The Lawrence Arts Center has ended its search for a permanent director, naming ceramic artist, longtime staff member and interim executive director Ben Ahlvers to the position.
In addition to more than seven months at the helm of the arts center in the interim role, Ahlvers brings two decades of arts center experience. He’s worked in multiple areas such as exhibitions, education and operations.
Ahlvers took over interim director responsibilities in July 2025. The arts center made the announcement of his selection to the permanent job in a news release Friday morning.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have been considered for this position,” Ahlvers said in the release. “There is a long and rich history of dedicated, creative people who have helped establish this unique organization in the community, and I’m proud to be a part of that. I’m ready to do the work and look forward to serving in this role.”
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Amy Lee, chair of the arts center’s board, said in the release that the board is thrilled Ahlvers agreed to the appointment.
“His long tenure with, and love for, the Arts Center, as well as his strong ties to the community, make him an ideal person to lead the organization,” she said. “Ben has demonstrated strong leadership and implemented positive changes while serving as the Interim Director, and we’re excited about the next chapter.”
Ahlvers took over the interim role following Tom Huang’s stint as interim director.
“Places like this do not exist in towns this size,” Ahlvers said via email at the time. “This is a point of pride but is also the challenge. My aim will be to deepen existing relationships with donors and funding institutions as well as build new relationships. I think this community and the city dedicated themselves over 50 years ago to the idea that art is for everyone and I want to work hard to help make that happen.”
Huang had been named interim director in September 2024. Previous CEO Margaret Weisbrod Morris left at the end of July 2024 after serving in the role for more than six years.
The arts center is preparing for its annual auction, this year with the theme of “Sparkle and Shimmer.” Galleries are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Friday, March 13, culminating with the April 11 auction. Find more information at this link.
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