Martin (Marty) Wollesen is a believer in the power of imagination and that creativity is core to the human spirit. A life-long learner, he brings over 25 years of innovative leadership in the arts and arts education having lead several multi-disciplinary performing arts organizations through significant expansion. As the Executive Director of Ah Haa School for the Arts, his wide-ranging curiosity and commitment to community engagement creates experiences for everyone to learn something new and share something meaningful about themselves. Marty has lived in New Mexico, Washington DC, California, Singapore, Philippines, Egypt, Portugal.

WE ASKED MARTY A FEW QUESTIONS…

IF YOU COULD HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH ONE ARTIST, ALIVE OR DECEASED, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

My grandmother whom I have never met. Her name was Rose Thorne. She was a poet, painter and composer who raised six children in the dust bowl during the depression. In her letters that I've read, it was clear she was a soul who was constantly searching, questioning, curious and restless...all things that were not valued in women then. I think she was not understood by people around her, especially her own family. I'd want to be there for her to listen, to engage in conversation, to let her know that her love of art and creativity lived on in her family, and finally that she had created visibility for those who needed to see what is possible.

WHICH ARTISTIC MEDIA INSPIRES YOU MOST?

Actually, I have always been engaged in multi-disciplinary art forms. I am an explorer by nature and so I like to try lots of things. I am inspired by the very process of learning, testing and responding. Recently I have engaged in writing, ceramics, jewelry making and bookbinding. All very different in the use of tools, creative imagining and techniques. What I love about it all is how it challenges and stimulates a different part of my thinking and physical ability. But I also love seeing how other people create and imagine. There is great pleasure for me reading, watching contemporary dance, films and listening to music of all kinds.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AWKWARD GROWTH MOMENT OR BARRIER-BREAKING TIME?

There are always the awkward teen years, but I'm not sure that is my favorite. I certainly would not go back! I have lived in many places, and I really love the barrier-breaking experience of moving to a new environment with its specific cultures, histories and common practices. Every move I make I learn more about myself and my capacity for adaptation and resilience. Moving to Telluride a little over a year ago from Washington, DC has certainly been one of those opportunities to discover, explore and create anew. It is such a joy to be here in such a creative community.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AND/OR KEEPS YOU ENGAGED AND MOVING FORWARD?

Creative people, new ideas, generosity, curiosity, sharing of perspectives, laughter, surprise. In short, artists.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS, NEW RELEASES, OR ANTICIPATED PROJECTS?

This is Ah Haa School for the Arts' first full summer in our new home. We love it!! And we are introducing a new community art experience, the Ah Haa HAHA (July 15-17, 2022) as part of our fundraising initiative to support increased access and opportunity for people of all ages to experience high quality art experiences at affordable prices. You will experience vibrant, interactive art installations throughout our school, have access to purchase one-of-kind art and party with friends, neighbors and visitors on our Sky Deck. Of course, all year round we offer workshops and classes in a huge variety of art forms for kiddos, teens and adults. There is always something fun going on.

ANY OTHER DETAILS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I like ice cream.

FEATURED ARTIST: MARTY WOLLESEN