In her roles as cultural affairs manager for Visit Hot Springs and executive director for the Hot Springs Sister City Program, Mary Zunick wears many hats professionally, but her work usually boils down to anything related to arts and culture in the Spa City.
Originally from just outside of Clarksville, Zunick moved to Hot Springs Village in 2007 and later relocated to Hot Springs proper. For her, Hot Springs is unlike any other city in Arkansas — or anywhere else for that matter.
“If you are at a restaurant or anywhere else, you see people you know, like any other small town, but we have all of these incredible offerings that not all small towns have,” Zunick said. “I’m very fortunate to get to be involved in so many of those activities.”
In 2008, Zunick began her job with the Sister City Program and, in doing so, found her niche.
“I’ve done a little bit of everything, but I’ve been very fortunate in this position. It is something that I enjoy, and I feel like it feeds my soul to be able to take part in these exchanges and connect with people on the other side of the world,” she said.
In leading the Sister City Program, Zunick has a front-row seat to witness the transformation people have when taking part in an international cultural exchange.
“I think the opportunity to learn about another culture firsthand is precious, whether it comes from hosting a student for exchange or being able to travel to Hanamaki, [Japan],” Zunick said.
Hot Springs has long been known for noteworthy events such as the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. This year, Zunick worked to bring new events to the scene, including the American Craft Sake Festival and the state’s first sumo exhibition.
“Having sumo in Arkansas for the first time was huge, and getting to help bring the American Craft Sake Festival to Hot Springs was also incredible,” she said.
Zunick is involved in the Hot Springs community in numerous ways. She is a founding board member of the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance and a member of the Rotary Club of Hot Springs National Park and the Downtown Association of Hot Springs. She also sits on the boards of directors for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and Arkansans for the Arts.
From her work with Hot Springs’ multiple festivals and events, Zunick has been able to encourage learning in hands-on ways.
“I feel very blessed to have these positions,” she said. “So much of what I do for my work is what I enjoy doing outside of work, as well.”
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