Elizabeth Meissner
EPHRAIM, WI – The Francis Hardy Center for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization in Ephraim, is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, acting interim director since July, as the Hardy’s new executive director. Meissner-Gigstead, who takes the helm beginning November 1, 2008, succeeds Jan Comstock, who resigned in June.
Pamela Lecy, president of the Board of Directors, states, “We are so pleased to be bringing someone so capable into the position. Elizabeth brings a great deal of energy, drive, experience and education that will help us take our efforts to a whole new level.”
Prior to being named director, Meissner-Gigstead served as the organization’s exhibitions and community relation’s director, a position she’s held since May of 2007. Her primary responsibilities included the planning, implementation and oversight of exhibits as well as all facets of the organization’s marketing. Prior to her employment at the Hardy, Meissner-Gigstead served as the artistic director at the Fairfield Art Center from 2004-2007, where she curated exhibits of local, national and international artists including the work of celebrated artist Marc Chagall.
She brings outstanding capabilities in the areas of non-profit, programming and fiscal management, public relations and marketing. Meissner-Gigstead holds a Bachelor of Arts with emphasis in museum studies and arts management from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. In her new role, she will be responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and goals, with responsibility for fundraising, planning, administration, and management of the Center’s activities, personnel and programs.
“I am deeply honored to be at the helm of this great organization,” Meissner-Gigstead says. “The Hardy is truly one of the Peninsula’s most unique treasures and I hope to play a significant role in preserving its history while working to advance the organization through new endeavors; keeping in mind that at the center of our activities will always be the Door County art community and its artists.”
In its 46-year history, the Hardy has grown into a strong force in the cultural tapestry of the county. The Hardy was founded in 1962 by the Peninsula Arts Association (PAA) and is among the Peninsula’s oldest non-profit arts organizations. The Center operates the notable Hardy Gallery, which is located on Ephraim’s historic Anderson Dock, and welcomes some 12,000 visitors to the water’s edge annually. In addition, the Center offers an array of educational programs and events to support its mission of promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the arts. For more information about the Hardy or to contact Elizabeth Meissner-Gigstead, please call 920.854.2210, email info@thehardy.org or visit www.thehardy.org.
