Citing his need to focus on his aging body, the former director of the Carrboro ArtsCenter announced his retirement early this month. In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the ArtsCenter Board of Directors named Noel James interim director. James currently serves as the center’s education coordinator.
“In many ways it was a painful decision because I dearly love The ArtsCenter and the work that’s done there,” Menius said.“We’re at a place where we look better, we have a lot more energy and we have a lot more visibility.”
Jay Miller, chair of The ArtsCenter board of directors, said what he’ll miss the most about Menius is his commitment to civic work.
“He volunteered for a lot of committees that were related to the arts and The ArtsCenter, as well as working with the local government and things like the Chamber of Commerce,” he said. “He was really active with that in a way that we haven’t had in some time. It’ll be hard for anybody to do all the things he was doing.”
Incoming director James, who has strong experience in arts administration and who has been working with The ArtsCenter in its arts immersion program in local schools, will bring a new look to the center’s established programs, Miller said.
“Interim director is an interesting position,” he said. “It’s not necessarily a situation where you want to make a lot of changes, but at the same time, I think she’ll help us analyze everything we’re doing with a fresh set of eyes.”
Julie Tomkovick, development director at The ArtsCenter, said James brings high energy, a joyful spirit and a new perspective.
“She will keep us focused on fulfilling our mission as we plan for a new facility and continue serving our community through arts education and art experiences,” she said in an email.
