ROSEVILLE -The new director of the National Ceramic Museum and Heritage Center is no stranger to the community, but since taking the position she has been working to bring new ideas to the center.

Kathryn Norman, a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, recently took over the position of director. Her family owns ands operates the Dairy Queen in Duncan Falls.

Norman majored in fashion illustration and has a minor in liberal arts from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She said she worked for 20 years as a food and beverage manager for the Athens Country Club, which has given her the experience of working with the public. She also has an extensive knowledge of all different kinds of pottery, whether it be Roseville, Weller, McCoy or some other.

Since taking the position, she has observed different programs at other museum facilities looking for the kinds of programs that will work at the Center. Norman has been researching and purchasing new products for the gift shop. It is being remodeled to present more of a gallery look, she said. Not all of the merchandise will be pottery, but there will be an emphasis on the many uses of pottery.

Norman said she would like the public to be aware of the versatility of pottery, whether it be for cooking or serving food or as something decorative. Consigned items from local artisans will also be available in the gift shop

Although she is paid a salary from the Ceramic Museum Board Association, she also has four interns from the Hocking College Internship Program, who are helping her through the summer. She is actively searching for a fifth intern. The center has received a grant for children's programs for the summer of 2007, and they are pursuing more grants for adult and children's programs for the fall.

One of the upcoming plans to bring people into the center is in August when a flea market is planned. Anyone wanting more information can contact the museum (697-7021)

Norman said fall programs are also in the planning stages. There will be a haunted campground, pumpkin carving contests, wiener roasts, and a costume party closer to Halloween.

With the Pottery Festival ongoing, Norman said she is happy to give information to visitors on what is available at the center and the different programs going on.