Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Executive Director Sheila Hughes has announced that, after a decade with the organization, she’s stepping down from the position.
After roughly 40 years of working in the nonprofit art sector, Hughes isn’t exactly sure what her next adventure will be and isn’t yet using the word “retirement.”
“I still love (the nonprofit art sector), and I’m still so energized,” Hughes told West Sound in an email. “I want to take a few months and think about where and what that new place is …. In the meantime, I’ll be deep in garden dirt, attending as many music and arts events as I can, and hosting as many dinner parties as possible to say thank you to my very patient friends and family.”
During her time at the museum, Hughes spearheaded the organization’s annual BIMA Recognizes Achievement in the Visual Arts (or BRAVA) awards, expanded program offerings, launched the DogEar festival, and brought more eyes to its Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection, a press release noted.
Sears, the museum’s founder, fondly reflected on Hughes’s time at BIMA in the release.
“When I first dreamed of an art museum on Bainbridge Island, I fantasized that we might find an executive director who would guide it with dedication, grace, and clarity of vision,” she said. “Sheila (was) that dream come true … .”
While it hasn’t yet been determined who will step into the executive director role next, Korum Bischoff, BIMA’s deputy director, will serve as interim executive director for the time being.
“I have no idea who will take my spot, but whoever it is will be stewarding one of the most wonderful organizations imaginable,” Hughes said. “BIMA is so much more than a museum, and its commitment to being open for free requires a lot of work to sustain. But it feels like it’s never been more important to create those spaces where everyone is welcome, represented, and invested.”