Daisy Fodness-McGowan, Executive Director of Think 360 Arts for Learning is a non-profit administration and fundraising professional, educator, curator, author, artist and mother. She has been a leader in the arts and arts education in Colorado for over twenty-five years. Fodness-McGowan previously served as director for the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) Galleries of Contemporary Art from 2010-2022, where she led the program through a period of tremendous growth and impact on the entire Rocky Mountain west region. During her tenure, Fodness-McGowan oversaw the diversification of the artistic program, broadly expanded engagement with the community, and ambitiously grew digital platforms to increase access to arts learning for all. She independently and collaboratively curated and produced over 100 exhibitions and designed and built arts education programs for all ages at UCCS, Colorado College (IDEA Space Colorado College and Coburn Gallery), and at multiple regional and national sites. 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.
Daisy Fodness-McGowan was awarded her Bachelor of Studio Art from Colorado College and Master of Public Affairs, with a focus on arts administration, 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 and gallery practice, as well as K-12 arts education. Fodness-McGowan is a frequent speaker and published author on the topics of contemporary art and art economics. She was born in Italy and raised internationally and across the U.S. by artists.