Interview with Catherine as told to Gregory Jenkins
Tell us more about your role as a “producer” within various communities.
What I love about being a producer is the opportunity to engage people and their experiences in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Working with different communities allows everyone involved—myself included—to learn more about each other’s backgrounds and perspectives. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen and heard.
If someone asked, “are you an artist,” how would you respond, how do you unleash your creative spirit.
I’d say I see myself more as a creative curator. An artist makes the art, while a curator cares for, interprets, and shares it with the world. I love art, and I unleash my creative spirit by trying new things and diving into adventures that spark new memories and ideas. Those moments become the wellspring for my work.
You’ve produced the Legacy Ball for a few years, why do you do this? What’s the most joyful aspect of the work?
The best way to find yourself is in the service of others. The Legacy Ball is a chance to bring people together, to celebrate them, and to create something that resonates long after the night is over. The most joyful aspect of the work is seeing people connect and feel honored in ways that go beyond the event itself.
Beyond the Ball, what else are you working on that you’d like for people to know.
I’m continuing to build out my conversation series, Disrupt the Narrative. If you haven’t seen the one at the Museum of Science yet, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYhYrJFfskc&t=622s . And keep an eye out for everything happening with @mYouSeeEm (on instagram)—it’s a project I’m deeply passionate about.
You grew up in Somerville right? How does Somerville support you, where else do you go for support and inspiration.
Some of my strongest support systems are here in Somerville—friends and family who’ve known me for years and who continue to inspire and uplift me. Beyond that, I find support and inspiration by connecting with new communities and by always staying curious about the world around me.
Is there a particular space in Somervile that recharges you? Or hanging with particular people?
One of my favorite places in Somerville is the library. It’s a space filled with people from all walks of life, different ideas, and endless shelves of books. There’s something grounding and invigorating about being in that kind of environment.
More Artists of the Month from 2025
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About the Artist of the Month
This program is inspired by the Nave Gallery’s “Featured Artist” program, which ran from 2005 to 2009.
SAC’s Artist of the Month program is a way for us to celebrate the enormous wealth of talent in our city, by shining a spotlight on a different creative Somervillian each month.
This program has been put together by a whole raft of people: Coordinators Jenn Harrington (2013-2014) and Kellie Veiga (2013), Gilmore Tammy (2017) and Somerville Arts Council board members Matt Kaliner, Tim Devin, Valeria Amato, and Michael J. Epstein, Bill House (2019-2020), Charan Devereaux (2019-2025), Tori Weston (2019-2025) and Andrea Read (2022-2025). Current coordinators, are Kerrie Kemperman (2019-), Seth Garcia (2025-), and Ben Cuba (2026-).
Know of a great Somerville based artist who should be recognized, please nominate the artist for consideration. We seek artists who contribute to the community through their strong work and community collaborations. Artist should either reside in the City or contribute to the City’s vibrant art scene.