Press Release: Artpace Bids Farewell to Executive Director Kathryn Kanjo

07.24.06

For Immediate Release: July 24, 2006
Media Contact: Libby D. Tilley
t 210 212 4900 x323
f 210 212 4990
ltilley@artpace.org
www.artpace.org

ARTPACE BIDS FAREWELL TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KATHRYN KANJO

San Antonio, TX - Artpace San Antonio announces the resignation of Executive Director Kathryn Kanjo as she will accept the position of Director, University Art Museum, University of California, Santa Barbara. Kanjo joined Artpace in 2000 with an enlightened and aggressive plan to bring Artpace to its current success and stature. Under her leadership and visionary goals, Kanjo lead Artpace to an unprecedented growth in this organization's 11-year history.

Chairperson Jeanne Klein states, "Kathryn has achieved incredible results at Artpace with her professional talents and we have been fortunate to benefit from her leadership the past 6 years. She has been an absolute delight to work with and the entire board and staff wish her the utmost success in her future endeavors."

More than half a decade ago, Artpace welcomed Kanjo as its new executive director. Her compelling vision for Artpace emphasized community outreach and ensured greater exposure for the artwork. At the beginning of her tenure, Kanjo lengthened residency exhibition times by concentrating on three residencies per year-extending the public's ability to engage with the artwork. Through the addition of education staff and enhanced marketing efforts, Kanjo has enabled Artpace to increase daily attendance by 400% in the past five years.

"My tenure coincided with radical change to this mighty organization," states Kanjo. "When I arrived in 2000, Artpace was changing from a grand idea to a proven reality. We had the respect of the larger art world, but needed to expand our community profile. Through a commitment to innovative programming, a strategic realignment of staff, the creation of a full fiscal Board, and a considered development plan, we have shepherded Artpace into a position of true civic engagement. I leave Artpace knowing that inspired vision of its founder, the passion of its board, and the skills of its staff, will carry it successfully into its next decade. San Antonio--its people, its history, and its authenticity--set the stage for Artpace's success. I have been honored to be accepted into this fine community and leave knowing Artpace will continue to serve our creative culture and feed its young minds."

A committee is being formed to begin the search process for a new executive director who will lead Artpace into its second decade. Artpace Founder Linda Pace and Board Chairperson Jeanne Klein will act as interim co-directors until the position is filled. Kanjo will serve in her role at Artpace until September 1, 2006.

About Artpace
Artpace San Antonio serves as a laboratory for the creation and advancement of international contemporary art. Artpace believes that art is a dynamic social force that inspires individuals and defines cultures. Our residencies, exhibitions, and education programs nurture the creative expression of emerging and established artists, while actively engaging youth and adult audiences.

Artpace is located downtown at 445 North Main Avenue, between Savings and Martin streets, San Antonio, Texas. Free parking is available on the corner of Savings and N. Flores streets. Artpace is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 PM, Thursday, 12-8 PM, and by appointment. Admission is free.

Artpace is wheelchair accessible. Sign language available upon request, please call in advance. Large-print gallery notes are available at front desk.

Artpace San Antonio is supported by Kronkosky Charitable Foundation; Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond Learsy; The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; Neiman Marcus; Nimoy Foundation; Valero Energy Corporation; Texas Commission on the Arts; H-E-B; The National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art; a grant from the Ruth Lang Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation; the William and Salomé Scanlan Foundation; AT&T; Mays Family Foundation; The Nordan Trust; Matthews Family Foundation; Target; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; the Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust; the Make Your Mark Circle; and the Friends of Artpace.

445 North Main Avenue San Antonio TX 78205 t 210 212 4900 f 210 212 4990 www.artpace.org