Welcome Eric Kerchner
Eric Kerchner was hired as the Executive Director of the Arts of the Albemarle. Eric brings a wealth of arts center management having run arts centers across the country over the past 20 years. He has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in theater studies, and a masters degree from City University of London.
While theater is his background, Eric has presented dance and music of all kinds. "I look forward to getting to know the area, and working with the staff and Board to bring great things to Elizabeth City. "
WELCOME SEOUN SOM!
Arts of the Albemarle is excited to announce the hiring of
Seoun Som as Gallery Manager. Seoun will assume responsibility for gallery operations, working with member and guest artists, creating visual arts programming and events, overseeing the exhibits and sales.
“We are so pleased to have Seoun join AoA to lead our visual arts,’’ said Sally Bruderle, president of the Board of Directors. “He brings an exceptional educational background and artistic experience to the position with the vision to elevate our visual arts experience for artists and the community.’’
Born in a refugee camp in Serak Keo, Thailand, he is of Cambodian descent. Seoun immigrated to Australia before landing in the US and settling in Ohio. He holds a Master of Fine Arts: Studio Arts from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with an emphasis in photography from Youngstown State University. In addition to teaching college-level photography and digital illustration courses, Seoun has been a visiting lecturer at several universities, including California College of the Arts, Parsons New School, Ohio University, and UNC. He has exhibited his photography in a variety of venues, including in galleries throughout North Carolina, New Jersey, and Ohio. He has also exhibited at festivals and international art events. Seoun was a teaching fellow at UNC and has won several awards.
Seoun is very eager to get started in his new role. He states,
“I would like to thank the Arts of the Albemarle Board and the Visual Arts Committee for giving me the opportunity to steward the visual arts component at AOA. Working in synergy with Executive Director, Laurie Edwards, and grant writer and performing arts specialist, Colleen Brown, we will bring together programming that is inclusive and energizing. I am thrilled and honored to be part of the cornerstone of downtown Elizabeth City. I look forward to working with the amazing group of community artists as well as artists beyond. I believe art touches every aspect of our lives; without art, we cease to exist.
I strongly believe in the power of the arts to broaden our thinking. My vision for AOA is for it to be a place for enrichment, where ideas are expressed, shared, and exchanged. The programming that I bring forth will reflect that very notion."
“Seoun’s unique experience in the arts brings a whole new level of excitement and expertise to AoA’s gallery. Our artists and community will be able to benefit from his wealth of experience. I’m excited about this new era!” says Laurie Edwards, AoA’s previous Executive Director.