New leadership, new vision

The Duluth Art Institute selects executive director

by Andrea Busche

At the start of this year, the Duluth Art Institute announced the selection of Christina Woods as its new executive director, replacing Anne Dugan, who departed in August. Woods brings a strong educational background to the table. She attended the University of Minnesota and taught elementary school for several years. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and founded a consulting firm, Diversity Consulting. The Woman Today introduced readers to this dynamic woman last year. At that time, she served as the executive director of the Damiano Center. She recently spoke about her new role.

Duluth Art Institute

The DAI is a contemporary arts gallery and arts programming nonprofit that has served northeastern Minnesota for 110 years. It specializes in artist services, education and exhibitions for the visual arts.

In addition to their main headquarters, which include a business office and art galleries in Duluth’s Depot, the DAI more recently opened the Lincoln Center for Arts Education. A former Carnegie Library in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this satellite location hosts educational programming and ceramic artists.

Transferable Skills

The transition from working at Damiano, which features a soup kitchen, free clothing exchange and addiction recovery program, has been bittersweet for Woods. During her tenure serving people in crisis, she formed close relationships with staff members and clients alike.

But she is enthusiastic about bringing her leadership skills, along with a deep personal appreciation for art, to the DAI.

“Art has always been central to how I make sense of everyday life,” Woods said. “I’ve successfully used the visual arts many times in my life to explore challenging questions for students, my children and myself.”

Goals for the future

As its new leader coming in with fresh eyes, Woods has plenty of ideas for the future of the DAI.

“Right now, we are working on our visibility,” she said. “We want the public to know what’s happening here, and what’s coming up. So, we’re working on a marketing plan. Part of that is to get added to a variety of community calendars.

“We’re also interested in providing a broader array of opportunities for artists in various stages of professional development. We want to make sure

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Another issue close to Christina’s heart is artist diversity.

“We plan to continue featuring artists who have been historically underrepresented in galleries,” she said.

“We’d like to do more to help feature LGBTQ artists, as well as people from a variety of ethnicities and cultures. At the DAI, we are intentional in our inclusion of diversity.”

Boards, commissions and committees

Woods isn’t satisfied to simply have a full-time job. She also feels passionate about helping her community and fulfills this drive by serving on a variety of local committees and boards.

Woods has served on the Board of Directors for PAVSA and the YWCA. She is the president-elect for the Duluth League of Women Voters. She also serves as the co-chair for the

Duluth Human Rights Commission, is a participating member of the Sixth Judicial Equity Committee, and a field producer and education consultant for the WDSE-TV program “Native Report.”

Woods lives in Duluth’s Canal Park, making her morning commute incredibly convenient. Her daughters, Mallory and Camryn, both attend Dartmouth College. In her free time, Woods loves trail racing, downhill skiing and spending time with family, including her niece, Patty, whom she is particularly close to.

While Woods was sad to say goodbye to the Damiano Center, she said she feels confident that she left things in good standing for her successor, Seth Currier. She is approaching her new role with a blend of gratitude, competency and poise. And, the DAI feels fortunate to have her on board.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” said Helena Jackson, DAI board president, in a Jan. 4 news release. “Christina brings leadership and creativity to the Institute, and a deep commitment to our region’s creative sector.”

Woods remains open to the sublime aspect of her work in the artistic sphere.

“I like to think of the visual arts as a language,” Woods said. “As a patron and member of the DAI, I’ve witnessed beautiful moments where I’ve heard people say, ‘I never thought of things that way.’ Art provides a great opportunity to open doors of dialogue.” D