Announcing the departure of
Communications & Shop Director
After five years of outstanding service to the Book Arts organization and community, Melissa Rechin, Communications and Shop Director, will be leaving Book Arts to pursue her next adventure. The board and staff at Book Arts are thankful for Mel’s passion and dedication throughout her tenure, beginning as a volunteer, moving onto Retail Manager, and then to leading the organization’s marketing and retail strategies as Communications and Shop Director.
As the voice of the Book Arts brand, you could always find Mel “behind the curtain” as she was instrumental in developing and carrying out the organization’s marketing and communications plan; effectively sharing the Book Arts mission and brand identity, from social media posts, to email newsletters and fundraising campaigns. As lead shopkeep, Mel also spearheaded Book Arts’ retail, consignment, and custom printing programs, lending support to over 90 artists in our gift shop and building a fully functional online shop in response to pandemic hardships.
Beginning as a volunteer eager to enrich my experience and deepen my learning of printmaking processes, I had no idea Book Arts would become a catalyst for a career path in the arts & cultural nonprofit sector. It’s difficult to accurately express how much I’ve truly enjoyed my journey with Book Arts and the family I have built here. I am more than grateful for the encouragement, relationships, and opportunities it has afforded me in pursuing my professional and personal growth objectives, and am excited to continue my artistic career creating in the Book Arts studios, you’ll still see me around!
Mel’s last day will be August 20th, with Gallery Assistant Nina Grenga taking on some of her role until the board and staff conduct a search this fall. Nina will no doubt lead a successful transition in continuing Mel’s inspiring work as Communications & Shop Director.