JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Arts Center Executive Director Larry Kopp has resigned his position effective September 15.
During his 15 months with the Arts Center Larry has increased grant funding, initiated the Thursday evening Arts Market, instructed classes on opera appreciation and led Arts Center programs that support and enrich the Jamestown community.
“On behalf of the Arts Center board I want to thank Larry for his leadership and commitment to making the Arts Center a prominent fixture in Jamestown,” said Bob Toso, Arts Center board president. “Larry has increased the profile of the Arts Center and diligently sought grant funding to improve and maintain the services the Arts Center provides. He has provided positive momentum to move us forward.”
Larry came to the Jamestown Arts Center in June 2017 from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, having previously served as executive director for five professional orchestras. His education and professional background in music were evident as he developed programing that exposed Jamestown to more musical performances and musical history. Larry’s decision to leave is based on his need to return to Bloomsburg to support his family.
“I’m happy about the programs that I’ve been able to work on here in Jamestown,” Kopp said. “The people of Jamestown were great and I’ve made many good friends here. I will miss them very much.”
“Right from the start Larry inserted himself into the community,” Toso said. “He embraced Jamestown and began attending community meetings and worked closely with Jamestown Tourism to ensure the Arts Center is recognized as an indispensable asset to the city.”
Larry became a board member for the Rotary Club and the Jamestown Downtown Association. He also served as a Jamestown Chamber Ambassador.
Larry made immediate use of the Hansen Arts Park downtown with the initiation of the Thursday evening Arts Market this summer. With performers like the Fargo-Moorhead Kicks Big Band, Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutchmen and Greg Hager with the Old Friends Band entertaining crowds, the events became a destination for people to venture downtown.
The Arts Center will soon be announcing a large funding opportunity that will help continue and improve operations, programs and activities for the next three years. This award is the result of Larry’s tireless efforts in seeking resources to move the Arts Center forward and increase its’ prominence in the community.
Other Arts Center programs that will continue thanks to Larry include Arts After School for children in grades 3-6, the Artist in Residence program that provides arts education to Jamestown public schools and a range of art classes.