De Bortoli begins job as new art walk event coordinator

Dania De Bortoli has been hired as the new Fairfield 1st Fridays Art Walk event coordinator. She assumed her duties July 11.

De Bortoli, a former member of the art walk board, brings more than 15 years of professional and management experience in operations, marketing and client services to the job. De Bortoli?s work as a jewelry designer has been sold in boutiques and galleries nationwide, and De Bortoli has appeared on HGTV?s ?That?s Clever.?

?Dania?s solid business experience combined with an artistic background and a passion for the Fairfield community makes her a perfect fit for this position,? said Susan Noll, president of the art walk board of directors. 

?I have always been passionate about the art walk. I love that it brings the community together,? De Bortoli said, referring not only to the citizens of Fairfield, but also to people all across the state who are familiar with the event.

The August pet-themed art walk is her primary focus right now. In addition to the successful pet parade from previous years, De Bortoli said the art walk is working to bring new activities to the event, including a Pawcasso booth where dog print paintings will be made.

?Right now the plan is to maintain the quality of the art walk events,? De Bortoli said, adding she also hopes to grow and cultivate the monthly event while continuing community involvement and representation of southeast Iowa arts.

She is currently being brought up to speed by interim event coordinator Terry Baker, who oversaw the planning of the May and June art walks following the departure of previous director Betsy Howland. Howland left the position to focus on her full-time involvement with Revelations Café and Bookstore.

?I really feel lucky that Terry is mentoring me and bringing me on board,? De Bortoli said, praising Baker?s years of experience with the art walk.