Daily Inspiration: Meet Kathryn Waggener

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Waggener. 

Hi Kathryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started curating international exhibitions as an undergraduate student in college, which led to a long-term curatorial internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This path eventually shifted focus towards an interest in audience engagement, both with in-gallery experiences, and accompanying publications. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Art Education with a focus on museum education and historical research, I began developing programs geared towards individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and their caregivers, ran an Incubator Program for Emerging Artists, and eventually owned my own gallery, Clerestory Fine Art, in Montclair, New Jersey. This gallery focused on exhibiting local artists in a museum-quality setting with a rich suite of free public programming geared toward audiences across all ages and multiple demographics. Art is THE great cultural unifier and such a phenomenal way to tackle complex and personal issues. 

Upon moving to Colorado, I took the role of Executive Director of the Durango Creative District in southwest Colorado. I am hoping this organization can push professional development opportunities for our community, and raise the bar for excellent, equitable curatorial and educational experiences. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In general, I don’t believe in long-term goals too much. It’s important to pivot, follow instinct, and work hard along the way. I often find our abilities can far surpass our goals. It’s been difficult navigating the gallery landscape of a mountain town, as many galleries are geared more towards tourism rather than local cultural cultivation. I see a great opportunity to educate our local would-be collectors about the value of art and turn them into patrons. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work has always been multifaceted, as an art historian, museum educator, gallery owner, writer, artist, and mother. I hope the specialty that I’m most known for is ultimately creating environments where art is accessible, exciting, and anti-elitist. To me, the best way to do this is thinking outside the box to create programming where all audiences feel comfortable and realize that experiencing art equal parts learning about ourselves and understanding others. 

What do you think about luck?
I’ve been extremely lucky to meet collaborators from broad swaths of life. Everyone from municipal governments to documentary photographers, fashion designers, soul singers, writers, comedians, enthusiastic kids, educators, and passionate people who believe in the power of the arts. These collaborations can really kick experiences to a higher level and help think creatively about how to fix sticky situations as they inevitably arise. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.durangocreativedistrict.org
• Instagram: @durangocreativedistrict @kwaggmac

Image Credits
Armando “OUTthere” Diaz