Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Moves to Next Stage of Evolution.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Executive Director Ken Bloom Moves onto New Challenge after Spending Last Three Years Laying Operational Groundwork for BMoCA

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA), a national producer of innovative visual and performing arts, today announced that Ken Bloom, executive director of the museum, is leaving effective immediately. Bloom, who spearheaded a major overhaul of the museum's financial, operational and artistic infrastructure since joining more than three years ago, leaves for his next big challenge -- to serve as executive director of the prestigious Tweed Museum of Art located on the University of Minnesota -- Duluth campus.

"Ken Bloom has played a key role in helping rejuvenate the soul and purpose of BMoCA," said Vern Seieroe, president of the board of directors. "He has helped re-shape BMoCA by bringing new energy and life to it as the leading producing art center within Boulder. Ken's success in laying a new foundation, as well as bringing together some of the finest people to carry on the BMoCA purpose, is an integral part of this board's continuing mission moving forward."

Since joining BMoCA in May 2001, Bloom has been instrumental in re-shaping the museum's clarity and purpose -- as well as its operations. Some of his accomplishments include:

--Establishing financial and operational processes as well as a technical and an administrative infrastructure.

--Bridging and forging ties to important local constituencies, including the City of Boulder, University of Colorado, Naropa University, area commercial art galleries, and many local art groups and art professionals.

--Production of world-renown visual and performing art and artists.

--Recruitment of key business, artistic and community participants to its board, executive committees and special events.

--Raising the awareness of BMoCA as a breeding ground for unconventional, working artists -- offering a setting in which they can explore individual visions and gain information about the local and national exhibition climate.

Penny Barnow, who has played a significant role with the museum over the past three years -- most recently, overseeing its gifting program, developing fundraisers and nurturing patronage -- will serve as interim administrator. In addition, Brandi Mathis, who also has served for the past three years as the museum's associate curator of visual and performing arts, has been promoted to artistic director. Both have demonstrated countless hours of professional commitment to BMoCA and been instrumental in working with Bloom in establishing the museum as a nationally acclaimed premier arts center.

"I am grateful to have played a part in taking BMoCA to the next level," noted Bloom. "With a strong financial, operational and artistic foundation in place, BMoCA can begin its next chapter of continued growth and expansion for the community of Boulder and beyond."

Recently, BMoCA kicked off the line-up for its Fall 2004 season. In Bloom's continuing role as a trusted advisor he looks forward to helping reap the fruits of his collective work with the museum's board and continuing staff. "I think it's one of the strongest schedules in the country for a performing and visual arts center of its size and caliber. I look forward to returning frequently to Boulder to enjoy the openings and performances myself."

About Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)

The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is a dynamic venue dedicated to the presentation of significant art of our time. Through an innovative program of regional, national and international exhibition and performance, the museum inspires and educates its communities and visitors from around the world to explore the forefront and evolution of contemporary art. For more information, visit BMoCA's Website at www.bmoca.org or call 303-443-2122.