When Shakespeare wrote, “O wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here!,” Miranda was waxing amazed in “The Tempest.” But the sentiment might well apply to Sarah McKay. A Connecticut native and longtime Hartford-area painter/printmaker, educator and curator, McKay recently relocated across the state to immerse herself in New London’s multi-faceted arts community as the new general manager of Hygienic Art, the pan-aesthetic enclave featuring galleries, a performance park and a year-round calendar of events.

“New London was a destination for the indie art crew in Hartford,” McKay says. She’s seated on a stool at the replica lunch counter in the main room of the Hygienic on a recent, spring-like December afternoon. A Tupperware container of her homemade cookies is made available to guests. “This was the place. We took road trips to be here for art openings and live music. It’s like a Mecca. There’s so much going on in New London, and the rest of the state is figuring that out.”

But it wasn’t just the quality and quantity of aesthetic activities in New London that made McKay interested in the Hygienic position. “It’s the whole town; there’s a more congenial atmosphere and, though, it’s small, it’s a vibrant city with a warm environment where the artists here really talk to each other. And everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming.”

McKay officially took over the Hygienic on October 20, replacing Rich Martin, the longtime Hygienic master cylinder who stepped down to focus on the Telegraph Record Shop and label he owns with his wife, Daphne Lee Martin.

“Rich did such an amazing job here,” says McKay, who previously worked part time at the Hygienic and independently curated a printmaking show at the gallery. “Rich gave me so much insight as to how Hygienic operates as well as how the whole artistic community is ongoing and overlaps.”

A. Vincent Scarano, president of Hygienic Art, says there were several applicants for the general manager position, and that the search committee was impressed and flattered by the amount and caliber of professional talent that expressed interest.

“Ultimately,” he says, “it was Sarah’s understanding of the mission and history of Hygienic Art (that convinced the committee). She had the ability to hit the ground running with scheduled art programs and the creation of new art projects. Also, we were impressed by her ability to work with our board and development staff.”

Indeed, in addition to her efforts as a painter, drawer and printmaker — her pieces have been exhibited in Boston and Los Angeles as well as throughout Connecticut — McKay co-founded Hartford’s Rough Edges Art Productions and was an educator at The Academy of Aerospace and Engineering. She also has been extensively involved in a variety of cultural and arts productions ranging from theater and music to fine arts and street productions.

“We think that, for any nonprofit arts organization to survive, it must keep redefining itself,” Scarano says. “And Hygienic Art is fertile ground for Sarah to organize and implement programming strategy that will further engage the community through the arts.”

McKay speaks highly of the Hygienic’s e’er-evolving array of programs, events and series, and says she’s totally committed to carrying all of those forward. Those representatively include the summer film and concert series, regular poetry readings, music festivals, the annual Hygienic Salon des Independents art show, and many more.

“All of the existing programs will continue, but in an expanded context,” McKay says. She also plans to increase the number of galleries within the Hygienic structure so they can stagger exhibitions and openings. McKay also has started new programs such as Hyg Harbor — a live music series that will take place on the first Wednesday of each month — and Artist Jr. Academy, where youngsters ages 4 to 10 are introduced to the arts through storytelling and drawing projects.

Too, McKay is actively working to grow the volunteer base at the Hygienic, utilizing not only native New Londoners but also arts enthusiasts who regularly travel to the city from New Haven, Willimantic, Hartford and Rhode Island.

“There’s such a great grassroots vibe in this community with people of all ages,” McKay says. “And the more people find out about it, the more they’re drawn to New London. I want to build that spirit.”

McKay says she’s enjoying getting to know folks active in local civic, arts and cultural groups and hopes to do a great deal of collaborative work across the city. “The Garde and the O’Neill Theater Center and all the art galleries ...” She smiles. “It’s pretty amazing. I’ve already had the opportunity to attend a few conferences and meet so many enthusiastic people,” she says. “Sometimes, in a small town, people can know each other too well and it’s hard to envision opportunities. I’m the new person, and I want to meet everyone and see what can happen.”

“Sarah is looking at our community with fresh eyes and new initiatives,” Scarano says. “She understands that the progressive nature of most urban arts communities is open to all artists and new ideas and new artists.”

McKay basically thinks the job and the opportunities are about as ideal as it gets. “I’ve always been interested in so many aspects of the arts, whether it’s working with a nonprofit or event presentation or working on my own paintings,” she says. “And now I can focus and do all of it in one place.”