First Executive Director Named For Lower Makefield's AOY Art Center

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The AOY Art Center Board of Directors has appointed its first AOY Art Center executive director.

Bette Sovinee will oversee a variety of areas for the organization, including daily operations, shows, grants, fundraising, policies and procedures, and communications.

The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting arts education and supporting local artists and artisans. It has been located in the historic Janney-Brown House on the Patterson Farm in Lower Makefield since 2010.

Sovinee joined the AOY Art Center in 2013 as the facilities coordinator following her retirement from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection after 33 years.

“Bette is an invaluable asset to our organization,” said Richard Fekete, AOY board member and chairman of its exhibitions/shows and events. “These past few years as a board committee chairman, I have grown to rely on Bette’s expertise and insight to accomplish our community objectives and outreach targets. I am excited for the future of the art center with Bette’s guidance.”

Sovinee holds a master’s degree in public administration from The Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning from Rutgers University.

“Bette’s impact on AOY is unmistakable,” AOY Board member Grant Cohen said. “She has
served the organization in all facets and delivered incredible results. Her demeanor, expertise, and energy will suit her in the role. I personally couldn’t be more excited about our trajectory with Bette’s leadership.”

AOY fulfills its mission through art classes and workshops for adults and youth, as well as summer camps, and also conducts art exhibitions throughout the year.

Sovinee thanked the board for recognizing her contributions over the past nine years and said she looked forward to serving the greater Yardley arts community.

In other AOY news:

AOY Art Center is hosting the second annual group show of the ANEW Artists’ Alliance of Trenton on March 10-12 and March 17-19. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. and all art will be for sale. Members of the ANEW Artist Alliance and AOY gallery volunteers and will be your hosts.