Accomplished museum leader to guide BIMA into its next chapter of artistic excellence and community impact
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s (BIMA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew (Andy) Maus as the Museum’s next Executive Director. Maus, who currently serves as Executive Director of Tacoma Art Museum, will assume leadership of BIMA on September 14, 2026, following a national search conducted in partnership with m/Oppenheim Executive Search.
“BIMA conducted a national search which revealed a deep and rich field of talented potential Executive Directors,” said Suzanna Darcy, President of BIMA’s Board of Directors. “The quality of the applicant pool made it clear that the Museum is now recognized nationally for showcasing Puget Sound artists and for being the home of the Cynthia Sears Artists’ Books Collection.”
Since opening its doors in 2013, BIMA has become one of the nation’s leading museums of regional contemporary art and craft, and is known internationally for its renowned collection of artists’ books, welcoming more than 100,000 visitors annually while remaining free to everyone.
A seasoned professional in the museum field, Maus brings more than sixteen years of executive leadership experience. Past roles include leading both the Tacoma Art Museum and the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, North Dakota, as well as previously serving as Executive Director of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for expanding community engagement, strengthening philanthropic support, championing regional artists, and leading institutions through periods of thoughtful growth and innovation.
“During the interview process, we were fortunate to have candidates who inspired us, humbled us, and gave us unique and exciting ideas to consider moving forward,” said Darcy. “Each candidate helped us more clearly see what BIMA’s future could look like under continued strong leadership. Andy stood out as not only an experienced leader in the statewide and national museum community, but as someone passionate about the arts in a uniquely beautiful way, with a vision that aligns so well with our own.”
Maus has a master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he also earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art. During his recent leadership at Tacoma Art Museum, Maus emphasized accessibility, regional art, and community engagement while advancing institutional growth and strengthening relationships throughout the region. Previously, while at Plains Art Museum, he helped double the museum’s endowment, secured funding for major capital improvements, expanded programming, and deepened the museum’s commitment to artists and diverse audiences. Additionally, Maus serves on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Art Museum Directors and has been a volunteer for many organizations in the arts and museum sector.
Maus said he was drawn to BIMA’s bold vision and deep connection with its community.
“BIMA has built something truly special,” said Maus. “Art museums are centers for community, creativity, and culture – fundamental human needs that everyone should have access to. BIMA has demonstrated that art can be both exceptional and welcoming, creating a place where everyone belongs. I’m honored to be their next director and work with the staff, board, and supporters to further an already strong commitment to community, artists, and creativity.”
The appointment follows the departure of longtime Executive Director Sheila Hughes, whose decade of leadership helped establish BIMA as one of the Northwest’s most innovative and community-centered art museums.
“Sheila leaves an extraordinary legacy,” said Darcy. “As we looked toward the future, we sought a leader who could honor that legacy while bringing fresh ideas, strategic vision, and a passion for community, Puget Sound artists, artists’ books, and fundraising. Andy embodies those qualities, and we are excited for what comes next. We’re deeply grateful to Interim Executive Director Korum Bischoff and the entire BIMA staff for their steady leadership during a successful transition.”
As BIMA enters its next chapter, the Museum remains committed to its mission of connecting people through the power of art, maintaining free admission, expanding educational opportunities, and serving as a welcoming gathering place for the entire community.
Throughout her tenure, Hughes brought a genuine sense of wonder and joy to the museum. Her decades of arts and spectacle experience, including executive positions at One Reel, Bumbershoot, Teatro ZinZanni, WOMAD, Summer Nights at the Pier, Gage Academy of Art, and Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, helped shape an artistically adventurous and public-centered philosophy at BIMA. Under her direction, BIMA built and produced one of the richest arrays of community and cultural events in the Puget Sound region. She spearheaded the BRAVA Awards, putting unrestricted gifts of $15,000 each in the hands of four working artists each year, launched the one-of-a-kind DogEar Festival in celebration of artists’ books, and was instrumental in creating the Within/Earshot Jazz Festival at BIMA. These initiatives cross-pollinated new audiences while keeping artists and their work at the center of every decision. She also remained a steadfast champion of accessibility, working to ensure that museum admissions remain free, as it has since the museum opened more than twelve years ago.
