Central Oregon Arts Administrator Cate O'Hagan Resigns

By April Baer (OPB)
Bend, Oregon April 19, 2016 10:59 p.m.
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Prior to moving to Central Oregon, O'Hagan held marketing positions at the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Symphony.

Prior to moving to Central Oregon, O'Hagan held marketing positions at the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Symphony.

Courtesy of Arts Central

The executive director of Central Oregon’s regional arts council, Cate O'Hagan, has resigned after 20 years with Arts Central.

The nonprofit, which O'Hagan founded, was the leading advocate for arts in Central Oregon. She also serves as a coordinator for the Deschutes County Cultural Coalition's granting of state funds.

O'Hagan declined to cite reasons for her resignation, but a written statement said she will pursue new career adventures.

"I'm excited to continue doing whatever I can to grow the arts in this region," O'Hagan said.

In addition to its coordination work, Arts Central was the administrator of Art Station, a hub for youth and adult classes, employing 23 instructors on contract.

O'Hagan's departure appears to come as a surprise to the Arts Central board. Board chair Bert Kronmiller is out of state and could not be reached for comment.

A written statement from the board thanked O’Hagan for her work and said the work of Art Station would continue.

Arts Central Board Statement by aprilbaer

Board member Alyce Dawes said the board has not yet talked about whether or not to replace O'Hagan.

Arts Central had recently given notice on the lease for its Bend office space. The future of functions not related to Art Station is unclear.

Mary Campbell of Smith Properties is a former Arts Central board member, and said she hopes the nonprofit can survive.

"I think it's going to be a difficult transition," she said. "But I'm hoping what come out of it is a renewed interest in supporting the arts, particularly arts in the schools and art in some of the rural areas."

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