NORWICH – Less than three weeks in her new position, newly appointed Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Diane Batson-Smith isn’t wasting any time putting her stamp on the local arts scene and steering the organization in an exciting new direction.

Having said goodbye to longtime director Victoria Kappel in June, the Chenango Arts Council welcomed Batson-Smith to take the reins July 1. Though still getting acquainted with the Chenango County community, she said her mission is to continue ongoing endeavors at the Arts Council while integrating new ideas to re-introduce locals to the arts.

“This is a lovely area to be in,” she said. “I’ve been a little surprised at the number of thunder storms we’ve had, but that can be exciting too.”

With the summer season well underway, Batson-Smith is picking up Chenango Arts programs where Kappel left off. Ongoing programs include the Arts Council’s “Wine and Design” series, the upcoming Advanced Art Summer Camp (held in conjunction with Wilson Ceramics), gallery exhibits, and a new performance season set to take the stage in October.

She also has sights set on increasing membership at the Arts Council as well as corporate sponsorships.

Despite having a full plate, nerves are low, she said, noting her past experiences in film production and media production, arts and event management, and marketing. She said much of what’s required of her at the Arts Council aligns with responsibilities she previously assumed for ten years as Executive Director for the Arts and Heritage Development Council in Tennessee.

“The only component that's slightly unfamiliar is now I have a big theater to contend with,” she said.

Batson-Smith said hopes are to utilize the 500-seat Arts Council theater more in the coming months and possibly offer more programs to pique local interest in stage performances. The challenge is walking the fine line between what the theater can offer and the tight budget available to the Arts Council.