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An energetic and collaborative strategist, a compelling visual and written storyteller, and an experienced social entrepreneur, Torres holds a lifelong passion for the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform communities. He has expressed deep enthusiasm for, and a vigorous commitment to, the opportunity to lead AVA Gallery into its next decade of creative impact. With his long-time commitment to supporting the creative economy, artistic production, and youth development in northern New England, Torres will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into this role as a regional arts leader.
“What I find so exciting about the AVA Gallery and Art Center is the passion of its leaders and its members, the depth of the organization’s programming, and the legacy on which it all resides. This is a vibrant arts community that knows what it stands for. Looking ahead, I can’t wait to unlock the creative aspiration and new opportunities in our region; the arts offer so many ways to enrich our communities and bring tangible benefits into our lives. AVA is an incredible platform to support these initiatives.” Torres said in a statement to the Board.
Torres’ career in the arts began in 1998 when he and several other artists established the Center for Collaborative Art and Visual Education in Washington, DC. He went on to develop arts programs with support from the Mayor’s office, which eventually led him to help establish the Booker T. Washington Public Charter School for Technical Arts, the city’s first trade school. Over the last ten years, he has contributed to the growth and success of numerous maker spaces in the northeast, including Artisans’ Asylum in Boston, where he led a significant turnaround and relocation effort, securing $5.2M in investment and a 22-year lease for the organization’s new 52,500 sq. ft. facility. In Vermont, he founded Local 64 in Montpelier, helped to grow Generator in Burlington, and led HatchSpace in Brattleboro. Most recently, he served as Entrepreneur in Residence at Do North, the coworking space of Vermont State University in Lyndonville.
AVA is grateful for the leadership of Andrew Pinard, Interim Executive Director, over the last several months. We are extremely appreciative of the time, energy, and guidance he has given AVA.
A Welcome Reception for Lars Hasselblad Torres will take place on Friday, June 20th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at AVA Gallery and Art Center, 11 Bank Street in Lebanon, NH. All are welcome!
About AVA
AVA Gallery and Art Center is a catalyst for creativity that cultivates an openness of space and mind to inspire, nurture, and showcase the artistic spirit. We do this by producing powerful exhibitions, maintaining vibrant artist studios and specialized workshops, and offering dynamic educational programming for artists of all ages and abilities. With an emphasis on building community, AVA also hosts and promotes special events that foster interaction between artists, patrons of the arts, and the general public. All of our work is done with the priority of environmental sustainability and with the recognition that art enriches our lives. AVA Gallery and Art Center is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
Learn more about AVA at http://avagallery.org
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