FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Eastern Shore Art Association (Eastern Shore Art Center), has announced its search for a new managing director has ended. Kate Fisher – former Eastern Shore Art Association president – assumed the duties after approval by the Board of Directors on Thursday, September 16th.

Current Board President, James Hood, said: “We are so pleased that Kate has agreed to lead the Art Center at this particularly exciting moment in its history. ESAC is more than ever living up to its mission of being a dynamic center for the arts, offering a diverse range of outstanding exhibitions, lively festivals, extensive programs and boasting record attendance.”

Fisher has wide-ranging Art Center experience. She immediately joined the Art Center in 1994 when she, her husband Jim, and daughter Catherine moved to Point Clear from South Hampton, New York. Knowing the Eastern Shore is a volunteer-driven community; she quickly immersed herself in many leadership roles.

Fisher has held several chair positions including the Academy, Art Auction, Art & About, Facilities, Volunteers and Committee On Public Art (COPA). She was the Eastern Shore Art Association Board President in 2000-2001 and 2009-2010. “Kate is dedicated to bringing the visual arts, design and culture to life for a broad range of audiences,” Hood said.

“My goal is to keep an eye on ESAC’s mission statement of promoting art, art education and artists. I am thrilled and honored to be given this wonderful opportunity to lead the Art Center into the future,” Fisher stated.

Fisher’s selection is the result of a search by a 6-member committee appointed by Hood. Over 100 individuals applied for the position.

The Eastern Shore Art Center is located in downtown Fairhope at 401 Oak Street. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the website at www.esartcenter.com.