NEW YORK, NY.- ProjectArt announced the appointment of Chana Budgazad Sheldon as its new Miami Director and National Program Advisor. With almost a decade of nonprofit experience at Miami’s premier experimental art space, and a tenure in the New York gallery world before that, Sheldon is well prepared to step into ProjectArt as it continues to expand. In addition to directing ProjectArt's Miami operations, Sheldon will lead the organization's expanded programming and artist residency initiatives as ProjectArt establishes classes in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh in 2017. This year’s expansion is the first of what will be annual multi-city launches, further reflecting the youth art program’s impressive ambition.
Prior to joining ProjectArt, Sheldon served as Executive Director of Locust Projects, producing over 70 exhibitions in her eight years, during which time Locust grew from a small artist-run gallery to an internationally recognized exhibition space. During Sheldon’s tenure, Locust hosted groundbreaking multi-disciplinary artists such as Theaster Gates, Daniel Arsham, Ruben Ochoa, Jillian Mayer, Martha Friedman, Nicholas Hlobo, and many others. She also initiated the organization’s first public art program, featuring internationally renowned artist Liam Gillick and Miami-based artist Agustina Woodgate. Sheldon oversaw a major increase in Locust’s operating budget — receiving support from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation, and the Knight Foundation — but always remained focused on artists, producing their ambitious projects and introducing new public programs to meet their needs. “It has always been about the artists for me, allowing them to stay true to their visions, no matter how extraordinary,” said Sheldon.
“We’re very excited to have Chana on board. Given her enthusiasm for the arts and success at Locust, we feel lucky to have her join our nationally growing team as Miami Program Director and National Program Advisor,” said ProjectArt Founder Adarsh Alphons. With knowledge of both the global and local art landscapes and established relationships with prominent artists and patrons alike, Sheldon looks forward to developing ProjectArt’s expanding national programming. “I am a strong believer in the transformative power of art, and thrilled to be part of an organization and movement that brings art to underserved children and communities across the country,” said Sheldon.
The free arts education and residency program started in a borrowed Harlem office space, but now boasts national reach, expanding from New York City to Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, and Pittsburgh in under seven years. The model, infinitely scalable, spurs excitement at one of our nation’s oldest institutions: its libraries.
