Bellevue, WA — January 07, 2025 — The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) announces that Kate Casprowiak Scher has stepped down as Executive Director effective December 31, 2024, marking the end of her impactful tenure during a pivotal period of transition for the museum. Scher’s leadership comes amidst decades of financial challenges that have tested the resilience of BAM and its community. 

Scher was appointed Interim Executive Director in September 2023 following the unexpected resignation of then-Executive Director E. Michael Whittington. Coming to the role from the Board of Trustees, Scher brought a deep understanding of the museum’s mission and challenges.  “When I was appointed interim ED, the financial position was so dire I thought we would close the museum within 6 weeks and that my job would be to do so with as much integrity and respect as possible.” Scher said, “Through a series of opportunities, we kept fighting to keep the museum open”.   

Her interim leadership was made permanent in February 2024 when she accepted the position of Executive Director. Shortly after assuming the role, Scher spearheaded the ambitious SAVE BAM campaign, a six-week fundraising initiative to sustain the museum’s operations. Despite successfully bringing in $350,000, it did not garner the interest from local stakeholders that Scher had hoped.  “We knew that the campaign was only a band-aid.  I had hoped, buying some time and raising public awareness, would allow me to forge relationships and create a vision for a museum in Bellevue that would attract greater investment from our community.  Sadly, it wasn’t enough”.   

In August 2024, the BAM Board of Trustees voted to enter Receivership, in hopes that the museum can be restructured. Shelly Crocker, the Receiver appointed by the Court, expressed appreciation for Scher’s contributions: “Kate’s willingness to stay on to transition leadership has been invaluable. We wish her well, and we’re pleased to announce she has agreed to continue to serve as a member of our advisory committee.” 

The Receiver is the most senior executive at the agency, and she has appointed Cassandra Johnston as Vice President of Operations and Finance to assist with day-to-day management responsibilities.

In the past few months, BAM has hosted multiple private events and produced the first ever Bellevue Holiday Arts Fair. Although the future is still uncertain, the Receiver is exploring various options to ensure that the BAM building remains the home of a culturally vital institution. In the meantime, BAM will hold the Bellevue Arts Fair in 2025, continuing the tradition that began in 1947 to bring fine arts and crafts to the Bellevue community. 

 Learn more about history of Bellevue Arts Museum  

ABOUT BELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM 

The mission of the Bellevue Arts Museum is “Engaging people in the power of art, craft and design”. bellevuearts.org 

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Images:  courtesy of the Bellevue Arts Museum