Swann Song at Garrison Art Center

Executive director to retire

The Board of Directors of the Garrison Art Center has announced the retirement of Executive Director Carinda Swann at the end of 2016. Swann has been involved at the Art Center for 22 years. She has served as director since 2008 and prior to that as a teacher, volunteer, gallery committee member and board member.

In a statement, Board Chair Maryann Syrek cited Swann for expanding and broadening the center’s educational programming; improving existing classes, adding numerous classes in a variety of disciplines and expanding the popular pottery program. Swann also established the Cabin Fever Workshops, introduced a teacher’s retreat where public school teachers can deepen their skills and added ARTtots and the upcoming Summer Camp for Grown-ups to the center’s summer programs.

Swann is also credited with working to create collaborative programs with other local organizations, including Boscobel, Manitoga: Russel Wright Design Center, Constitution Marsh and the Desmond-Fish Library.

“Carinda will be missed by all those who have walked through the door during her leadership,” Syrek said. “Enthusiasm, professionalism, passion, talent, plus an unconditional sacrifice of personal time in pursuit of serving an appreciative community you love is a rare combination embodied by this director and the board will miss her, but wholeheartedly encourage her to segue into the next exciting adventures of life yet ahead.”

Swann said: “The people I have had the great fortune to work with and who make the heart of the Art Center tick are nothing short of astonishing, both in their abilities and in their commitment to the Art Center and all it stands for. I have witnessed such devoted dedication from staff, board members, teachers and volunteers that it is truly humbling.

“I will deeply miss working with the extraordinary Dolores Strebel, programs and events manager, who so deftly keeps numerous balls in the air and without whom none of this could have been done, and the gracious and loyal Julia Famularo, administrative and social media assistant, who also goes far beyond the call of duty. I am honored to have worked with board members who serve with uncanny understanding, uniquely creative thinking and are willing to jump in even for the most thankless jobs — a wise and generous group passionately committed to art and community.”