Mallory Shotwell, the Executive Director at Cultivate, an arts organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan, brings over 13 years of diverse experience to her role, encompassing arts administration, curatorial expertise, and art education. As both the Founder and Director, she has been a driving force in establishing Cultivate as an essential part of the art community.

Her tenure at Cultivate has been marked by a harmonious blend of managing the art gallery, overseeing a comprehensive art education program, and facilitating an artist resource center. Each aspect is given equal importance, reflecting Mallory's holistic approach to nurturing the arts. The gallery under her leadership showcases a range of local, regional, and national artists, while the education program offers studio based art education for all ages. The artist resource center, seamlessly integrated into Cultivate's framework, provides vital support for artists' professional development.

Before Cultivate, Mallory's professional journey includes significant roles in arts administration and curation, showcasing her depth of experience in the field. Her leadership style is defined by collaboration, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and fostering artistic dialogue. Her art practice is similarly based in the intersection of community and mutual care, noted by bodies of work that are deeply investigative and interdisciplinary.  

Outside of her professional commitments, Mallory is deeply engaged in personal pursuits that mirror her professional passion. She enjoys reading, gardening, and the art of slow cooking, and is a mother to a 15-year-old son. This personal connection to art extends beyond her professional life, reflecting her commitment to the arts in both spheres.