Abby Neyenhouse, Arts Capital Program Director, joined MSAC in 2025 with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, and community development. Prior to this role, she served as the founding Director of the Center for Creative Citizenship at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she managed grants administration, developed strategic partnerships, and co-directed a creative placemaking initiative. Previously, Abby was Senior Assistant Director of Neighborhood and Community Programs at Johns Hopkins University, earning the Governor’s Service Award for the experiential learning program she established, the Community Impact Internships Program (CIIP).
Abby, a lifelong creative, grew up on the Jersey Shore and as an accomplished instrumentalist, attended George Mason University to further her training with the flute and tenor sax and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. After graduation, Abby found her home and community in Baltimore, where she has served on numerous advisory boards, including the Baltimore Art + Justice Project, and has organized large-scale public arts events in collaboration with local organizations. In her spare time, she revels in the joy of food preservation, the summer sunshine, overnight canoe adventures, and walking to the local farmer's market every Saturday.
Abby's values-based approach to her career and personal life has guided her work in creating positive change in her community. With a strong commitment to creative placekeeping and equitable access to the arts, Abby brings deep experience in project development, grantmaking, and community partnerships to her role with the Arts Capital program.