Conversations: Kathryn Mikesell

Conversations: June 24, 2020

On this episode of Miami Corona Project Conversations, Kathryn Mikesell, co-founder and executive director of the Fountainhead Residency, sat with artist Xavier Cortada to candidly speak about her experiences during this crisis, both personally and within her foundation. She shares how the Residency has supported artists during the pandemic including keeping studios open and inviting guests on virtual studio tours. At a time where conversations on multiple topics are happening, from the virus to inclusivity to the environment, Mikesell discusses how she’s been able to navigate it all by having dinner with the artists to learn what it is they need during these trying times. 

About Kathryn Mikesell

Kathryn is the Co-Founder, with her husband Dan Mikesell, and Executive Director of The Fountainhead Residency and Studios.  Following a 20+ year career in technology, what began as a passion project in 2008 while working for IBM, has become an internationally recognized arts organization, to which she is now dedicated full time.  The Fountainhead Residency is an artists’ residency that brings over 30 national and international artists each year for one month to live and work in Miami. The Fountainhead Studios provides Miami-based artists with affordable, flexible, and safe working studio space within a nurturing community.  There are currently over 30 artists working in the Studios.  Fountainhead also leads programming to educate and engage the South Florida artists community including MEET, a monthly dinner for artists; Financial Workshops; and Artists to Artists, Inspiring artists to think outside the white box. In 2019 Fountainhead launched the inaugural edition of Artists Open the first ever Miami-Dade Countywide Open Studios where more than 300 artists open their studios for the public.

Kathryn sits on the Board of Miami Dade Country Art in Public Places Trust.

She has been featured on CBS, CNN, PBS, Telemundo, HGTV and in publications including Departures, Indulge, Ocean Drive, MIAMI, Wall Street Journal and others.

Website: www.fountainheadresidency.com

Facebook: /FountainheadResidency

Instagram: @fountainheadresidency

Youtube: Fountainhead Residency

Kathryn’s Facebook

About Xavier Cortada

Click here to read the artist’s bio.