Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Hess.
Hi Catherine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2014 I met Dan McCleary, Founder of Art Division, and some of the students of this organization. At the time I was working as chief curator of European art at The Huntington Art Museum. Soon after this encounter, I visited the nonprofit at their location just west of MacArthur Park. I fell in love with their mission, their spaces, and their students. I joined the board of Art Division and became head of the board in 2019. After I left The Huntington, I worked for a while teaching a class in Museum and Gallery Studies at Art Division. When Dan decided to step back from the role of Executive Director, I decided to apply for the job and the board, happily, selected me. I have been ED there since late 2021.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was so ready for a move away from bureaucracy. So, for me, the transition has been smooth and joyful. The organization’s staff and faculty are such a congenial, talented, and generous group. And the students amaze me every day. The only real challenge was teaching remotely during COVID.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Before nonprofit leadership, I enjoyed a 37-year career as a museum curator. Before the Huntington Museum I worked at the Getty. My specialties were Old Master material including decorative arts and sculpture. My curatorial background is unusual for an arts nonprofit but I think varied backgrounds and talents are beneficial in almost all careers. After having been suddenly let go by a disgruntled supervisor in the museum world, I am really most proud of having been able to pivot. I found a new path for myself that is inspiring, challenging, and where I can make meaningful contributions.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a huge fan of taking calculated risks. I firmly believe that learning often results from failure. One risk I took in my previous career was to push my institution to display contemporary art. I saw that a smart installation including contemporary and Old Master art encouraged the Old Master audience to consider contemporary art and vice versa. Working on this particular project was a huge uphill battle. But the results were amazing and the exhibition facilitated more such projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: artdivision.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artdivisionla/
