ArtReach gets new leaders

Sue Awes, whose background is in education and gerontology, is the new executive director of ArtReach.

Tammy Wadley is the new volunteer coordinator.

ArtReach, located at 112 Bush St., is a community-based, nonprofit organization that helps people discover their creative potential.

Focus of programming is on children, adults and seniors.

Awes, originally from San Francisco, has a master’s degree in gerontology from Bethel College in Arden Hills, Minn. Her husband, Andy Awes, is from Minnesota, and they came to the area four years ago when he accepted a position with Red Wing Shoe Co.

She worked for the Goodhue County Education District as a parent educator. Also licensed in early childhood education, Awes then worked with children with special needs at Fraser School in Richfield, Minn., and has directed an adult day center for the Fairview Medical system in Minneapolis.

About a year ago she bought Curves in Red Wing. When she learned of the ArtReach opening, she thought it would be a good fit for her skills.

She continues to run the Curves on South Service Drive in addition to filling the part-time director’s job at ArtReach.

Awes and Wadley both started work in November. While Awes focuses on grant writing and on implementing changes in the program’s focus, Wadley is helping put together artists and classes in addition to expanding the corps of volunteers.

A Cannon Falls native, Wadley has lived in Red Wing for 22 years with her husband, Tom. She has a home desktop publishing business, Words ‘n’ Such, and is executive secretary of the Hedin-Hartnagel Memorial Fund.

Wadley is involved as a volunteer with the Red Wing School District and high school Parent Advisory Councils, and the Red Wing Public Schools Foundation.

Tags: artreach, awes, wadley