Arts center head in Montgomery departs post

Financial pressures force "drastic changes"

By: Jake Uitti
   MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery Center for the Arts has parted ways with its executive director, Frances Chaves.
   Citing a desire to pursue alternative professional opportunities and spend more time with her family, Ms. Chaves left the center Sept. 5.
   Her departure comes at a time when the arts center is experiencing financial difficulties.
   Margie Aretz, the center’s board president, said Ms. Chaves’ salary was more than the center could afford. The center was not getting the grants it needed to pay for all of its expenses and thus the board "had to make some drastic changes," she said.
   "The center is being run much more like a business that needs to function successfully," Ms. Aretz said, adding that efficiency has become a top priority.
   "It’s critical for nonprofit organizations to be run efficiently," she said.
   In an effort to move ahead with programs and exhibits, Ms. Aretz said, "We are working very hard and we are very interested in keeping everything moving quickly."
   Ms. Aretz said she and the board have not identified exactly how to address Ms. Chaves’ vacancy, adding that the board would probably hire a program director before hiring another executive director.
   "We’re looking for a new program director," said Janet Davis, board vice president. "That person could be a volunteer, but because of accountability and authority issues, it should probably be someone who is paid."
   Since Ms. Chaves left, the center’s board — made up entirely of volunteers — has doubled in size. The board has also hired a "marvelous" grant writer, Ms. Aretz said, who will be working to apply for grants for the center.
   "We’re making sure we can grow for the future," Ms. Aretz said. "The richness of Montgomery is so important. It is imperative that we have an art center to encompass the natural magic of the area."
   On Nov. 11, the center will be opening its annual crafts show, a holiday crafts bazaar. The crafts show is one of eight exhibits the center puts on during the year.
   In addition to the upcoming exhibit, the board is working hard on joint venture projects with the Arts Council of Princeton.
   Ms. Aretz said the center is working with the Arts Council to create a detailed arts directory that will include information on where area artists are working and where their art can be purchased.
   In addition to the directory, the two organizations are working to place sculptures in the area around the 1860 House, on trails and a pond.
   The center is also looking to expand its artists-in-residence program. Currently, there are five artists who have studio space in the center’s 1860 House. The artists rent space in the house, which the center subsidizes.
   "Real estate costs are very high, but we want to expand the production for art wherever we can," Ms. Aretz said.
   Along with the artists-in-residence program, the center is also focusing on its other activities, which include its Summer Arts Enrichment Program, its eighth-annual art exhibits and the programs for adults and youth.
   "We want people to see that we are here for them to enjoy," Ms. Aretz said.
   She added that the center will be launching a new logo and new colors, which will be available on T-shirts and mugs on the center’s Web site in early December.
   For more information, visit www.montgomerycenterforthearts.com or call (609) 921-3272.