Maven to Know: Kim Gutfreund

Currently the Executive Director of Dance Kaleidoscope, Kim Gutfreund has spent her entire career working in the arts.
Kim Gutfreund MAVEN TO KNOW

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Kim Gutfreund Headshot
Kim Gutfreund

Kim Gutfreund feels fortunate to have spent the entirety of her career working in the arts at both for-profits and nonprofits. She relocated to Indy from Michigan to serve as Executive Director of Dance Kaleidoscope (DK). Kim has two children, Maggi, 25, and Wendell, 23, who live in Chicago and enjoy exploring all that the Midwest has to offer. Take it away, Kim! 

My Maven Superpower is … Creative thinking.   

The best book I’ve read lately is … The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles. 

The skill I most want to learn is … Speaking fluently in Spanish. I just need to practice!  

My first job was … A waitress at Cracker Barrel. 

Kim Gutfreund at DK Gala with Artistic Director David Hochoy right, Doug Dilling left
Kim Gutfreund at a DK Gala with Artistic Director David Hochoy (right), and Doug Dilling (left).

The best career advice I can offer is If you want to advance your career, anticipate what is needed and do it.  

A purchase I’ve been loving lately isA sweet little Japanese-inspired oil painting I found at Vintage 54 Collective.   

Self-care habit I swear by is … I start each day reading an inspirational book with my coffee while I watch the birds outside my window.  

My favorite non-profit to support is … Dance Kaleidoscope, of course! 

I feel most confident when … I’m spending time with my best friends and sisters.   

My favorite local restaurant dish is … Linguine alla Vongole” at Capri with a glass of Super Tuscan wine. I’m in love with this charming restaurant. 

Kim Gutfreund at Tilly's Tea Room
Kim Gutfreund

The thing I’ve been binging lately is …Madame Secretary” — yes — I’m always behind the times! 

A maven you should know is … Elizabeth Kraft Taylor. She was the first to really welcome me to Indy and told me about the Mavens.  

The thing I’d like to celebrate with the Maven community is … I’m proud of my work with Dance Kaleidoscope that is advancing this organization through change and growth. 

What’s next for me is … I believe communities are strongest when arts and culture are accessible to everyone. I’ll continue to get involved in the arts, not just for my work, but because it enriches my life, too. 

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Amanda Rooksberry is a fall editorial intern for Indy Maven. She is currently a junior at Butler University as a Theatre and Creative Media & Entertainment double major. She is very excited to be working with Indy Maven! 

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