Judy Tuohy Retiring from Schack Art Center

Judy Tuohy retiring from the Schack Art Center.

The Board of Directors of the Schack Art Center announced the upcoming retirement of its Executive Director, Judy Tuohy, who is stepping down in May 2026.

Tuohy pun in an extraordinary 32 years of service for the Schack Art Center. Under her visionary leadership, the organization has grown more than tenfold, evolving from a small, volunteer-driven arts group into one of the region’s most vibrant and influential visual art centers.

During Tuohy’s tenure, the Schack Art Center achieved milestones once thought unimaginable—most notably the planning, funding, and construction of its state-of-the-art facility, which now serves as a creative hub for artists, students, and community members.

The 19,000 square foot Center, located in downtown Everett features admission-free contemporary exhibitions, a curated gallery store representing over 200 local artists, hands-on classes in eight art studios, robust arts education and outreach programs and the only public glassblowing hot shop north of Seattle.

This transformational project not only expanded the Center’s programming capacity but also cemented its role as a cornerstone of the local arts landscape.

“Judy has left a lasting legacy in the region that is unparalleled. Countless generations of artists, patrons and members of this community will benefit from her vision and tenacity supporting the visual arts.”, said Board President, Rich White.

Under Tuohy’s guidance, the Schack significantly broadened its exhibitions, educational offerings, youth programs, and partnerships, bringing the work of local and regional artists to new and diverse audiences.

Attendance, membership, and donor support reached record levels, reinforcing Schack’s long-term sustainability.

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing organization.” stated Tuohy.

“To help shape our footprint and witness its profound impact on our youth, local artists and our community at large has been a great pleasure.”

In addition to her position at Schack, Judy Tuohy is also a long-time councilmember on the Everett City Council.

The Board will launch a regional search for the next Executive Director in the coming weeks, with the leadership transition in the spring of 2026. In the meantime, the Schack will continue to operate at full capacity, advancing its mission of supporting local artists and enriching the cultural life of the community.