Aspen/Snowmass, CO (December 12, 2018) — Anderson Ranch Arts Center, a premier destination for art making and critical dialog in the contemporary art world, welcomes Peter Waanders who will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. His first day in the office will be January 15, 2019. Waanders comes to the Ranch from the Aspen Institute, where he was the Director for the Society of Fellows starting in 2011. He oversaw the organization’s strategic planning, management and programming curation during a period of rapid growth and the expansion to year-round programing in major cities around the United States. Waanders worked with trustees and volunteers to launch the highly successful young donor program and expanded intimate offerings for top-level donor groups. Waanders coordinated major gifts for Institute programs ranging from endowed scholarships, youth initiatives and major art acquisitions to legacy giving. Waanders has a unique combination of business and nonprofit experience. He owned both independent bookstores and was a partner in David Floria Gallery before joining the Institute.
“We are thrilled to have Peter join the team at Anderson Ranch,” said Sue Hostetler, Chair of the Ranch Board of Trustees. “This comes at a time when the Ranch is evolving in several ways. After a fabulous 2018, we are poised to grow. Peter will not only step into the role of President and CEO, but will be instrumental in adding a crucial new member to the Ranch team. We conducted an international search to find the right fit for this President and CEO role, and are delighted to have found someone with knowledge, enthusiasm and a tremendous reputation right in our own backyard. With his vision and expertise, Peter will take the Ranch to even greater heights.” In early 2019, Waanders will head the charge in hiring for a new position at Anderson Ranch; a Curator-in- Residence who will work alongside him to further the Ranch’s mission of art, inspiration and community. Hostetler continued, “This person will work with Peter and the team to deepen our commitment to the contemporary art world.” Waanders said of his new role, “This new chapter means so many wonderful things. I have always admired the work of Anderson Ranch, and I share the organization’s vision of an exciting and meaningful future in the world of contemporary art. It has grown and thrived and I am confident we can continue that trajectory for years to come. My life’s work has been about connecting people with ideas, values, inspiration and each other. I look forward to working with this incredible team to enhance the Ranch’s work and its impact on individuals and the larger art world,” he continued, “Anderson Ranch is an arts and ideas organization with an international reputation and its feet firmly planted in the local community. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
ABOUT ANDERSON RANCH ARTS CENTER
Founded in 1966, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a premier destination in America for art making and critical dialog, bringing together aspiring and internationally renowned artists to discuss and further their work in a stimulating environment. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado, the Ranch hosts extensive workshops for aspiring, emerging and established artists in eight disciplines, including Photography & New Media, Ceramics, Painting & Drawing, Furniture Design & Woodworking, Sculpture, Woodturning, Printmaking and Digital Fabrication. In addition to the Summer Series: Featured Artists & Conversations, the Ranch hosts engaging events throughout the year including: the Recognition Dinner, held in honor of Anderson Ranch’s National Artist Award and Service to the Arts Award honorees; the Annual Art Auction & Community Picnic, a thirty-six-year-old tradition which features works of local, national and international artists; and a yearround Artists-in-Residence Program, fostering artistic growth for emerging and established visual artists. For over 50 years Anderson Ranch Arts Center has been working to enrich lives with art, inspiration and community. Learn more at www.andersonranch.org or 970/923.3181.
Join the conversation on social media by mentioning Anderson Ranch Arts Center and using the hashtag #AndersonRanch when posting.
