Birmingham Museum Of Art Has New Director For First Time In 20 Years

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Birmingham Museum of Art has a new director for the first time in more than 20 years. Graham Boettcher takes over the leadership position upon the retirement of longtime director Gail Andrews, who has been with the museum for more than 40 years, and the director since 1996. Boettcher started in his new role Wednesday.

A Washington native, Boettcher joined the Birmingham Museum of Art in 2006 as a curatorial fellow. After his fellowship ended, he was hired in the newly created position of Curator of American Art. In 2016, he was promoted to deputy director. He holds a doctoral and bachelor's degree from Yale University in art history, and a master's from the University of Washington.

"Over the course of the interview process and indeed over the last decade of his service to the Birmingham Museum of Art, Graham has proven himself as a distinguished scholar of art history, a dedicated steward of our collection, and a highly-regarded community leader who is committed to realizing the mission and vision of our prized institution," James Outland, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said in a press release. "Graham has created new avenues for accessing art, from both a visitorship perspective and financial standpoint."

Photo from the Birmingham Museum of Art