Arts Leadership
For over two decades, Tammy Calabria has been the driving force behind The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, serving as its CEO for the past 17 years and guiding its transformation from an abandoned, lifeless building into a vibrant community hub of learning, creativity, and discovery. While Tammy does not consider herself an artist in the traditional sense, her deep admiration for the arts and the courage it takes to share one’s talents has been a constant thread in both her personal passions and professional mission.
Growing up, Tammy’s background was rooted in sports, where performing on a field came naturally. Public speaking and leadership roles felt equally comfortable, but the ability to paint a canvas, perform on stage, or compose music remained a mystery she greatly respected. “If I could play a sport, speak to a crowd, and perform at the same time, I would,” she often jokes. This unique perspective has fueled her profound appreciation for the individuality of artistic expression. Whether a song, a painting, or a piece of music, Tammy is fascinated by the fact that no work of art is ever truly identical—even when replicated—because each carries the artist’s own energy, personality, and soul.
Her personal creative outlet has long been photography, where she finds joy in capturing moments and preserving them as timeless memories. For Tammy, photography mirrors the spirit of the arts—it freezes an instant that can never be exactly repeated, a moment uniquely its own.
Under Tammy’s leadership, The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast has grown into a cornerstone of the community, offering hands-on exhibits and programming designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and lifelong learning. She has been intentional about integrating the arts into every facet of the museum’s work, ensuring that creative play remains central to its mission. From incorporating visual arts into exhibits, to bringing performing arts into special events, to fostering artistic exploration in STEAM programming, Tammy has championed the belief that the arts are essential to developing well-rounded, inspired young minds.
Her achievements are many: spearheading the $5 million fundraising campaign that opened the museum in 2008, developing a wide range of educational programs, expanding exhibits, and building strong community partnerships across schools, nonprofits, and local businesses. She has also been a leader in securing grants and foundation support, ensuring the museum’s sustainability and growth. Yet, Tammy counts her greatest accomplishments as her children and the relationships she has cultivated along the way.
A naturally competitive spirit, Tammy thrives on collaboration, believing that when people work together, they can achieve far more than they could alone. This collaborative approach has allowed her to create a museum that is not just a place for children to play, but a community resource that celebrates curiosity, honors creativity, and inspires future generations.
In Tammy’s words, “The arts are woven into our mission because they inspire creativity and spark imagination—and that is what transforms a building into a place where dreams begin.”
