A Message from the Executive Director
September 7, 2022
Dear Blue Sky Friends and Supporters,
This month, as Blue Sky reaches its milestone 1000th exhibition, I take stock of my own 3-year engagement with the organization and all that I have learned and gained in leading Blue Sky through unprecedented times. I am humbled by the many challenges I have encountered, particularly since the start of the pandemic: the problems to solve, the hard decisions to make, the staff to hire, the board relations to build, the funds to raise, the organizational and programmatic adaptations to push forth, the audiences and artists to rightly serve. In some ways I think I was meant to be ED at this moment in time, as a kind of steward for its survival. It has been both hard and rewarding. But the rewards are manifold, summarized by the myriad conversations that have breathed life into my daily work week – those moments that would draw me out from my small office and into the gallery spaces to talk with artists, staff, teachers, colleagues, community partners, members, volunteers, visiting photo-enthusiasts.
At the end of this month, I will step down from my Executive Director role as my husband and I, as empty-nesters, prepare for a sabbatical abroad to engage in our favorite personal challenge – living among other places, people, languages, and cultures. It’s an opportunity to rest and recover from the past few years. And, as many are doing, assess how we will spend our future.
And so today, the Board officially launches the search for Blue Sky's next Executive Director – read about and share this exciting opportunity! The hope is to have a new leader in place by the end of the year, and in the interim, Board members will handle ED responsibilities. Please contact marcia@blueskygallery.org or chris@blueskygallery.org for ED-related questions after September.
There is still so much to do at Blue Sky, and it’s a pivotal, exciting time as we navigate a post-Covid world and understand the cultural climate anew. The Board and Staff remain committed to the current Strategic Planning process, and the next leader will have an opportunity to be a significant part of planning for Blue Sky’s future. New perspectives and a new skill set can take Blue Sky to greater places, I know.
And, right around the corner, we will be announcing our next Gallery Manager who will join Blue Sky in the weeks to come. Along with the amazing, hardworking, creative duo of C. Meier and Yuyang Zhang, this team is sure to continue to work its magic. It’s a new era for Blue Sky, and there is much to prepare for as the organization anticipates its 50th anniversary in 2025!
My appreciation and gratitude to all with whom I have crossed paths these past few years and who have given substance to my work.
Warmly,
Molly Newgard
Note: I am happy to say that I will maintain my investment in Blue Sky; in October, I will transition to a “digital nomad” position as Blue Sky’s grant writer while abroad. I will continue to be available at my Blue Sky email at least through next spring.