The Advocate: Randy Engstrom

Age: 35
Hometown: Suburban Chicago
Current Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Pets: Angry cat named Madge
Go-to Karaoke Song: “Blaze of Glory,” Bon Jovi

Wherever art and community collide, you are likely to find Randy Engstrom. Engstrom is chair of the Seattle Arts Commission and the Washington Bus, consultant to Capitol Hill Housing’s 12th Avenue arts project and 4Culture’s Washington Hall, and interim executive director of the CD Forum for Arts & Ideas.

“One of Randy’s strengths is his ability to hear, hold and represent the needs of many people simultaneously and help them see how they can be aligned,” says 4Culture communications manager Sara Edwards.

Over the last 10 years, he’s been a driving force behind a motley assortment of Seattle arts organizations—from Capitol Hill’s Static Factory to West Seattle’s Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. That experience has made him an arts advocate determined to create productive policies, useful spaces and good systems.

“I like the intersection of civic engagement and cultural activation,” Engstrom says. “It’s my happy place.”

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Photography by Kyle Johnson at Melrose Market Studios.