Fresno Art Museum

A Message From The Director

March 2008

Dear FAM Community,

Four years ago I enthusiastically introduced myself as the new Executive Director of the Fresno Art Museum. As many of you may recall it was a time of transition and of exploring new opportunities for the Museum.

Over the years we have been able to accomplish a great deal. We have launched many new programs, tripled the number of children served, and doubled our annual attendance. Programs like Art Under the Stars, Rhythms of Art, Family Day, Golden Age Films, ArtLink, ArtSmart professional development and ArtSmart After School Enrichment program, Contemporary- Contemporáneo and our partnerships with other organizations have allowed us to introduce thousands of people to the world of art.

I cannot thank you enough for your support and your trust in me in moving the museum into new directions. Your financial support has allowed us to be financially solvent and has drawn the attention of large donors that our community is supportive of the arts as demonstrated through the recent grants received.

I am proud of the work that has been accomplished by the great team that is in place. There is a committed Board of Directors, talented staff, a dedicated pool of volunteers, exceptional member support and outstanding community involvement. Throughout these past years I have grown personally and professionally through the relationships that I have established with many of you. You have become my support network and allowed me to flourish as an individual.

It is therefore with mixed emotions that I communicate to you that I will be leaving the Museum and the Fresno community. In juggling all the responsibilities of being the Executive Director and I have also been managing a long distance relationship for the past four years. I have, for this reason, decided to move to Colorado to be with my loved one.

I will miss my regular interactions with you but my passion for the Museum and this community will never be diminished. I will look forward to seeing you at special events as I will be visiting with great frequency.

I have been working with the Board to develop a smooth transition process and assure you that the Museum will continue to be a leader in the art and cultural community of the Central Valley. I hope to see all of you at the opening reception on March 28 as it will be my last event as the Executive Director. This will give me an opportunity to personally thank you for all that you have done during my tenure.

With my deepest admiration,


Carlos Martinez
Executive Director

Strategic Directions

Learn more of FAM's progress by reading the Strategic Directions 2005-2008, Year Two Progress Update.