Michael Bollinger is the new executive director of the Louisa Arts Center.

Bollinger most recently served as executive artistic director of the South Orange Performing Arts Center in the Greater New York City region.

In that role, he introduced new programs such as The Loft Series and Giants of Jazz. He also fostered artistic partnerships with The Juilliard School and Youth Orchestras of Essex County, N.J.

"Bollinger is a solid addition to the center and we are thrilled to welcome Michael to Louisa," Brian Marks, president of the Arts Center board, said in a news release. "His diverse background, experience and enthusiasm will help elevate the Louisa Arts Center to a new level of excellence."

In the release, Bollinger said he is pleased to be chosen to serve as the center's new leader and its public ambassador.

"Arts and culture are important resources for any community," he continued. "The center has much to be proud of. Yet, there is also great potential for growth and to serve a larger demographic."

Bollinger said he plans to build on the center's past achievements while increasing programs.

"This may include expanded youth programs, educational partnerships with schools, live theater at a community level, film series, an intimate 'sundown' music series, concerts in the park and more," he added.

The Louisa Arts Center is located in the former historic Louisa High School-Louisa Grade School, which educated children of Louisa for 80 years, from 1907 to 1987.

Restoration was completed on the Town Hall section in 2005. Restoration on the Louisa Arts Center section was completed in 2008.

The center offers year-round visual art exhibits in the Purcell Art Gallery, and visual and performing art classes and live performances in the Cooke-Haley Theatre.

Bollinger's performing arts series work has included Grammy-winning artists Stephanie Mills, Suzanne Vega, Pam Tillis, The Manhattans, Booker T. Jones, Jane Monheit, Chanticleer and Los Lonely Boys.

Broadway stars he has worked with include Ben Vereen, Adam Pascal and two-time Tony award winner Norbert Leo Butz.

He is also founding director of Mainstage Theatre, served as longtime producing artistic director of Missouri's Lyceum Theatre, was inaugural director of Virginia's Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and president-elect of Virginia's Governors School for the Arts.

He has produced more than 200 theatrical productions including the American regional theatre premiere of "Aida".

He is a recipient of the Missouri Arts Award and received a commendation from President Bill Clinton.

The Louisa Arts Center is located at 212 Fredericksburg Ave.

Call 540/967-2200 or visit louisaarts.org for information.