The Art Academy of Cincinnati Alumni Association will present its highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, to Mary Ellen Goeke during the Academy’s Commencement Ceremony on May 16 at Memorial Hall.
A member of the Art Academy’s Class of 1980, Goeke has built an extraordinary career as an artist, cultural leader and co-founder of FotoFocus, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to photography and lens-based contemporary art. She served as Executive Director of FotoFocus from 2010 until her retirement in December 2022.
Under her leadership, the FotoFocus Biennial gained international recognition, bringing leading and emerging artists to Cincinnati and positioning the city within global conversations on contemporary art. Her work has fostered collaboration across museums, universities and independent arts organizations, strengthening the region’s cultural infrastructure and creative community.
Her impact has played a defining role in strengthening Cincinnati’s identity as a center for contemporary photography and visual culture, with influence that extends nationally and internationally.
“Mary Ellen Goeke exemplifies the very spirit of the Art Academy of Cincinnati,” said the Alumni Association in a statement. “Her commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, mentorship and community building reflects the values we strive to instill in every student.”
Goeke’s civic and cultural leadership continues through her service on the Board of Trustees of the Frank Lloyd Wright Westcott House and as a Trustee of the Cincinnati Preservation Association. She is also a Shareholder of the Cincinnati Art Museum Association.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have achieved excellence in their field while demonstrating a sustained commitment to their alma mater, their community and the broader cultural landscape. The award honors individuals whose work reflects artistic rigor, innovation and service.
The Art Academy of Cincinnati community will celebrate Goeke’s achievements at Commencement on May 16, recognizing a career that demonstrates the power of art to connect, challenge and transform. For more information, visit the Art Academy’s website.