NORTH DAKOTA MUSEUM OF ART
Matthew Wallace appointed Executive Director
Wallace has worked at the museum for 18 years and has been deputy director for the past seven years. He started in his new position on March 15 and plans to work closely with Reuter until her official retirement date, May 1.
Wallace, who grew up on the family farm on the Spirit Lake Reservation south of Devils Lake, received a bachelor’s degree in English from UND. He also holds a master's degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
After graduation from UND, he joined the Peace Corps and taught English as a Second Language in Romania. When his two-year commitment was completed, he taught English as a Second Language at UND. He also spent time in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
In 2004, Wallace accepted a position at the North Dakota Museum of Art where he worked to organize the newly funded Rural Arts Initiative. In that role, he worked with volunteer art councils and community members throughout North Dakota to deliver and install exhibitions in whatever venue communities had available — empty storefronts, unused community centers, Masonic temples, repurposed churches and assembly halls, and renovated opera houses and galleries.
As director of rural arts, he spearheaded fundraisers for the Museum, including auctions, benefits and membership drives. He began curating the benefit dinner and silent auction, while honing grant-writing skills.
“We’re thrilled that Matt will be stepping into this position,” said Dave Molmen, who headed the board’s search committee. “We are confident that he has the skill and ability to lead the Museum into the future.”
Being named executive director “is a most humbling experience,” Wallace said. “Laurel is a cultural force, not only in Grand Forks, but across the globe. Anyone who knows her, knows she has left impossible shoes to fill. I am immensely honored and touched by the outpouring of support and encouragement from the community and look forward to carrying out the mission of the Museum for our audience.”