New Development Director Named as I-Park Prepares to Celebrate 25 Years

EAST HADDAM, CT – As I-Park looks to its 25th anniversary year in 2026, the internationally recognized artists’ colony has announced the appointment of Sarah Weatherley as its new development director.

The nonprofit organization said Weatherley, of East Haddam, brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit development, according to a news release. She has worked with organizations focused on international humanitarian aid, women’s health and reproductive rights, children’s health, education and the performing arts.

Weatherley will lead efforts to expand I-Park’s philanthropic base, secure grant funding, promote planned giving and deepen engagement with individual and corporate supporters.

Weatherley said she looks forward to ensuring that the broader Connecticut community understands the value of I-Park as a unique cultural resource.

“I am honored for the opportunity to join I-Park at this exciting milestone – their 25th anniversary – and play my part in helping to build on the incredible foundation I-Park has built since 2001. With an arts background myself, I am genuinely inspired by all that I-Park stands for,” she said.

Those interested in serving on the I-Park Board of Directors or volunteering with the garden, trails or events committees may contact Weatherley at sarah@i-park.org or 860‑873‑2468.

The 25th anniversary year follows a 2025 residency season that included 41 artists from France, Germany, Australia, Greece, Denmark, Ghana, Brazil and across the United States. I-Park welcomed more than 1,100 visitors to experience five Open Studios events, three Open Trails days and a series of fundraising events.

I-Park awards four-week onsite residencies in the visual arts, creative writing, music composition, moving image, architecture, interdisciplinary practice and landscape design. Since its founding in 2001, I-Park has sponsored over 1,300 fully funded residencies. For more information, visit i-park.org.