Stacey Ray is announced as the new Executive Director of Lane Arts Council. She succeeds Liora Sponko who held the position for nearly ten years and now serves as the Community Arts Coordinator for the Oregon Arts Commission.

Stacey brings over ten years of experience in arts management and administration, including four years serving with Lane Arts Council as Program Manager, Assistant Director, and Interim Executive Director. In her previous roles with Lane Arts Council, Stacey was responsible for the management and oversight of the nonprofit organization’s operations, staff, programs, grants, marketing, and communications. Having worked across all of Lane Arts Council’s programs and participated in arts and culture events across disciplines, Stacey is deeply aware of the impact of the arts locally. She is a passionate advocate for rural arts and culture and has helped broaden Lane Arts Council’s outreach and programming across Lane County.

“I truly believe in and have experienced the power of the arts to bring us together, connect us to the places we live, and help us better understand ourselves and each other,” said Ray. “Art challenges us to think differently and reminds us of our humanness. As an arts administrator, artist, and arts supporter, I know deeply how the arts impact our daily lives and strengthen our communities to make them the places we love to live. I am grateful to be able to lean into my passions to support our community through the arts.”

Prior to Lane Arts Council, Stacey’s experience included positions with multiple art galleries, the Center for Community Arts & Cultural Policy, and as Arts and Exhibits Director for Associated Students of Montana State University. She served with Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), ArtCity Eugene, and as a board member for Integrated Arts. Stacey has a MS in Arts Management, with a concentration in Community Arts, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon. She also holds a BA in Art History and BFA in Studio Art from Montana State University. Stacey practices her own creativity through her sketchbook, guitar, and participating in local arts and culture. Originally from Montana, she is an avid fly-fisher and enjoys exploring the mountains, lakes, and rivers of the northwest.

In her new role as Executive Director, Stacey will work directly with Lane Arts Council’s committed Board of Directors, staff, donors, community partners, and all stakeholders to continue to amplify the impact of the arts in Lane County.

About Lane Arts Council: Lane Arts Council was founded in 1976 by a group of artists who identified the need to have a centralized arts agency to serve all of Lane County. For over 40 years, Lane Arts Council’s mission has been to cultivate strong and creative arts communities by providing high-quality arts experiences, engaging people of all ages in arts education, and encouraging artistic endeavors. The four pillars of LAC’s work (arts education, arts experiences, artists, leadership and partnership) encompass the organization’s programs, services, and commitment to the community. Lane Arts Council serves over 13,500 students, dozens of arts organizations, hundreds of artists, and welcomes more than 20,000 community members to events annually.