New Festival president: ‘Everyone has a story’

BY LEIGH BLANDER

For Jodi-Tatiana Charles, the town of Marblehead is her office, whether she’s making calls from a bench at Fort Sewall or leading a meeting at a table in the Muffin Shop. She seems to know most people in town and is quick to start conversations with passersby.

“Everyone has a story,” she said.

Charles is a marketing strategist, author, speaker, podcast host, marathon runner and — now — the new president of the Marblehead Festival of Arts. The festival will run July 1-4 this year.

“I love community building,” she told the Marblehead Current. “It’s the way I was raised.” Charles’ parents immigrated from Haiti and settled in Brockton, where she grew up. Marblehead, though, is definitely home to Charles. She’s been here for more than a decade.

“People here come through for each other,” she said.

Charles has volunteered with the MFoA for a decade, leading children’s programs and working on the annual champagne reception. She took over as president of the festival in October.

“It’s the longest running communitybased festival in the state with all volunteers,” she said. “We have more than 400 volunteers. I want to make sure the legacy and history live on.”

Charles has been working about 45 hours a week on the festival, meeting with volunteers on popular events like Painting the Town and the Devereux Beach sand sculpture contest. She’s also bringing back some old favorites, including the literary festival and writing competition.

People can expect some new additions this year, too.

“We’re adding a 5K race this May,” Charles said. “That’s the art of physicality.”

Also new, artists will paint 2-to-4-inch