Art Center hires new director

The Ponca City Art Center has named Lance Garrett as its new Executive Director.

He joins the organization from Oklahoma City, where he has served as the Artistic Director of Ghostlight Theatre and previously was an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City Community College, along with several years working in various capacities within the Oklahoma City arts community.

“Lance brings an unusual intersection of professional skills including non-profit management, fundraising, education and the arts,” said Luke Garrison, Art Center President. “His ability to swing a hammer and also network with business and community leaders is not an easy combination to find.”

A native of Altus, Oklahoma, Garrett understands and is comfortable in a smaller community.

“Ponca City is such a vibrant community with a proven history of support for the arts,” he said. “I’m excited to relocate and get started.”

He has a BA in Speech and Theatre from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Garrett takes over for Kelsey Wagner, who left the Art Center last month for a new position at Eastman National Bank.

Located in the historic Soldani Mansion, the Ponca City Art Center is a non-profit organization providing art classes and workshops for children and adults; as well as hosting the annual Fine Arts Festival in September, one of the longest-running art festivals in the region. The center also hosts art exhibits, including an annual membership show and other special events.