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January Issue 2006
Board of Directors of the Carolina Art Association in Charleston, South Carolina Names New Director
Dr. Layton McCurdy, President of the Board of Directors of the Carolina Art Association/Gibbes Museum of Art, in Charleston, SC, announced om Jan. 6, 2006, the appointment of Todd DeShields Smith as Executive Director of the Museum. Smith was chosen unanimously by the Board of Directors after a nationwide search led by board member Thomas S. White. Smith will assume the Director's position on Mar. 1, 2006.
"The Board is extremely enthusiastic about Todd coming on board. We are confident that he will provide creative leadership at this exciting time at the Gibbes," said McCurdy. "He brings proven skills and impressive experience to the Museum, as well as a passion for our collection and mission."
Smith has served as the Executive Director of the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) since 2002. His tenure in Knoxville has been marked by significant programmatic and management innovations. The resulting improvements led the Tennessee Arts Commission to raise its ranking of the KMA from 22 out of 30 major cultural institutions in 2002 to 3 out of 30 in 2005. Additionally the museum has enjoyed unprecedented national and international press coverage for its inventive exhibition programming.
Smith's experience also includes The Plains Art Museum in Fargo, ND where he was President and CEO; The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC where he was Curator of American Art; and the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, OH, where he was Curator of American and Decorative Art.
Smith received his undergraduate degree from Duke University, where he pursued a double major in Political Science and Art History. He received his Master's degree in Art History from Indiana University, and it is from this same institution that he will receive his Doctorate in Art History later this year. Smith's specific research interest is 19th century American art. He has published numerous articles in art history and museum studies and exhibition catalogues and is an active participant in conferences and national peer review committees in the museum community.
On behalf of the board, McCurdy recognized the Museum's interim director Laura D. Gates. "Laura Gates has provided wonderful leadership to the Gibbes during our transition in directors. The board and staff are delighted to have worked with her during this period."
For further information
contct the Gibbes Museum of Art at 843/722-2706 or at (www.gibbesmuseum.org).
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