Hudson Valley sculpture park celebrates 65th anniversary with new leadership, $53 million upgrade, and acquisitions.
Storm King Art Center, a renowned 500-acre outdoor museum, has recently announced significant changes in its leadership. Nora Lawrence, the current artistic director and chief curator, will be taking over as the new president of the institution in January. This transition marks the first time that someone outside the founding family will be leading Storm King, which was established in 1960 by the Ogden and Stern families in New Windsor, New York.
The decision to appoint Lawrence as the new president was made by the board without conducting a formal search process. Lawrence, who has been with Storm King for 13 years and has played a key role in shaping its artistic direction, was seen as the ideal candidate to lead the institution into its next chapter of growth and development. John P. Stern, the current president and a member of the founding family, will be stepping down from his role to become the board’s president and senior adviser.
The shift in leadership reflects Storm King’s evolution from a family-run organization to a more publicly engaged institution. Adam D. Weinberg, a board member and former director of the Whitney Museum, described the change as part of the organization’s efforts to become more outward-facing and inclusive.
In addition to the leadership transition, Storm King also announced a series of new commissions and acquisitions, as well as a solo exhibition featuring the work of Brazilian artist Sonia Gomes. These initiatives are aimed at further enhancing Storm King’s reputation as an international destination for contemporary art and sculpture.
The appointment of Nora Lawrence as president signals a new era for Storm King Art Center, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and continued artistic excellence. Lawrence’s deep understanding of the institution’s history and her proven track record in curatorial leadership make her well-equipped to lead Storm King into the future.
Source: The NY Times
