This year, we made the incredibly difficult decision to close Cultivate. For nearly three years, Cultivate stood as an artist-run, independent arts organization dedicated to serving at the intersection of contemporary art, fine art education, and community. It has been an extraordinary journey—one filled with passion, creativity, and collaboration. This decision reflects the challenges of sustainability, capacity, and my own health, but it is made with deep pride in what we accomplished together.
The Impact of Cultivate
When I think about Cultivate’s legacy, it’s hard to put into words how much it meant to me and to everyone who was a part of it. Over the past three years, Cultivate became more than just a space for art; it became a community, a place where people came together to learn, connect, and create.
While the numbers don’t capture the full picture, they provide a glimpse into what we built together:
• Nearly 10,000 students served through more than 350 fine art classes and programs.
• 1,000 visual artists supported through exhibitions and partnerships.
• 832 volunteer hours contributed by this incredible community.
• 500 community events hosted to celebrate art and creativity.
• Over 300 free art resources and articles shared online, used by educators and artists worldwide.
• 26 jobs created to support artists and educators.
These numbers reflect the breadth of Cultivate’s reach, but what I’ll remember most are the things that can’t be measured—the connections we fostered, the artists we empowered, the students who discovered new skills and ideas, and the friendships formed in our classrooms.
Cultivate was a space where people found a sense of belonging, where creativity thrived, and where the arts were celebrated as a vital part of our community.
Why We’re Closing
The decision to close was not an easy one. Running an independent arts organization comes with immense challenges. Sustainability, limited resources, and the physical and emotional demands on a small team are constant hurdles. For me personally, health challenges added another layer of complexity. Ultimately, we recognized that it was time to step back and bring this chapter to a close.
This decision is bittersweet, but it’s one made with gratitude and pride for all we achieved. I’m thankful for every moment of this journey, from the first class we hosted to the last exhibition we curated.
What’s Next for Cultivate’s Legacy
Although our physical space is closing, Cultivate’s mission will continue. The website will remain active as a resource hub for artists and educators. Online classes, tools, and the articles I’ve written over the past three years—which are already being taught in colleges across the country—will remain available.
I hope this next phase of Cultivate’s life will continue to serve the arts community, even in a new format.
Looking Ahead
As Cultivate comes to a close, I am stepping into a new season of life—one filled with reflection, growth, and exciting opportunities. I’m embracing a shift toward balance and intention, both in my personal life and professional work.
Here’s what’s next for me:
• New opportunities in the arts: I’m looking forward to pursuing roles that align with my passion for arts accessibility, education, and advocacy.
• Continuing my art practice: My Suspended Self project will remain a focus as I explore new creative directions.
• Prioritizing rest and reflection: Reading more books, taking more naps, and making space for balance and self-care are priorities in this next chapter.
• Navigating change with hope: With big transitions in both work and health, I’m stepping forward with clarity, strength, and optimism.
Thank You for Cultivating with Us
To everyone who believed in this dream, supported Cultivate, and contributed to its success: thank you. Whether you attended a class, volunteered your time, exhibited your art, or simply followed along on our journey, you helped make this work possible.
Though Cultivate’s doors are closing, its legacy will live on—in the skills learned, the connections made, and the impact we shared. I’ll carry the lessons and memories of this chapter with me as I move forward into whatever comes next.
Here’s to the journey ahead—thank you for cultivating with us. It has been an honor and a great adventure to be part of this amazing work.
Articles on our closure -
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