Community Corner
Ridgefield Guild Of Artists In Search Of New Leadership
Pam Stoddart will be stepping down as the executive director of Ridgefield Guild of Artists.
A Message from Mary Pat Devine, President, Ridgefield Guild of Artists
After twenty years as part of Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Pam Stoddart has decided it’s time to move on to pursue other interests. She will be stepping down as Executive Director following the Guild’s Annual Meeting at the end of June, 2026.
Pam began at the Guild in 2006 as a board member concentrating on special events. During that time, she initiated many innovative fundraising events for the Guild, including the “Paint the Town” gala for Ridgefield’s 300th birthday. Pam initiated the annual Art Walk in the streets of downtown. She also began the Guild’s summer programs for kids, establishing years of fun art exploration for young artists.
In 2014, Stoddart resigned from the board to become the Guild’s first Executive Director. Since assuming that role, she has overseen a growth spurt for the Guild, expanding membership and establishing RGOA’s reputation as a leading arts organization in the region, offering exhibition opportunities and arts education to its membership.
From grant-writing and capital improvements to expanding educational offerings and outside collaborations, Pam has been dedicated to furthering this fifty-two-year-old arts organization. Pam’s leadership has also helped maintain the friendly, welcoming vibe the Guild was built on. As Executive Director, Stoddart has been responsible for raising the necessary financial support to allow the Guild to transition from governance exclusively by its volunteer board of directors, to an organization with several part-time staff members as well as the active board. Her capital improvement contributions include raising the funds to add a second art studio, expanding class offerings and adding an education manager.
Pam has led the organization with real dedication to the Guild’s mission. As an artist herself, she has a keen sense of what a successful artist guild should be. We will miss her leadership, heart, and hard work on our behalf. I will miss her good counsel, friendship and commitment to the success of Ridgefield Guild of Artists. We wish her all the best as she embarks on new pursuits and interests, but hope we’ll still see her around the Guild.
The Ridgefield Guild of Artists’ Board of Directors is now in search of a new Executive Director to come onboard in July. Please visit our website through this link: rgoa.org/employment/ for complete description and requirements and send cover letter and resume to Mary Pat Devine @ president@ridgefieldguild.org.
