Emerald Art Center’s New Executive Director Reflects on Education and Community

The Emerald Art Center is a pillar of creativity in Springfield, and the future of the non-profit is bright with new executive director, Melissa Green. She stepped into this leadership role in December 2025, bringing an extensive background in art education and museum curation.

From painting classes at Willamalane Park and Recreation District to fine arts courses at George Washington University, Green has experience in teaching art across a range of mediums and institutions.

“As an educator in the arts, gallery curat[or], and [through] steering non-profit arts organizations, it was always apparent that the arts are often a reflection of it’s community.”

-Melissa Green, Executive Director, Emerald Art Center

Beyond the classroom, Green has furthered her local involvement through outreach efforts and community projects. At the Corcoran Museum of Art and College of Art + Design, she helped connect underserved areas of Washington D.C. to museums and art programming.

Green has also facilitated large-scale initiatives in collaboration with community members and partner organizations, including a mural with Michelle Obama and a print installation at the Smithsonian Freer Art Gallery.

Many of Green’s past and current projects have been centered on the relationship between art and the environment. Green noted that “arts are an excellent vehicle for building a greater appreciation of the natural world,” which is reflected in her efforts to connect communities to nature.

In Washington D.C., Green worked with the Department of Energy & Environment and the National Park Service to raise awareness for ecological issues and highlight elements of the local environment.

Green has continued this environmental work in Oregon through the Emerald Art Center and the Cascades Raptor Center, where she established the Creative Wildlife Connections program, an art challenge that facilitates community engagement with local birds.

The Emerald Art Center has displayed works from the art challenge, including in their February exhibition, and will expand the ecological display in spring 2027.

“The [Cascades Raptor Center] exhibitions built creative avenues for the community to connect with species, introduce a variety of artists spanning generations and mediums, invoke a sense of outdoor wonder, and inspire verse to discover more about the vital role of conservation.”

– Melissa Green, Executive Director, Emerald Art Center

As exemplified by the collaboration with the Cascades Raptor Center, Green’s passion for art education and fostering community connections deeply aligns with the mission of the Emerald Art Center to “provide an opportunity for all who desire to create art and exhibit their work by cultivating a vibrant art community through education, outreach and partnerships.” The Emerald Art Center increases the accessibility of making and viewing art, utilizing unique partnerships with local organizations to introduce diverse perspectives to the art gallery.

“In Springfield and the surrounding community, [the Emerald Art Center] plays a vital role in providing a supportive and enriching environment, where people can access, appreciate, study, practice and celebrate art and artists, whether the artist is a professional with decades of experience or someone who is just beginning to explore art,” said Green.

Through themed exhibitions, classes, and events, the Emerald Art Center recognizes artists and connects community members to creative opportunities. One upcoming way to get involved with the Emerald Art Center is the Second Friday Art Walk on Friday, June 12 from 5:00 – 7:30pm in Downtown Springfield. By facilitating programs such as the monthly walk, Green helps celebrate the visual arts and expand the local art community.

“As the center moves forward, I am excited to help navigate opportunities to support artists, build curiosity and cross-cultural connections, and partner with collaborators to further engage the community,” said Green.

More about the Emerald Art Center
The Emerald Art Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts. It is a place where beginning and established artists join together to create and show their art in a historic building in Downtown Springfield. The Emerald Art Center is a place for people in the community to view local and national art shows, as well as attend classes and other events.