Hilary Wittmann, Executive Director

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Hilary Wittmann joined The New Canaan Society for the Arts, Inc. (NCSA) as Executive Director in fall of 2016 and is responsible for all operations of the Carriage Barn, a community-focused arts organization and gallery.  A New Canaan resident, she joins the arts organization with experience in exhibition management, marketing and community outreach initiatives.  Hilary sits onf the board of the Fritz Eager Foundation for Art Education Inc in New Canaan, the Executive Director Network steering committee of the Fairfield County Cultural Alliance, and on the Exhibit Advisory Committee for the New Canaan Sculpture Trail.

Hilary previously served as Marketing Director for the Ridgefield Playhouse and New Canaan Nature Center where she handled strategic initiatives and promotion for hundreds of live events with organizational precision and expertise.  Prior to this she spent 15 years in the publishing industry, including ten years at The Hearst Corporation where she was the Associate Publisher / Marketing for CosmoGirl Magazine.   She graduated from St. Lawrence University with a BA in Fine Arts. “I am so delighted to be a part of the Carriage Barn Arts Center.  As this organization enters its 40th year, I look forward to continuing to involve the community and showcase the work of talented artists and performers.  My career began in the Arts with curatorial and gallery experience, and I am excited to reconnect with these passions”, Hilary stated.

Kristin Peterson Edwards, Director of Special Projects

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Kristin joined the Carriage Barn in September 2022 as Director of Special Projects, and is responsible for developing programs and initiatives to expand and further engage the organization’s members and supporters. A post-war and contemporary art expert with over two decades of experience in the international art world, Kristin will also develop exhibit related programming. She has been the Principal of kpeArts advisory since 2007 and has held leadership roles with community and arts organizations including the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, the Darien Foundation, Darien EMS Post 53 and the Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University. Her early career includes roles at Cheim + Read and Robert Miller Gallery in New York City.

Janet Dinger, Events & Programs Manager

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Janet joined the Carriage Barn in September 2022 as Events & Programs Manager to build a robust schedule of events, programs and partnerships to educate and engage the community. Janet previously worked as a freelance PR and event planner helping organize the Carriage Barn’s Art in the Windows and Deck the Walls exhibits. Janet has worked for major media and advertising agencies leading sponsorship and event teams for a wide range of clients. A voice actor, she also runs Streatfeild Voice, delivering commercials, audio books and corporate videos for clients.

Jennifer Hladick, Exhibition & Gallery Manager 

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Jenn Hladick joined the Carriage Barn in 2019 and assists with visitor services and exhibition coordination.  She also helps oversee rentals, assists with community outreach, volunteer programs and member/artist communications.  Jenn previously worked in the field of social services and education and lives in New Canaan with her family where she is an active community volunteer for a number of local organizations.

Aimee Harkins, Part-time Bookkeeper