Paul Raddatz, the new director of Kings Art Center, is on a mission.

If he accomplishes that mission, the membership of Kings Art Center will increase, there will be more participation in the center's summer art classes and more people will know it exists.

"I'm looking forward to getting people excited about the center and the art that's here for them," Raddatz said. "I want to see it expand as far as the knowledge of its existence and develop a more diverse audience."

Raddatz took over as director of the non-profit community art center on Dec. 3.

Steve Robinson, president of the Kings Art Center's board of trustees, said they are really excited about having Raddatz as director.

"Paul is a knowledgeable, gentle guy but knows how to accomplish tasks and has a real interest in the art center. It's one of those things where you hope the right person comes at the right time and it seems like Paul did."

As director Raddatz will oversee the care of the facility -- which includes one gallery and a studio/classroom.

He'll manage the center's budget, assist the art guild with fundraising efforts, build community relationships, supervise employees and other leadership responsibilities.

After Bob Marcellus left in June, the Kings Art Center board of trustees decided they'd split his responsibilities as curator and director into two positions.

Now Raddatz will oversee the managerial responsibilities and promotion of the center's programs while trustee John Robinson has taken over curator responsibilities.

Raddatz brings with him managerial experience and a talent for photography and Chinese brush painting.

Before coming to the art center, Raddatz worked for a Pfizer Inc.'s production plant in Groton, Conn. Over a period of 28 years, he worked his way up to general foreman, retiring in 1998.

During his free time, he pursued photography, a hobby he's had since the 1970s. In 1996, he began showing his photos in galleries.

Raddatz moved to Hanford in 2001.

During that time in Hanford, he became a member of the Kings Art Center.

Raddatz became interested in Chinese brush painting after taking a Chinese brush painting class with Springville artist Joy Harvey.

He traveled to China twice to take classes in Chinese brush painting, at the China Art Academy International College in Hangzhou, China.

In 2004, he moved to Washington state, where he stayed until moving back to Hanford in October of this year.

Raddatz said he's looking forward to the upcoming shows the art center has planned.

"The shows from what I've seen are an exciting mix of different types of art," Raddatz said.

Raddatz recommends those who haven't been to the art center come take a look at the art that's on display.

"It's exposure to local talent and talent from out of the area," Raddatz said. "I think when you go to an art gallery it's going to strike you emotionally and imaginatively," he said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2427.

(Dec. 28, 2007)