Kathleen Reckling knows what she is doing. The Ardsley local has worked at ArtsWestchester since 2011 and was named a 914INC. Wunderkinds as well as a Business Council of Westchester Rising Star along the way. At ArtsWestchester, Reckling spearheaded several boundary-pushing exhibitions, secured National Endowment for the Arts funding each year since 2014 as gallery director, and oversaw the creation of a Social Justice Committee while she served as director of public programs. Now, named CEO after the departure of Janet Langsam, Reckling sees a bright future ahead for the largest private nonprofit arts council in the state.
What’s something most people might not know about you?
Fencing has been a big part of my life. I started competing in high school and got to do a lot of international travel, which was an incredible educational experience. As I became more interested in the arts, I would go to places like Columbus, Ohio, and walk down the streets to see all the different public art installations. It really became a way to educate myself about different cultures and different places, but also different strategies for how the arts can reflect and be part of communities. I continue to be involved in fencing today as a coach and I am currently the president of the board of directors of the Fencers Club based in New York City.

How has Janet Langsam impacted your vision for ArtsWestchester?
Part of me wants to get a little plaque or something that says WWJLD, as in What Would Janet Langsam Do? Janet and I instantly had this shared vision for [ArtsWestchester] in terms of thematic and contemporary issues. So, we were a very good team in getting those projects going, and throughout that time she absolutely mentored my career. She was the one who suggested I go to Leadership Westchester because she felt I could be something other than a curator and have an impact in the arts different from that. She was really the one who made me believe being her successor was possible. Janet has a strong commitment to partnerships and a great sense of how to navigate the political world … I’ve certainly been watching all of that very closely as I prepare to work with elected officials.

What are your plans for ArtsWestchester?
My vision for our next chapter is to continue to be a leader in services, not only as a grantmaker, but also as a connector and a place that artists and organizations of all sizes can turn to for professional development, for guidance, and to connect them to opportunities in their communities and beyond.
Why do you think ArtsWestchester is so vital?
The arts are essential to Westchester. They have this incredible economic impact but there’s also that intangible element of connection and empowerment. Where we come in is … to be the voice and the advocate for the field, making sure that the arts have a seat at the table as we talk about development and as we talk about inclusion. The arts are so often the place where historically underrepresented voices can be celebrated and heard, so we will keep the fires fueled and make sure that the arts are not overlooked because they are so essential.