Artpark is looking for a new executive director.
The organization dismissed Sonia Clark on March 29, according to information released by representatives from Artpark on Monday. Clark had served as Artpark’s top executive since 2016.
Vice President Dave Wedekindt, who has been at Artpark since 2018, will serve as interim president. A national search for a permanent replacement would begin immediately, Artpark representatives said.
“I wish Dave and Artpark team much success (in) the future life of this extraordinary cultural center,” Clark said in an email to the Gazette. No reason was given for her departure.
“We thank Sonia for advancing the mission of Artpark and wish her much success,” said Joanne Bauer, the chair of Artpark’s Board of Directors.
Originally born in Moscow, Clark has a masters degree in theater production from the Columbia University School of Arts and got involved with production companies in both New York City and Moscow.
In her eight years as executive director, Clark has been an instrumental park in advancing Artpark in its offerings. Alongside its summer concerts, the state park has put on opera productions, circuses and hosted international artists and exhibitions. Residency programs were also created to give artists from and outside of Western New York the chance to come create art here.
Artpark also made more efforts to showcase Indigenous people and their artwork through the Strawberry Moon Festival, the Native American Peace Garden and other programming. The Artpark Bridges program was also started to provide programming to the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Artpark will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this summer, with a full schedule of events happening to mark the milestone.