Hello Everyone,
- As many of you already know, Christy Thompson will be taking a maternity leave for 1 year beginning January 28th. Today is her last day in the office and we all wish her well. I am pleased to share that Jessica Bright will be Acting Head, Exhibitions & Collections in Christy’s absence. Jessica has held many roles in her 15+ years at the AGO and I am glad to be working more closely with her. Laura Comerford will take on the role of Associate Director, Exhibitions, replacing Jessica during this period. Congratulations Jessica and Laura!
- Last night we had a wonderful holiday celebration for employees and volunteers. Planning a party for such a big group takes a lot of effort and I’d like to thank everyone on the Communications team, the events committee, as well as the Food & Beverage, for pulling it off. A special shout-out to those who embraced the theme of “Enchanted Forest” by wearing amazing costumes – you made the party more fun for all of us!
- The programming associated with the Mickalene Thomas exhibition is resonating strongly with our audiences. Wednesday night’s talk with author Esi Edugyan and journalist Donna Bailey Nurse was sold out. Tonight, the AGO will facilitate The Feast – a performative dining exchange seating 100 Black women artists and arts workers around a long table down the middle of Walker Court. It will be an extraordinary evening at the museum.
Enjoy the weekend. I fly tomorrow to Richmond, Virginia to attend the Association of Art Museum Directors’ conference. Back on Wednesday.
Stephan