Helen C. Harris has been a guiding force in the arts community, recognized for her leadership and deep commitment to creative collaboration. As president of the Arts and Design Society, she oversees the organization’s daily operations and leads its strategic direction. She manages board meetings, prepares agendas and serves as the first point of contact for both logistical needs and unexpected challenges. Her leadership also includes working closely with the building chairman and the Ways and Means Committee to secure essential grant funding. In addition, she acts as a liaison between four partner art organizations, organizing meetings to address collective goals and initiatives.
Ms. Harris’ educational background provided the early structure for her diverse career. She earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in fashion buying and merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Mount Union College. Her academic focus on art and history sparked a lasting interest in cultural expression, which eventually shaped her involvement in both the arts and travel sectors. This blend of creative insight and practical business knowledge became central to her professional and community endeavors.
Before entering the arts field full time, Ms. Harris built a successful career in the airline industry. She began her journey at United Airlines, where she advanced from working at the tour desk to becoming a ticket and gate agent at LaGuardia Airport. Later, she joined Lufthansa, where she spent over two decades handling ticketing operations by mail, refining her customer service expertise and administrative precision.
In addition to her work with the Arts and Design Society, Ms. Harris has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. She is a founding member of 100 Women Who Care and has supported Kids Camp and other youth-focused initiatives. At the Center for Lifelong Learning, she served as curriculum chairman and taught courses in encaustic painting as well as history, with a focus on the Civil War and the often-overlooked contributions of women during that period. Her approach to education blends creativity and historical depth, providing learners with both artistic techniques and broader cultural context.
Ms. Harris further expanded her impact in the arts by co-founding AK Arts with her husband. The gallery showcases local artists and provides studio space for creative work, serving as both a cultural hub and a platform for artistic expression. Through AK Arts, they host monthly exhibitions, organize an annual fair at the Okaloosa Fairgrounds and run raffles that support nonprofit organizations. This venture has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene, fostering a sense of community among artists and patrons alike.
Ms. Harris’ own artistic contributions include participation in the Okaloosa Public Arts Herons Project, where she painted two herons as part of a county-wide initiative to celebrate and beautify public spaces. In recognition of her civic and artistic efforts, she was honored as a Woman of Honor by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women.
Ms. Harris’ blend of artistic vision, business acumen and community spirit has shaped thriving programs, strengthened local organizations and enriched the cultural landscape. Her dedication continues to inspire those around her and ensures that the arts remain a vibrant and inclusive part of the community.