergraduate degree in Theatre from Butler University, an experience that shaped her lasting commitment to the arts and to the power of creative expression in building strong, connected communities.
Amanda went on to earn her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and has built a career in organization management. She currently serves as the Grants Manager for the South Carolina Arts Commission, where she supports artists and arts organizations across the state.
In addition to her role at the Arts Commission, Amanda is the owner of a consulting business that helps individuals and organizations turn ideas into actionable, sustainable realities. Her work is rooted in servant leadership, collaboration, and a strong commitment to equity and community impact.
Outside of her professional life, Amanda enjoys anime, Dungeons & Dragons, and anything nerdy…She also loves to spend time with her black cat, Chadwick (yes, named after the Black Panther).
Amanda is on Jasper’s Membership & Development Committee and is working on the 2026 Play Right Series Project.
Welcome Amanda!
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