History

POWArts was founded in March 2008 by Sara Kay and is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides professional and personal support to women and men in the visual arts.

POWArts Mission

The Professional Organization of Women in the Arts is the premier membership-based non profit organization that champions the advancement of women and men in the visual arts industry. Our multi-disciplined membership furthers personal and professional development within all areas of the visual arts. POWArts welcomes museum and auction house professionals, gallerists, non-profit professionals, academics, educators, private consultants, art-related business owners, and entrepreneurs. We serve as a valuable resource for information, and provide a supportive environment to educate, empower, and promote leadership among women in the visual arts.

Goals

Advance the professional development of, and promote leadership among, women in the visual arts through educational meetings, workshops, group discussions, and career placement assistance.

• Serve as a medium for the communication and exchange of ideas between women in the visual arts.
• Empower and promote confidence among women in a supportive environment.
• Address the challenges for advancement women face in the field.
• Encourage employment in the arts and guide future talent to successful careers.
• Provide opportunities for networking.
• Encourage members to support their communities through industry-related initiatives.

Core Values

Predicated on the belief that members are our most valuable resource and the POWArts is built on our members’ successes and interests:

• The highest professional standards among members.
• A passionate commitment to the advancement of women in the visual arts, and the relentless pursuit of integrity in the business of the arts. 
• The recognition and celebration of excellence among our members.
• A platform that reflects the unique perspectives of women.
• A supportive environment for all members to achieve their professional and personal goals.
• Meaningful opportunities for involvement in decision making and membership recruitment within the POWArts. Initiatives Facilitate personal and professional development through:
• Discussion groups focused on career development and advancement.
• Advisory and Mentoring Assistance
• Networking events that foster the exchange of ideas among members.
• Online employment, volunteer and resume bank.
• Newsletters and additional industry and other business-related resources and publications.
• Career Development Programs.

Board of Directors

Sara Kay, Founder, Chairman of the Board

Fine Arts Representative, Jan Krugier Gallery

Sara Kay founded the Professional Organization of Women in the Arts in March 2008. Ms. Kay currently serves as Fine Arts Representative at the Jan Krugier Gallery where she is responsible for business development and sales of fine art for the New York gallery. Prior to her position at the Jan Krugier Gallery, she served as a Specialist in the Old Master Drawings Department at Christie's where she acted as client liaison for the department within North and South America. Early in her career, Ms. Kay served as Executive Director of Artist Talk on Art, a non-profit organization that promotes dialogue among art world professional. Ms. Kay is a regular speaker at the Sotheby's Education Program on the topic of professionalism and busniess ethics.

Meghan Carleton, Vice Chairman

Partner, Art Finance Partners

Meghan Carleton is a Partner at Art Finance Partners, a specialty finance firm that provides credit and advisory solutions to owners of fine and decorative art.  Previously, Ms. Carleton was an Associate at a small specialty finance firm and at International Management Group (IMG), London, in Sponsorship and Advertising.  Ms. Carleton earned a graduate degree from Christie’s Education, London and her B.A. from Tufts University in art history and economics.  She is on the Steering Committee of the New York Theatre Workshop; works on the art committee of FreeArts NYC which helps underserved children build resiliency through the creative arts; and is a MoMA Junior Associate. 

Elizabeth Wickersham, Membership Director

Gallery Manager, Otto Naumann Ltd.

Elizabeth Wickersham has managed fine art galleries for over ten years. In addition to her client liaison experience, in her current position of Gallery Manager of Otto Naumann Ltd., Ms. Wickersham oversees all aspects of daily management including monitoring financial transactions, insurance coverage for an inventory of more than $75 million, and arranging the purchase and sale of art works through private transactions and at auction. Previously, Ms. Wickersham served as Auction Coordinator for the Old Master Paintings Department at Christie's, New York. Ms. Wickersham received her B.A. in Art History and Fine Arts with a concentration on sculpture from Hartwick College.

Mary Pontillo, Community Service Director
Assistant Vice President, Dewitt Stern Insurance Group

Specializing in fine art insurance placements, Ms. Pontillo has been a member of the Fine Art Practice at DeWitt Stern since May 2006. Prior to joining DeWitt Stern, Ms. Pontillo served as a Fine Art Insurance Underwriter & Account Manager at Huntington T. Block Insurance Agency. Ms. Pontillo taught elementary school art in Norfolk, VA for two years, and served as a docent at the Smithsonian Institute, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington. Ms. Pontillo has her B.A. in studio art, M.A. in Art History and completed an Appraisal Studies program at New York University. Ms. Pontillo is active in the New York chapter of the National Association for Insurance Woman where she serves as Community Service Chair and organizes various community service projects in the New York vicinity.

Sarah Bradley, Marketing Director

Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, artnet

Sarah Bradley is a marketing professional with over fifteen years of experience.  In her current position at artnet, she oversees marketing and public relations initiatives to support the company's art information and transaction services.  Prior to this, she worked at Christie's New York as a Segment Manager in Strategic Marketing.  There, she developed and executed marketing campaigns to support the New York saleroom's most important auctions.  She also worked at Christie's London as a Consultant on the Corporate Strategy team.  Before joining the art world, Ms. Bradley held managerial positions in marketing and strategy at American Express, Morgan Stanley and Lancôme.  Ms. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University and a Certificate in Modern & Contemporary Art from Christie's Education in London.