Chinati Foundation announces director’s resignation

MARFA – The Chinati Foundation on Tuesday announced that Dr. Thomas Kellein has resigned from his position as director.

He has agreed to continue to serve the institution in the role of a consultant for the next six months.

“Dr. Kellein brought to Chinati a knowing and scholarly insight into the artist Donald Judd and advanced our interests on several fronts. While this departure is indeed disappointing, we want to wish Thomas all the best in his future endeavors,” said Arlene J. Dayton, chair of the foundation board of directors.

Thomas Kellein

“Chinati is and remains a site that exhibits art in accord with the artists’ conceptions – authentically and without compromises. It is an ideal. The buildings and the landscape that house the works offer ample room for art and its viewers to breathe in. I am gratefully wishing my colleagues and my Board of Directors the very best in the future,” said Thomas Kellein after 15 months on the job.

Dayton reported that the existing senior staff will remain in place and allow the institution to operate without a director for the near future.

Marella Consolini will continue to serve as the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and will head its senior staff team; Kelly Sudderth remains as Chief Financial Officer, and Rob Weiner holds the position of Curator-at-Large.

Dayton suggests that in due course, Chinati will likely conduct an international search for a new director, but that the strength of the current staff in place allows the board flexibility in the timing of that process.

Dayton also confirmed that Chinati is on particularly strong footings at present. In addition to the current staff, there exists a dedicated, experienced Board of Directors, many of whom have served the museum for lengthy periods.

The Foundation’s endowment is larger than at any time in its history with the recent successful completion of a $10 million endowment campaign. Annual giving and individual memberships remain strong, and Chinati recently concluded the 2011 fiscal year with a better-than-expected financial surplus.

“Our staff, leadership, Board and institutional family are committed stewards of one of the most significant art institutions in the world,” said Dayton. “We will continue to work together to ensure the steadfastness of our mission and preserve the vision and goals of its founder, Donald Judd.”