Main Line Art Center’s Director To Retire

 has announced that Executive Director Judy Herman will retire in August, after nearly 25 years.

When she first got to the center, it had an operating budget of $200,000 and only two people as staff. But now it has “an average operating budget of $1.3 million and a professional staff of 10,” the center stated, highlighting one of Herman’s accomplishments.

Under Herman, the Main Line Art Center (on Panmere Road in the Haverford section of Lower Merion Township) created exhibition programs that include 10 annual community and sketch exhibitions, which also helps showcase regional artists.

Herman helped grew a program, called Exceptional Art, for developmentally and physically challenged children and teenagers.

“Throughout the years, she has helped bring art to diverse populations through partnerships with organizations such as Project H.O.M.E., Delaware County Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Elwyn, Presbyterian Children’s Village, and CareLink Community Support,” the center mentioned.

“I have loved my career as an art educator and my work at the Art Center was most fulfilling,” the 63-year-old Herman told Patch last week. “I have met and worked with so many talented and special people and so enjoyed realizing with them the potential and energy of this community resource.” 

Herman said that even though she plans to retire, she would not be far from the arts.

“When I retire, I will enjoy having more time for family, friends and travel. I definitely will remain involved with the arts both helping with community art projects in which I am interested in and exploring my own creativity,” she stated.

The center plans to celebrate Herman’s accomplishments and its own 75th anniversary with a 30s-themed Spring Soiree on Saturday, April 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Main Line Art Center.