Beaverbrook Art Gallery CEO to bid farewell

TheBeaverbrookArt Gallery is losing a prominent leaderin the coming year.

TerryGraff says he will step down as CEO and chief curator after 10 years at the helm.

• Beaverbrook Art Gallery expansion plans unveiled
• Beaverbrook Art Gallery set for grand opening in late June

Graffpresided over the Fredericton gallery as it expanded its collection and as it settled a dispute over the ownership of some its most valuable art.

During his tenure, the Beaverbrookalso launched the Masterworks tour, which brought works of art donated to the gallery by Lord Beaverbrook to North American audiences.

"It's really been an adventure," Graff said in an interview on Information Morning Fredericton. "There's always sadness beginnings and endings."

Although it was a difficult decision, he said he hopes to focus on his own artistic career.

We need those moments where we can go and reflect on our own lives, on values, on how we see the world, to grow as human beings.- Terry Graff

"I've had a long career in the visual arts and I've always seen that career not so much as a job but as a calling," he said in an interview withInformation MorningFredericton.

"I've had a long career in the visual arts and I've always seen that career not so much as a job but as a calling."

Graff was recruited for the gallery's top jobin 2008. He had held leadership positions at major galleries in Saskatoon, St.Catharines, Ont., Charlottetown, and Windsor, Ont. He has also taught drawing and sculpture at Mount Allison University in Sackville.

When he arrived inFredericton, his intention was to stay five years, whichturned into 10.

"Where did the time go?" he said."The last 10 years have been a time of high octane energy."

'Wonderful exhibitions'

"During Terry's tenure, theBeaverbrookArt Gallery has had a number of wonderful exhibitions and enjoyed major international success touring Masterworks," AllisonMcCain, chair of the board of governors at theBeaverbrookArt Gallery, said in a news release.

"At the same time we have made some significant additions to our collection. We thank Terry for his service to the Gallery, and wish him well as he pursues his artistic career in a new direction."

Graff said his career allowed him to get to knowartists and institutions across the country.

"Where else can you work where you're meeting creative artists all the time?" he said. "You're seeing new visions, new ways of looking at the world."

He said he was always encouraged when people gotexcited looking at works of art and experiencing new things.

"Seeing something develop and grow," he said. "It's about the quality of life."

Some of the challenges

Likemostnonprofits, the Beaverbrookhas had to struggle to find funding and raise money.

"There's just never enough funding to fulfil the dream or the vision of an organization," Graff said.

A challenge that began before Graff but that drew much public attention centred on the ownership of paintings given to the gallery by William Maxwell Aitkin, or Lord Beaverbook. The Beaverbook Canadian Foundation had argued the 78 works were merely on loan. The two sides settled their dispute in early 2014.

Graffsaid it's important the Fredericton gallerycontinue engaging with the public and making the gallery more accessible, while understanding the diversity of the community and keeping young people interested in art.

"An art gallery is not a mausoleum it's a place where art can happen and where one can have a really special experience," he said.

"We need those moments where we can go and reflect on our own lives, on values, on how we see the world, to grow as human beings."

"I think art can do that for everyone."