I had the pleasure of working with Ann to revitalize the Lubalin Study Center for Design and Typography. She empowered my curatorial voice and proactively managed the execution of complex initiatives, including exhibitions, publications, and an international speaker series. Our collaboration, based on trust, a shared artistic vision, and a relentless drive to make things happen, has extended post-Cooper Union to my retrospective at the Musée des arts décoratifs and other book and editorial projects. I consider Ann to be one of my most valued colleagues and highly recommend her for her editorial expertise, project management skills, and dedication to excellence. She would be an invaluable asset to any project.
— Philippe Apeloig, graphic designer/typographer and founder, Studio Philippe Apeloig; curator, Herb Lubalin Study Center, Cooper Union School of Art (2000–2003)
In 2021, I applied to a highly competitive MFA program in New York City. Ann’s strategic thinking, superb writing and editing, and technical expertise were essential to my successful application. As a creative herself, she brings decades of experience working with museums, artists, and writers nationally and internationally, and that breadth of knowledge is a massive asset for any client. Ann’s comments, revisions, and guidance on image selection, sequencing, and descriptions were spot-on. Just as important, her calm professionalism and reliability with deadlines reduced my stress immensely.
— Lori Cuisinier, multimedia artist
Ann has been a great friend and partner to The Aldrich for over three years. Her ability to clearly articulate our mission, align our programs with funder priorities, and provide clear guidance and project management has resulted in numerous successful applications. She has been a true asset to our team, and I highly recommend her expertise to any organization seeking thoughtful and effective grant writing support.
— Kris Honeycutt, Director of Development, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Ann was a valued contributor to my team at The Nature Conservancy, supporting the production of our data- and graphics-rich decennial report, The State of the Urban Forest in New York City. Ann was detail-oriented, rigorous, timely, realistic, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I have recommended her to others and continue to refer those in need of an excellent editor to her, including my own clients.
— Emily Nobel Maxwell, Principal, Nobel Cause Consulting; New York Cities Director for The Nature Conservancy (2013–2024)
Ann brought intellectual depth, sensitivity, and ease of collaboration to our work together at the Whitney. She is deeply invested in the conservation and presentation of art and provided support for a number of conservation grant proposals that resulted in funding for a major five-year initiative to preserve Alexander Calder’s Circus as well as a Paul Thek retrospective. I highly recommend Ann for her strategic approach, attention to detail, and writing and language skills.
— Dr. Eleonora Nagy, owner and chief conservator, Modern Sculpture Conservation, LLC (2005–present); conservator, three-dimensional modern and contemporary works of art at The Whitney Museum of American Art (2011–2021)
Ann collaborated with me on grant proposals that provided key funding for Whitney Museum of American Art exhibitions I worked on, including Sherrie Levine: MAYHEM (2011–2012) and Working Together: The Photographers of the Kamoinge Workshop(2020–2021). Her deep knowledge of art history, sensitivity to artists' concerns, clear writing, professionalism, and warm enthusiasm made her a valuable colleague who I always enjoyed working with. I highly recommend Ann.
— Carrie Springer, Independent curator and writer; curator, Whitney Museum of American Art (2002–2021)
My husband, LeRoy E. Hoffberger (1925–2016), a visionary leader in the Baltimore community, needed a fresh set of eyes on the manuscript of his personal memoir, Measure of a Life: Memoirs, Insights, and Philosophies of LeRoy E. Hoffberger. I suggested Ann Holcomb, a longtime friend and copy editor. She worked tirelessly to illuminate Roy’s voice and story, and her knowledge, skill, and tenacity were invaluable during the pre-publication process. Roy beamed at the end result, which he presented to a full house in his first book talk at the storied Ivy Bookshop. His highly regarded memoir has been embraced by the art, medical research, and religious realms that he dedicated his life to, as well as the general public.
— Paula Gately Tillman-Hoffberger, photographer
Ann is an accomplished, experienced, insightful editor. Through her care, finesse, good judgment, and ear for the sound of appealing writing, she improved my memoir in multiple ways, a work that, after sold-out hard and soft cover editions, reached the ebook New York Times Best Sellers list. She is also a delight to work with: prompt, courteous, respectful of an author’s quirks. If you are fortunate enough to attract her interest, don’t hesitate.
— Peter M. Wolf, author