A longtime resident of the DMV, Stéphane Calvin Rosenberg is a mixed-media visual artist and arts administrator with a background in international development. We sat down with Stéphane to chat about her background in the creative sector, what interested her in working for AHCMC, and more. 

AHCMC: To get us started, tell the readers about yourself and your background in the arts. 

Stéphane: My journey has been rich and, at times, winding. My family is from Haiti. I was born in Belgium, grew up in France, and moved to the U.S. to attend graduate school. I met my husband there, and instead of returning to France, I moved to Angola, where I began my career in international development. Since then, I’ve also lived in South Africa, Haiti, and Senegal. We have two awesome teenage boys who keep us on our toes. 

Art is always on my mind and at my fingertips. I take every chance to take a class or attend a workshop. In 2017, I had the opportunity to enroll in Sorbonne University’s BFA program, and I took it. It was a long time coming and marked a major turning point in my professional and personal life. 

AHCMC: Tell us more about your creative practice as a mixed-media visual artist. 

Stéphane: Since finishing my degree, I’ve focused on my art practice. I feel most connected to my work when using watercolors or creating with acrylics and collage. I was accepted into VisArts’ Emerging Teachers program and later joined their faculty team. I taught jewelry making, watercolors, and mixed media techniques until December 2024. I actively seek exhibition opportunities and have been fortunate to participate in several local group shows. 

AHCMC: What interested you in working for AHCMC? 

Stéphane: I was drawn to the opportunity to jump back into promoting the arts while still carving out some time for my artistic practice. 

AHCMC: What have your first few weeks been like? 

Stéphane: These past few weeks have been really rewarding. Whenever I think I’ve grasped an initiative or program, I discover just how complex and far-reaching the Council’s engagement truly is. I’m blown away by everyone’s intentionality and top-notch professionalism. AHCMC’s staff packs a punch for such a small team. Right now, I am learning, learning, learning—and contributing as much as I possibly can. 

AHCMC: What are you most looking forward to as the Public Art Assistant? 

Stéphane: I am really looking forward to curating exhibits. It was one of my favorite responsibilities when I worked at the Embassy of Haiti. I’m excited to work with fellow artists in that capacity again. I’m also very much looking forward to participating in the development of the County’s new Cultural Plan and the strategic planning process that will follow. I have a soft spot for strategic planning!