An Alabama art association director retires after 39 years

TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (AP) — Tennessee Valley Art Association Executive Director Mary Settle Cooney is stepping down from the organization.

The Times Daily reports Cooney has spent the last 39 years with the Alabama organization.

She came on board in 1980 as an assistant director until becoming the executive director in 1989.

Interim Director Nancy Sanford says the art association expanded the museum to four galleries, added the petroglyph, increased outreach, purchased and renovated The Ritz Theatre and expanded theater programs under Cooney's reign.

Cooney says she's looking forward to be involving with the association as a patron.