The Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review is a much-anticipated biennial exhibition at the KIA, showcasing the considerable talents of Kirk Newman Art School faculty members who provide world-class instruction in a wide range of media. During this ArtBreak, KNAS Director Leslie Donaldson will offer remarks on this year’s show, which centers on the theme of process, before leading guests on a walkthrough of the exhibition. Please note that this ArtBreak will involve standing and walking. Gallery stools will be available.
Leslie Donaldson has served as Director of the Kirk Newman Art School since 2023, bringing to the role more than 20 years’ experience in varied arts management functions, including education, programming, marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship. She served as the inaugural CEO of Common Grounds 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.
Preregistration is encouraged. Find out why.
In the event that a program is modified, postponed, or cancelled, we reach out via email to all who have preregistered. If a significant change is made on short notice, your preregistration helps to ensure that you get the word from us in the most timely manner possible.
Registering for programs in advance also helps our staff to assess set-up needs beforehand, reducing the need for last-minute adjustments to numbers of chairs, tables, etc. Further, it streamlines the check-in process when you arrive and allows us to keep you in the loop about other upcoming programs that might be of interest!

