Press Releases

Monterey, Calif. - April 12, 2005 - The Monterey Museum of Art, located in Monterey, on California's Central Coast, is proud to announce that E. Michael Whittington, formerly a curator with the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been chosen as the Museum's new Executive Director.  Mr Whittington was selected after a nationwide search conducted by a committee of the board and a management consulting firm specializing in museum executive searches. As Executive Director, Whittington will be responsible for providing creative leadership to the staff and board and initiating and implementing the overall vision of the Museum.  Mr. Whittington will assume his post beginning on May 2, 2005.

 "The Museum has found in Mike a leader who has the energy and vitality to capitalize on our existing strengths and provide leadership and management for the next chapter in the Museum's history.  The Museum is about to enter a new era, and the board is very excited about delivering on its responsibility to contribute to and to enrich the community we serve" said Tom Archibald, Board President of the Museum.

Mr. Whittington comes to the Monterey Peninsula with a rich background in American art, both ancient and 20th century.  He is credited with building the Mint's pre-Columbian collection and has a long history of working with major collectors and donors to further the mission of that organization. He led the Mint to national and international recognition through the traveling exhibition, The Sport of Life and Death: The Mesoamerican Ballgame. 

The Monterey Museum of Art is known for its exceptional collections, exhibitions, and educational programs that reflect the unique cultural heritage of the area.  The museum's permanent collection includes California paintings, sculpture, and photography, along with an extensive collection of Asian art, and international folk art.  Featured at the museum are bodies of work by Armin Hansen, William Ritschel, Ansel Adams, and Edward Weston.
 
The effort to hire Mr. Whittington was supported in part through the generosity of The Walker Foundation and The Community Foundation for Monterey County.

The Monterey Museum of Art is a non-profit museum that consists of twelve galleries that display a wide variety of temporary exhibitions as well as works of art from an extensive permanent collection.  The Museum's exceptional collections, exhibitions, and educational program reflect the unique cultural heritage of the region. For more information about the Museum, please call 831.372.5477 or visit their website at www.montereyart.org.