Two Rivers Art Gallery is saying goodbye to an integral part of the gallery for more than 20 years.
Executive Director Carolyn Holmes has announced she will be leaving Prince George to take on the position of Executive Director at the Nanaimo Art Gallery.
“Two Rivers Gallery has been such an important part of my life for more than two decades," Holmes said in a press release. "I am so proud of all the work I have accomplished at the Gallery and have enjoyed growing with the organization. The Gallery will always hold a special place in my heart and I look forward to watching it thrive under the direction of the amazing team guiding its progress. I am excited to embrace a new opportunity with Nanaimo Art Gallery and thank the entire community for all of your support over the years."
Homes has been the Executive Director of Two River for four and a half years, accepting the position in December of 2015. She currently sits on the BC Museums Association Council, as Secretary, the BCMA Education and Professional Development Committee, the BC Heritage Emergency Response Network and the Board of the Prince George Public Library.
“Carolyn’s dedication over the last twenty-five years has resulted in the growth of a community that strives to reach, enhance, engage and inspire us all," Two Rivers Board President Cori Ramsay added in the announcement. "Her vision over the last four and a half years as Executive Director has elevated art and culture across the region, delivering programming and exhibitions that have helped us all by encouraging lifelong learning through the arts, providing opportunities for diverse experiences through participation and exhibition, and creating an environment for vigorous Telephone: 250.614.7800 www.tworiversgallery.ca artistic and cultural expression. Carolyn leaves the Gallery in a very strong position for future growth and we sincerely thank her for her contribution and leadership during her time as Executive Director."
Holmes education was achieved back east, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queen’s University in studio arts and a Masters of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. After completing her studies, she worked on contracts in a number of art galleries across Ontario, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Holmes then moved to Prince George.
During her tenture, Two Rivers Gallery has created an outreach program, a maker space, MakerLab Youth Immersion for vulnerable youth, a vibrant studio program and a number of large annual public events. The Gallery also saw the implementation of admission by donation, as well as complimentary admission for anyone who identifies as Indigenous.
The gallery board says they plan to launch a national talent search to find Holme's replacement.
"I am thoroughly looking forward to joining the strong team at Nanaimo Art Gallery and connecting with the local and regional communities," Holmes said a in a Nanaimo Art Gallery release. "This is a perfect time for embracing new challenges and opportunities and I am excited to give my all to the role of Executive Director."
