Holmberg Class of 2026
ArtsBuild announces a milestone double celebration: the 20th anniversary of the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute and the graduation ceremony for its 2026 cohort.
The event will take place on May 15, at 5:30 pm at R.I.S.E. Chattanooga Community Arts Space at 2901 Taylor St., Chattanooga, Tn. 37406.
Since its inception in 2005, the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute has been the region’s premier program for cultivating passionate advocates and leaders within the arts community.
Over the past two decades, the institute has empowered over 400 alumni to take on active roles as board members, volunteers, and champions for Chattanooga’s vibrant cultural sector.
Launched in memory of long-time ArtsBuild board member and arts advocate A. William Holmberg, Jr., the Institute provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look at the local arts landscape. From exploring public art initiatives to understanding the economic impact of the creative economy, the program bridges the gap between civic leadership and artistic expression.
The institute was initially created by the late Marilyn Harrison when she was ArtsBuild’s vice president and, later, managed by Rodney Van Valkenburg. Recently retired Executive Director for Chattanooga Theatre Centre and former ArtsBuild Vice President and director of the Holmberg Arts Institute, Van Valkenburg expanded the program into what it is today.
He said, “I’ve always been proud that people, who think they know everything about the arts in Chattanooga, go through the Holmberg Institute and realized that our cultural resources are much more diverse, vast, and deep in our community than they realized. The Holmberg Arts Institute continues to have a powerful impact. It deepens knowledge of our cultural resources, plus connects like-minded citizens.”
The graduation ceremony will honor the Class of 2026, a diverse group of professionals and community members who have spent the last several months engaging with local artists and organizations. Members of the 2025-2026 cohort include:
- Kerri Besse
- Ian-Alijah Bey
- Heather Cape
- Grace Haley
- Toni Heath
- Lori Hensley
- Mak Johnson
- Sharon Kim
- Esther Lovingood
- Kashun Parks
- La-Tesia Poole
- Cherita Rice
- Monique Roberts
- Adam Romano
- Claire Stockman
- Brent Stott
- Jonathan Susman
- Sarah Thompson
- Ashley Tisdale
- Rosie Yakob
Robyn Stringfellow, current director of the Institute and ArtsBuild’s Education Program Coordinator, is excited to celebrate the anniversary with both former and current program graduates. She said, “Reaching the 20-year mark is a testament to the enduring spirit of Chattanooga’s creative community. The Holmberg Institute isn’t just a class; it’s a catalyst for the kind of leadership that keeps our city vibrant and successful. We are thrilled to celebrate this legacy while welcoming our newest alumni into the fold.”
ArtsBuild invites the public to attend the graduation event on Friday, May 15, from 5:30–7 p.m. There will be refreshments, and attendees will enjoy a retrospective of the program’s 20-year history, remarks from distinguished alumni, the formal presentation of certificates to the graduating class, and a special performance from Ensemble de Mexico.
Those interested in attending should RSVP to Holmberg Graduation RSVP Form.
