08/11/2023
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ICYMI: The Kodiak Arts Council welcomes Molly Miller as the brand new Executive Director for the Kodiak Arts Council!
Per Kodiak Daily Mirror -
When Molly Miller was growing up, she couldn’t get enough of the Kodiak Arts Council’s visual arts and performance programs for kids.Now, the 2003 Kodiak High School grad is poised to lead the local arts group as its new executive director.
“The Arts Council is a Kodiak institution,” Miller told KDM. “I feel like it’s always been the face of the arts in Kodiak, and the chance to take the helm is very alluring. I’m really excited about leading the Arts Council. It gave so much to me as a child.”
She comes to the council from a leadership position at Kodiak Area Native Association, and before that studied dance and performed professionally in Seattle, San Francisco and New York City.
It’s a background that Arts Council President Mike Wall said has prepared her well for success back home. “Molly grew up here in the arts and has a deeply passionate understanding of all the programs we do,” Wall said. “She actually went out and trained to be a professional dancer. We like it when people go away and come back. She’s got a strong sense of community, she knows budgets and grants, and she’s a tremendously pleasant person.”
Miller said she’s learning a lot from outgoing Arts Council Executive Director Katie Oliver. “Katie has done a wonderful job. We are transitioning me into the job, and I’m very appreciative of her guidance.”
Oliver, who led the Arts Council for the past 10 years, is joining the Alaska Association of School Boards. She said she looks back fondly at her tenure. “I’m most proud of continuing the community theater program, and of expanding our arts education program in classrooms. We were able to integrate art into regular classroom instruction.”
She said the council board found a gem in Miller. “I’m so excited about Molly starting her tenure here. She’s a perfect choice. She’s an artist herself; she’s got great ideas and will be a great leader.”
(For full article, visit the Kodiak Daily Mirror website)
