OLEAN — Tina Hastings, executive director of the Tri County Arts Council, recently announced that she will be leaving her position effective Dec. 21. Hastings led the agency for five years and together with staff have accomplished a lot. Most notably was leading the organization to its new location the heart of downtown Olean. The new space has expanded the classroom space as well as including a top flight art gallery and store full of work from local artists.

Currently, the gallery features the works of Thomas Paquette and Mikel Wintermantel in a show entitled The Enduring Landscape. The recent Winter Art Market, an annual event, was held at Seneca Iroquois National Museum/Onohsagwe: De’ Cultural Center was a success. Plans are underway for the annual Celebration of the Arts, to be held April 25, 2020 at the Woodside Tavern on the Range in Olean.

Hastings stated, “I have enjoyed my time working in support of the arts and culture in the region and leading the Arts Council in a geographic expansion, name change, rebranding and recent move to a new location. It has been a pleasure to get to know so many talented artists and those involved with the administration of the arts organizations throughout the tri-county region.”

The search for a replacement is already underway. Arts Council Board President Ira Katzenstein stated, “Tina took the arts council many steps forward, evidence that dreams do sometimes come true. It is with regret that we say goodbye. It is also exciting to continue to look forward at the opportunities ahead.”

The Board of Directors have established a search committee to assist in identifying a replacement for the position of the Executive Director and a formal posting for the position will be made in the coming weeks.

For more information about Tri-County Arts Council visit www.myartscouncil.net or stop by the store and gallery at 110 West State Street, Olean.