Over the last three years, the board of directors of This Century Art Gallery have been nurturing a vision. A vision of transforming the current organization into the Williamsburg Visual Arts Center – one with a broader vision, expanded programming and community outreach and leading to one of the most exciting elements of the project, a new facility here in Williamsburg. The vision was put on hold for the past two years due to the prevailing economic conditions.
Michael Kirby, Gallery President believes the time is right to re-ignite the effort and commence the planning process. To move the organization forward, This Century Art Gallery has appointed Kerry Mellette as their part-time Executive Director. Michael Kirby said, “We are delighted that someone of Kerry’s standing was willing and enthusiastic to undertake this challenge”.
A long time resident of Williamsburg, Mellette brings extensive management and fundraising experience to the project. Most recently, she served for thirteen years as President and CEO of the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation. Under Mellette's leadership, the foundation distributed more than $37 million in grants to local community organizations. Previously, Mellette had been the successful Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Williamsburg.
Mellette expressed enthusiasm for the establishment of a community art center offering a wide variety of art education programs to residents of all ages and with time, providing expanded exhibition space for artists. “I am thrilled at the opportunity to serve as the part time director of This Century Art Gallery. I look forward to building on the gallery’s many strengths and developing the board’s vision to become a vibrant community arts center.”
Mellette will be developing a strategic plan that will help This Century Art Gallery to build the appropriate infrastructure to support the vision and a future capital campaign. Plans are underway to begin an archeological study on the future site at Paper Mill Creek site located on South Henry Street. City Council has approved nine acres on the property on which the center will be constructed. Local architect, Carlton Abbott has been retained for the project and he has created initial renderings of the proposed building.
Mellette will commence work at the beginning of 2011. Mellette will continue her non-profit consulting business on a limited basis.