Elizabeth "Beth" Milli has a lifelong link to BAYarts. This bond dates back to the mid-20^th Century when her woodworker grandfather sold his handcrafted duck carvings and candlesticks through the regional arts association in Bay Village.

“I’ve known about [the organization] my whole life,” says Milli, BAYarts’ new executive director as of Jan. 1. “This is an extension of my home neighborhood, so working here is a comfortable transition.”

A Bay Village native, Milli began volunteering for BAYarts in 2016 at Fuller House, part of the organization’s campus on the Huntington Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks. At the time, she wanted to reconnect with her home suburb, after living for a decade in North Royalton.

Over her nine years at BAYarts, Milli has held various paid roles, most recently as associate director under the tutelage of Nancy Heaton, who led the organization as executive director for the past two decades. Milli acted as Heaton’s “right hand” in all aspects of operations, from campus management and development to human resources and project oversight.

For example, Milli is co-lead on the Huntington Playhouse restoration, which will add five classrooms, flexible event spaces, a larger stage, and a new gallery for local artists. Given Milli’s passion for historical preservation and renovation, the opportunity to participate in this large-scale project was a “win-win,” she says.

“I learned so much from Nancy about all aspects of the organization,” Milli says. “She kept trusting me with more responsibility, and I always said ‘yes’ when she offered a new challenge. It set me up for success and space to grow.”

A welcoming persona

Though lacking an arts background, Milli says her diverse industry experience is proving invaluable as she transitions into her new position. As a writer with a communications background, she possesses a diverse skill set honed through years in the legal field, a successful freelance marketing career, and extensive experience in retail management.

Collectively, these past roles motivated Milli to make the arts more welcoming, especially for people who may find the art world confusing or even threatening.

“Communication is the key, considering our main mission is bringing people together to appreciate the arts,” she says. “Art can feel intimidating for those not exposed to it. People will peak into the gallery door just to ask if they can come in. Having that welcoming persona is very important.”

Milli's understanding of hospitality grew when she welcomed a guest deeply moved by an exhibit depicting the lives of unhoused San Diego residents. Sensing the guest's emotional response, Milli took a few moments to speak with them.

“I stopped and said hello to a person who needed the hello,” Milli says. “It’s more than the art on the walls—we are a place where people can come in and feel welcome. Art is so personal for each person, or it can be a respite from the outside world.”

Active listening is indispensable for BAYarts, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and is striving toward a century of community impact, says Milli. To that end, the organization established an auxiliary board comprised of young families eager to shape the future. BAYarts further engages younger residents via classes and camps, as well as scholarships for youth art classes.

“We’re making them aware of what we do, then giving them a voice that breaks down barriers,” says Milli. “You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy art or support it.”

The BAYarts board of directors is similarly excited about Milli’s leadership and vision for the coming years.

“We have full faith and confidence in Beth’s ability to take the helm at this time of growth and expansion,” said board president Mary Conway Sullivan in a press release.

For many people, art broadens their understanding of the world, introducing them to different cultures, histories, and social issues. While Milli can’t paint a beautiful watercolor, she finds immense pleasure in appreciating the extraordinary talent that produced it.

Ultimately, Milli is sparked for success by the people who walk through BAYarts’ doors. The varied collection of students, staff, guests, and artists are as foundational to the organization’s promise as the art they came to see or create, she says.

“It’s the people who make BAYarts such a vibrant community,” Milli says. “I’ve gotten a huge outpouring of support, which I did not expect. I could not have done it without Nancy [Heaton]. She gave me this opportunity to grow, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful.”