The Birmingham Museum of Art announced March 17 that, after more than 20 years as R. Hugh Daniel director, Gail Andrews plans to retire from the position.
According to a release, Andrews boasts an overall tenure with the museum that spans four decades, and she will end her run as director in the early fall.
“For more than 40 years, Gail Andrews has been a tireless advocate for the arts in Birmingham and the state of Alabama. Her remarkable knowledge and passion for art is matched only by her drive to enhance the lives of others; and her contributions to our institution, our community, and the museum field at large are immeasurable,” said James K. Outland, chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.
“Under Gail’s leadership, the Birmingham Museum of Art has strategically developed a vast and distinguished collection, establishing itself not only as one of the most outstanding art museums in the Southeast, but also as a critical resource for arts education in our region. Gail’s legacy will remain apparent through the phenomenal works that hang on the Museum walls, and her impact will continue to enrich lives in our community for generations to come,” Outland said.
Andrews, a native of California, received her bachelor’s degree in history at the College of William and Mary, pursuing a master’s in American folk art/museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program.
Arriving in Birmingham in 1976, she served as the BMA’s first curator of decorative art. As interim director in 1991, she managed a $21 million expansion, which increased the museum’s size by 50 percent. In 1996, she was appointed director. As director, she oversaw dozens of exhibitions originated by the BMA that then traveled nationally, and she brought in landmark exhibitions from other institutions.
“It is with deep pleasure and gratitude that I reflect on my 40 years with this museum, a place I love and respect. It has given me the opportunity to work with individuals in the museum and in the community who are wise, inspiring and great colleagues and friends,” Andrews said. “We are fortunate to have a premier institution, and our ongoing challenge is to create broader and deeper engagement in our community and beyond, ensuring greater appreciation, participation, and sustainability.”
According to museum officials, the museum’s holdings grew from 13,000 objects to 27,000 objects under Andrews’ leadership. She oversaw the acquisition of the Buten Wedgwood Collection, which established the BMA Wedgwood collection as the largest in North America. She expanded programming, funding and staff; secured the endowment of five museum positions; and increased the general endowment by $20 million.
In addition to leading the BMA, she served as president of the Association of Art Museum Directors from 2007 to 2008.
A published scholar and authority on textiles and folk art, Andrews spearheaded museum initiatives to collect and display the work of self-taught artists from the Deep South. She also helped enhance the contemporary collection with works by women and African-American artists, including the commission of the internationally renowned painting “School of Beauty, School of Culture” by Kerry James Marshall.
Upon retirement, Andrews will continue to co-curate the museum’s upcoming folk art exhibition. Russell Reynolds Associates has been selected to search for the next director, who the museum expects to be in place before Andrews’ fall exit.
— Emily Williams
