PORT TOWNSEND — Northwind Art has added a development director.

Tracy Thompson joined the organization this month.

Thompson returned to Port Townsend after a decade in Walla Walla.

“I am super motivated by Northwind Art’s mission of cultivating the arts through education, exhibits and artist resources,” she said.

She has a background in education, the arts, nonprofits and multi-disciplinary programs. Her development expertise includes grant writing, fundraising events, and community collaborations.

“The arrival of Tracy Thompson as development director completes the Northwind Art leadership team — such a talented group of people — and is a critical step in building the infrastructure of our organization,” said Executive Director Teresa Verraes.

“Although the economic and operational impacts of COVID are still being felt, building a strong team, streamlining our processes and investing in good tools sets us up for long-term success and I am thrilled at the opportunities ahead.”

Northwind Art, formed on Jan. 1 as the merged entity of Port Townsend School of the Arts and Northwind Arts Center, provides education for new, emerging and professional artists; exhibits for local community and destination visitors; and programs for artists to further their skills and careers.

Through its education focus, headed by Education Director Shin Yu Pai, Northwind Art offers classes and workshops to youth and adult artists of all levels in a multitude of disciplines including art fundamentals, creative process, lectures and demonstrations.

As for many organizations, the reality of the pandemic motivated the pivot to online class offerings — an opportunity which expanded the school’s reach to international audiences, accessibility-challenged audiences, and people just off the Peninsula too.

Northwind Art officials said they are hopeful they can return soon to in-person classes, but added that online is here to stay, and the plan is to keep expanding the online catalog even when in-person events and classes can happen again.

The exhibit team has had shows unfolding at Best Gallery, 701 Water St., and Grover Gallery, 236 Taylor St., as well as through partnerships with community organizations.

Michael D’Alessandro, exhibits director said: “The exhibit team is excited to work closely with Tracy to develop a new membership model, special events and other community outreach projects.”