The Morgan Conservatory Board of Directors Appoints Leonard D. Young as Executive Director
Leonard D. Young served as the Morgan Conservatory's Interim Executive Director from September 2017 to August 2019 and returned in August 2020 after the former Executive Director's departure. From August 2020 through February 2021, Mr. Young served as Interim Executive Director for both Zygote Press and the Morgan Conservatory. Upon completion of this dual consulting role, the Morgan Board enthusiastically appointed Leonard as Executive Director.
Since August, Leonard and the Morgan staff designed and launched a plan to introduce virtual online programs, reopen the gallery, and finalize the re-introduction of in-person workshops beginning in June 2021. Several volunteers joined Founder Tom Balbo and other staff in a socially distant yet exciting Kozo Harvest last fall. Virtual workshops, artist talks, and the opening of the first 2021 gallery exhibit were all well received.
"Leonard has provided an essential and timely mix of appreciating what distinguishes the quality of Morgan programs, re-engaging staff to experiment in new virtual formats, adapting to ensure safe and community-friendly practices, and looking ahead to opportunities not imagined before. The Board is confident in his leadership and working to support his fresh thinking and strategic direction," said Maggie Denk-Leigh, Morgan Board President.
Ready to lead, Leonard Young shares his thoughts, "Though challenges remain as the pandemic continues, vaccines now introduced will safely make in-person workshops, exhibitions, and community projects possible. New efforts to collaborate will enhance student learning as area schools reopen. Creativity inspires hope! I'm gratified to support Morgan staff and volunteers as we continue our innovative work in Northeast Ohio's vibrant arts and culture community."
Leonard invites you to visit our website for the latest program announcements and updates. Join us for the National Juried Exhibition virtual opening on April 9, or shop online for Rockstar Black Abaca, one of our featured handmade papers. He wants to stay in touch in meaningful ways. If you have a comment to share, please email Leonard directly at lyoung@morganconservatory.org.
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The Morgan Conservatory is the largest arts center in the United States dedicated to every facet of papermaking, book arts, and letterpress printing and cultivating established and emerging artists' talents. An international destination that is free and open to the public, the Morgan Conservatory is a working studio, gallery, gathering place for the community, educational hub, and purveyor of some of the world's finest handmade papers.