Groundworks Art Lab searching for new leader

Kari Palazzari steps down as executive director, Gina Maione Earles to serve as interim

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Kari Palazzari, the executive director of Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder, Colorado, is stepping down from her role. Gina Maione Earles, a former executive director of Blue Sky Bridge and the founding executive director of Groundworks, will serve as the interim leader as the organization searches for a permanent replacement.

Why it matters

Groundworks Art Lab is an important community arts education center in Boulder, offering classes in ceramics, woodworking, metalwork, glass, and printmaking. Palazzari's departure marks a transition for the organization, which will need to find a new leader to continue its mission and programs.

The details

Palazzari began volunteering with Groundworks in 2015 during its transition from city management of the Pottery Lab to an independent nonprofit. Under her leadership, Groundworks transitioned away from annual city subsidy funding, maintained all programs and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic, and completed development of its new 12,000-square-foot multiple art form facility.

  • Palazzari began volunteering with Groundworks in 2015.
  • Palazzari became the executive director of Groundworks at an unspecified time.

The players

Kari Palazzari

The former executive director of Groundworks Art Lab who is stepping down from her role.

Gina Maione Earles

A former executive director of Blue Sky Bridge and the founding executive director of Groundworks, who will serve as the interim leader as the organization searches for a permanent replacement.

Groundworks Art Lab

A Boulder-based arts education center that offers community classes in ceramics, woodworking, metalwork, glass, and printmaking.

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What they’re saying

“During her 13-year tenure at Blue Sky Bridge, Boulder County's child advocacy center, Earles partnered closely with the staff and board to lead the organization through growth and change, expanding programs and increasing its footprint across Boulder County.”

— Groundworks Art Lab (Groundworks Art Lab news release)

“She also served as the founding executive director and a founding board member of Studio Arts Boulder, which is now Groundworks Art Lab.”

— Groundworks Art Lab (Groundworks Art Lab news release)

What’s next

Groundworks has established a joint board-staff committee to help guide the leadership transition and search for a permanent replacement for Kari Palazzari.

The takeaway

The departure of Kari Palazzari as executive director of Groundworks Art Lab marks a transition for the organization, which will need to find a new leader to continue its mission of providing community arts education programs in Boulder.