In a move that surprised even those who follow the nuances of the San Antonio arts milieu closely, Artpace has announced that it is parting ways with Executive Director Veronique Le Melle.
Le Melle, who has spent most of her career working in the arts nonprofit sector, came to Artpace just over two years ago, after leaving her six-year position as Executive Director of the Boston Center for the Arts.
As Artpace’s Executive Director, Le Melle seemed a good fit for the organization and the city, lending her expertise to the endowment-seeking work that is the focal point of the organization at the moment.
Artist and arts administrator Riley Robinson, who has worked for Artpace in various capacities since before it even opened in 1995, and was serving as Studio Director, has been named Interim Executive Director.
In a press release from Artpace today, Artpace Board Chairperson Patricia Ruiz-Healy said that “Riley’s unrivaled track record in the local and international arts ecology are the perfect fit to take Artpace to the next level.”
“He has the full support of our board and our talented staff,” she added.
Ruiz-Healy told Texas art blog Glasstire today that, in terms of looking for a permanent replacement for Le Melle, the board is in no rush at all. “We’re going to play it by ear,” she said. “We don’t want to start a search tomorrow.”
So, despite the word “interm” in his title, Robinson, with his years of devotion to the organization and its artists, may well end up being a permanent placement.
No word yet on the circumstances that led to Le Melle’s departure. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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