Chelsea Arts Center Names New Executive Director

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Chelsea Center for the Arts.

The Chelsea Center for the Arts (CCA) has appointed Lisa Baylis Gonzalez as their new executive director. Gonzalez brings over 20 years of experience in arts and culture organizations, including at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, and The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

A Chelsea resident and Michigan native, she completed her undergraduate work in art history at the University of Michigan and received a masters of business administration degree, with a specialization in arts management, from the University of California.

Gonzalez has also served as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Institute for Museum and Library Services, and has completed several management and program consultancies for arts organizations nationwide.

“During our search, we received many impressive resumes, and had the opportunity to interview some excellent candidates,” board president Leslie Surel said. “But when it came time to make the decision, Lisa’s expertise, experience, passion for the arts, and proven track record in her months as interim director spoke for itself. We are thrilled that Lisa as accepted the position.”

Gonzalez moved to Chelsea four years ago, began volunteering for the CCA in the spring 2010, joined the CCA’s Board of Directors in January 2011, and assumed the position of interim executive director in April 2011.

“I am proud to be a part of an organization known for its high quality programming and stellar instructors,” Gonzalez said, “and I am committed to assisting the CCA in its mission to enrich the quality of community life through programs which foster the creation, understanding, and enjoyment of the arts. The CCA means so much to this community and the lives of its residents – as a place to receive quality arts instruction, further artistic interests, build important life skills and prepare for college and careers.”

The CCA offers a wide variety of music and art programs, including individual music lessons, group classes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, performances, special events and collaborative community projects for all ages.

For more information about the Chelsea Center for the Arts, call 734-433-2787 or visit www.chelseacenterforthearts.org.