Ann and Steve Bailey, longtime supporters of the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA), recently donated $3 million to establish an endowment for the museum’s executive director position.
The endowment will establish the David L. Butler Executive Director position, provide funding to cover the salary of the executive director, and honor KMA Executive Director David Butler, who retired in December after 17 years in the role.
Steven Matijcio joins the KMA as executive director in late February. He previously served as director and chief curator of the Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston.
“We are incredibly grateful to Ann and Steve Bailey for their substantial gift to the Knoxville Museum of Art in support of the executive director position,” said Taylor Wortham, chair of the KMA Board of Trustees. “Ann and Steve’s contribution helps ensure the KMA’s continued success. Their belief in access to arts and culture for everyone is truly admirable.”
Steve Bailey serves as a community and arts leader at the local, state, and regional levels. Bailey has held various leadership positions as a Knoxville Museum of Art trustee since 2001. He recently served as chair of the KMA Executive Director Search Committee and currently serves as the KMA Foundation chair. In addition, Steve is a member of the Tennessee Arts Commission board and currently serves as vice chair. He is also the board president of the Arts & Cultural Alliance in Knoxville and a trustee of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.