Name: Catherine Dolaher
Family: Daughter of David and Anne (Athens native and UGA grad!) Dolaher, and sister to David and John
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
Current Town: Alexandria, Virginia
What Years at UGA: 2013-2017
School/Degree: Double major in Art History and International Affairs
Profession: After graduating from UGA and receiving my Master’s in Art History from George Washington University, I dove head first into the art world of Washington D.C. From the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to the Torpedo Factory, a non-profit art space, I took every opportunity to lean into my shared love of art and business. In 2020, I started working for the incredible artist Riley Sheehey and I quickly discovered the true passion I have for working directly with artists and supporting their small businesses. In 2023, I founded CD Arts Management, a boutique artist management company that works with visual artists to build sustainable and thriving businesses. I feel fortunate to work with so many incredible artists from around the country, including a few Lamar Dodd grads, like Mary Ball and Mary Margaret Monsees.
I recently represented CD Arts Management on an artist panel at The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, and am thrilled for a few exciting opportunities coming soon!
Book: I usually have two books going at once – one for fun and one for learning! I love ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ series for a cozy page turner, and just finished the non-fiction autobiography ‘Barbarian Days’ by William Finnegan (I have a weird obsession with surfing!).
Magazine: My brother recently gifted me a subscription to The World of Interiors, and I’ve loved diving into that fresh inspiration!
Podcast: I listen to The Daily and NPR’s Up First everyday for my news, and How’d She Do That (1), Talk Shop, The Art Angle, and The Art Coaching Club Podcast to learn from other entrepreneurs!
Blog: I love Substack, which in many ways feels like the modern blog! Grace Atwood, Jess Graves, and In Kind all write ones I read regularly.
Instagram: @sarah.corbettwinder, @thewellfineart, @hannahsmckenna, @nan.philip, @lillysisto, @lizlidgett
Brand: I love any brand that celebrates color and pattern – Kule, Staud, Hunter Bell (2), and Ganni for my go-to for clothes. I’m always drawn to Il Buco Vita, Maison Venu, The Green Vase (a paper flower company) and Chairish for my home.
Fashion designer: I am a huge fan of Ann Mashburn – she exudes evergreen style that never loses its interest or playfulness. I especially love that my mom and I can shop there together as all her silhouettes are timeless and perfect for every season of life.
Interior designer: I have a real obsession with Cynthia Collins of Collins Interiors in Dallas. Not only does she have a wardrobe I absolutely covet, she has built amazing businesses that intentionally tie in fine art to her projects. At least in my opinion – the art is at the heart of every room!
Chef: Meredith Hayden of Wishbone Kitchen
Historical figure: Peggy Guggenheim
Quote:
“As you move toward a dream, the dream moves toward you.” – Julia Cameron
Describe Athens in five words or less: Old southern charm + contemporary creativity
Restaurants and bars: White Tiger, Big City Bread, Seabear (3), and Creature Comforts. Peking is a must when all the family is in town!
Shops: Heery’s Too, Agora, and whatever art or ceramic market is happening at Lamar Dodd or the Athenaeum! I’m very proud of the purchases I made from other students while I was in school!
Athens/campus landmark: Whenever we are in Athens, we have to drive by the President’s House (4). My grandfather was the President of UGA for many years and it’s my mom’s childhood home – we always have to check in on the old magnolias along Prince!
Memory while in school: Starting a football game in the stadium and ending the game on the couch at the Alpha Chi Omega sorority house. Also, waiting in line for Silent Disco at Trappeze most Friday nights with my best friends!
Professor/class: Dr. Laura Lake Smith changed the trajectory of my life with her Intro to Art History class my freshman year. Dr. Shelley Zuraw deepened my passion for understanding art and artists, and helped me understand how I could make that passion a career.
Gameday ritual/plan: I always wake up early on gamedays from excitement – whether I’m in Athens or not! I love to gather with family and friends in DC and share everyone’s favorite tailgating food. We create our own taste of Athens and reminisce on our cheap student ticket days!
Tailgate Recipe: I always bring deviled eggs with a twist and a cocktail! Usually a batch of French 75. Fun cocktail napkins and cups, I love the ones by Chan Art (5), are almost as important as the food and drink.