Honors College to Present Online Lecture, 'Inspired,' Led by Crystal Bridges' Sandy Edwards

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Now, more than ever, creativity is valued in the workplace. Apple and Google are among the top businesses that have built their brand on creative thinking — but how do you access this innate attribute? Next spring honors students will get an opportunity to tap their inner creativity in an Honors College Forum, Inspired, led by Sandra Keiser Edwards, senior director for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. 

"Everyone is creative! From the generation of an idea to its realization, creativity is a part of everyday life," Edwards said. "The key thing is to recognize your special brand of creativity and how you can best make it sing."

Edwards will discuss the value of creative thinking and how to cultivate it at work and in everyday life in a public lecture, "Inspired," to take place 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29. The lecture will be offered online via Zoom; please fill out this online interest form to gain access to the lecture.

Edwards' lecture will preview the spring forum, which will be held at TheatreSquared, with field trips to other creative venues in the region. U of A faculty in a diverse range of fields, from music to art, theater to entrepreneurship, will share their insights on cultivating creativity. In addition, students will explore the creative process of someone they admire, while deepening their understanding of what ignites their own creative spirit. 

About Sandy Edwards: Sandra "Sandy" Keiser Edwards' career exemplifies her deep commitment to improving quality of life through arts and education. She has served as senior director for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art since 2020 and was deputy director from 2007, playing a vital role in the conception, planning, building and opening of the museum. She was instrumental in the establishment of endowments for the museum's operations, acquisitions and capital improvements, as well as a grant that provides free admission to the museum.

Prior to Crystal Bridges, Edwards and her late husband, Clay, served for nine years as the management team for U of A's development program directing the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century.

Edward's previous work has emphasized art and education as well. She served as director of development for outreach and cooperative extension at the Pennsylvania State University. Prior to her involvement in university development, she was recognized nationally for her work in the fields of major concert promotion and performing arts.

As an advocate of access to quality education, Edwards served as a trustee on the board of her alma mater, Lenoir Rhyne College; received the Penn State's Outreach Pioneer Award for Distance Education; was named honorary alumna of the U of A; and received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters and Distinguished Alumna Award from Western Illinois University, where she received a master's degree.