LEWISTON — The executive director of L/A Arts has stepped down.

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Sun Journal file 2005

Andrew Harris

The organization announced Tuesday that Andrew Harris, who has led L/A Arts for almost six years, would be leaving immediately. Board Chairwoman Sandy Marquis declined to say why Harris was stepping down.

"Unfortunately, that is a personal matter that I really can't get into," she said.

The group has appointed board member James Handy to serve as full-time interim executive director while it searches for a permanent replacement for Harris. 

"First and foremost, L/A Arts programming is not going to change," Handy said. "We'll continue to do what we have been doing all along in providing opportunities for our community in all areas of the arts."

Harris could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

In a statement, Marquis said that L/A Arts had experienced unprecedented growth and Lewiston-Auburn had gotten greater access to the arts during Harris' tenure. She said Harris' accomplishments include the development of Gallery 5, the Arts-in-Education program in the Twin Cities’ schools and the creation of the small-venue DownStage theater.

“We are a better community for his efforts, and we wish him well in his future endeavors,” Marquis said in the statement.

Founded in 1973 as the Lewiston Public Library's LPL Plus program, L/A Arts has spent decades promoting arts and arts education in Lewiston-Auburn and the surrounding area. Today, the nonprofit, Lewiston-based group runs several initiatives, including a 14-school Arts-in-Education program and youth theater programs. It also presents plays, concerts and other events.

Marquis said the board plans to better promote its Arts-in-Education program and to work with other organizations to bring new art opportunities to the area, though those plans "have been in the pipeline" and aren't tied to Harris' departure.

"Nothing is changing," she said. "The organization has been around for 37 years; everything is in place. The only thing we're changing is executive director."

Marquis said the board had not decided what it is looking for in a new executive director. However, the search will begin immediately and will likely take until the beginning of the year, she said.

Harris is a British playwright, director and drama teacher who has spent more than 30 years working in theater arts and education in the United Kingdom and the United States.

In 2005, Harris replaced Richard Willing, who resigned after 14 years with the organization.

ltice@sunjournal.com