We provide education and expertise that empowers mission-based organizations and creative entrepreneurs to develop custom strategies to cultivate sustainable business practices. We strive to be a quintessential resource for those in the pursuit of building a thriving arts and cultural community.
the long story
When people ask me about who I am and what I do, I usually say it’s a long story. So here it goes…
Just a wee babe graduating from H.B. Ward Technical Center with honors, which gave her a solid foundation in photography, commercial printing, advertising, art, and design.
Background & Education
Kristin hails from New York. She grew up in a rural community, where she was raised by her mother – a development and fundraising professional, who worked for a hospital foundation and her father – a financial consultant, who devotes much of his time writing budgets and grants for mission work all over the world. Fundraising is in her blood. She spent most of her childhood helping put on events, designing posters, editing proposals, and mailing appeal letters. Her passion for the arts led her to study at a trade school for 2 years, during high school, where she received a certificate in Advertising, Art, and Design and got her start as a computer graphics wiz. Though a country girl at heart, she longed for culture, diversity, and the opportunity to develop her craft at the finest art schools in New York City. She earned a BFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts. After serving in the AmeriCorps and years of volunteer work for many non-profit organizations, her desire grew to make an impact on society and give more meaning to her work life. She continued her education at Pratt Institute, where she completed her Masters in Arts and Cultural Management and studied law, public policy, accounting, marketing, urban studies, education, and other essential executive courses. Her professors worked in some of the most prestigious institutions in the New York City Metro Area.
experience & Skills
Kristin has worked for many art businesses and non-profit organizations throughout her career, wearing many hats. Before becoming a consultant, she took on roles such as Executive Administrative Assistant, Studio Manager, Museum Educator, Program Director, Marketing Specialist, Journal Editor, Development Director, Communications Director, and Gallery Director.
Kristin now focuses her efforts on helping mission-based organizations and creative entrepreneurs find their unique creative edge and build sustainable business practices. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, workshops, retreats, and more - she provides guidance on how to transform a mission into more than a mere statement, but a living breathing vision that leaves an impact on the world.
In addition to running ACM, Kristin is currently the part-time Director of Blackfish Gallery, located in the heart of the Pearl Arts District of Portland and serves on the Boards of the Portland Art Dealers Association, the Creative Arts Community, and the Friends of Menucha Foundation (which supports the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center.)
Kristin and the staff of UrbanGlass at the 2010 Gala “Fete de Verre” reimagined and orchestrated by her that raised $330,000 for the general operating budget.
Kristin and Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams advocate for arts funding while marching in the 2012 Grand Floral Parade.
interests & Inspiration
In her leisure, Kristin loves to travel and has road tripped her way to almost every state in the union. (I’m coming for you some day North Dakota!) When she discovered the Pacific Northwest, she was so entranced by it, that she decided to make it her home. A true multipotentialite: she’s also a nature enthusiast, glass art aficionado, amateur movie maker, aspiring children’s book author, and budding ukulele player.