A Conversation with Director of Development, Kathryn Armstrong

What first brought you to Ox-Bow?

I first attended Ox-Bow in 2009 as a graduate student for an MFA Project Residency. It was my first residency experience and I have continued to participate in residency programs since. When I returned to Ox-Bow in 2022 for my final interview, I found my name written on the wall in the Convent Studio, a tradition that continues today. This moment brought me full circle and served as a joyful reminder of how a place informs our personal story. Ox-Bow is known for its magic and I believe part of that magic is connecting or reconnecting us to a shared purpose. It’s an honor to return to Ox-Bow in a new capacity and join an artist-led organization that values artistic inquiry, experimentation, and life-long learning.

And what inspired you to work in arts administration?

I think of myself as an arts organizer versus an arts administrator. My ability to work in the field of arts and culture is from the lens of working as a professional artist and being trained to find creative solutions to complex problems. I’ve been fortunate to do many things under that umbrella.

Working with communities to develop ways to increase access to the arts, while providing meaningful support to artists continues to be a driving force.

As the Director of Development, can you tell us what the word development means to you?

Development is first and foremost about relationship building and identifying partnerships. From there, it’s an opportunity to connect people to the mission and history of an organization, to inspire philanthropic giving by working together to prioritize organizational needs. It’s a combination of strategy and stewardship, while making decisions today that will successfully impact the future.

Ox-Bow is an old school with deep roots. How does this impact the work you do?

Bringing awareness to Ox-Bow’s mission and legacy as a 113-year arts organization is both rewarding and challenging. It’s a careful balance between preserving its history as an art school and artist haven and finding new ways to expand our work. I’m mindful of the importance of telling our story and including those who helped shape what Ox-Bow is today, while trying to reach new audiences that will help carry out our mission into the future–impacting the next generation.

What Ox-Bow happenings are you most excited about these days?

I’m looking forward to the start of the 2023 season, welcoming new and long-time friends back to our campus. The bustling summer season at Ox-Bow and in West Michigan is always filled with energy and enthusiasm. Along with our core learning programs, we will have several opportunities for the public to experience Ox-Bow. This year, we are expanding our pop-up dinner series and will launch a new membership campaign that invites folks from near and far to be an active participant of Ox-Bow’s community. Beyond that, I love to experience a Michigan sunset on the meadow, near the lagoon or around the fire.

Stay tuned for the launch of our new membership program and our annual Summer Benefit dinner, Field of Vision, July 7 and the Summer Concert July 8.

KATHRYN ARMSTRONG (she/her) is an artist, educator, and arts organizer whose work is centered around support for artists and creating strategies that help communities thrive. Prior to Ox-Bow, Armstrong was the executive director of the Columbus Area Arts Council in Columbus, Indiana. Her first residency experience was at Ox-Bow in 2009 for an MFA Project Residency. She has since participated in residencies across the country and internationally. Armstrong earned an MFA in Visual Art & Public Life with an emphasis in Sculpture from Herron School of Art and Design, an MA in Studio Art from Eastern Illinois University and a BFA in Photography from Indiana University.