CB Center for the Arts announces interim executive director

The board of directors of the Center for the Arts has named Melissa Mason interim executive director of the Center, effective January 20. She will hold the position until a permanent executive director is named. The board hopes to have that position filled by May.

Departing executive director Jenny Birnie said Mason is a great choice for the seat. “Melissa has worked for the Center for over eight years, throughout this time she has built strong relationships with many community organizations. Melissa’s strong knowledge and long-time history with the Center, solid relationships with the Center’s board members, key community members plus an authentic passion for the Center make Melissa the ideal person for this interim position.” Birnie plans to spend the coming weeks working with Mason on her transition.

Mason added, “I am grateful for this opportunity to work with our incredible staff, board of directors, partners, community supporters, patrons, sponsors and donors during this exciting time of transition at the Center. The new building brings a host of incredible opportunities, and I’m excited to be a part of bringing each space, program and event alive with passion, learning, enjoyment and a true sense of community.”

Mason started the Visual Arts Department at the Center in 2011. She holds a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Virginia, and she started and ran the art departments for three schools before opening The Studio Art School in Crested Butte in 2006. She was the program director at the Trailhead Children’s Museum from 2012 to 2017 and still consults with the Trailhead on programming and operations.

In addition to her role in the Visual Arts at the Center, she served as the chair of Crested Butte’s Creative District Commission and co-chair of the Arts Alliance for Gunnison Valley. Mason resides in Crested Butte with her husband, county commissioner Roland Mason, and their three children.