Ellen Woods Potter to lead The Dalles Art Center as Executive Director
- The Dalles Art Center’s Education and Program manager has been passed the “brush” to paint a resilient future for The Dalles Art Center housed in the historic Carnegie Library on 4th Street
Ellen Woods Potter
From The Dalles Art Center:
The Dalles, Ore., July 3, 2024 — The Dalles Art Center (TDAC) has hired a new Executive Director, Ellen Woods Potter. Having taken charge of the education program and Summer Art Camp in 2023, Potter pivots to lead the organization in the Center’s leadership role formerly held by Sally Johnson.
“The Dalles Art Center is a community treasure and we are fortunate to have Potter as part of our community,” said TDAC Board President Pam Westland. “Potter has worked extensively with former director Sally Johnson. Staying on course with our strategic positioning and development work to maintain stable long-term funding is critical to the center.”
The Dalles Art Center plans to continue its robust exhibit schedule and sales gallery while providing accessible education programs to learners of all ages.
Potter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Washington State University. She currently serves on the St. Mary’s Academy Foundation Board and previously served on the North Wasco County Parks & Recreation Board. Prior to her hiring at The Dalles Art Center, she was Co-owner and General Manager at Working Hands Fermentation in Hood River where she managed staff and coordinated events. Potter has extensive experience in relationship building, policy writing, and sales.
“During my time at The Dalles Art Center, I’ve been inspired by the commitment of the volunteers and artists we have in the community. I’ve felt right at home, and enjoyed developing the education program,” said Ellen Woods Potter, who grew up in Dallesport and Dufur. “I’m proud to join an organization that has such a history in the area and look forward to celebrating TDAC’s 65th anniversary in September.”
Outgoing executive director Sally Johnson has accepted a position with a national environmental nonprofit and will shift roles at TDAC, joining the board of directors in August. “We are extremely grateful for Sally Johnson’s transformative leadership,” said Board President Westland.
“Sally’s contribution to TDAC has left a lasting imprint,” continued Westland. “Thanks to Sally, we now have a Strategic Positioning Plan, a new Artist Talk Series, our first Annual Report, a robust Exhibit Plan, updated policies and procedures, fantastic art education offerings for adults and kids, and new support from amazing foundations, including the M.J. Murdock Trust, the Roundhouse and Miller Foundations, and so much more. TDAC and our community are better with Sally’s contributions.”
Ongoing at The Dalles Art Center is registration for Summer Art Camp, which kicks off on June 25 with six weeks of Art Camp for kids. See details at thedallesartcenter.org/education/classes-for-kids. Also, the Freedom Sisters Roadshow will be in place until July 5, 2024. TDAC will open its next exhibit on July 11, 2024, “Cheryl Hahn, Drawing Conclusions Part 2”, an exhibit of drawings combining abstraction and symbolism and embracing elements of nature, science, and metaphysical mysteries.
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