Hello!

My name is Samantha Oleschuk (she/her/hers). I am an arts professional, art writer, and arts reseacher. I have a passion for art, writing, and community; I am dedicated to accessible, inclusive, and transformational art programming, especially creative aging. 

I am currently in a co-leadership role as Director of Community Engagement at Florence Thomas Art School in West Jefferson, NC and I write freelance art criticism, largely with Cultural Voice of North Carolina (CVNC) and recently with Burnaway.

I graduated with university and departmental honors from Appalachian State University, earning a B.A. in Art and Visual Culture with a concentration in Art Management and minors in Nonprofit Organizations and French and Francophone Studies. My honors thesis work was centered on creative aging programs for older adults, often those living with dementia, in museums, cultural institutions, and organizations, with a special focus on dreaming into the future for greater sustainability. This research informed the development of a storytelling resource to share the impact of creative aging programs, encourage advocacy, and garner cross-sector support.

Photo by Michelle Chopp Photography.