The Art School Welcomes New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Art School at Old Church (TASOC), a non-profit cultural arts center in Demarest, NJ, has announced that Lisa Beth Vettoso began as the organization's new Executive Director on July 3, 2017.

Vettoso joins the Art School with more than 15 years of non-profit experience in the arts and cultural sector, most recently serving as the Director of Education for The New York Pops. Prior to that, Vettoso was the Director of Educational and Community Programming for American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballet School.

Building upon her previous experience, Vettoso will oversee all aspects of TASOC, including strategic planning, program direction, development/fundraising, staff management, and community relations.

"Arts education is my passion, and what initially drew me to the Art School was its commitment to providing the highest-quality arts education to adults and children alike. Over the past 15+ years, I have witnessed the life-changing impact of a strong arts education, and how the arts can inspire, captivate, and heal people of all ages and backgrounds," said Vettoso. "Built on the dream of Mikhail Zakin, the Art School has made a difference in so many lives as it has grown and flourished over the past 43 years. I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead this amazing institution into its next chapter, while continuing to celebrate its rich history."

Vettoso, a resident of Bloomfield, received her B.A. in Communication from Villanova University and her M.A. in Educational Theatre from New York University. Her professional experience includes positions at arts institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the State Theatre of New Jersey, and Arts Horizons. Vettoso was also the first Managing Director of The New York City Arts in Education Roundtable, an organization devoted to strengthening and promoting arts education in The New York metropolitan area. In 2011, Vettoso founded Aspire Performing Arts Company (Wayne), which provides theatre opportunities to area youth.

Earlier this year, a search committee-composed of Board Members, including Board President Ted Whittemore, and former TASOC Executive Director Maria Danziger-selected Vettoso after an extensive search. Danziger retired after serving 12 years as head of the organization.

"The Art School at Old Church is delighted to have a new Executive Director in Lisa Beth Vettoso, enthusiastically and unanimously chosen by the Art School Board after a considerable search amongst many worthy candidates," said Whittemore. "Lisa has substantial experience in the non-profit arts community in our New York metro area, and comes highly recommended from her colleagues. I am sure that you will find Lisa a friendly and worthy successor to recently retired Maria Danziger as you have the occasion to meet and work with her."

Danziger added to that sentiment, stating, "Retiring after twelve years as Executive Director from the Art School at Old Church was not so easy. That was the feeling until I met Lisa Beth Vettoso. I know that with her energy, intelligence, and enthusiasm, the Art School is in good hands. I look forward to the school's new chapter with Ms. Vettoso at its helm."

The Art School at Old Church, established in 1974, is a non-profit cultural resource center providing the community access to enriching experiences in the arts. The school offers more than 90 art classes and workshops each semester, as well as free gallery art exhibitions, cultural events, outreach programs for special populations, and the annual Pottery Show and Sale. The Art School's programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporate, foundation, and individual contributions.

To post a comment, you must register and login.