Brandace grew up in Staunton, Illinois, and graduated from Staunton High School. She has an Associate of Art degree in Graphic Design from Lewis & Clark Community College, a Bachelor of Art degree from Webster University, and did post-graduate studies in the ceramics department at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Brandace has worked as a self-employed ceramic artist, selling her wares at various art fairs like the Staunton Art Fair, Strange Folk Festival, and Hip Handmade Market, among others. She has also worked for years as an art educator, teaching clay classes and workshops for children, adults, and various community organizations, including the Girl Scouts. She also works part-time as a pre-school art teacher at the Angela Cassens Early Childhood Development Center in Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Brandace's father always told her to find a career doing something she loved, and she began trying to make a living as a graphic designer. At Webster, though, she discovered that she much preferred the physicality of darkroom photography and decided to focus on art as an end unto itself rather than a means of making money. Her last semester at Webster, Brandace fell in love with ceramics, digging up her own clay from the ground and turning it into a usable object through a long and painstaking process. She loves the community aspect of art, how it brings people together in both a physical space and a shared passion.

As Executive Director, Brandace is the key management leader of the MAC. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.