The Association For Visual Arts announces the appointment of Ricardo C. Morris as their new executive director.
"Ricardo brings an extensive background in arts organization development and management to the leadership position at AVA. We welcome him and look forward to growing our current, and future, arts programs under his direction," officials said.
The public is invited to AVA's 'Gallery Hop' Exhibit for a Meet and Greet with Mr. Morris on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 2-8 p.m.
AVA will feature the 'FRESH 2016 Emerging Artist' exhibit.
"This will be a great opportunity to meet Ric and view a fantastic exhibit of fresh artistic talent. Be sure to make AVA one of the 'Hop Stops' along with the 24 galleries and artists studios participating in this one-day open house event," officials said.
About Ricardo C. Morris
Ricardo C. Morris is a native of Chattanooga and attended Clifton Hills, Calvin Donaldson, G. Russel Brown, and St. Elmo elementary schools; Alton Park Junior High School and is a 1980 graduate of Howard High School. Mr. Morris continued his tiger tradition by attended Tennessee State University where he received his B.S. degree in Speech Communication and Theater. After graduation, he taught theater, English, and dance for eight years at Hixson High. In 1994 he left teaching to attend Yale University where he earned a masters in fine arts in arts administration. While attending Yale, he founded the Dwight/Edgewood Project which mentored disadvantaged youth through play-writing. This program earned him the honor of being the first School of Drama student to become a Yale Presidential Fellow.
Mr. Morris has worked as executive director of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in Birmingham. Al.; founded the Green Street Arts Center in Middletown, Ct.; and the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, Ga.
As an artist, he considers himself a dancer/actor/director and has appeared in several productions at the Chattanooga Theater Center including; The Wiz, Hello Dolly, A Chorus Line, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He has directed, A Streetcar Named Desire, Blues for an Alabama Sky, August Wilson’s Fences, and others.
Mr. Morris also enjoys gardening, home improvement, cooking and events planning at a professional level. He's an avid dog lover and owner of a 1 1/2-year-old Rottweiler.
“Ric’s past experiences in the arts and his depth of knowledge of the arts in Chattanooga and Hamilton County will open the door for more opportunities for AVA,” said Lisa Brock, AVA chairman of the board. "His passion for the arts and his excitement of being back in Chattanooga to lead AVA’s mission is contagious. We look forward to this new chapter.”