Ox-Bow’s Facilities Manager John Rossi shares early memories of Ox, go-to records for Friday Nights, and his favorite campus traditions.
Shanley Poole: What originally brought you to Ox-Bow and what were your first impressions of the place?
John Rossi: In July of 1994 I received a call from Jim Brandess who was a part-time maintenance [employee] at Ox-Bow. His art career was really taking off and he was thinking about resigning from Ox-Bow so he could devote himself totally to painting. He was given my name and number by Mary Heuvelhorst (a previous board member) who I did some work for. She recommended me for the position and thought I would be a perfect fit for this community. I was hired for the position that summer. My first impression was one of awe and excitement. The old historic buildings, the Talmadge woods, the beautiful unspoiled wetland. Last but not least, the magic of this place. And the life changing effect it had had on so many who were touched by its energy and beauty.
John Rossi standing on the meadow during a celebration honoring him in 2024. Photo by Dominique Muñoz (Summer Fellow 2024).
SP: You’re a torch bearer of many campus traditions. Do you have any particular favorites?
JR: If you look around, you will see many burial stones with years on them. After having been a part of this tradition of participating in this yearly ritual, the ceremony, gathering, and installation of these items, I have grown to love the look of them and consider it an important tradition worthy of carrying on. Also the yearly Fourth of July float, is another fun tradition. The community really likes our floats and we keep them light hearted and whimsical. Also the Friday night costume-themed dance parties.
SP: When it comes to DJing Friday Night Parties, what does your vinyl collection look like and who have been some of the staples artists over the years?
JR: My vinyl collection consists mostly of 12” dance singles along with lots of 45 RPM singles. A lot of techno, disco, hip hop, and even some punk. My go-to is usually this: if it makes me want to get up and dance it’s a keeper and worth playing. Some of the staple artists have been Sylvester, Patrick Cowley, Robyn, Beyonce, Georgio Moroder, and lots of European Disco too.
John Rossi outside his studio. Photo by Dominique Muñoz.
SP: In addition to Ox-Bow, you’ve seen Saugatuck-Douglas grow and change over the years. Can you speak to some of the ways the area has evolved?
JR:The area has grown, however the community gauges its growth, and considers carefully every aspect of it. They seem to err on the side of charm, which is good in my opinion. They also try to be good stewards of the environment. Let’s not kill the goose that laid the golden egg. It is a charming and magical place, and welcoming to diversity too. Definitely a cool city.
SP: With over 30 years at Ox, do you have any guesses to the source of the magic.
JR: It is in the air, the buildings, the energy, and the people who come here. When one enters here it seems like one is on sacred ground. It is a haven for personal transformation. Also its rich history of creativity plays an important part of that process.
Photo of a burial stone from 1935. It reads “Here Lies 1935. The Circus Year. Lithography. Modeling and Kids.” A handprint decorates the bottom of the stone. Photographer unknown.
*Burial Stones: Art in the Landscape
Throughout our historic campus one can find art built into the landscape. It’s part of what makes for such a unique environment. In some cases, the installations have literally become a part of the soils of Ox-Bow as they’ve degraded due to the elements. One of the most infamous traditions of building art into the landscape is the “burial stone,” like the one pictured [TK]. At the close of each summer—for nearly 100 years now—a burial service is held to say goodbye to the Summer season. To commemorate, a unique headstone is created and a capsule of memorabilia from staff and fellows is buried underneath it. Capsule contributions over the years have ranged from hotdogs to sculptures to love notes.* The earliest burial stones on site date back to the 1930s!
As times change so do traditions and while Ox-Bow continues to honor this long standing tradition, it has been altered to ensure that the items buried reflect our care of Ox-Bow and the land it finds itself on.
This interview was conducted by Shanley Poole, Engagement Liaison & Storyteller, and was originally published in the 2025 Experience Ox-Bow Catalog.