Hello Everyone,

I am reaching out today to announce my departure from Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (MCGA). I am proud of all the work that has been accomplished over my 2.5 years as Executive Director. Along with board members, staff members, donors and community members, I have been dedicated to ensuring the long-term success of Foci MCGA at our new location in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

Foci MCGA is well positioned to continue to grow in the future. With the move completed and operations recovering, Foci has endured many financial struggles but through adversity we have made key improvements and changes as a team. Our programming has more than doubled in the past few years and we recently made updates to our Strategic Plan. I was looking forward to directing the next chapter for Foci, but a new opportunity has presented itself – overseeing the Arts Partnership Fund between the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Schubert Club, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the MN Opera!

While I am departing my position as a staff member, I am looking forward to continuing to be involved at Foci as an advisor, supporter, and member artist!

I believe in the work that Foci MCGA is doing and the impact it has on our community both local and wide-reaching. I believe that art centers like Foci are important places of self-discovery and creative growth. Foci MCGA holds an important role to ensure the glass arts remain alive, vibrant, and that a diverse community of dedicated makers, enthusiasts, seekers, and newcomers feel welcomed and engaged at our center.

The Board of Directors are launching the search for Foci’s next Executive Director and I am eager for the opportunity to build upon our work with a new leader at the helm. This transition will take time, please stop in the studio before the end of August to connect or at our booth at the MN State Fair! I can’t say thank you enough to my incredible team - they have fostered a supportive, welcoming community, and have made every part of this job worth it. What we are building here in the midwest is truly special and unique thanks to their hardwork and dedication. Thank you all for an incredible few years, I will miss serving the glass community in this role but am eager to continue as a community member in a new chapter! 

All the best, 

Anna Lehner

Executive Director