NORWICH – Less than three weeks in her new position, newly appointed Chenango Arts Council Executive Director Diane Batson-Smith isn’t wasting any time putting her stamp on the local arts scene and steering the organization in an exciting new direction.

Having said goodbye to longtime director Victoria Kappel in June, the Chenango Arts Council welcomed Batson-Smith to take the reins July 1. Though still getting acquainted with the Chenango County community, she said her mission is to continue ongoing endeavors at the Arts Council while integrating new ideas to re-introduce locals to the arts.

“This is a lovely area to be in,” she said. “I’ve been a little surprised at the number of thunder storms we’ve had, but that can be exciting too.”

With the summer season well underway, Batson-Smith is picking up Chenango Arts programs where Kappel left off. Ongoing programs include the Arts Council’s “Wine and Design” series, the upcoming Advanced Art Summer Camp (held in conjunction with Wilson Ceramics), gallery exhibits, and a new performance season set to take the stage in October.

She also has sights set on increasing membership at the Arts Council as well as corporate sponsorships.