Wendy M. McIntyre

Wendy McIntyre has always been a creative at heart. A long-time Allen resident, a practicing artist, and now the executive director of the Allen Arts Alliance, Wendy is passionate about bringing accessible, affordable art to her community. “I was born a creative,” she says. “I’ve dabbled in music, theater, dance — you name it. The arts have always been a part of who I am.”

Wendy was appointed executive director of the Allen Arts Alliance in September 2024, but her journey with the organization began in 2017. “I started as a membership representative on the board. I’ve seen the Alliance grow and evolve, and I feel honored to help carry that momentum forward.”

The Allen Arts Alliance began in 1998 as a city advisory board and became a nonprofit in 2006. Today, it serves as an umbrella organization for a variety of cultural nonprofits, including the Visual Arts League of Allen, Allen Philharmonic, Allen Quilters Guild, Friends of the Allen Public Library, Allen Contemporary Theatre, Allen Heritage Guild, Allen Civic Ballet, and Notably North Texas, an all-women’s choir.

“Our role is to support these groups through collaboration, grant funding, and community engagement,” Wendy says. “In some cases, our grants can cover up to 25% of an organization’s annual operating budget.”

The Alliance also manages a gallery and the Art Space in Watters Creek Village, where they host art classes, camps, and events. “We’re all about making art approachable,” Wendy says. “From free gallery shows to low-cost workshops, we want to remove barriers so everyone can experience the joy of the arts.”

The current board is made up of dedicated female leaders: President Melissa Purdin, Vice President Susan Jackson, Secretary Rachel Lyons, and Treasurer J.J. Grilliette. “They each bring such care and dedication to our mission,” Wendy says. “This work is truly a team effort.”

Wendy sees the Alliance as a vital connector between local artists and the public. “It can be hard for arts organizations to bridge that gap between their work and the audience,” she says. “We help shine a light on what’s happening right here in Allen.”

Events like the upcoming Allen Fine Arts Festival May 9-11 bring that mission to life. “We’re partnering with the Allen Civic Ballet for a performance that supports a local pet rescue, and it’s being held in our gallery space, rent-free,” Wendy says. “That’s what it’s all about: connection, creativity, and community.”

For Wendy, the work is personal. “I’ve raised three daughters who are all artists in their own right,” she says. “Watching them find their creative voice affirms everything I believe about the power of the arts.”

She adds, “You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the arts. That’s what we’re here for — to make sure art is not only accessible but also part of the everyday fabric of life in Allen.”

To learn more about events, classes, or how to get involved, visit AllenArtsAlliance.org.