Brenda was raised in South Carolina and has always had an interest in art and all things creative. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Pathology and worked with various school systems. In 1996 , she founded Speakabiliy, Inc. in Mooresville.
“I have always loved art and started buying what I liked and could afford.” Brenda started collecting artwork as a young girl by hanging posters. She once took an art class, the oldest and only female in the class, solely because she had her eyes on one piece of the instructor’s artwork. Over the years, Brenda purchased art on her travels, from people she knew, and artists she followed. “There is a story behind every piece I own.”
While walking through her historic Mooresville home, it was clear Brenda has acquired all types of artworks from a variety of artists, many of them local. She commented, “We are so lucky to have Mooresville Arts which makes art available to the public for free. It’s incredible and a great community resource.” Artwork created by her three daughters when they were young, is also prominently displayed throughout her home.
In addition to her active involvement with Mooresville Rotary and Central UMC, Brenda is currently spending time traveling with her husband, Rich, and is frequently visiting their combined 7 children and 15 grand/great-grandchildren. When she is home, she provides art projects for her local grandchildren (one who is enrolled in Summer Art Academy this summer) who create many of the new pieces on her walls.
She quoted a tote bag she keeps close by and said, “Here – this says it all – ART IS LIFE – and that is why I love it so much!”