Judge Picks 2026 – Katonah Museum’s Artists’ Association

Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia

Julie Rosenberg’s Pick

Why she chose them:

“KMAA is a unique opportunity where artists showcase their artwork, enjoy vibrant programming, and most of all, support the Katonah Museum of Art.”

On January 28, the Katonah Museum’s Artists’ Association will have an author panel at the Katonah Museum of Art, moderated by Susan Hodara. In May, they’ll have an exhibition at ArtsWestchester in White Plains, running through June. And also in June, they will have an exclusive member exhibition at the Katonah Museum of Art.

What is the first thing you do when you launch an exhibition?

When launching an exhibition, the first steps we take at the KMAA are centered around two key decisions: selecting the venue and appointing the jurors. Since the KMAA does not have a dedicated physical space, we carefully consider various venue options that align with the goals and scope of each exhibition. Once we’ve agreed on both the venue and the jurors, we move forward with enthusiasm, tackling every aspect of the exhibition’s planning. This process spans 12 to 14 weeks, culminating in a four-week show that includes an opening reception and an artist talk, providing a dynamic platform for both artists and the community to engage with the work on display.     

What’s one thing people don’t know you do behind the scenes?

One thing the public may not realize is that the KMAA board manages every aspect of each exhibition, program, and event—from the initial concept to the final wrap-up. Behind the scenes, the board meets monthly for a two-hour session in the Pollack Family Learning Center at the KMA, where committee chairs provide updates and coordinate next steps. The KMAA operates under long-standing organizational guidelines that have been thoughtfully adapted over time to meet evolving needs. Every Board member also serves on at least one committee—ranging from exhibitions and communications to hospitality and membership—ensuring that the work is both collaborative and comprehensive.

If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?

This award would reflect the spirit of our work—both in our monthly meetings and in the ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts we contribute individually and collectively. Our routine is defined by collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to supporting our artists and community.

What’s something you’ve gotten better at every year?

Each year, I’ve grown more comfortable letting go of rigidity in how I lead. When I first became president of the KMAA, I approached the role with the mindset of a business owner: I created a detailed 14-week timeline that functioned almost like an algorithm, outlining every milestone, every task, and who was responsible for it. With a brand-new board—many members having stepped down during COVID-19—this level of structure, complete with PowerPoint presentations and highly organized workflows, helped us regain our footing.

Over time, though, I’ve learned to balance structure with adaptability. While we still operate with a strong and reliable framework, it no longer resembles a multi-colored, never-ending spreadsheet. We’ve found a middle ground that supports clarity and organization without feeling overly corporate.

What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?

One small action that makes a tremendous difference is the willingness of our board volunteers to consistently show up. They dedicate their personal time to support KMAA events, often balancing these commitments with their own busy personal and professional lives. Their steady presence may seem simple, but it’s truly the backbone of our organization and has an enormous impact on our success.

What was your “I made it” moment?

There isn’t an “I made it” moment—there’s a “we made it” moment. Every successful exhibition, program, or event is the result of collective effort. The fact that we are able to fully create and implement our initiatives, much of it happening far beyond our monthly meetings, is an accomplishment we share as a team.

Tell us about your favorite local spot.

One of our favorite local spots is the Katonah Village Library, especially during its annual exhibition. It has deep historic roots within the KMA community, and each year it draws an enthusiastic and supportive turnout. The combination of history, community connection, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a place we look forward to returning to again and again.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?

I don’t often imagine not leading or being part of the KMAA because it feels deeply meaningful to me. I’m heart-centered in this work and committed to seeing the organization thrive for years to come. Like many of my fellow board members, I’m also a busy artist who is pulled in lots of different directions, so I understand the extra time and dedication it takes to keep everything moving forward—and I truly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our success directly supports the success of the museum, and I want the KMA to enjoy the same longevity and vitality. We hold a unique and honored place as the Museum’s Artists’ Association, and that sense of respect, integrity, and responsibility motivates each of us as we work toward the shared mission of both the KMA and the KMAA.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I ever received was from my mom, who also happens to be our vice president. When she first encouraged me to join the KMAA advisory board back in 2019, she simply said, “Go for it.” Her words challenged me to get involved, demonstrate my strengths, and make things happen—just as she has throughout her own life and as one of the earliest driving forces behind the KMAA. In her role as a past KMA board of trustees member, she had a direct opportunity to illuminate, integrate, and represent the KMAA to KMA leadership, further inspiring me to follow in her footsteps. Those three words have stayed with me ever since, reminding me to step forward, take chances, and trust the path ahead.

How do you celebrate a big win?

We celebrate our biggest achievements by honoring our members at the annual member luncheon. Each June, the board hosts this special event in the KMA’s Marilyn Simpson Sculpture Garden, preparing and providing food in recognition of our artists. It’s a highlight of the year, offering an opportunity for the board to connect directly with members, join in the festivities, and celebrate the creativity and dedication that make the KMAA such a vibrant community.

Describe your business in three words.

Service. Community. Art.
Three words that capture the heart of the KMAA: supporting artists, fostering connection, and celebrating creativity.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?

If the KMAA had a theme song, it would be the Rocky theme. Its energy and determination perfectly capture our spirit—persevering, rising to every challenge, and celebrating the victories along the way.

What’s your business’s unofficial motto?

“For the KMA, and for our KMAA community.”
Everything we do is guided by our commitment to supporting the museum and fostering a vibrant, creative community of artists. It’s a simple phrase, but it captures the heart of our mission.

What’s your dream customer reaction?

Our dream member reaction is an engaged KMAA member who feels confident and supported throughout the exhibition process, following our guidelines so that their work—and the show as a whole—can shine.

What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?

What sets the KMAA apart is that we are not a business or a gallery—we are a volunteer-led organization. Our board members receive no financial compensation; instead, we dedicate our time and energy to supporting the mission and vision of the KMA, helping to provide funding, programs, and opportunities that benefit both artists and the wider community.

What’s the smallest detail your customers notice—or that you hope they notice?

The smallest detail we hope KMAA members notice is our careful attention to safety and compliance. Our exhibitions often take place in established businesses, art venues, and even medical centers, where minimizing disruption is essential. Every aspect of an exhibition is thoughtfully coordinated to ensure a safe, supportive, and seamless experience, allowing artists, visitors, and venue partners alike to fully enjoy the event.

What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?

The one thing the KMAA couldn’t function without is the support we receive from the museum. It enables us to support exhibitions, programs, and events that benefit local artists and the community, and in turn, helps to generate additional resources for the Museum—making all of our work possible.

What’s the unsung hero of your business?

Our unsung heroes are the tools that keep us connected and organized: Constant Contact, Submittable, Instagram, and good old email. They may seem simple, but these platforms are essential for communicating with members, managing submissions, and sharing our exhibitions with the community.

What is your most popular item/service?

Our most popular exhibition venues include spaces like the Bethany Arts Community. This large, versatile venue allows our artists to showcase a wide range of media, from free-standing sculpture to video, giving them the freedom to fully express their work and engage audiences in unique ways.

What is something you wish more people knew about your organization?

Something we wish more people knew is simply that we exist! The KMAA plays a vital role in supporting artists, exhibitions, and the museum, and we hope more of the community becomes aware of the opportunities and programs we offer, and considers joining us.

Address: 134 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536

Phone number: (914) 232-9555

Website: katonahmuseum.org

This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.

To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.