Amy Demmer
The board of directors of the Grand Marais Art Colony regretfully accepted the resignation of executive director Amy Demmer at its April 12 board meeting. Demmer informed the board that she and her husband, David Demmer, and their two daughters will be moving to Duluth later this summer. The board expressed its deep appreciation for Demmer’s years of leadership and many accomplishments as executive director of the Art Colony. Demmer has agreed to remain in her position through the Art Colony’s signature event, The Grand Marais Arts Festival, and assist with the transition in leadership.
Upon acceptance of Demmer’s resignation, the board voted to begin the search for a new executive director. Information on the position and application procedure is available on the Art Colony website grandmaraisartcolony.org. The search process will be led by board president Sally Berg, who commented, “The Art Colony is a strong and vibrant organization and this is an exciting opportunity for the next leader to carry on our strategic initiatives.”
At the conclusion of the board meeting, individual board members thanked Demmer for all her contributions to the Art Colony and wished her well. Board member Howard Hedstrom, expressing a sentiment shared by all, said to Demmer, “You will be missed not only by the Art Colony, but our entire community. We thank you for all your work to make this a better place to live and visit.”
Amy Demmer assumed the position of executive director of the Art Colony in 2009. At the time she was the only full-time employee. Under Demmer’s leadership the 71-year-old Art Colony has grown to become one of the leading arts organizations in the region, offering artists’ services and community education programs, as well as attracting artists and creative seekers from across the United States who come to learn from renowned instructors, create art and engage in artistic pursuits through classes and arts events.
Today the Art Colony is a welcoming community that serves over 20,000 people annually looking to learn about art, develop new skills, be creatively inspired, and experience the world through another’s perspective.
The Art Colony serves our local community and visitors alike, providing creative opportunities for all skill levels and ages through more than 270 classes in a variety of art disciplines plus a variety of Entry Point programs like hands-on art activities, artist talks and even local school programs. Additionally the Art Colony serves local artists by providing studio space and professional practice training to connect them with vital resources to help grow their practice, advance their career and develop sustainable lives as artists.
For seven decades, the Art Colony has contributed both to the overall quality of life in Cook County as well as generating substantial economic develop for local businesses by attracting year-round tourism.
The legacy Amy Demmer leaves behind is a robust Grand Marais Art Colony that is committed to enriching the lives of all who live and visit Cook County.
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