Altama Museum Names New Executive Director

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The Altama Museum of Art and History has named their new Executive Director to fill the spot recently vacated by former Executive Director Jenn Martinez.

Martinez shared her decision to step down as the museum’s Executive Director in April, as she explained that she had begun teaching art at Robert Toombs Christian Academy, and felt that it was time for her to focus more on helping young artists. “As of last August, in addition to operating The Altama Museum, I have been teaching art to the students of Robert Toombs Christian Academy. It has been a challenge to balance both, and I knew from the beginning that the following year would hold only one position. I thought it would be the museum,” she explained. “With great surprise especially to myself, I have come to the realization that my heart now lies in nurturing the next generation of artists, Arts appreciators, and Altama supporters.”

She recounted several successes which she had experienced in her 8 years as the Museum Executive Director, including the addition of the Vidalia Porchfest and the Museum receiving a Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities. “Eight years ago when I stepped into the large shoes of my predecessor, Rebecca Smelser, my main goals were to maintain quality programming, increase youth and family engagement, and improve visibility of the organization,” Martinez remarked. “With the incredible support of The Altama Board of Trustees (past and present), City of Vidalia, elected officials, Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities, all of our sponsors, and especially individuals like you, together we have achieved so much more! Increased arts, historical, and educational offerings, three major facilities improvement projects, and improved permanent collections are a few of our successes.”

To conclude her announcement, Martinez shared a final message of gratitude. “I am grateful for the challenges and growth opportunities each new day has presented during my time with The Altama. The wonderful relationships that have come or deepened have been the greatest reward though. There are so many I would not have had occasion to meet whom I now call ‘friend.’ Special thanks are due to the Meadows and Graham families, descendants of the Brazells in whose home the museum resides. Beyond just an interest in the building, the family has been supportive of my efforts in all areas. To Stephanie Dunham, thank you for your positive energy, aiding and abetting my crazy schemes, and always showing up even when you shouldn’t. I look forward to being ‘just’ friends. Deepest and most profound gratitude goes to my own family: Bill, Eleanor and John. My time with The Altama has not been easy on them but they have always been my biggest supporters. We all look forward to more family time before the children are off on their own adventures. This will be our ‘time to keep.’” Upon announcing her resignation, the Museum also shared that the application period for the Executive Director position would open immediately, and the Museum’s Board of Directors hoped to pick a new director by early May. The Board accomplished that goal on Monday, May 20, as they announced that Kipling Collins had been selected as Martinez’s successor.

According to the Board, Collins’s multifaceted background in administration, small business ownership, and the visual arts along with his vast knowledge of architecture and antiques made him an ideal choice for an organization with a dual focus. An accomplished artist, Collins’s work has been featured in Southern Living, Architectural Di- continued from page

gest, House Beautiful, on HGTV, and in multiple book publications.

“I am most appreciative of this unique opportunity to grow together with The Altama as we continue to broaden her impact within our community,” the new director remarked. “I pledge to do all within my power to see that the Altama continues to share the Arts in a way that is inclusive, educational, sustainable, and pure fun!”

The board is excited for the appointment of Mr. Collins as CEO and is committed to supporting him in his new role. “With a shared dedication to excellence, sustainability, and innovation,“ commented Board President Wes Chapman, “We are united in the vision to make The Altama a leader in the arts for the greater Vidalia area.”