Bio

Daisy McGowan (Fodness-McGowan)  is an arts administrator, curator, writer, artist, educator and nonprofit fundraiser. She is currently serving as the Executive Director for RiNo Art District (River North Denver).

McGowan previously served as Executive Director of Think 360 Arts for Learning, and prior to that was Director and Lead Curator for the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) Galleries of Contemporary Art from 2010-2022. During her tenure at both institutions, McGowan oversaw tremendous growth, diversification of the artistic program, expanded engagement with the community as well as advocacy and policy efforts, and ambitiously grew digital platforms to increase access to arts learning for all.

McGowan has independently and collaboratively curated and produced over 100 exhibitions and designed and built arts education programs for all ages across Colorado and nationally. Throughout her career, she has passionately worked to provide equitable access to the arts and to provide support for artists, with a vision for building and strengthening communities.

McGowan was awarded her Bachelor of Studio Art from Colorado College and Master of Public Administration, with a focus on arts administration and fundraising, from the University of Colorado. As an educator, she has taught at the university level for nearly twenty years including studio art and museum studies & gallery practice, as well as K-12 arts education and creative work with older adults. McGowan is a frequent speaker and published author on the topics of contemporary art, art economics, and arts learning. She was born in Italy and raised internationally and across the U.S. by artists. She currently lives with her family in the metro Denver area.