During this year of Oolite Arts celebrating 40 years of positive community impact, we are thrilled to announce the promotion of Cherese Crockett to Interim Director of Programs at Oolite Arts. Originally from Ohio, Cherese is a seasoned arts professional, organizer, and consultant with over two decades of experience supporting artists and advancing creative careers. At Oolite, she has played a pivotal role in shaping and delivering programs that help artists grow, thrive, and reach the next stage of their professional journey. Since joining Oolite Arts in 2012, Cherese has served in multiple capacities across both programs and development, including the launch of the Shares Community-supported art membership program, development of the art Acquisitions program, which supports Oolite alumni, and management and expansion of the Residency programs.
Her selection for this interim leadership role recognizes her longstanding dedication to Miami’s artists, her exemplary relationship-building with artists, funders, community partners, and colleagues, and her consistent record of excellence across a wide range of responsibilities. As Interim Director of Programs, Cherese will help fill a critical leadership gap—guiding strategy, supporting the team, and advancing internal process improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness. She will continue to lead with the deep care and thoughtfulness she brings to artist relationships and will work closely with the new President and CEO on strategic planning as Oolite moves into the exciting construction phase of its future home in Little River.
Cherese holds a degree in art history from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Before joining Oolite, she held positions at Sotheby’s, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and served as Director of the renowned PPOW Gallery in New York City. She now calls North Beach home and is an avid beachgoer and animal lover.
