Executive Director Michelle Hargrave will say goodbye to the Figge Art Museum after a four-and-a-half-year tenure leaders said was marked by “a period of remarkable achievement and growth.”
Ms. Hargrave will leave the Davenport riverfront museum later this spring for Michigan where she will become the new executive director of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Aleeza Singh, president of the Figge Art Museum Board of Directors, announced Thursday, March 14.
“Her tenure has been a period of remarkable achievements and growth for the Figge, greatly benefiting our art community,” Ms. Singh said in a museum news release. “Her visionary leadership has propelled the museum into an era of significant growth and deeper community engagement. Although Michelle will be greatly missed, she leaves us in a tremendous position for future opportunities and successes.”
A nationwide search will be launched with the help of a search firm recognized for its connections in the art and museum sectors within the month.
“I am confident we will attract a strong and highly-qualified pool of candidates who are eager to build upon the Figge’s recent accomplishments and innovation,” Ms. Singh added.
Figge reception planned
Ms. Hargrave is expected to continue in her current Figge role through April 17. The museum plans to host a reception in her honor before her departure.
“On behalf of the board and everyone at the Figge, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michelle for her exceptional leadership, guidance, and friendship. We all wish her immense success as she embarks on this new journey,” Ms. Singh added.
Ms. Hargrave said, “It’s been a privilege and an honor to lead the Figge Art Museum over the past four and a half years and to have been part of the Quad Cities, which is truly a remarkable place. I’m grateful for the warm welcome, support, and all the enriching experiences during my time at the Figge.”
She added, “I am proud of our collective achievements, the lasting impact we’ve made, and the strong foundation we’ve built for the future. I eagerly anticipate celebrating from afar the continued growth and success of the museum and the region.”
During her time here, Ms. Hargrave oversaw numerous achievements that have fortified Figge’s standing and outreach, the Figge release said. They include developing key partnerships with organizations like the Art Bridges Foundation, the Jordan Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, and the Warner Foundation.
Tenure featured milestones
She also oversaw such milestone events as the Figge building’s 15th anniversary and two Major Exhibition Endowment Fund exhibitions including its inaugural fashion exhibition, Sporting Fashion: Outdoor Girls 1800 to 1960. She continued diversification of the museum’s collection and programming and oversaw significant educational expansions through a merger with the Beréskin Art Academy, the museum said.
Ms. Hargrave also secured a significant collection of 20th-century American art and spearheaded other initiatives, details of which will be shared later, the museum release said.
The director also raised more than $4 million from private donors, foundations and Destination Iowa for Evanescent Field for the public light sculpture that is set to illuminate the Figge’s facade in 2025. It will be the largest public artwork in the State of Iowa.
Ms. Hargrave also led the Figge during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her strategic response ensured the museum’s relevance and connection to the community during a time of global crisis, the museum release said.
By developing new relationships and partnerships with a number of national and local organizations, she also enhanced the museum’s capacity to serve its community, which will continue to benefit the museum in the future.
Her efforts and initiatives also have further cemented the Figge’s role as a cultural landmark and contributed to the artistic, cultural, and educational landscape of the Quad Cities.
“She has truly embodied our mission of bringing art and people together,” Ms. Singh said.
Additional information about the Figge Art Museum and a schedule of events is available at www.figgeartmuseum.org. Information about the reception honoring Ms. Hargrave will be posted as plans are finalized.
