In a pivotal moment for the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM), Kate Casprowiak Scher has stepped down as Executive Director effective December 31, 2024. Her resignation comes four months after the museum’s closure was announced in September 2024, following decades of financial instability.
Scher’s tenure at BAM was marked by challenges and efforts to preserve the institution’s legacy. Initially appointed as Interim Executive Director in September 2023, Scher took over following the unexpected resignation of E. Michael Whittington. Coming from BAM’s Board of Trustees, she brought a comprehensive understanding of the museum’s mission and financial hurdles. “When I was appointed interim ED, the financial position was so dire I thought we would close the museum within six weeks,” Scher said. “Through a series of opportunities, we kept fighting to keep the museum open.”
Her appointment as permanent Executive Director in February 2024 coincided with the launch of the ambitious SAVEBAM campaign. This six-week fundraising effort raised $350,000, providing a temporary reprieve for the museum. Despite the campaign’s success, Scher acknowledged its limitations, stating, “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, an effort to restructure and potentially reinvent the institution. Shelly Crocker, the court-appointed Receiver, praised 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.”
Under Receivership, the museum has appointed Cassandra Johnston as Vice President of Operations and Finance to assist with day-to-day management while Crocker oversees the institution’s future.
Context Behind the Closure of Bellevue Arts Museum
BAM announced its closure to the public effective September 4, 2024, after grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Established nearly 50 years ago, BAM has been a cornerstone of the Eastside arts community, known for its innovative exhibitions, cross-cultural programming, and the annual Bellevue Arts Fair.
The decision to close followed years of financial instability rooted in the museum’s ambitious move over two decades ago to its iconic Steven Holl-designed building. While the structure symbolized creativity and ambition, the financial model underpinning it was unsustainable, relying heavily on one-time donations and struggling to secure consistent funding.
Kate Casprowiak Scher, who served as Executive Director during this critical time, reflected on the museum’s journey: “BAM was established almost 50 years ago and was largely the product of volunteerism and a drive to give the Eastside community access to the arts year-round. Generations of Bellevueites have supported this museum, and we are deeply proud of the exhibitions and programming we have produced. Unfortunately, the financial model has never been sustainable, and it has relied too heavily on ‘one-time’ big donors.”
Efforts to address these financial issues included the SAVEBAM campaign, which successfully raised over $350,000. However, the funds were insufficient to engage the community’s larger stakeholders or provide long-term solutions. “There is great hesitancy to invest in an institution with preexisting financial issues,” Scher said. “This is not just a loss for the museum, but for the entire Bellevue community.”
Despite ceasing its exhibitions and programs, BAM’s leadership has committed to continuing the Bellevue Arts Fair in 2025. Additionally, the museum’s decision to enter Receivership aims to preserve its legacy and explore opportunities for reinvention. “Although Receivership is new territory for us, it presents an opportunity for reinvention and partnership,” said Board President Jay Pathy.
The closure has deeply impacted BAM’s community of staff, volunteers, and visitors. “The impact of our closure will be felt deeply by those who have come to rely on the museum as a place of learning, inspiration, and connection,” Pathy added. “We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported BAM over the years. Your belief in the power of art and culture has been our greatest strength.”
As BAM transitions into this new phase, its leadership and supporters remain hopeful for a future where the museum’s spirit can be revived in a sustainable form.
