MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (July 24, 2026) — Oolite Arts announced today that John Abodeely, who has served as President and CEO since January 2025, will step down effective July 24, 2026, to relocate closer to his family. Mr. Abodeely will work closely with the Board of Directors and the staff to ensure a smooth transition.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our appreciation to John for his service during his tenure,” said Marie Elena Angulo, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are grateful for his contributions to the organization and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”  

“Oolite Arts’ history of supporting artists is absolutely necessary. Artists deserve all the financing, space, and career development that we can offer,” said Mr. Abodeely. “I am deeply humbled to have been part of this extraordinary work, and proud of what we have achieved together. As I take on a new chapter in Washington, it has been an honor to contribute to the lives of South Florida artists in a meaningful way.”

During Mr. Abodeely’s tenure, Oolite Arts continued to advance its mission, achieving several important organizational milestones, including:

• Converting the Ellies, Oolite Arts Awards Creator Awards to unrestricted grants, replacing project-specific funding with an artist-centered model that gives artists greater flexibility to meet their needs and to use resources where they are needed most;
• Launching the Teen Residency, a year-long program that pairs aspiring teen artists with professional mentors to develop their creative practice while learning the practical foundations of a sustainable arts career;
• Expanding Oolite Arts’ service area from one county to four, significantly increasing access to programs and resources for artists across South Florida; and
• Advancing the organization’s new campus project in Little River, which is expected to break ground later this year.

As Oolite Arts enters its next chapter, the organization does so from a position of strength and opportunity. The Board of Directors has appointed Marie Elena Angulo as Interim CEO to guide the organization during this leadership transition and support the continued advancement of its mission and priorities while the Board conducts a search for a permanent leader. With a dedicated staff, engaged Board, committed supporters, and a strong foundation for the future, Oolite Arts remains focused on expanding opportunities for artists and strengthening South Florida’s creative community.

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Oolite Arts is Miami’s leading support organization for visual artists. Founded in 1984, Oolite Arts provides studios, residencies, exhibitions, and funding to help artists while also offering art classes, cinematic programs, and community initiatives that connect the public to the power of creativity. Exhibitions and programs at Oolite Arts are made possible with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council and the Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Arts Council; The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation; the City of Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Cultural Development, Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners; the Collective Circle and SHE Collective members; and additional support by Walgreens Company. Oolite Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.