Director's Welcome
From the Director
After thirteen wonderful years serving as Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from my professional museum career which began in 1976. When I think of all of the things that we have accomplished at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art I am, quite frankly, astounded. It is a true testament to what can happen when an engaged community, a committed Board of Trustees, and a dedicated professional staff all work together to create a better museum and a better community.
During this time, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has been able to significantly increase its endowment, acquire and preserve the original Grant Wood Studio, add nearly 700 hundred works of art to the collection, and organize hundreds of exhibitions – including the memorable
Art in Roman Life: From Villa to Grave and
Grant Wood at 5 Turner Alley. We’ve been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums. We completed $12.3 million endowment and capital campaign ten years ago and now we’re well on our way toward completion later this year of a new $1.7 million capital campaign, which will allow the Museum to continue to take care of our exceptional facilities and improve the ways in which we can provide great programming and educational opportunities.
In my life, art museums have played many important roles. They are my continuing education, my therapy, my source of inspiration, my connection with history. My goal as a museum professional has been to make it possible for more people to have access to great exhibitions and programs that might change their lives, too.
My decision to retire on June 30, 2013 is driven by my desire to have the time to focus on the passions and pastimes that have been set aside due to my career. It’s a very long list that includes travel, photography, pursuing some writing projects, and improving my meager culinary skills. I look forward to seeing new leadership bring fresh, new ideas that will take the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art into an exciting new future.
Sincerely,
Terry Pitts
P.S. The Museum’s Board of Trustees has named our Curator, Sean Ulmer, as the Interim Director beginning July 1 until the national search has concluded.