The Board of Directors of the Chelsea Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Baylis Gonzalez as their new Executive Director. Gonzalez brings over 20 years of experience in arts and culture organizations, including at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and The Minneapolis Institute of Arts. A Chelsea resident and Michigan native, she completed her undergraduate work in the history of art at the University of Michigan, did graduate work in the art history/museology at the University of Southern California (USC), and received her MBA, with a specialization in arts management, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Gonzalez has also served as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and has done a variety of management and program consultancies for arts organizations nationwide.
The CCA Board of Directors selected Gonzalez following a comprehensive search that has taken place over the past several months. “During our search, we received many impressive resumes, and had the opportunity to interview some excellent candidates,” said board president Leslie Surel. “But when it came time to make the decision, Lisa’s expertise, experience, passion for the arts, and proven track record in her months as Interim Director spoke for itself. We are thrilled that Lisa as accepted the position.”
Gonzalez moved to Chelsea four years ago, began volunteering for the CCA in the spring of 2010, joined the CCA’s Board of Directors in January of 2011, and, at the request of the Board, assumed the position of Interim Executive Director in April of 2011.
In the past eight months, in her role as Interim Executive Director, Gonzalez has been instrumental in securing funding to stabilize the organization, and move the CCA forward in enhancing youth programming, strengthening visual arts components to add to the outstanding music programming, and improving infrastructure to help ensure that the CCA continues to provide engaging and meaningful programs.
“I am proud to be a part of an organization known for its high quality programming and stellar instructors,” said new Executive Director Gonzalez, “and am committed to assisting the CCA in its mission to enrich the quality of community life through programs which foster the creation, understanding, and enjoyment of the arts. The CCA means so much to this community and the lives of its residents – as a place to receive quality arts instruction, further artistic interests, build important life skills, and prepare for college and careers.”
“Lisa has done a phenomenal job as Interim Director,” said Surel. “Her passion for the arts is contagious. It really shows in her dedication and leadership at the CCA. I look forward to working with her to continue to support and promote the arts in Chelsea.”
The CCA offers a wide variety of music and art programs, including individual music lessons, group classes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, performances, special events, and collaborative community projects – for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Programs produced with community partners, such as the River Gallery, the Chelsea District Library and the Chelsea Festivals/Sounds & Sights Committee, further enhance the capabilities and impact of this important cultural resource, which also contributes to the vitality of downtown Chelsea and supports local and area artists.
For more information about the Chelsea Center for the Arts, please call (734) 433-2787 or go to www.chelseacenterforthearts.