Ortega hired as Fort Smith Regional Art Museum director

Lee Ortega, who has spent more than 14 years with art museums and art education institutions on the east coast, is the new director of the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

Ortega’s first official day is today (Feb. 15).

Ortega earned a master’s degree in fine arts from Harvard University Extension School in Cambridge, Mass.

“Her background is comprehensive and includes serving museum, gallery as well as educational institutions,” noted the FSRAM statement. “Ms. Ortega’s hire represents the conclusion of an era that moves the Museum much closer to its goal of opening its doors in 2011.”

Ortega has worked as director of marketing and public relations at Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach, Fla., director of exhibitions at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga., director of the Annina Nosei Gallery in New York City, and curatorial assistant at Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

“The FSRAM Board is very pleased and proud to have Lee join us at the Museum. Our national search for her was exhaustive and thorough. We couldn’t be more excited to have the caliber of experience and expertise she will bring to the organization and to the community,” Marta Jones, president of the FSRAM board, said in the statement.

Ortega joins a museum in the midst of significant expansion. A fundraising effort that began in late 2008 is more than 50% toward its $2.2 million goal. Most of the funds will be used to continue the ongoing renovation of the 15,000-square-foot building at 1601 Rogers Ave., near downtown Fort Smith. Arvest Bank donated the former branch bank at 1601 Rogers Ave. — acquired in its $211 million purchase of Superior Federal Bank in late 2003 — to the art center in early January 2009 to expand space to exhibit art, photos and provide other services.

Renovation costs are estimated at $1.5 million, with construction expected to be complete by summer.

The Fort Smith Art Center was located for four decades in the Belle Grove Historic District in downtown Fort Smith.

“These changes include a commitment to greater community involvement and public service, collaborations with other cultural institutions, and creating educational opportunities for the diverse population of Fort Smith and the region,” according to the FSRAM statement.

Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders, honorary chair of the “Welcome the Director Event,” has scheduled a March 3 press conference and welcoming event.