TUCSON, Ariz. (May 31, 2023) — Tucson’s Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures announces that William  Russo has been named the new Executive Director.

William “Billy” Russo brings over two decades of artistic and management experience in the theater industry and a reputation of success in fundraising, rightsizing budgets, and fostering fiscal growth. He served five years as the Managing Director at Arizona Theatre Company, where he successfully navigated the organization through financial challenges, expanded ticket sales by over 25 percent, and doubled individual giving.

During his time working in theater in New York, Russo held leadership positions at acclaimed theatre companies Playwrights Horizons and New York Theatre Workshop. There he steered productions that would lead to 21 Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize, including “Once,” “Grey Gardens” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

Throughout a career cultivated by his love of the arts, Russo has embraced the importance of balancing fiscal management with artistic expression.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Billy as the new Executive Director of The Mini Time Machine. He comes to us with a wealth of financial expertise and leadership skills to guide this 14-year-old museum into its next exciting phase,” said Leilani Rothrock, president of the museum board. “We look forward to working with him to develop financial stability while exploring an even more creative future for our unique museum.”

Russo says he plans to honor the museum’s loyal patrons while cultivating new relationships.  His vision includes crafting unique experiences with expanded programming and a focus on visitor growth.  

“This museum is a jewel in the crown of Tucson, and I intend to expand on the wonderful qualities that have already made it shine,” said Russo.

About The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, on Trip Advisor’s top 10 list of Top Attractions in Tucson, is dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of miniatures. Founded by Patricia and Walter Arnell in 2009, its permanent collection includes over 500 antique and contemporary dollhouses and room boxes, and its special exhibitions highlight the breadth and diversity of the art form.  The galleries are interactive spaces where visitors are invited to enjoy the entertaining and educational aspects of the collection and “time-travel” to different eras through the stories and histories embedded in the objects and exhibits on display.

The museum’s current exhibit, Dowdytown: Chapter 3 of the Agoraphobia Trilogy by Stephen Farley, has just been extended due to popular demand and now runs through December 31, 2023.  For over four decades, Stephen Farley has been revisiting his childhood through art, sifting through sand for lost clues and meaning.  His childhood is both a time and a place, entangled and inseparable from his hometown of Ontario, CA.  ‘Dowdytown’ is Stephen’s name for Ontario, which was a vast and smothering antagonist, the constant enemy of his mother, whose debilitating agoraphobia would isolate her for weeks at a time.  Her mental illness, undiagnosed and misunderstood, was an ever-present shadow.  As a child, Stephen learned how to navigate and adapt to the darkness, and making miniatures became both a joy and salvation.


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