Creative Art Exchange has picked Laura Smith as its new executive director. She replaces interim director Nancy Kreidler, who has been running the organization while it searched for a new leader.
Ms. Smith is a textile artist with a background in leadership and management. She is an expert hand embroiderer and needlepointer and currently serves as chair of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s Master Craftsman in Color Program.
“I am so excited to be part of this vibrant organization, and pleased to have the opportunity to marry my two arts: management/leadership and textiles,” Ms. Smith said in a press release. “When I read the description for this job, it seemed like it had been written just for me.”
Creative Art Exchange is an art education center that got its start in Davidson as the Icehouse Center. It is now located at the Oak Street Mill in Cornelius, where is working in cooperation with the Town of Cornelius.
NC NATIVE
A native North Carolinian, she has a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Her previous nonprofit work experience includes serving as executive director of Energy for Employment, in Philadelphia, as a Girl Scout troop leader and as a local troop committee chair for Boy Scouts.
The organization said she will be working to broaden Creative Art Exchange’s offerings and audience. “Our central location means that we are a great resource for artists and art enthusiasts not only in Cornelius, but also Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville and the surrounding area,” Ms. Smith said.
In addition to art classes, CAE will offer free gallery exhibits, artist lectures, and community art programs.
“Laura Smith brings a wealth of talent to the table,” said Karen Fesperman, who chairs the Creative Art Exchange board. “As we enter our fourth year, we feel that Laura’s energy and expertise will help our organization accomplish our primary goal: to put art within reach for the broad and diverse community we serve.”
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April 29, 2007, “Davidson residents help guide new arts center”
