Arts council director Smith resigns

Springfield Regional Arts Council Executive Director Sandra CH Smith is resigning from her position, effective May 22.

Smith announced her resignation in a letter this afternoon to the arts council board and various community members.

She plans to return to Eureka Springs, Ark., to take a more active role in running her business, Cliff Cottage Inn, which she says has suffered from her absentee ownership.

"It took me 15 years to create the business and build it up for something to have in retirement, and I can't let it continue to decline," Smith said in the letter.

Smith joined the arts council in January 2007. She recently launched the organization's Fresh Gallery, 411 S. Campbell Ave., which displays fine art and crafts in various media by artists who share in the expenses and responsibilities of running the gallery.

"I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support these past two and a half years as we created programs and events to transform lives and enrich our community through the arts," Smith said in the letter. "Thank you for having given me the opportunity to be a part of those efforts and to have had this fine opportunity to serve Art Town USA."