International Folk Art Market appoints new CEO
Stuart Ashman will take over the role in January 2019
The International Folk Art Market has a new leader.
Stuart Ashman was appointed chief executive officer by the Folk Art Market Board of Directors on Monday.
Ashman is currently executive director at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe. He has held the position for a year.
Ashman will begin his role on Jan. 2, 2019.
“My time at CCA has been extremely rewarding, and it’s been a very hard decision to leave,” Ashman said in a release. “I know CCA is poised to do great things in the future. It’s an important part of New Mexico’s art community, and they will always have my support.”
During his tenure at CCA, Ashman helped to develop a strong board and an effective staff, and gallery visits increased by 40 percent while membership numbers were up by 50 percent.
The Cinematheque attendance numbers also rose by more than 20 percent, and Ashman and Jason
Silverman, the director of the Cinematheque, created a partnership with the City of Santa Fe to save The Screen, which CCA took over in July.
Ashman will work closely with CCA’s board to identify his successor.
He brings decades of experience to his new role at the International Folk Art Market.
Ashman and his wife, Peggy Gaustad, have been deeply involved with the International Folk Art Market since its beginning. Gaustad has served on the board and they both have championed Cuban artists’ involvement at the Market since 2010.
“I look forward to working with the dedicated Board, the staff, and the energetic volunteers,” Ashman said. “Most of all, I look forward to being with the artists, and helping to make them and their communities around the globe sustainable.”
Prior to both roles, Ashman was Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs from 2003-10.
During his tenure at DCA, Ashman guided capital projects for new state cultural institutions, including the New Mexico History Museum and El Camino Real International Heritage Center. In addition, he oversaw a complex group of statewide cultural institutions, including eight museums, seven state monuments, the State Library, the Office of Archeological Studies, the Historic Preservation Division and two administrative divisions. He also oversaw construction of the New Mexico History Museum and secured the acquisition of Historic Los Luceros and the former Archives building soon to become the Vladem Contemporary.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have secured someone of Stuart’s experience and stature to lead IFAM in its role as a vital part of the Santa Fe community, as well as an artist-centered organization working on behalf of folk artists worldwide,” comments Kathryn King Coleman, chair of the International Folk Art Market Board. “He will deepen our roots here in New Mexico and extend our ability to create more opportunities for folk artists.”
Currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, the International Folk Art Market has hosted 1,000 folk artists from 98 countries, generating total sales of over $30 million and impacting an estimated 1.3 million lives worldwide.