SAN DIEGO, CA.- This year has been one for the record books. The pandemic has brought about extraordinary changes. Earlier this summer, the staff of the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park in San Diego was diligently preparing to welcome visitors back to the Museum. No sooner had the Timken started to receive its first guests when word came from state and county officials that many businesses including museums would have to close once again. As a result and with the date of another possible reopening uncertain at this time, the Timken’s board of directors and leadership has made a strategic decision to look beyond 2020 and reopen in the spring of 2021.

However, the Timken is not simply shutting its doors until next spring. During this pause, there will be lots of activity going on inside the Museum. With a renewed sense of optimism and with health and safety of utmost importance, enhancements to the Timken’s programs and systems will begin almost immediately as its leadership and staff re-envisions new ways for visitors to explore the Museum and connect with the Timken collection.

Community Outreach
The Timken remains dedicated to those it serves, and since the start of the pandemic, the Museum staff has risen to the occasion, working harder than ever and taking on new duties and responsibilities to ensure the Museum’s future. The museum's director of curatorial affairs, Derrick R. Cartwright, has created an extensive library of Curator’s Corner art talk presentations available on the Museum’s YouTube channel. Additionally, in his new Work of the Week feature, Cartwright explores a particular artwork, explaining its meaning and historical significance while revealing details about the artist’s motivation and inspiration.




In addition, the Timken’s teaching artist, Elizabeth Washburn, has created a series of “how to” video art tutorials to continue serving veterans and active military personnel at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, residents at selected senior centers, as well as youth at Juvenile Hall and the San Diego Unified School District during this isolating time. To ensure the widest possible reach, the Timken’s videos are available for all to enjoy on the Museum’s website and its YouTube channel.

The Timken extends a sincere ‘Thank You’
The art world has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and the Timken is no exception. Dependent on donations, the museum had to make many difficult decisions including employee furloughs and some layoffs. However, as the only year-round, free museum in Balboa Park, the Timken recognizes its key role in serving a wide and diverse community, and it is committed to doing so throughout this extended closure.

“The Timken is extraordinarily fortunate and appreciative to have a dedicated board of directors, staff and volunteers, along with loyal members who have allowed us this unique opportunity for enhancements during these challenging times,” stated Megan Pogue, executive director of the Timken.

Pogue continued: “We are particularly grateful to the Timken’s members for their support and understanding. We have missed seeing them and look forward to the spring of 2021 when we can reconnect. We are confident that everyone’s next visit to the Timken will be even more pleasant, meaningful and memorable than before. The Timken will remain in touch with the community via its weekly newsletter, social media and more detailed periodic news as the staff prepares for the Museum’s bright future ahead.”