Darke County Center for the Arts has appointed Mary Kell as Executive Director of the local arts council. According to DCCA officials, Ms. Kell is an excellent choice to oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations as well as to guide the direction of the group as they continue to present and promote the arts within our community.
Ms. Kell has been involved with the arts for almost her entire life, earning a Bachelor in Music Education from Ball State University in 1984, and a Master’s degree from Mary Grove College in the 2000’s. Mary served as a music teacher for over 45 years, first at Ansonia Local Schools and then at Franklin-Monroe, where she created a choral program including High School Choir and Junior High Choir and creatively developed a course curriculum supporting state objectives of general music programs where none had before existed. While now retired from teaching in public schools, Mary has given private music lessons since 1986 and currently works with all levels of students from ages 5 to 85, teaching piano and voice. She annually helps judge the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs contests at Miami University and works with students in solo and ensembles categories for OFMC.
The mother of two sons, Mary’s work experience also includes serving as Worship and Mission Coordinator at Ansonia First Church; her duties include coordinating the worship service experience and overseeing the worship budget while working with the church’s vocalists and musicians, providing essential components to creating a meaningful involvement for church members as well as reaching out to the entire community.
Ms. Kell, who assumed her new position beginning on August 18, will hold regular hours at the DCCA office located on the third floor of Greenville Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To make an appointment or to contact her at other times, call DCCA at 937-547-0908.
