Blake DeYoung Named SJIMA's Executive Director

With Gratitude and Excitement, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art Board of Trustees Introduces Blake DeYoung as SJIMA's New Executive Director

Blake DeYoung

Blake brings extensive non-profit leadership in Executive management, fundraising, strategy, and program development. His career in education has included positions as a teacher, Principal, Development Director, and Head of School. His experience in education aligned with many of the most important priorities for this chapter of SJIMA, including expanding access and offerings for children and families, inspiring and increasing our membership base, and creating strong partnerships with other organizations within the San Juans and across the region.

"This is a milestone year for SJIMA, and we think Blake is the right person to set the course for our future," said Lynn Bahrych, SJIMA Board President.

"It was remarkable how much Blake's experience and vision intersected with the Board's top priorities. We are proud of our excellent exhibits, of our support of local artists, and of the hard work that has been done here over twenty years by previous Board members and staff. We are so grateful for the efforts of so many in the past, and we are incredibly excited to build on that foundation as we move into the future."

As a gifted writer, Blake's vision continually emphasizes the idea of story. He views artists as storytellers who use the dual gifts of their medium and their imagination to spark reflection, discovery, inspiration, and connection. He also views the SJIMA as a primary storyteller of these islands, with a responsibility to celebrate art that captures the complex past, present, and future of our home.

"We all have a story, every single one of us," said Blake, "and our individual stories fit into the broader story of humanity. Artists have the opportunity to help us discover our own story, our own voice, and our own place in the world. Who are we, where did we come from, and what's our purpose today? How can we reflect, and add to, what is true, good, and beautiful in this world? These are difficult days for truth, goodness, and beauty. SJIMA is a place that reminds us that these things do exist; we can experience them right here in our community and we can turn that experience into a positive contribution to others."

Blake continued:

"I can't wait to get to know those who've been part of SJIMA's past. I hope to sit with each and every member of the Artist's Registry, every past Board member, every person who has put their fingerprint on this museum to make it what it is today. I am honored and humbled to serve as a steward of this amazing place. Yes, there are exciting new things in SJIMA's future. But my first and most important task is to celebrate what we are today and to honor those who've come before."

As SJIMA enters its 20th year, it continues to provide islanders and visitors with exhibits that inspire. SJIMA's current exhibits feature the art of Alan Magee, Stewart Luckman, and Karey Kessler, along with our ongoing Friday Harbor Airport exhibit featuring contemporary artists of the Coastal Pacific Northwest Tribes. Our annual Artist's Registry exhibit, featuring a record-high number of over 100 local artists, runs December 15th through February 26th.

PLEASE JOIN SJIMA IN WELCOMING MR. BLAKE DeYOUNG