Starworks initial Executive Director retiring

STAR — Starworks has announced the retirement of founding Executive Director Nancy Gottovi, who will step down on Dec. 31 after 21 years of leadership.

During Gottovi’s tenure, Starworks has grown from a small nonprofit with an annual budget under $300,000 into a thriving organization with nearly $3 million in annual revenue and $7.3 million in assets. 

A once vacant factory building has been transformed into nearly 200,000 square feet of creative space and is now home to internationally recognized programs that welcome more than 50 artists from around the world each year.

“Nancy Gottovi built Starworks into a remarkable arts organization”, said board member Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld. “Along the way, she nurtured a community with roots in Star that reaches internationally. 

“Incoming Executive Director Joe Grant is an accomplished artist and emerging leader in the glass blowing community. I am excited to see him develop the possibilities of Starworks.”

With the support of the Windgate Foundation, the Board developed a transition plan. After a national search, the Starworks Board of Directors unanimously chose Joe Grant III as the next Executive Director. Grant, who has led the Starworks Glass program for over a decade, is widely respected for building one of the nation’s leading glass programs and for his dedication to advancing Starworks’ mission. Gottovi will continue to work closely with Grant until the end of the year and then represent the organization as Executive Director Emerita.

The community is invited to celebrate Starworks’ leadership transition at the Annual Benefit: Transformation, taking place at Starworks in Star on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Included is a catered luncheon, live music and entertainment, and a live auction of exceptional artwork. 

Starworks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cre ativity and community through education al programs and artist residencies in glass, ceramics, and metal arts. The campus features public galleries, artist studios, clay factory, ceramic supply shop, and the Starworks Café & Taproom, open to the public Monday through Saturday.

For more information about the event or Starworks programs, visit www.star-worksnc.org.