The Grand Marais Art Colony and its Board of Directors would like to extend its deep gratitude to Lyla Brown, outgoing Executive Director. Lyla brought a number of vital and essential upgrades and changes to the organization during her four-year tenure.

These include the acquisition of and oversight for renovation of two new buildings, purchased in June of 2019. The former Arrowhead Pharmacy (now Studio 21) and Viking Haus (now Studio 17) buildings expanded the Art Colony’s physical plant and program capacity by 60%. They have become key resources for the Art Colony and also for the community at large and will remain an ongoing legacy of Ms. Brown’s leadership. 

Ms. Brown’s business acumen ensured upgrades in institutional best practices and financial management. She also steered the organization through the uncertainty of the pandemic during which time she navigated the web of grant and small business support options, keeping the organization going and flourishing into its 75th and now 76th year. 

Lyla has helped grow the Art Colony in innumerable ways and we will miss her indefatigable work ethic and clarity of leadership. Because of Lyla, we are now in a better place to meet the needs of artists. Thank you! 

Charles Matson Lume, current Art Colony board member

Lyla led by example, hard work and preparation were never lacking nor was her sense of humor. Lyla helped build a solid foundation for the Art Colony’s next 75 years.

Tom Irvine, Acting Board Chair

When Lyla was hired, her primary task was to assist the Art Colony with building expansion. The board hoped to acquire a building or land for development within 5-10 years. Within seven months, Lyla had led the Art Colony to the purchase of two new buildings. I appreciated Lyla's exceptional talents in grant writing, understanding the financial picture of the organization, and keeping the organization focused during the pandemic, when it wasn't possible to have in person classes. I know that Lyla will be a talented leader of the next organization that is lucky enough to hire her.

Sally Berg, Cook County Resident and Former Board Chair

We wish Ms. Brown all the success in her next endeavor.

Remaining at the helm will be Artistic Director Ruth Pszwaro, who is entering her tenth year with the Art Colony.