Thanks, Anne: Morris arts scene reflects on retiring director

Anne Aronovitch has won plenty of fans during her years with the Arts Council of the Morris Area. Here is how some of them responded to news of Anne’s  impending retirement as executive director.

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I first met Anne on a sunny morning in the Morristown Green Building [14 Maple Ave.]. She was so genuinely interested in me and my art work. I spent a lot of time following her around the building as she wanted to acquaint me with every detail of its construction. It was she that suggested that I submit my works to the Arts Council of Morris County for a possible exhibition. First I was selected to participate in a Green Building exhibit, which was exceptionally well prepared and organized, the reception was great, and I was fortunate to meet so many new and exciting people. I was thrilled when I learned that they offered me a solo exhibit in the Atrium Gallery, which was a unique opportunity for me, because I had not done a solo exhibition in many years. It was the largest show of my work that I have ever done, and it was presented in a much larger space than what I had shown in before. I was especially happy that not only was Anne there all along, she also brought her family to the reception! I am very grateful to Anne and the Arts Council for the experiences and the opportunities that knowing them has brought my way.
--Yuri Y. Yurov, Boonton artist

Anne has devoted over 15 years of her life to the Arts Council of the Morris Area and to the arts in our county.  First as a dedicated board member for 12 years, and now as the Executive Director for the past four years, Anne has given generously of her time and considerable talents to the organization.  She has led the Council with strength and grace through the difficult economic times of the past four years and, together with her creative and committed staff, has provided invaluable services to arts organizations, artists, students, teachers, and residents throughout the county.  While we will miss having her as our neighbor on the third floor, we sincerely hope that she gets some time now to relax and enjoy all that living in Morris County – and New Jersey – has to offer!
–Christopher J. Daggett, president & CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

I’m sorry to hear that Anne is leaving the ACMA. Her leadership has enhanced the entire Morris County arts community.  Each ACMA grantee and each of their audiences have been impacted by her effective and insightful presence as director.  Art in the Atrium Inc. greatly appreciates the support she has given our exhibits and programs during her tenure as director.
–Victoria (Viki) Craig, artist, co-founder, Art in the Atrium Inc.

Anne has been an outstanding leader in the arts…dedicated, very hard working, with a strong sense of vision and a commitment to mentoring and nurturing not only the arts but all of the individuals and organizations with whom she has come in contact during her years in this position.

She has been a thorough professional who pays attention to both “the big picture” and the small detail – all with a keen analytical mind, a true appreciation for the arts and a gift for organizational administration. During her tenure, she has worked hard to enhance the visibility of the arts throughout our community, encouraging innovation and collaborations which have enabled the arts to reach more people in distinctive ways. Some examples include collaborations between the Arts Council and the Mayo Performing Arts Center (resulting in the Music Without Borders series of world music concerts) and with the Morris County Park Commission (Beetlemania and plans for September Serenade), expansion of existing programs (such as Giralda to include visual arts, children’s activities as well as the NJSO) and supported Arts Everywhere initiatives (the mural project at Neighborhood House, Pumpkin Illumination, etc.)  among others. She is also someone who leads by example…never expecting more from others than she expects from herself. . . a most admirable trait!
–Dr. Lynn Siebert, director of arts participation and communications, Arts Council of the Morris Area

I first met Anne in the late 1980s when she was serving as a business adviser through the Arts Council.  She provided valuable legal guidance to us in the formation of our board and other issues.  When she became head of the Arts Council she continued with graciousness and efficiency to continue to spread the good word about arts, to always be helpful and welcoming to arts organizations and artists.  Anne is the “face” of the Arts Council to the cultural scene here in the Morris Area.
–June Van Thoen, director of music, Morristown United Methodist Church (Music At Noon and Abendmusik)

The Morris County arts community will miss Anne’s vision and leadership in finding new, exciting and interesting methods to support local artists and to make the arts accessible and meaningful in the lives of the people who live and work in this area. Collaborating with Anne on events such as our Music Without Borders free concert series has been a joy and we know that she will continue to be an active supporter of the local arts scene.
–Allison Larena, president and CEO, Mayo Performing Arts Center

Anne put the Arts Council on the map as the “go to” place for bringing the arts to the center of community life not only in the Morris Area but, also, as an arts organization leader throughout New Jersey. She is a tremendous advocate for the arts and touched many people during her four years as our ED. She has a positive “can do” attitude which rubbed off on her team and everyone she came into contact with.
–Alan Levitan, president of the board, Arts Council of the Morris Area