In December 2024, the Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) appointed Amy Poux to the role of full-time Executive Director. Under her leadership, ASK is reenergizing its mission to serve as a vibrant arts hub for the historic Kingston Rondout community. ASK also hires from a roster of trained professional theater tech staff who design and run all of the productions and events at ASK.
This highly dedicated team of full-time, part-time and volunteer staff work in close collaboration to sustain and grow ASK’s programming, operations, and community impact.
ASK’s Committees
Committee members are drawn from ASK’s membership and the broader community, ensuring diverse perspectives and representation across artistic disciplines and lived experiences. Each committee meets monthly to carry out essential planning, development, and oversight, helping to advance ASK’s mission and maintain the organization as a trusted and inclusive cultural resource.
ASK’s core volunteer base includes the Board of Directors and the following standing committees:
- Gallery Committee
- Performing & Media Arts Committee
- Finance and Development Committee
- Buildings and Grounds Committee
- Membership & Hospitality Committee
ASK Board of Directors – 2026
Richard Wixom, President
Chris Acosta, Vice President
Barbara Johnston, Secretary
Thea Hanley-Stiriss
James Martin
Stephen Olivier (elect)
Joe Pine (elect)
Karen Schwartz-Sidrane
Dave Thomas
The Buildings & Grounds Committee
The Buildings and Grounds Committee (B&G) exists to attend to any matters related to our physical space. Located at 97 Broadway, ASK’s facilities include our 3 galleries, a classroom space, and a 99-seat theater. This committee may be involved in tending to or delegating tasks such as building upkeep, renovation, and accessibility.
Finance & Development Committee
The Finance and Development Committee ensures that ASK’s finances are being reviewed and optimized regularly and ensured that our income and expenses are balanced. This committee is also tasked with leading efforts including identifying and applying for grants and establishing new partnerships and fostering existing ones with donors and supporters.
Gallery Committee
The Gallery Committee is a standing committee appointed by the BOD. The committee works in collaboration with the Managing Director to create and manage opportunities for ASK and community members to exhibit work and to promote the Art Society of Kingston’s mission, vision and values.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is appointed by the Board with a primary function of sustaining and expanding ASK’s Membership. The Membership Committee strives to better define and delineate Membership levels, such as yearly fees, benefits related to those levels and payment process options.
Hospitality & Events Committee
The Hospitality & Events Committee is appointed by the Board with a primary function of providing event support and coordination for ASK events and Gallery Openings. We strive towards diversity and to develop mechanisms to allow for greater accessibility and comprehensive community-building opportunities in keeping with ASK’s mission, vision, and values.
Performing & Media Arts Committee
The Performing & Media Arts Committee (PMAC) is appointed by the board to create and manage performance activities and initiatives to provide performance opportunities and events for artists and community members as well as designing the educational offerings that ASK provides to the community to promote The Arts Society of Kingston’s mission, vision, and values.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
ASK is dedicated to ensuring equal access to our programs, exhibitions, performances, employment opportunities, volunteer roles, and services. We actively work to create a space where artists, audiences, students, staff, and community members of all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and supported.
We believe that diverse voices strengthen our creative community and enrich the cultural life of Kingston and beyond.