MacDowell Society

Meet the Members. . . This section is dedicated to introduce our members We are proud that Cincinnati MacDowell Society is comprised of a diverse group of artists, as well as those with an active interest in the arts. This section seeks to showcase current active CMS members, highlighting their art form, work affiliation, and special interests.

Meet. . . John H. Grate ‘80

Type of Artist : Sculptor Place of Work: Works at Home Background: John began his career in 1954 and retired in 1988 as Director of Resource, Planning and Development for Cincinnati Public Schools. He then formed JH Grate Associates, consulting in organizational development, and educational equity. In retirement, he studied sculpture under Walter Driesback, at the Art Academy and with his studio group. He also serves as Artist in Residence at Camp Kooch-I-Ching boys camp in Northern Minnesota. Three words that inspire me: Native American, nature and carving. Impact on the Community: John has pursued a life-long interest in art and Native American culture. He served on the Cincinnati Ballet board, the Camping and Education Foundation, the Native American Ministry of Christ Church Cathedral and as President of the Economic Development Corporation of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland. John H. Grate '80

Cincinnati MacDowell Society

Meet. . . John Leon Member since 2016

Type of Artist - Sculptor in bronze, stone, wood & ceramic Place of Work - Studio building in Sharonville Background: Deciding while at Walnut Hills High School that sculpting would be a lifelong hobby, he pursued medical field studies and became a respiratory therapist, studying and practicing sculpture in his spare time until finally he decided he wouldn't be happy unless he committed himself to sculpting. That was in 1980. He is mostly self taught but he was inspired and learned immeasurably from two mentors, Walter Driesback and Jay Bolotin. Three Words that Inspire Me: Greece, Jazz, Spirit. Impact On the Community: Many of his sculptures are in public settings. His first monument was a collaboration with the late John Ruthven also a member in which he sculpted a bronze eagle designed by Ruthven for Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He has created commissioned sculptures and his own works, with over 530 bronzes and 40 wood and stone carvings in public, private and corporate collections on five continents. He taught stone carving at the Cincinnati Art Academy, and continues to teach sculpting privately. He also has served on the Cincinnati Art Club Board of Trustees.

Meet. . . Rosemary Schlachter Member since 2012 Type of Artist/Affiliate - Arts fund raiser and organization management Place of Work - Home Background: Rosemary fell in love with the arts in high school when Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra members performed there and when her drama teacher took her to plays at Edgecliff Theatre. As a college student she served as an officer in Young Friends of the Arts. There she met Cincinnati’s famed arts advocates, Irma Lazarus and Phyllis Weston, from whom she learned about arts management, fund raising and marketing. After college she taught college level literature in high school until she realized her real calling was in arts fundraising and organization management. Three words that inspire me: art, love, laughter

Meet. . . Clarissa A. Rentz Member since 2019 Type of Artist - Painter, other media Place of Work- Painting: Home, daily. Providing private painting Instruction Background: Clarissa loved painting in her youth but laid it aside to study nursing. She certified in gerontology and psychiatric nursing. Afterward she returned to painting, adding her love of art to her work with as she cared for patients through the Cincinnati Alzheimer’s Association, as becoming Executive Director. Three words that inspire me: Gratitude, hospitality, perseverance. Impact on the Community: It was Clarissa’s work at the Alzheimer’s Association, where her love of art was most effectively applied. She implemented an art program for individuals in early to middle stages of dementing illnesses. While facilitating these sessions, Clarissa noted that despite the participants’ cognitive impairments; behaviorally, they were engaged, productive, and calm. As a result, Clarissa and a colleague developed an observational tool to document the artist’s behaviors while participating in the program. They published their findings which suggested that people who have mild to moderate cognitive impairments could experience a sense of well- being, while painting or drawing (Kinney & Rentz, 2005). This observational instrument is used today by clinicians and researchers, world-wide to document the benefits of all arts programming for those individuals dealing with dementing illnesses. Clarissa retired from the Alzheimer’s Association in 2011 as Executive Director. She currently serves on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, and also serves on the Elderly Services Program Advisory Board. Hamilton County.

Impact on the Community: As a management consultant and development officer, Rosemary has volunteered extensively in the regional arts scene, serving on several boards, including the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Contemporary Arts Center and United Way, to name a few. Serving as board president of Madcap Productions and president the CSO Association, these organizations have also benefited by her expertise and guidance. Along with her husband Mark, past president of the MacDowell Society (2015-2017), philanthropy also has played a role in her life. Currently, Rosemary is mentoring young women in the “Unstoppable Women Series”, a presentation of the Girl Scouts of Kentucky‘s Wilderness Road.

Interest in the Arts: Managing arts organizations Type of Activity: Executive Director for Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Place of Work: Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Background: The arts, and music. While studying at the University of Cincinnati (BA, MBA, BAA) she played the flute with the UC Community and Alumni Bands. She is currently Executive Director for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Also, she is a founding Board member for the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Board member for Cincy Emerging Arts Leaders as well as president of the University of Cincinnati Band Alumni Association. Three words that inspire me: Music, Friends and Community Impact on the Community: LeAnne has served in arts organizations of the greater Cincinnati region for over 13 years. These include the Contemporary Arts Center, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Constella Festival of Music and Fine Arts in addition to the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Through her work at the CCO, LeAnne helps fund raise for over 45 artistic and educational events each year.

Interest in the arts: Music. Professional Musician, Composer, Recording Artist, and Music Educator. Type of Artist: Trumpeter Place of Work: Home Freelance Musician, Miami University. Background: Since Mathew’s youth music has been important in his life. He has been prominent in both classical and jazz ensembles in the Midwest, often as a featured soloist. He is a charter member of the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and performs with the Cincinnati (Pops) Symphony. He has traveled through the world performing with touring ensembles and shows. When not practicing, performing, or writing music, Matthew, loves to cook for LeAnne, his wife, close friends. Three Words that Inspire Me: Resonance, Connection, Love Impact on the Community: In addition to performing with musical ensembles in the Greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Matthew gives back to Cincinnati through teaching privately. He keeps a roster of about 25 students of all ages and special talents in addition to those he teaches in the Music Department at Miami University, Ohio.

Meet. . . LeAnne Anklan Honorary Member 2021

Meet . . .Matthew Anklan, Active Member 2021

Place of Work: Works from Home Background: An executive with Duke Energy, has served in multiple capacities including implementing markets, policy and energy efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development. She is Vice President of Strategic Development at The Utilities Group, the Board of the Ohio Association of Energy Engineers and member of several national and international organizations. Her interest in social issues includes Kenton County Academies of Innovation & Technology Sullivan University and Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation. Maryanne is an alumna of Leadership Kentucky, served on Corporate Campaign for Arts Wave and was named 2017 Outstanding Woman of the Year by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. She is a CPA and holds a BS and BA from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. Three words that inspire me: Faith, Family, Friends. Impact on the Community: Maryanne is a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Raise the Floor Foundation, promoting women in advanced manufacturing careers. the board of Council of Women, Raise the Floor Foundation, and a strong advocate for STEM.

Meet . . .Maryanne E. McGowan Active Member 2016

Interests. . .The Arts: President Cincinnati MacDowell Society 2021 to 2023, Regularly attends the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Playhouse in the Park, and Community Theater.

Type of Artist: Sculptor in bronze, stone, wood & ceramic Place of Work: Studio building in Sharonville Background: Deciding while at Walnut Hills High School that sculpting would be a lifelong hobby, he pursued medical field studies and became a respiratory therapist, studying and practicing sculpture in his spare time until finally he decided he wouldn't be happy unless he committed himself to sculpting. That was in 1980. He is mostly self taught but he was inspired and learned immeasurably from two mentors, Walter Driesback and Jay Bolotin. Three Words that Inspire Me: Greece, Jazz, Spirit. Impact On the Community: Many of his sculptures are in public settings. His first monument was a collaboration with the late John Ruthven also a member in which he sculpted a bronze eagle designed by Ruthven for Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He has created commissioned sculptures and his own works, with over 530 bronzes and 40 wood and stone carvings in public, private and corporate collections on five continents. He taught stone carving at the Cincinnati Art Academy, and continues to teach sculpting privately. He also has served on the Cincinnati Art Club Board of Trustees.