HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 13 Art Center GM
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Debbie Townsend, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • dtownsend@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New General Manager Starts at Edina Art Center
Edina, Minn., June 13, 2018 – With an extensive background in both arts and administration,
Susan Tarnowski is the new General Manager of the Edina Art Center.
Tarnowski most recently served as the South Central College Vice President of Student and
Academic Affairs in North Mankato, Minneosta. Prior to her four years there, she was Chief
Academic Officer at The Art Institutes International Minnesota, Vice President of Academic and
Student Affairs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Vice President of Academic Affairs at
College of St. Scholastica out of Duluth. She also spent 18 years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau
Claire.
With many accomplishments in academia, she retired with the intent of putting her skills to work to
promote the arts. Not long after, the Edina Art Center job opened up.
“When this position was advertised, I knew the quality of work produced by the artists and the
impact of the Edina Art Center on the community,” Tarnowski said. “I had purchased items from the
gift shop and attended gallery exhibitions over the past years. It seemed to be a good fit for what I
hoped to do.”
Susan Faus, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation, noted Tarnowski’s excellent qualifications,
including her experience in leadership, administration and programming.
“Susan brings the Edina Art Center not only her professional experience, but a passion for the arts
and the role of arts engagement in communities,” Faus said.
Tarnowski started her new position June 11 and is already meeting with instructors, Art Center
members and patrons. Among her early goals is to listen to patrons and Edina residents about what
they love to do and what offerings would bring them to the Art Center.
“I want to not only maintain this wonderful legacy -- especially the signature pottery program -- but
explore what we can do to bring more people into the arts and touch them through art,” she said.
Learn more about the Edina Art Center at EdinaArtCenter.com. Tarnowski can be reached at
starnowski@EdinaMN.gov or 952-903-5782.
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