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August, 2026

 

 

Dear Katonah Museum Artists' Association Members,

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It is with great gratitude and enthusiasm that I step into the role of President of the Katonah Museum Artists' Association. I am honored to serve this remarkable community of artists, volunteers, and supporters whose creativity and dedication continue to enrich our region.

 

My connection to the Katonah Museum of Art spans more than two decades and has profoundly shaped my journey as both an artist and arts leader. More than twenty years ago, the Museum provided me with my first internship—an experience that introduced me to the vital role arts organizations play in fostering creativity, education, and community. After earning my Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute, I returned to the Museum as a participating artist, later serving as Exhibition Chair, and now as President of the Art Association. It is a true full-circle moment, and one I am deeply honored to embrace.

 

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving as an artist, educator, and nonprofit arts leader, developing multidisciplinary arts programs, producing exhibitions and community events, and working alongside artists across the visual and performing arts. These experiences have reinforced my belief that the arts have the power to inspire dialogue, strengthen communities, and create meaningful human connections.

 

Serving as Exhibition Chair has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. Working alongside our dedicated board, volunteers, and Museum staff has deepened my appreciation for the passion, generosity, and talent that define this Association and its members.

 

As President, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by those who have served before me while embracing new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and connection. My hope is to continue supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey, expand educational and community programming, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and create even more opportunities for members to connect, learn, and inspire one another.

 

The arts have an extraordinary ability to preserve culture, spark conversation, and bring people together. I believe the Katonah Museum Artists' Association plays an essential role in fostering those experiences, and I look forward to working alongside our board, volunteers, Museum staff, and members to continue strengthening our creative community.

 

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the past presidents, board members, volunteers, and members whose vision and dedication have shaped the Art Association into the vibrant organization it is today. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to build upon the legacy you have created.

Thank you for your trust and confidence. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the coming year, celebrating your accomplishments, and working together to shape an exciting future for the Katonah Museum Artists' Association.

 

 

 

With gratitude,

 

Monique Ford

President

Katonah Museum Artists' Association