Betsy Hope named new executive director of Middletown Arts Center

Betsy Hope, the former vice president of the Hamilton Community Foundation, is now executive director of the Middletown Arts Center.

Betsy Hope, the former vice president of the Hamilton Community Foundation, is now executive director of the Middletown Arts Center.

The former vice president of the Hamilton Community Foundation has taken over as executive director of the Middletown Arts Center and said she plans to help the nonprofit become a valuable part of the city’s revitalization efforts.

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Betsy Hope, 55, replaces Hilary Nauman, who had held the post of executive director at the Middletown Arts Center since 2015.

Hope has a background working for nonprofit organizations in Indiana and Ohio.

“I was at the Hamilton Community Foundation for four years,” she said, adding that she wants to use all of her nonprofit experience to help the MAC thrive.

“The Middletown Arts Center has a strong history and is a jewel in our community,” Hope said. “It is here for all ages to enjoy. Arts are an important part of the revitalization of Middletown and add to the vibrancy of our entire region.”

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The Middletown Arts Center was founded in 1957 by the Art Committee of the Federation of Women’s Clubs of Middletown. It was originally known as Middletown Fine Arts Center. It moved to its current location at 130 N. Verity Pkwy. in 1975.

The center offers as many as 175 classes annually to students of all ages and experience levels.

Katie Braswell of the Hamilton Community Foundation said that Hope will be a valuable asset to the Middletown center.

“Betsy’s love of art and being involved in a community will be a great asset to the Middletown Arts Center,” she said. “We are excited for her in this new role and wish her all the best.”

Hope graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and holds a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

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