Timothy Close has served as executive director of the Museum of Glass since 2006
This afternoon, the executive director of The Museum of Glass, Timothy Close, officially resigned after a five-year tenure as leader of this Tacoma, Washington, institution devoted to glass as a material for art. The announcement was issued at 3 PM EST, on January 3, 2012, and was effective immediately. Deputy director and recently appointed head curator Susan Warner has been named interim director in the wake of Close’s departure.
In a lengthy prepared statement, Close cites his interest in returning to a less media-specific museum for his future career plans, but does not mention any specific institution where he may be moving. He writes: “This is a difficult decision for me, but I feel the timing is right for a leadership change at the Museum of Glass. It has been an honor to serve as the director of MOG. I truly love living in the Pacific Northwest and I have enjoyed working with so many talented artists and generous collectors. I would like to thank the outstanding staff of MOG for helping make the Museum the wonderful institution that it is today. I would also like to recognize the support of so many members of the community, in particular the volunteers and docents, who do so much to enhance the quality of the visitor experience. I will miss everyone a great deal. However, my professional interest is to return to a general art museum.”
Recent board chairman of the Museum of Glass Randy Lert sang Close’s praises in a prepared statement, citing the outgoing executive director ‘s accomplishments such as winning the institution accreditation from the American Association of Museums, establishing a permanent collection, launching traveling exhibitions originating at the museum, and developing a mobile hotshop program to reach beyond the museum’s walls.
“Under Tim’s leadership, the Museum experienced impressive growth and development,” writes Lert. “We are very appreciative of Tim’s many achievements and service to the Museum.”