Rhinelander’s ArtStart has hired a new development director. Mary King will be responsible for engaging in development and donor relations, including developing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities.

ArtStart Development Director Mary King

The mission of ArtStart is to strengthen the community through arts education and cultural engagement. The art center is located in the historic Federal building in downtown Rhinelander and offers children’s art classes that are structured and inspired by the art gallery exhibitions. The exhibitions range from work of contemporary artists to historical and cultural collections.

“ArtStart is delighted to have Mary join our team,” said board president Sue Bessert. “Mary has a great deal of experience and success in working with other companies and organizations she’s been part of. In fact, Mary was contracted through the ArtStart to administer the payroll and operating funds and assist with the annual budget over the last year and a half. ArtStart will continue to lead community cultural engagement within the arts and I’m confident Mary will become a valued resource in our community.”

King brings 22 years of experience in business consulting with a focus in accounting and human resources to ArtStart. In her contracted work with ArtStart, King worked with the board of directors, development committee and staff to create a new development plan. Prior to working with ArtStart, she worked with the CPA firm Peterson Metz, Ltd.  in Minocqua and owned her own business consulting and accounting office in Seattle, Wash.

“I am very excited to join the staff at ArtStart,” King said. “ArtStart is an art education and cultural community center in the Northwoods that is helping drive economic development by drawing tourist, artists and stakeholders to our region. As part of the $9 billion dollar art industry in the state of Wisconsin, ArtStart has a role to play in the economic prosperity of the Northwoods.  Almost every penny ArtStart raises is spent in our local communities.  I am proud to be a part of such an ethical and culturally significant organization.”

King can be reached at [email protected].

ArtStart is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization located in the historic Federal Building in downtown Rhinelander with a mission to strengthen the community through arts education and cultural engagement. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesdays during the summer.

For more information contact ArtStart, 715-362-4328, email [email protected], or visit ArtStart’s Facebook or website www.artstartrhinelander.org