08/31/2026
Hey there! Lisa here. I officially stepped into the role of Board President at Willow Oak Arts on July 1, at a really important moment for an organization that has been serving Robertson County for 20 years.
We’ve also welcomed six new board members, which means roughly half of our board is brand new. And we were very intentional about who we invited to the table. Our board now includes CFOs who have worked for massive organizations, marketing leaders from global brands, local entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and more. We chose people we believe can help us answer one big question: How do we build a Willow Oak that can sustain another 20 years?
We’re incredibly grateful for the past board members, staff, artists, donors and volunteers who built the foundation we inherited because the bones are incredible good. Now its about evolving what already exists and making sure it is strong enough to serve another generation.
We’re already seeing a LOT seeing progress and now it's our job to begin to publicize it more, so here goes!
Our Founding 60, launched just a few months ago, has generated more than $1,300 in recurring monthly support, and we now have artist spaces available for rent inside Willow Oak, creating affordable space for local artists while generating additional revenue to help sustain our building.
One of the things I’m most excited about is expanding what arts education can mean here. Our beloved classes, camps, choirs and programs will always be foundational to Willow Oak, but we’re now beginning to offer career certifications in the visual arts, too.
A child should be able to take their first class at Willow Oak, discover something they love, develop that talent, and eventually find training, credentials, mentors and pathways into a real creative career.
Willow Oak isn't starting over. We have 20 years of art created, children inspired, adults given a chance to reconnect with and learn new talents, gorgeous performances given and a community built to build upon. And we're just getting started. Thank you for your continued support.
