MEDIA CONTACT: Bakersfield Museum of Art Matt Munoz 661-‐323-‐7219 ext. 105 mmunoz@bmoa.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BAKERSFIELD MUSEUM OF ART ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS AND DEPARTURE OF CURATOR
Bakersfield, CA -‐ February 26, 2015 -‐ The Board of Trustees of the Bakersfield Museum of Art announces the appointment of Mark Engelien as its director. Engelien’s appointment became effective February 23, 2015 following unanimous approval by trustees. The appointment caps an exhaustive search that began in 2014. Engelien, a 44-‐year-‐resident of Bakersfield, was a member of the BMOA Board of Trustees in May 2014 when he was asked to serve as interim director while a search was conducted. "I know I speak for the entire board when I say how thrilled we are to have a person of Mark's caliber at the helm of this esteemed organization. Mark and his wife have been longtime supporters of the museum and the visual arts in our community," said board chairwoman Mary Wegis. "This is an important time for museums across the country that are navigating funding challenges. Mark's recognition of this and careful stewardship as interim director have positioned BMOA well heading into the new year and made him the perfect choice." Engelien was Senior Principal Architect and Chief Financial Officer for BFGC Architecture until his retirement in 2012. Born in Gary, Indiana where he lived in a converted chicken coop, Mark’s family moved to Los Angeles in 1952. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and became licensed in California as an architect in 1974. Mark and his wife Debbie moved to Bakersfield in 1971 where they raised their three children. Mark is a member and past president of Bakersfield South Rotary, a board member and chairman of YMCA, and a member and past chair of the American Institute of Architects Golden Empire Chapter. CATHERINE KUUSKRAA NAMED ASST. DIRECTOR BMOA also announces the appointment of Catherine Kuuskraa as Assistant Director. Kuuskraa is currently Director of Development and will continue in that role as well. She joined BMOA in May of 2014. A native of New Orleans and a graduate of Boston College, Kuuskraa moved to Bakersfield with her husband and two children in August 2013 from Almaty, Kazakhstan where her husband worked for Chevron. With more than twenty years of development, communication and marketing experience, Kuuskraa spent six years at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) working on board development and fundraising, including three years managing its million-‐dollar
fundraising events. She served as Special Assistant to the Museum Director and Board Chairman, Charles R. Schwab, working on its capital and art accessions campaigns during SFMOMA’s expansion. “Catherine brings a practical knowledge of museum business to her role in management and fundraising,” said BMOA Chairman-‐Elect, Andy Stanley. “Working closely with the board and Mark, Catherine’s new title represents the leadership and professionalism she adds to the museum team.” VIKKI CRUZ HEADED TO LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART The Bakersfield Museum of Art also announces the departure of curator Vikki Cruz, effective February 27, 2015. Cruz joined the BMOA in 2004 serving as Museum Assistant, Art Instructor, and Assistant Curator over the course of her first six years. In 2010, Cruz was appointed to her current position as the museum’s Curator. During here 11-‐year tenure, Cruz was instrumental in bringing a number of critically-‐ acclaimed exhibitions to BMOA, including the first-‐ever retrospective by California artist, Dennis Hare, titled “Without Restraint”, which is currently on display at BMOA, and “Photography In Mexico, From the Collection of SFMOMA.” Cruz also played a vital role in the success of the Museum’s annual Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival held at The Marketplace in Bakersfield, and has accessioned over 50 works of art into BMOA’s permanent collection. Cruz has accepted a new position as Curatorial Administrator for the Chinese and Korean Department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art – LACMA, in Los Angeles, California. “With regret, we celebrate Vikki’s opportunity to ascend to an important role in a museum such as LACMA. Her leadership as Curator at BMOA has built a respect for our museum with artists and other art museums through her personal commitment and hard work. She will be missed greatly,” Engelien said. BMOA Assistant Curator, Rachel Magnus, will oversee all curatorial duties while the Museum searches for a replacement. About BMOA: The Bakersfield Museum of Art strives to enhance the quality of life through art appreciation and educational opportunities in the visual arts for Bakersfield and Kern County residents and visitors. In its 59-‐year history, BMOA is among the most distinguished art museums in California, providing a broad spectrum of creative visual arts experiences through the exhibition and preservation of fine art, educational programs, community outreach and special events. Admission to the BMOA is free to members, $8 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $4 students, free for children 6 and under. The BMOA is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum is closed Monday, and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. Visit our Web site at www.bmoa.org or call 661-‐323-‐7219 for more information. Address: 1930 R St. (next to Mill Creek Park,) Bakersfield, CA 93301 ###