Hello Everyone,

• I am very proud of everyone at the AGO for the way teams across the Gallery have pulled together to launch Yayoi Kusama – Infinity Mirrors. Virtually every staff member and volunteer has been involved somehow. Tomorrow we open to the public – thank you for your incredible efforts to ensure a memorable experience for our visitors. So far, we are exceeding expectations!
• As I walk through the exhibition, I continue to be amazed by the quality and range of Kusama’s art works – from the net paintings to the playful sculptures to the rooms themselves, Kusama reveals herself to be an artist of deep significance and impact.
• Next week beginning on Tuesday, I will be out of the office in Europe attending TEFAF Maastricht, the art fair in the Netherlands, and visiting Paris to secure loans for an upcoming exhibition.
• Today is Deb O’Leary’s last day at the Gallery. I will miss her upbeat and friendly spirit. For 22 years, Deb has worked hard to make the AGO a great place to be. Thank you Deb, for everything you accomplished as the head of SVR at the AGO.
• Last week Unifor and the AGO agreed to a 3-year contract that was ratified by our Protection Services officers and the AGO’s Board of Trustees. We found common ground very quickly and I want to thank everyone involved in the negotiations. Together we really are stronger.

Enjoy the weekend,

Stephan