Innovative, community-minded arts executive Elaine Waterman has been named Executive Director of The Firehouse Art Center, a Boulder County arts hub located in Longmont, CO. Wayne Northcutt, the Firehouse’s current Board president, announced that Waterman, who assumed her position March 1, 2020, will work closely with curator Brandy Coons in the Firehouse’s mission of raising cultural awareness and understanding of the arts within the regional community. Waterman will oversee all aspects of the Firehouse’s strategic planning and operations, provide administrative oversight and collaborate with the Board of Directors to optimize fiscal growth. A passionate advocate for the arts, Waterman has been involved in arts education and programming for over 10 years, having worked in the Education Department for the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Riverside Art Museum in Southern California
“As a long time Longmont resident and artist, I have always felt that the Firehouse was my art home, a community hub that I relied on to introduce me to new artists and ways of thinking. I’ve always admired the Firehouse’s commitment to artistic excellence as well as its ability to experiment and adapt within a changing community,” says Waterman. “As an arts advocate, I believe strongly in the programs that the Firehouse offers. Working with the board, curator, artists, educators, volunteers to bring the vision for the Firehouse to life will be a joy personally and professionally, and I look forward to continuing the commitment to inclusion, education and innovation. I’m thrilled to lead such an inspiring organization.”
“Ms. Waterman’s background in the fine arts makes her an exceptional find for our organization,” says Northcutt.
“She combines arts understanding with business and organizational skills that are sure to continue the Firehouse’s ongoing momentum. The search committee was highly impressed with both her breadth of knowledge and familiarity with Longmont’s arts community. Along with the Board of Directors and the entire Firehouse family, we are excited to welcome Elaine as our new Executive Director.“
About Elaine Waterman
Elaine Waterman brings over 10 years of arts education and programming experience to the Firehouse Art Center. Elaine completed her BFA from The College of William and Mary in Sculpture with a minor in Art History. With a Fashion Design and Illustration degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Elaine started her career in the arts as a Fashion Designer in NYC, working for Bloomingdales as well as Marvel Comics. As a professional artist, Elaine has exhibited in galleries from New York to Los Angeles. Prior to her current position, she served as the Studio Project Coordinator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the Education Program Coordinator at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center. Elaine’s biggest passion is introducing students, young and old, to the artist within, and she believes that art can be a powerful agent of social change. She is committed to working with curator, Brandy Coons, to exhibit art that dynamically engages viewers and encourages creative discourse. Elaine feels that community involvement is a top priority and is looking forward to expanding the Firehouse Art Center’s community outreach through innovative programming for adults and children.
