Sheila McKoy

About Sheila McKoy

Sheila D. McKoy, has managed the selection of many artists around the nation, overseeing contract negotiations with contractors and artists alike. She has also connected communities, consultants, architects, and engineers, guiding the process of integrating artwork into the transportation system. Sheila has successfully produced over 150 public art projects at transit facilities throughout the transportation system serving the state of New Jersey. Sheila has been a model leader and mentor to many. She has been a recognized speaker and expert throughout her career, participating in panel discussions on public art at Pratt Institute, New Jersey State Council on the Arts; creative place-making conferences, as well as at various museums and galleries in New Jersey. Sheila retired from NJ TRANSIT in 2015 after more than 29 years of dedicated employment that contributed to her own personal growth as well as the growth of art in this public forum. She successfully served as the Director of the Transit Arts Program for 16 years. During her tenure, she launched the first micro-site on NJ TRANSIT’s website, which showcases artists, their works of art and the locations of their installations throughout NJ TRANSIT’s Transportation system Sheila has passionately served as the President of the Newark Arts Council Board for the 20••••17 years and was a trustee for 10 years. During her tenure as President of the Board, she led the organization through significant change and growth, which has been most transformational for the overall organization and those it serves. Her enduring focus and ongoing efforts resulted in new and inspired organizational leadership, capacity building, holistic planning, historic funding with a $1 million grant from Prudential and heightened board development. Sheila has continued to thrive in the public arts as a consultant, starting her own firm SDM Art Solution Services, LLC, in 2016, working with developers, private and public partnerships to select artists to create and incorporate artwork into the original architectural design of buildings and/or institutions. Providing guidance to individuals, developers and contractors alike during the planning phase for construction and newly occupied spaces. Services extend to guide the selection process of artists and artworks through to the installation of the project to ensure the best possible design outcomes.

Experience

1. Exhibition Director

   Embracing Our Differences, Inc

   Jul 2022 — Present · US

   Managing art selection for annual exhibition.

Education

• Saint Peter's University

  MBA

• Dowling College

  Bachelor of Science (BS)