MEET JASPER! The Jasper Project Board of Directors Welcomes Jessica Ream

Jessica Ream

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 parties! 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 (Jasper 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 which will open 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 JESSICA REAM!

Jessica Ream was born in Columbus, Ohio early in the year 1990, but was raised in Carolina suburbia. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design where she graduated with honors and a BFA in Painting. A jack-of-all trades artist, she incorporates her knowledge of painting, photography, print, sewing and sculpture into her mixed media, abstract pieces.

In recent years, she has rediscovered her love of hand binding books. While mainly self-taught, she was first introduced to the world of book arts in a workshop she attended while studying abroad. Her hand bound journals are made from a mix of traditional materials and rebound, vintage books.

After spending the time in the High Rockies of Colorado, she and her husband have returned to their southeastern, coastal origins, where they reside with their two young children.

Jessica is on the Marketing and Galleries Committees for the Jasper Project.

Meet Jasper Board Member Jane Turner Peterson!

MEET JASPER!

JANE TURNER PETERSON

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 parties! 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 (Jasper 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 which will open 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 Jane Turner Peterson!

Jane Turner Peterson is a retired marketing professional in the non-profit sector with an arts background. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of South Carolina. She has been involved in arts marketing in several areas, including graphic design, advertising, and sales, since the 80s. She was most recently the Director of Communications at Washington Street UMC in Columbia. Jane has been involved both on stage and as a director in the local theatre scene for numerous years. Jane is excited to begin her journey with Jasper to be a part of an organization whose mission reflects her love of the arts.

Jane is the Theatre Editor for Jasper Magazine and the project director for the Play Right Project. She also serves on the Project & Planning Committee, the Marketing Committee, and the Magazine Committee.

Welcome Jane!

MEET JASPER! Welcome New Board Member Maia Payne

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.”

Our board members don’t just advise—they show up and do the work. You’ll find them delivering magazines, selling art, hauling supplies, and planning, setting up, and cleaning up events. They also program exhibitions, review plays, install artwork, manage budgets, and keep everything moving behind the scenes.

Every board member is attached to at least one of Jasper’s primary projects (Jasper 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 which will open at Stormwater Studios on April 3rd.)

New members are officially elected each January, but throughout the year we invite potential directors to “date” Jasper—giving both sides a chance to see if it’s the right fit.

In January 2026, we welcomed seven new directors to our board. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing these incredible individuals right here—so check back daily to meet the people who make Jasper possible.

Meet Maia Payne

Maia Payne is the Associate Art Curator at the South Carolina State Museum, where she manages rotating art exhibitions in the Lipscomb Art Gallery and contributes to the integration and oversight of artwork across the museum’s exhibitions. As part of the Curatorial Affairs Department, she plays a key role in shaping engaging and dynamic art experiences for visitors.

Beyond her work at the museum, Maia serves on the Board of Directors for Palmetto Luna Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Latinx arts and culture in South Carolina.

She holds dual master’s degrees in Arts Administration and Public Affairs from Indiana University Bloomington, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Studio Art from Earlham College.

Outside of her professional work, Maia is passionate about community arts engagement, exploring local galleries, and supporting emerging artists. She is truly part of our creative community—someone who has given her time, energy, and heart to the kind of work we believe in at Jasper. She embodies the spirit of what makes this community so special: showing up, creating, and supporting others.

Right now, Maia needs that same support in return. She is living with end-stage kidney failure due to a genetic disorder, and has been officially placed on the kidney transplant list. Unfortunately the wait time can be several years, and that is time she may not have.

A living kidney donor could help make that transplant possible much sooner. While waiting on the national transplant list can take years, a living donor significantly improves both timing and outcomes. Many people are able to donate safely and go on to live full, healthy lives with one kidney—and even if you’re not a direct match, paired donation programs can still help make a transplant happen.

If you’re open to learning more or beginning the screening process, visit musclivingdonor.org

If you cannot donate and still want to help out, sharing Maia’s story can make a huge difference. You can follow her journey and share her posts either from her facebook or instagram @life_while_waiting

MEET JASPER -- NYJAH MITCHELL is one of our New Board Members

MEET JASPER!

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 parties! 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 (Jasper 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 which will open 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 Nyjah Mitchell!

Nyjah Mitchell is a Columbia native with more than a decade of experience in creative production and digital strategy. She studied Human Services at Southern Wesleyan University, she is the Events & Marketing Manager for the Five Points Association, and she is the founder of the record label, Signature Sound, a space built for Black introverted independent artists who move different. She helps artists develop their visuals, prep for interviews, strategize their careers, and even plan their tours—all while making sure they stay true to who they are. She also created Cozy Concerts, a YouTube show where homebodies headline.

Nyjah sits on Jasper’s Project & Planning Committee, Galleries Committee, and Magazine Committee and she chairs our Marketing Committee.

Welcome Nyjah!

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MEET JASPER! Today We're Featuring New Board Member AMANDA MCSWINE!

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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Meet Jasper! Today featuring Roxy Lenzo Douthit- New to the Jasper Project's Board of Directors

MEET JASPER!

ROXY LENZO DOUTHIT

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.

Roxy Lenzo Douthit is a Detroit native who spent her childhood going back and forth between Detroit and Columbia. Raised by artists, she rebelled by becoming a scientist and working for the man. She has her Bachelors and Masters in Environmental Science from USC and currently works as a consultant in Products and Technology. Despite the corporate day job, Roxy finds time to create art and get involved in the Columbia arts and activism scenes. Previously known for resurrecting a feminist southern magazine and making dresses out of trash (She won Columbia Design League's Bruce Bahr Award at Runaway Runway in 2013 for a dress made out of phone books), Roxy now spends her time showing her two young daughters as much art and adventure as possible. She's excited to help foster, promote, and expose even more art and adventure as a member of the Jasper Board.

Roxy sits in the Jasper Project’s Project & Planning Committee and she is the chair of our Membership & Development Committee. She is also heading up the next one-off Jasper project coming up April 3, 2026 at Stormwater Studios - PETER LENZO: A RETROSPECTIVE AND REMEMBRANCE.

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Meet The Jasper Project's Board of Directors Starting with JENNI BRENNISON

MEET JASPER!

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 musicians, 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.

Today we’re starting with NEW board member, Jenni Brennison!

JENNI BRENNISON

Jenni Brennison is a Columbia native who grew up in a family of visual artists, musicians, and the people who love them. It was inevitable she would develop a lifelong love of the arts as both a participant  and observer. She is a graduate of Winthrop University’s political science program, and holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. In 2022 she completed coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) through the Clemson University Center for Applied Behavior Analysis.

Brennison is a passionate advocate for creating a more inclusive society that embraces nuerodiversity as a defining characteristic of the human experience. Before working in education and behavior analysis, she worked as a copywriter in creative services for the OC Tanner Company in Salt Lake City, UT. She is a Girls Rock Columbia volunteer alumnus, served on the editorial board of Unsweetened Magazine, and is also a proud City Year Columbia grad.

Brennison lives downtown with her partner Scott and their two dogs, Gigi and Sammy. In her free time, you’re most likely to find her on a hiking or biking trail, or supporting local music and arts events.

Jenni sits on Jasper’s Membership & Development Committee, our Galleries Committee, and our Magazine Committee.

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