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.” 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 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. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, discovering new documentaries, and staying active at the gym.