Listen.

Dr. Graham C. Boettcher became the museum's new director on Sept. 20.

That simple action will define the future of the Birmingham Museum of Art. It's been Dr. Graham C. Boettcher's self-imposed directive since he became the museum's R. Hugh Daniel director on Sept. 20.

"I don't think it serves anyone well to make a game plan in a vacuum," says Boettcher, who was previously the museum's deputy director. "You've got to be willing to listen--and not just be willing to listen, but also be excited about getting input from other people, which I definitely am. Whenever I shut my mouth and open my ears, I learn something."

The extroverted Boettcher stepped into the role under guidance from his predecessor, Gail Andrews. She retired from the position on Oct. 6 after 21 years as the museum's top staff member, and a total of 41 years at the institution. Her trajectory--decorative arts curator to assistant director to acting director--is similar to the path trod by her successor. And Boettcher expects, in many ways, to continue following Andrews' lead.

During the last 40 years, the museum has worked to draw in all members of the community through public programming. It's also celebrated the various cultures represented both in its collection and in the metropolitan area at large. Andrews looks forward to Boettcher continuing in that direction, and she expects he'll add to those aims by embracing technology, as well. Because he was an internal hire, he's well positioned out of the gate.

"It takes time to learn the history, learn the culture, learn relationships internally and externally. Graham can hit the ground running in that aspect," Andrews says.

As Boettcher accepted the metaphorical baton, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of responding to the community.

"It's not one collection, it's not one collector, it's all threads together," Andrews says. "It really is a community enterprise. While there are many individuals who have given generously to make things happen, it's also this broad community."

It's a community Boettcher is passionate about. Although he hails from a different "Bham"--Bellingham, Washington--Boettcher quickly made Birmingham home upon moving here in 2006. He became a local icon when he appeared at events dressed as George Washington, in an effort to promote the traveling exhibit, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Boettcher worked on the exhibit, which visited the museum in 2009, while enrolled at Yale. He's also hosted trivia at Rojo to raise awareness for exhibits, and in 2013 he donated Vulcan paraphernalia to Vulcan Park and Museum.

"When he came to Birmingham, he fully invested himself in the city. He fully believes in the city," says Cate McCusker Boehm, director of marketing and communications for the museum.

He's also well positioned to maintain the institution's physical presence in the city. Boettcher is the rare individual outside the development department who enjoys fundraising. He's played that role as vice president of finance for the Association of Art Museum Curators, and will increase his fundraising presence as BMA's director.

"I enjoy working with all the departments, but I also enjoy going after the resources that make things possible for the institution," he says.

The museum's building has long been a topic of conversation. The institution's permanent collection includes more than 27,000 pieces. But because of space limitations, little more than 10 percent are on display at any given moment.

Facility concerns have only increased with the loss of nearby parking due to interstate construction. Boettcher says that, though other aims may sound more enticing, his top priority will be ensuring the existing building is cared for and modernized.

"I don't have a crystal ball to know with certainty that we will move, and if so, when that will happen. What I do know is that you take care of the house you're in. That needs to be a priority," he says. "Making the Birmingham Museum of Art at 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. sparkle and shine--and I like to use the line from 'Annie,' 'like the top of the Chrysler building'--is something we can achieve. That requires no speculation."

And though he's dedicated to such basics, Boettcher also will encourage the museum staff to try new things. It's an extension of the creative attitude that's shown up throughout his tenure. That may result in missteps, but he hates to see ideas stymied by inaction.

"I don't have a fear of failure," Boettcher says. "I have a greater fear of doing nothing."

Dr. Graham C. Boettcher was appointed R. Hugh Daniel director of the Birmingham Museum of Art following a six-month national search. The museum's board of trustees organized a director's search committee that worked alongside executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates. After identifying a number of candidates, the committee narrowed the pool to two for final interviews. Boettcher was the unanimous choice.

--By Carla Jean Whitley | Photo by Jerrod Brown Studios

This story appears in Birmingham magazine's December 2017 issue. Subscribe today!