Columbus, Ohio – The Greater Columbus Arts Council announced today that Leah Alters will be the new Director of the Columbus Arts Festival.
Alters will join the GCAC staff in mid-January. Currently, she is the Executive Director of two nonprofit organizations – Wausau Area Events Inc. and the River District Main Street Wausau. Wausau Area Events manages over 13 events for the central Wisconsin region, and River District Main Street Wausau recruits and retains businesses for downtown Wausau. Previously, Alters was an event coordinator for the Uptown Association along with City of Lakes Loppet. She has served as a volunteer for several organizations, including the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver. Alters has a bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks and leisure services, with an emphasis on program management, from Minnesota State University.
“We are excited to have Leah join the GCAC staff,” said Milton D. Baughman, GCAC Interim President. “Her event planning experience, coupled with her enthusiasm and creativity, will make her an excellent leader for the Festival as we move toward the 50th anniversary in 2011 and beyond.”
The Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable, consistently ranked as one of the country’s best, will celebrate its 49th year June 4-6. The 2010 Festival, located in downtown’s Discovery District, will feature fine art and fine craft from approximately 230 nationally acclaimed juried artists, along with continuous live entertainment, gourmet food and hands-on art activities for all ages. Between 250,000 and 500,000 people are expected to attend.
For more on the Columbus Arts Festival, visit www.gcac.org/fest.
About the Greater Columbus Arts Council: Through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, we fund exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. GCAC thanks the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the Ohio Arts Council for their ongoing support. Thanks also to Time Warner Cable, American Electric Power, alive!, Giant Eagle, CD101, WMNI and WOSU for their sponsorship of the 2010 Columbus Arts Festival.
