NEW ALBANY — Look out, Julie Schweitzer is on a mission. And that can only mean good news for the Arts Council of Southern Indiana.

Schweitzer was named executive director of the organization two weeks ago, and has been working 14 hours a day since, she said.

“That pace will level out, but right now my energy level is high,” she said. “I am talking with people every day about the arts and the excitement level is high.”

Schweitzer replaced Edie Luther, who was serving as interim director following the resignation of Andrea Grossman. There was a “month-long lapse” without a director until Schweitzer was hired, but she is quickly making up ground.

“I’m real excited about the possibility of having a strong arts presence in my hometown,” she said. “We want to build a partnership with the community. People in town want to do something — they are ready for it.”

Schweitzer recently completed the successful New Albany Bicentennial Public Art Project, where she served as art project director. The project will bring five art pieces to New Albany’s downtown each year until the city’s bicentennial in 2013. Schweitzer spent more than a year organizing the event.

However, with the success of the art walk and enthusiasm surrounding the bicentennial project, Schweitzer said the area is ready to explode in the realm of art.

“That was not the case prior to the project,” she said. “I think people are real happy with the way the project turned out. I would like to see more going on ... it’s better for the community and for the artists.”

Schweitzer said she also has received a big boost from the Arts Council board, many of whom are just beginning their terms.

“They are so enthusiastic about the possibilities,” she said. “They are wanting to help any way they can. I get calls every day about ideas and that is what you need.”

Another new step for the Arts Council is to concentrate on promoting the arts in Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties. She said eventually she would like to collaborate with other counties on projects, but she said the concentration now must remain on growing arts in the three counties.

“We want to build the arts community here,” she said.

The Arts Council will continue to sponsor two popular school programs — Jammin’ With Jamie and Arts Appleseed — in the fall.

“We need to bring more attention to those programs so we can showcase our artists,” she said.

Schweitzer also wants to use the Arts Council office as a showcase for art by hosting art classes at the facility.

However, it all comes down to fundraising, Schweitzer said. But, if more people see what is going on, and the positives the Arts Council brings to the table, they will be more inclined to make a donation, she added.

“People are excited right now about the arts, and I hope that translates into funding,” she said. “There is so much talent in this area, we have to find ways to showcase that talent. I am very enthused about the future — I see nothing but great things in the future.”

Visit artscouncilsi.org for more information.