Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Arts center seeks new director

Gappmayer leaves for Colorado Springs


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Sam Gappmayer Photo by Willy Cook

It's not been unusual to see Sun Valley Center for the Arts' Executive Director Sam Gappmayer cleaning up after an event, taking tickets or assisting an art enthusiast in The Center's gallery. But

But Gappmayer will clean his office for the last time on Friday, Sept. 12.

Gappmayer, who has been The Center's leader since 2002, will leave to become chief executive officer at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

Under Gappmayer's direction, The Center has doubled its income and its annual wine auction has been recognized as the seventh best charity wine auction in the country. The event's income has nearly tripled in the past six years.

"We're very saddened to see Sam leave," said Trina Peters, The Center's board president. "He has done a fabulous job during his seven years at The Center, leading us to financial stability, strengthening the quality of our programming, broadening our educational outreach and positioning us for the first capital campaign in our 37-year history."

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is the largest multi-disciplinary arts institution in the country, with a $6.9 million budget and a $15 million endowment. It operates in a 132,000-square-foot facility.

"Sam has been offered a great professional opportunity, and we understand his choice to take it," Peters said.

Gappmayer has been an active volunteer in the Wood River Valley community, working with the Red Cross, the Rotary Club, Muscular Dystrophy and other non-profits. In addition, he serves on the board of the Idaho Humanities Council.

"This was a tough decision, but one I feel serves the best interests of my family," said Gappmayer, who has five children with his wife, Ann. "The Center is extremely fortunate to have such a talented staff, capable board leadership and broad support in the community. I have no doubt The Center's programs will continue to be world-class and with the enthusiasm that people have shown for the new building, I am confident that dream will be realized soon."

The Center is initiating a search for a new executive director immediately, and will appoint an interim director before Gappmayer's departure.

"With change comes opportunity," Peters said. "The board's vision for the new center for the arts remains the same. With our expanded capabilities in a new facility and accreditation by the American Association of Museums, the vacancy should present an exciting opportunity for a prospective executive director. We look forward to identifying that person in the upcoming months. We will also continue to work vigorously on our campaign to ensure The Center has a new home in the near future."




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