The new education coordinator at the Suffolk Art League has made expanding the league’s class offerings outside of downtown her top priority.

“I think it’s going to expand what we can do and expand what the art league can do for the community,” said Beth Netts, who is the new part-time education coordinator.

She has also been an adjunct instructor at Tidewater Community College since 2011. Her preferred form of art is stained glass, and she owned M&M Glass Works in Churchland for 17 or 18 years before reducing it to a home studio in the midst of the economic downturn several years ago. She has a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Virginia Wesleyan College.

“We’re very pleased to have her on our staff,” Executive Director Linda Bunch said. “The position is supported financially through the newly created Suffolk Art League’s annual fund.”

Bunch said the board committed to the annual fund last year with the main goal of the effort being to have a second part-time position.

In turn, the main goal of having the position is to expand class offerings to all parts of Suffolk.

“Our mission is to provide arts experiences for all of Suffolk, not just downtown,” Bunch said.

All of the art league’s classes currently take place at the Suffolk Art Gallery on Bosley Avenue, a few blocks from city hall. Netts said her first priority is to expand them to North Suffolk at a space yet to be determined, with other areas of the city coming afterward.

“I think it’s interesting to be able to bring art to a lot of people,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a great opportunity.”

Netts said she already has been talking to people about locations in North Suffolk where classes can be held for low or no cost. She’s also looking for new ideas on classes.

“I’m so passionate about art and what it does for you and how it enriches your life,” she said.