The Civic Center is seeking a new executive director, as the current head, Laura Adams, steps aside to start her family.
Adams’ final day is scheduled for May 30, and she said in a recent interview with the Ledger-Transcript that the Civic Center is seeking to have a replacement in place and training with Adams before that date.
Adams is stepping down in anticipation of welcoming her first child, a daughter, in mid-June. Adams plans to become a full-time parent after her daughter’s birth.
“I’m obviously very sad to be leaving the Jaffrey community. I remember when I first came in, how everyone was so welcoming, positive, and uplifting. And that was really necessary for me coming into this big job,” Adams said. “I will miss that encouragement and sense of community behind me. I will miss seeing their faces at our receptions and events. But I also know they’re going to be as welcoming as they were to me to the new director, which is something I’m really grateful for.”
Adams grew up in Nelson and graduated from Keene High School. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Gordon College, with a concentration in printmaking and painting, and a major in history with a concentration in museum management.
Before being hired by the Civic Center in November 2023, Adams had previous museum experience at the Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery in Keene, the New Leaf Gallery in Keene and the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery in Brattleboro.
Adams said in her short time at the Civic Center, she’s been excited to see it grow.
“Every year it seems we have better and better exhibits to show people, and more and more people are coming to exhibit openings and programs,” Adams said.
During her time at the Civic Center, Adams has helped administer several major renovation projects, paid for by a $450,000 grant secured by her predecessor, Rebecca Fredrickson. The grant paid for energy and safety upgrades, including a new front patio, new windows, new flooring, painting, the renovation of the Civic Center’s upstairs classroom, a new roof, renovation of the front columns, and rebuilding of the rear entrance and handicapped ramp.
Adams has also helped add new programming to the Civic Center, including the Center’s Taste of Art program, which gives community members the chance to try a new teacher or medium for free before committing to a paid class, and a yearly Plein Air Paint Out.
In the lead-up to her end date, Adams has also been working to develop programming to celebrate the Civic Center’s 60th Anniversary, which includes exhibits currently ongoing, with additional programs premiering in August.
“It’s definitely bittersweet that I’m leaving on our anniversary year, but I’ve been able to prep exhibits and events that will show off the Civic Center as the jewel it has been for the past 60 years it’s existed,” Adams said.
The search for Adams’ replacement is already underway, Adams said, with some first-round interviews completed and some candidates scheduled for second-round interviews.
Adams said the ideal candidate will know local artists, be creative to develop new programming and events while continuing some of the Civic Center’s traditions, and be comfortable with adapting to technology.
Adams extended her thanks for the support of the Jaffrey Civic Center Board of Directors, former Executive Director Rebecca Fredrickson, and her assistant Karen Chiasson.