A legacy of art and advocacy: Mark Turner’s next chapter
by Trinity Gruenberg
After 32 years of dedicated leadership, Mark Turner of Verndale has retired as Director of the Five Wings Arts Council, marking the end of an era. Although his official last day in the office was October 15, Turner extended his tenure to mentor and guide the council’s new director, Miranda Lape, ensuring a smooth transition for the organization he helped shape into a regional cultural powerhouse.
Fresh out of college, Turner was looking for a job and saw an ad in the newspaper.
“I wanted to go into something in administration. I had the skill set and wanted to make an impact in that kind of role. It was just a part-time position, and it was coupled up, we work for the Region Five Development Commission. It was just a program within that,” said Turner.
In addition to the position, he also did land surveying for the Regional Five Development Commission, office management, and general odd jobs that needed to be completed.
“I wore many different hats, which followed me throughout my career,” added Turner.
“I was no stranger to art but nowhere near proficient. When I applied for the job, I had no idea what a regional arts council was,” Turner said with a chuckle....