Katharine Lee Reid To Resign as Director of Museum

CLEVELAND.-
“Having worked hard to bring this institution to the next step in its evolution, the timing was right to make this difficult decision, which is based in large part on personal and family considerations,” Reid, 63, said, noting that she and her husband, Bryan, 79, will retire to North Carolina.

Reid became director in March 2000 after having served as director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts since 1991. She has set no timetable for her departure and has agreed to continue to serve until her successor is named.

“I am extremely proud of what I have been able to accomplish on behalf of this magnificent Museum, which has been a beloved part of my life not only as a professional but since childhood,” said Reid. “I am particularly proud of the work my team and I have completed to ensure that the Museum is absolutely prepared to launch the building project.

“However,” Reid added, “as we enter a lengthy and complex renovation and expansion process, it is critical to have long-term continuity of administrative and artistic leadership. Accordingly, I believe it is appropriate that the Museum begin the search for the next director now, someone who will lead this institution and the community through longer-term aspects of project and beyond.”

James T. Bartlett, president of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, said, “Katharine has been a driving force in the advancement of the Museum’s building project and capital campaign. Her focus and diligence have ensured that we are poised and ready to move ahead, capitalizing on the significant momentum gained under her leadership.

“The timing of her decision,” Bartlett noted, “ is indicative of her usual high standard of responsibility. The Museum’s Board will now have ample time to retain a new director without sustaining gaps in leadership in the project or daily operations.”

Bartlett said the Museum will immediately begin a national search for Reid’s successor.

Widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading museum professionals, Reid has been instrumental in elevating the stature of the Museum’s collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, textiles and other works, with an emphasis on reinforcing its commitment to modern masterpieces and contemporary art. Notable acquisitions include: The Dream (1931, oil on canvas) by Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904-1989); Celebration (1960, oil on canvas) by Lee Krasner (American, 1908-1984); Gamin (c. 1929-30, hand-painted plaster) by Augusta Savage (1892-1962); Boston Harbor (c. 1846-47, oil on canvas) by Fitz Hugh Lane (American, 1804-1865); and Catal Huyuk (level VI B) Shrine VI B.1 (2001, aluminum pipe and cast aluminum) by Frank Stella (American, 1936); along with a significant late Shang Dynasty Chinese bronze; Olmec and Mayan Pre-Columbian works, and African masterpieces from the Luba, Congo and other peoples. Another notable, more recent acquisition is a rare, life-size ancient bronze sculpture of Apollo Sauroktonos (probably 350-275 BC; possibly 275-330 AD, bronze, copper and stone inlay, attributed to Praxiteles (400 BC – 330 BC), which has been described by a noted scholar as “…by far the most important work of Classical sculpture to come to light and be acquired by a North American art museum since World War II.”

“Katharine has worked tirelessly for the past five years to reaffirm the Museum’s stature in the art world and its unique standing as the city’s creative centerpiece,” Bartlett said. “Her leadership has helped to assure the Museum’s ability to bring the joy of art to future generations. We thank her for tremendous dedication and her passion for art and this institution.”