Executive Director Janeanne Upp announced Tuesday that she will be leaving Tacoma Art Museum as of July 2. She and her husband, who recently purchased a business in Western Idaho, will be moving to Coeur DAlene.
It has been a privilege to be part of Tacoma Art Museums phenomenal success and to participate in the revitalization of Tacoma. remarked Upp. I feel proud of how far the organization has come, and I know the museum will continue to thrive.
Upp joined the museum in July 1999. During her tenure the museum realized the goal of building a new facility, which opened May 3, 2003 on time and on budget, and completing a $27 million capital campaign for the building and endowment.
She brought a strong financial background to the museum, noted board Chair Rick Carr, that has resulted in a financially secure organization with a balanced budget three years running. And, were well on our way to a fourth year.
Her artistic leadership brought a stunning array of exhibitions for the opening of the new building including a site specific installation by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly, a respected and scholarly exhibition of Northwest Art, and a series of exhibitions that resulted in over 250 gifts of Northwest art to the museums Collection.
Janeanne has truly assembled a capable team that has built a strong foundation for continued success, added Board member Susan Russell Hall. She has provided clear leadership for the museum and, with the recent completion of a three-year strategic plan, helped reaffirm Tacoma Art Museums commitment to the community.
A Board of Trustees committee is being formed to conduct a national search for a new Executive Director, said board member and board G=governance Chair, Judith Nilan. The board expects to have a new director in place this winter.
The museum is located in the downtown Cultural District, next to historic Union Station.
