Introducing Leslie Donaldson, Director of the Kirk Newman Art School

This summer, the KIA happily welcomed Leslie Donaldson as Director of the Kirk Newman Art School. Get to know Donaldson as she speaks about her background, her vision for the Art School, and more. Donaldson brings more than 20 years’ experience in varied arts management functions, including education, programming, marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship. Most recently, she served as the inaugural CEO of Commongrounds Cooperative, a nonprofit real estate cooperative in Traverse City. Her career also includes successful stints as the Director of Engagement for Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Executive Director for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, and the Director of Arts Programs for the City of East Lansing. Donaldson holds an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in Painting/Printmaking and a BFA in Studio Art from Michigan State University.