Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Grote. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I worked in corporate and nonprofit companies for 20 years. In 2012, after managing a development group and direct mail fundraising programs for 12 years, I was laid off. It wasn’t the end of the world, but certainly an adjustment from an intense work and commuting schedule. I started on my job search and had interviews. I remember I was one question away from certification in a totally different industry. I had a nagging voice in my head, and too much anxiety to ignore the fact that it wasn’t the direction I needed to go. After a few months, my husband saw the frustration on my face and told me that I was always there to support his career and transitions and that I should try my creative journey and embark on doing photography full-time. And we’d regroup in six months – if it took off, great! If not, we should see what’s best.

From 2012 through 2020, I went full throttle with not only photography but also painting, organizing annual art shows, writing a book, and volunteering my photography services for nonprofits including the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) and the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. In 2015 I was voted in as a board member for CDHR, utilizing my photography and nonprofit fundraising skills.

When COVID hit, I had to regroup again since art shows were being canceled. I needed to make sure I had a steady flow of income during the pandemic. So I worked remotely for an international e-learning company from the fall of 2020 through the spring of 2022. Alas, I experienced a layoff again. In my mind, I said to myself “I’m supposed to be doing something else”. Gary and I regrouped again and decided to take on the role of Gallery Director for the Essex Art Association. This put my creative journey back on a trajectory and has been full throttle ever since. I also became the administrator for the Essex Board of Trade and worked on a book collaboration with author Andrea Steele, showcasing equine rescues in the state of Connecticut, which was published last year.

With support and determination, the risk of going on my creative journey has been life-changing, fulfilling, and
amazing to work with creatives, organizations, and nonprofits, doing things I love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an award-winning photographer, painter, and author residing in central Connecticut. My work has been accepted into galleries, juried shows, and museums, including those at the Art Center East, Art League of New Britain (ALNB), Association of Media Photographers (ASMP), Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA+), Connecticut Women Artists (CWA), Equus Film and Art Fest, Essex Art Association Gallery (EAA), Gallery 53, Gallery 66, Hartford ArtSpace Gallery, Hygienic Art, Joy of Art! at HFSC, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, the Mark Twain Library, the Mattatuck Museum, Mystic Museum of Art, Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Rowayton Art Center, Shoreline Arts Alliance, Slater Memorial Museum, Spectrum Gallery, the West Hartford Art League, and WORKSPACE Manchester. I was selected as an EAA Elected Artist and Board Member in 2022 and was chosen to be the EAA Gallery Director in March of 2023. I am a member of the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, Connecticut Women Artists, andGallery 53, and I am also the administrator for the Essex Board of Trade.

My photos have been selected for the Connecticut Horse Magazine covers and articles, and I was chosen as a top equine artist in that publication in 2015. I have been the official photographer for the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue (CDHR) since 2014. I was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors CDHR in 2015 and U am the VP of the Board of Directors. CDHR has received two citations from the State of Connecticut honoring the organization.I am honored to be part of this wonderful organization and am committed to CDHR’s legacy. “Journey of the Dream Team” is my first published book and features CDHR’s Percheron Team, Spencer & Oliver. My book collaboration with author Andrea Steele was published in July 2024 titled “Saved: Equine Rescues of Connecticut”, featuring nine organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating horses in CT.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Growing up in an artistic household, with a focus on nature, music, creativity, knowledge, and celebration, living a creative life is essential for me. I’ve worked with many companies, organizations, associations, and nonprofits, and I often find being surrounded by artists and creative types to be empowering, motivating, and inspiring. It is a true community. My philosophy is that I am only in competition with myself, and set annual aspirations to achieve.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes!

12 Notes On Life and Creativity by Quincy Jones
Atomic Habbits by James Clear
Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahgroteart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgroteart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahgrotephoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-grote-8439641b3/

Image Credits

Gary Grote took the photo of me with my photo of Fiona