Glen Arbor Arts Center announces new director
From staff reports
Traverse City resident Sarah Kime will become the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s (GAAC) new executive director on Dec. 3. She takes the reins of this impactful and growing Leelanau County arts organization following the retirement of Peg McCarty, who has directed the GAAC (formerly the Glen Arbor Art Association) since 2003. Prior to this job, Kime was director of advancement with Goodwill Northern Michigan from 2015 until 2018. Additionally, she brings to the GAAC a decade of work in the nonprofit sector including work with the March of Dimes and the Detroit Historical Society.
“The Glen Arbor Arts Center is delighted to welcome Sarah as our executive director,” said Jeff Gietzen, president of the GAAC board of directors. “Sarah has compiled an impressive resume of work experiences, making her the ideal fit for us. We are sad to see Peg McCarty leave the organization, where she contributed so much over the past 15 years. Sarah jumps in with the Arts Center in very strong position, having recently completely its building campaign and the expansion/remodel of the center. In addition to our new updated name and logo, we couldn’t be in a better position. Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge in the area of fund development and community relations.”
According to a GAAC press release, Kime will take on projects that continue to strengthen the GAAC’s diverse creative offerings, including education, operations, financial management and fund development. She will be supported by the GAAC board and staff. Kime will also play a role in communicating the GAAC’s expanded, community-focused mission. She is a 2018 graduate of the Indiana University School of Philanthropy. Kime received a BA in Anthropology and Archeology in 2002 from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
“I’m so grateful and excited to be working to preserve the vitality of a successful organization that is ready to grow to the next level,” Kime said. “And inspired by the dynamic quality of the programming, events and education that the staff, volunteers and valued donors have created.”
Check out these stories in our archives—“Glen Lake Artists, the birth of Glen Arbor’s gallery scene” (June 2016) and “Bricker sisters’ art journey” (July 2016)—for a history of the arts scene in Glen Arbor, which laid the groundwork for the Glen Arbor Arts Center. And read our coverage of the opening of the new arts center last winter.
The Glen Arbor Sun reached out to Sarah Kime with a few questions.
Sun: What inspired you to take this job? What excites you most about becoming executive director of the Glen Arbor Arts Center?
Kime: The reputation of the organization attracted me. They’ve had tremendous growth over the years and just came off a successful capital campaign. Having a fundraising background, that excites me. I’ve known Peg McCarty over the years, and she’s done a fantastic job. When I heard she was retiring, I was sad to see her go, but I was excited to see where I could take the organization. What excites me are all the possibilities. This is a great community arts center for the region. I’m excited to bring my skills of nonprofit fundraising and excited to work with a group of volunteers and staff that have created this vital community resource for learning, for playing, and for the arts. I’m excited to work with an organization like this that brings creative energy to the community.
Sun: How might the Arts Center change or grow in the coming years?
Kime: Right now we just came off a huge capital campaign. What we could see in the future is year-round programing of events and exhibits that would enhance the experience for residents who live in the region year-round. Something that could really fill a positive and creative role.
Sun: Any opportunities for collaboration with other local arts organizations and spaces, including in Leland, Northport and Frankfort?
Kime: Absolutely! Anything that brings the other arts organizations together and brings great programing and great events to all residents of Leelanau County that would have a positive impact. It would be exciting.
Sun: Tell us about your previous work at Goodwill, March of Dimes and the Detroit Historical Society, and how that work dovetails with your new job at the Glen Arbor Arts Center.
Kime: I’ve had 12 years of nonprofit management experience. I’ve worked at every level of the nonprofit world, from administrative assistant to my last position as director of advancement. I feel like they were all stepping stones I’ve acquired to take my career to the next level. I’m excited about this challenge of being with a successful organization and using my years of experience for something creative and positive.
I’m proud of my more than 1,800 hours of volunteering at AmeriCorps, where I worked in disaster relief, schools, environmental restoration, historic preservation and in homeless shelters. For a whole year they’d place me in two-month long projects. That didn’t feel like work. So I wanted to make a career out of it.
I eventually gravitated toward fund development. I like to get to know people and see where their goals align with what we’re doing. I can’t wait to see where we can take [the Glen Arbor Arts Center]. The board has been so amazing. Every interview didn’t feel like an interview, it felt like a conversation. I’ve gotten so many emails from board members saying, “we’re so excited to have you here.” Their sentiments are so authentic and genuine.
Sun: How well do you know Glen Arbor? How would you spend your ideal day here in town? (You pick the season!)
Kime: Summer is my ideal time in Glen Arbor. I grew up in Traverse City and was once an intern with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I know the area pretty well from hiking experiences. Pretty much every week we’re out here collecting Petoskey stones with the kids, or walking the beach. My kids are Abby, 10, and George, 7; my husband John is a builder. We’ve lived on Old Mission Peninsula for eight years. My ideal day is walking from Bohemian to Good Harbor beach. There are always frogs, which make my kids go nuts. We’ll end our day at Art’s or Boonedocks and hear live music.
